WLS in Mexico: Where do I start?!

Eeeeek, scary. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Queensley,

I have been getting more and more calls from people in Canada due to the long wait. Some have told me there can be up to 5 year wait. Since you will be a self pay then you don't need a referral from your doctors but you may want to talk to your Primary care doctor and see what options you may for follow up care once you return to Canada. Personally I did not have surgery in MX but have seen others say they arrange with their doctors for follow up care.

Your next step is to research your surgeon options and get pricing. Making sure the pricing includes all you need. Pricing and what it includes is different between surgeons. We will send you some links to some surgeon's for your review. Be sure and read the reviews here on OH.

We are here to help in any way we can.

Regards,

Kathy

Member Services

Thank you!! :)

Here is a great article too

5 Tips for Researching Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

There is a Mexico Forum here on OH you might scroll through and once you narrow yourself to a few Dr's message past patients through OH messaging and ask about their experiences.

You will need to plan for lab work in the future (at least annually)

A dietitian and therapist are great tools post-op.

You might ask the bariatric surgery program in your area if they allow people in their support group who had surgery elsewhere which would give you a great source of info and support network before & after.

Best wishes with your research.

Oh P.S. I've had 3 surgeries in Mexico and been happy with the experiences, though there are good & bad programs/doctors in all countries so research (obviously don't just go for the best $ deal.)

Thanks so much for the info!

Can I ask which province you're in? And why you would prefer to travel to Mexico for the surgery? I'm just curious. If its because of the "process" you can use that time to start making positive changes to your diet and lifestyle.

I'm in Alberta. Alberta Health covers the surgery, but the waitlist is currently 7-10 years, which is outrageous in my opinion. I have been on my "weight-loss journey" for over a decade now... I have literally tried everything. I'm ready start living my life and loving myself again without this constantly holding me back!

Man, I thought it was bad in BC... I'm looking at two or three years before I get a consult, and then I'm not sure just how long to the surgery... But nothing like what you describe in AB!

Hey Queensley - you do not mention which province but perhaps you should talk to your family doctor first and get a recommendation to the weight loss management program through your provincial health care. If you feel you have a valid reason to have surgery then your family doc should get on board and if not perhaps search out another or call the weight management centre yourself. The surgery is covered 100% here in Ontario if you qualify under OHIP. It seems long looking from where you are standing but trust me it passes in a flash and you will have qualified aftercare at your fingertips.