Follow up after surgery in Mexico

What is everyone doing for doctor follow up in US after having surgery in Mexico.  I have visited two  specialist and they denied me because they don't want the responsibility because they have no idea what the surgeon did in Mexico.  Dr. Joya was my doctor and I was not given anything except a booklet on post op diet when I left the hospital. Since I had major complications with my surgery and had to have several blood transfusions and lung treatments I wish now that I would have asked for a list of medications and my x-ray's so I could show them to my primary doctor here in the states.  I am still having some trouble two weeks post-op.  My left rib cage is bruised and I have a lung that is half collasped. Are you getting your blood work done with your primary physician?

Sorry to hear you had problems Wendy. I had the sleeve done and I can't think of any thing other than blood work down the road to see how things are going. Have you called Dr. Joya and checked to see if they could send you the stuff you need? Hope everything turns out great for ya. Steve

So sorry to hear of your complications, but honestly if I were to have had complications I would have preferred to have them at cornerstone hospital with the Joya Team then any where else. I am in Charlotte NC and my PCP is such a supporter of being proactive and even has a nurse practitioner that specializes in WLS patients. They are handling everything. I gave them the blood work and other test results I was given and surgical report from Dr. Joya. Please try and find a good supportive PCP and they will take care of you, when specialists turn you away. It gets better I am exactly one month from my surgery I ate toast today and have lost 33lbs and my blood sugar is 138 with no meds

Thinking of Dr Joya for RNY surgery.  Sounds like you had a positive experience.  Did they take a credit card for down payment?  About how much was airline ticket for extra person?  My PCP has already said he will take care of me after surgery down there.

I went to Mexico, and my specialist is my surgeon in Mexico. I chose my doctor because he is always a phone call away and he can direct me in what to do. Before I went to Mexico, I talked to many doctors at home and found one who although he did not support my decision to go to Mexico agreed to do my followup care because he has many patients who've had RNY surgery. So far so good. He does my labs and if I were to have other complications, I am sure he'd refer me. I can't believe ANY doctor would snub a patient who needs care, regardless of where they had surgery. What happened to the Hippocratic Oath?

[edit] Modern relevance

Engraving of Hippocrates by Peter Paul Rubens, 1638.^[2]

Several parts of the oath have been removed or re-shaped over the years in various countries, schools, and societies as the social, religious, and political importance of medicine has changed. Most schools administer some form of oath, but the great majority no longer use the ancient version, which praised Greek deities, advocated teaching of men, and forbade general practitioners from surgery, abortion, and euthanasia. Also missing from the ancient Oath and from many modern versions are the complex ethical issues that face the modern physician.

Changed portions of the oath:

1. To teach medicine to the sons of my teacher. In the past, medical schools would give preferential consideration to the children of physicians.  
2. To practice and prescribe to the best of my ability for the good of my patients, and to try to avoid harming them. This beneficial intention is the purpose of the physician. However, this item is still invoked in the modern discussions of euthanasia.  
3. Never to do deliberate harm to anyone for anyone else's interest. Physician organizations in most countries have strongly denounced physician participation in legal executions. However, in a small number of cases, most notably Oregon^[3] and the Netherlands^[4], a doctor can perform euthanasia, by both his and the patient's consent.  
4. To avoid violating the morals of my community. Many licensing agencies will revoke a physician's license for offending the morals of the community ("moral turpitude").  
5. To avoid attempting to do things that other specialists can do better. The "stones" referred to are kidney stones or bladder stones, removal of which was judged too menial for physicians, and therefore was left for barbers (the forerunners of modern surgeons). Surgery was not recognized as a specialty at that time. This sentence is now interpreted as acknowledging that it is impossible for any single physician to maintain expertise in all areas. It also highlights the different historical origins of the surgeon and the physician.  
6. To keep the good of the patient as the highest priority. There may be other conflicting 'good purposes,' such as community welfare, conserving economic resources, supporting the criminal justice system, or simply making money for the physician or his employer that provide recurring challenges to physicians.  
7. To avoid sexual relationships or other inappropriate entanglements with patients and families. The value of avoiding conflicts of interest isn't often questioned.

SPECIFICALLY NUMBER 6!!!!! Jennifer

My primary doctor is uncomfortable becuase he has never treated a RNY patient.  He told me that he did not know what test to order and what he should be looking for as far as my follow up. When he did find out what bloodwork I needed, my insurance company said that they would not pay for anything related to WLS.  So it looks like I will have to pay for all the bloodwork myself which can be hundreds of dollars. This is something I should have thought about before I sent to Mexico to have WLS.  I thought I was going to save money when I went to Mexico...because I had major complications from surgery I had to pay thousands of extra dollars.  Now I will have to pay out of my pocket  for all follow up.

I don't understand? Why would there be different blood test for WLS than you would have for not having any WLS? If your doc has no clue what he is looking for I think it's time to find a new doc. If he has no clue about a WLS I sure wouldn't trust him with any other issues sounds like a uneducated doctor.

My dr's just puts them thru like a normal blood test and insurance pays they even paid for my stitches to be removed. That shocked me as I was prepared to pay for them and Dr submitted tham and voila they were paid for. I have read on another thread that if you post a request on the main board people can and will tell yuo what your Dr needs to code them as. I can imagine how upsetting it must have been to have complications far from home. Luckily I feel that Dr Joya and his team were excellent docotrs and compassionate people so at least you were lucky that way. Financially I know it can be hard as a self pay and having to spend more money then you had planned. I know that it is hard to think about it now but in the long run this is the best gift we can do for ourselves.You are in my tohughts and prayers

I would call the doctor or even Natalie would be your best bet. I have her email but just not on me right now. She will be able to give you a list of blood tests that you would need.

Before I left the hospital, natalie gave me a booklet full of info...it also had my records of what was done so i could take them home with me. If u didnt get that, u should email her and she can get that for u. It will tell ur PCP what was done, etc.. I had compications too, so i needed that information to give to my Internist... However, i havent actually needed any aftercare ....yet...but I know when I need to go to my doctor, he will take good care of me..he has already told me that he would...i discussed it with him before i ever went to Mexico.. I was worried he wouldnt like the idea...but he was just pleased that i was getting the surgery and knew that i had researched it fully....so he was behind me... I hope u can find someone like that.....and email natalie..get those records of ur hospital stay.. good luck