Mexico? Really? Your that desperate? These are a few of my favorite comments from my...

Hey folks. Kinda looking for confirmation one way or the other on the validity of the "Medical Tourism" model to mexico for a revision of my RNY from 2004. 

A little about myself (and sorry for length)-

I am 45 years old and at my heaviest was pushing 500lbs. The first surgery was done at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr Rosenthal, and he was awesome. I dropped to just under 300 lbs but now, 12 years later, I am up to 365 lbs. When he did the bypass, he stated very clearly "I went very conservative due to your age and you can always return for a revision if necessary."

Well, that's all fine and dandy IF insurance would pay for it. 

So, I have looked for options. I just simply cannot afford surgery in the US. I wish I could. It would make so much more sense to stay close to home, in my own support mechanisms and area. But it just is NOT possible financially. And Physically, I feel like I am tipping over again.

I have looked into, researched as much as the internet allows, two options. Dr. Quionnes(sp?) and Belite. Both claim to be able to finance me....even though only Dr. Q's has actually put the numbers together for me. Both seem to be affordable for me.  But obviously, look at the title of my post and you will see the reaction SO far.

My questions are both simple and complex: 

• Is it safe? As in SAFE to travel to and from? 
• Are the practices on par with what we expect in the US?
• What if there are complications....after surgery and after returning home?
• Will US doctors touch me if I have this procedure in Mexico?
• What Insurance issues will I run into in the US in any follow up care necessities? 
• In anyones opinion, who should i stay away from? Who would you trust with your life again? 

All in all, I am ready to revise my 2004 surgery. I am healthy enough to truly expect a very good result, but pain in my joints, back and fatigue due to not being able ro sleep means I have little if any REAL energy to accomplish the effort needed without this help. 

Any and all insight is appreciated. 

I as well had the same worries as you. I also researched just about all surgeon in Tijuana Mexico and found some really good one and not so good.But I guess that is everywhere. I went with Quinones for the same  I did not have the cash to get it done in the states and was looking into I.N.F. So I decided to check him out and went with him.He was great very down to earth and I loved the facility very clean.

I was very surprised being that it was in Mexico they treated me like one of their own fam members. They were on call at all times and I just so glad I decided to go with that surgeon. I could  say he was great from experience. Hope everything works out for you and wish the best for. Just remember that this is your life and no one can make up your mind for you. I have just had surgery not to long ago and already have    

Believe me, I am very secure in my decisions and my ability to make said decisions for me. I was just voicing what folks are saying because, frankly, I AGREE to some extent..;)

All in all, I am leaning heavily toward Dr Q. I have filled out all the paperwork and awaiting his reply.

Hope the best for you what kind of surgery are you looking to have? I had a gastric sleeve and was the best thing I could have had done.

 I was looking into getting a bypass but I did not like that it was a malabsorbent surgery. Surgery I did not want to be having to get check all the time to see if I was alright. Hope the best to you and just to say Dr,Q was a great doc and did a excellent job on me and 2 other that were in the facility at the same time as me.

I am looking for a revision of a RNY Bypass from early 2004. 

Great questions!  I don't have answers as I am still considering if I should have my revision done in Mexico.

I am wishing you the best!

Belle

Thank you. I have decided I will have a revision. I just don't know if I will have to wait longer to have it in a "safer" location like the US or if I will just bite the proverbial bullet and get it over with in Mexico..

Good luck in your process as well!

I think Mexico can be far more safer then here in the U.S. because the surgeons do why more surgery then the surgeons in the u.s. but good luck and just remember their is no wrong way to go.

So, I just went through the process of choosing to go to Mexico or not.   And choose it.

 Here are my thoughts to your questions.

• yes it's safe
• yes, if you chose the right Dr. you can expect US care and in fact, better hospital care
• I found a really good PCP - who in fact has has weight loss surgery - so if there are complications, I think she will help me get taken care of.  To me the two most important parts was finding a Dr. in Mexico I trusted and then, finding a PCP that will take care of me after Mexicio.  I'm getting the switch, so there is after surgery blood work that is needed.  And you might ask, how did I find this Dr. I went to the groups of the weight lost surgeons and found a Dr. at one.
• I think insurance will be a crap shoot to be honest.  but I don't know.
• I've heard mixed things about Dr. Kelly and bad things about Dr. Almanza

I think if your credit is decent, there are lots of companies that will give you a personal loan for WLS.  Sofi, Lending club, etc. Then you can choose your Dr.

Thank you..;)