** MAY 18th

I talked with Rosella and scheduled for May 18th, RNY Open. I felt comfortable talking with her. I now have to see what I can do to get this done and not let anybody know. 1st, I am going to appeal Monday to BCBS and see what happenes. I probably will get denied, again, but I wanted to try before leaving to Mexico. This makes me nervous. I think I am most nervous about having a surgoen do it in another country. Coming home, who will take care of me? Do I see my PCP? Is he gonig to know what to do with me? tricia

Congratulations you got a date!!! MYTH , MYth myth....The Dr.s out of the country are more careful and more caring when it comes to their patients. They do not make you feel less than. They treat you like a human being. Dr. Aguirre is the best. Check this forum out you will be in the best hands. He will constantly come visit you and the nurses are there for you and know EXACTLY what you needs regardless of the language barrier. You will be taken in great care. When you come back you need to schedule an appoointment for them to remove your G-tube and half of your staples, then come back the next day and get the rest removed.

Hey Patricia, I'll be flying home from Mexico on the 18th. We'll be in an apartment, feel free to stop in and say hello when you arrive in town If you'd like I can go to Cardiomed with you until they wheel you into surgery. I'll have to leave Ensenada at 10am to make my flight, but I'm happy to keep you company as much as I can. My best advice is to go to Dr. Aguirre's page and read all the member profiles you can. Nothing was more reassuring than reading again and again how wonderful the experience was. Good luck!

Talk to your doctor before you go down there to make sure he's okay with caring for you afterwards and removing some staples. I had to get a new PCP and see an internist who agreed to do this for me. As for taking out the g-tube, if you stay in Ensenada long enough, Dr. Aguirre will remove it for you. I had mine out at a week and part of my staples at that time. Congratulations on getting such an early date. I'm happy you were able to get in. I wish you the best on your appeal. I had no luck, but I'm hoping you will. As for going to another country - I was nervous as well. It was fine though and Dr. Aguirre is extremely competent. If I can do it, anyone can! Dina

I want to thank everyone for all their kind words, and all their information on Dr. Aguirre. I am nervous about my decision, but think it will work out good. I have talked to my husband too, and he was upset, and scared for me about this decision, but as we talked, he became supportive. I am so glad... I think he saw how depressed I am. After being denied 2-3 times, trying to get BCBS to approve me, and fighting with them, I needed somebody to understand. My parents definately don't want me to do this, but if it comes down to it, I will. Next week I have to start making arrangements to go to Mexico. Anyway, Thank you all, so so much for your help!!! tricia

Ditto on everyone else's comments. Dr. Aguirre is the best. I saw some of the best surgeons in New York City before being denied by insurance and thought to myself I was crazy for going to Ensenada. I am convinced Dr. Aguirre did a better job or at the very least an equal job to the surgeons I saw in New York. I had a complete physical before I left for Mexico, brought the paperwork with me to Dr. Aguirre and for me, Dr. Aguirre removed the tube and all my staples by the time I left. I went to my PCP a week after that. She checked my surgery site and in four weeks, she's going to check my B12. I also located a bariatric center five miles from my home and called and asked about joining their support group even though I had my surgery outside the country and I will be joining them in two weeks. Add all that to the wonderful people on these sites and it's amazing how we can manage to take care of business.

I also have to agree with everyone else, you won't find a more compassionate MD anywhere. Try to work on setting up your after care with a primary physician before you leave for Mexico to make it easier. There is also the option of removing your own staples and g-tube. There isn't really anything to it and other people have even posted instructions on their profiles. But I really am posting to say that you picked a lucky day (its always been lucky for me-lol) to have your surgery--I know you will be blessed. It's my 40th birthday and i will be saying a special prayer for you on that day. Congratulations on your decision.

Hi, Are you going alone? I think I am going alone also. I suppose I have the advantage of speaking Spanish and spending lots of time in Mexico (I am originally from there). I also worry about being taken care of. Things like getting food, washing, showering etc. I think it will be okay. From what I read there are always some people either going in or out of surgery to rely on. This seems like a pretty tight and caring bunch!