New here and Headed South - Dr. Joya

I have been hanging around and reading up on most everyones profiles here. Trying to get the most information I can. I finally decided on Dr. Joya and contacted his office. I have planned for Dec. 28. A lady at work asked me a question that I thought I would post here. She asked that if most of the surgeons have worked or received education in the United States, why do they practice in Mexico. Wouldn't they make more money here? Never really looked at it that way. Any ideas?

You are going to love Dr. Joya. He is the best!!! The hospital is beautiful and the staff are awesome. I had my surgery August 9th and have had not problems. Just make sure that you have a Doc here in the states that will do your followup care before you go. Most docs don't like to take patients after they have had this done in Mexico, but just call around and usually you can find one that will follow up with you. What procedure are you having done? Please email or call if you have any questions, I know that it is scary going down there, but after you are there, they will take special care of you!!! Your day will be here before you now it!!! Take care and please email me if you need anything!!! Jen 275/212/150?

Sj, The simplest reason I can think of that they would practice in Mexico, is this: That's where they're from. They probably wouldn't make more money in the U.S. anyway. Just because it costs us more to PAY for medical care here, doesn't mean the doctors GET more money. The U.S. doctors have ALOT of expense for malpractice insurance and paying the hospital for use. That's why it's so much cheaper in Mexico. The people down there aren't "sue happy" like people are getting in the U.S. Also, the basic cost of living and luxuries are cheaper in Mexico, so I'm sure it all works out about the same as far as the doctor's lifestyles. (If that makes sense). Sort of like comparing the low salaries in a town with a population of 2000 to those of a city like Miami or something. I can make $10/hr in my little town and be making a pretty good wage. Of course, rent is only $200 here and there's no commute. People would think I'm well off. In Miami, $10/hr probably sucks. And rent is probably $1000 or more. I hope this makes sense. All I can say is, the doctors and nurses in Mexico (at least Dr. Joya and his staff) really seem to care about their patients. It's not just a job to them. Anyway, this is just my opinion--I could be way off here. But I KNOW you made a good choice going with Dr. Joya. Best wishes on your surgery and recovery. Kina 220/180/130

Hi, I had the RnY done by Dr. Joya Sept 5. The ladies make very nice points. Also, they'd have to learn alot more English, adjust to a totally different culture and their friends and family are down there. Also, take into consideration the general American attitude about Spanish doctors. The majority of which is undeserved. There are always quacks, on both sides of the border. Our media just likes to play up the other side. Makes ours look better. Also because of the different mentality down there. The doctors seem to genuinely care more for their paitents. They actually listen to what you're saying. I had some pain issues with my drainage tube one night at the hotel. I call the hospital and within the hour there was a doctor on my door step with a pain shot. Not a nurse or assistant, but a doctor. He then gave me his home and cell number in case I needed anything else that night. People fear the unknown, but as you can tell from the people on this list, we've discovered it's not what we thought. I did have a little trouble finding a follow up physician, but took all of Dr. Joya's information to my PCP and she started to scold me and then actually read through his stuff and was very pleased. Hope this helps, Evie

two words for ya...malpractice insurance( my spelling leaves a little to be desired)!they con't deal w/ ins. co's at all. after all thats the reason we have to go south to them. you will be fine. i'm going dec. 15th. have you checked out his forum? be sure to click on correct one.i will be leaving on the 24th!maybe we could keep in touch !vicki g

Hi SJ, Congratulations on your up coming surgery!!!! I had Lapband surgery 9-21-05. I believe another part of the reason for the Mexico Dr.'s not moving their practices to the US would be due to "hospital cost". My follow-up Dr. which I had before Dr. Joya told me that even for as "cash price" the majority was for the use of the hospital, so being a self-pay due to being turned down twice from my insurance company I went to Dr. Joya. Also his assistant told me that in Mexico the Dr.s do most everything, versus in the US where we have 1 Dr. or specialist for each job. Which generates more cost. Mexico is definately a "multi-tasking" enviroment. Let me know if you need any information about my experience. Best wishes to you!! Sadie Louise