Thank you..;)

I had surgery in Mexico with Dr. Q. Their financing helped make it possible for me.    I felt very safe in Mexico.  I used the same common sense that I use in any urban area in the USA.   I flew in a day early and took a very long walk and felt comfortable with the exception of extreme heat.  I felt more at ease there than I do when I walk through parts of Baltimore or DC.  The hotel staff will get you a cab when you want one and the fares are very very affordable in comparison to major US cities.  They have regular cabbies who serve the hotel.  Everyone will tell you that they drive crazy there.  It is true.   It seems to be the norm.   So just close your eyes and hold your breath once the driver hits the gas.    It's not a beautiful and clean city.   It's a well worn city.   

The facility where the surgery is done, does not look bright and shiny from the outside.  It's a little building on a commercial block.   It is quiet inside and much more casual than a U.S. facility.  Stilll, medical procedures are all done properly with the same attention to detail.   Don't expect to be impressed with some big bright shiny modern looking, state of the art facility.   The doctor gave me more than enough attention pre op and post op.  I also had a chance to interact with the anesthesiologist.  

They don't move you in and out in a flash if not appropriate.  They keep patients for two nights than move you into the holiday inn.  The doctor warned me that they don't move all patients after two nights.   I got to go.  Another man did not, he had to stay at least one additional night.  This is based on a variety of things post op and risks.   I am glad that I got to move.  Being confined in the hospital room was driving me nuts by the end of day two.   I was also glad to know that they had no problem at all keeping me if necessary.   I went there alone, no companion.  That worked fine for me.  They were attentive.   Another young woman in the room next to me came with her mom.  At times, I was a little envious, but mostly because I got a little bored and felt like the trip home would be better with someone.   The mom from the next room talked to me too.  I got invited into their room and sat on a couch where we had some post op "girl talk."   They went on a walk to a nearby nail salon and got pedicures.  I did not go because I just felt tired and uncomfortable walking around outside in my pajama bottoms.    I was a littel scared to change with my drain that first day.   The mom also told me that she ate her meals in the staff room with a full kitchen where everyone ate kind of family style.  She loved that.  Of course I was not eating at that time.   They were offering popsicles about every other second.   I never appreciated a popsicle as much as I did then.  

 Their staff takes care of transportation so you don't need to navigate from the airport across the border and back.    The surgeon did an excellent job.  His staff was so positive and friendly.   They helped me whenever I needed help.   The nursing care of great.  They were all very attentive to me, more than any experience I have had here in a US hospital or facility.   Some of the nurses are not great with English, but there was always a translator there, 24 hours a day.  The nurses were really sweet.  One rubbed my back, head and kind of did the thing we do when we burp babies, when  I was uncomfortable right after surgery.   I will never ever forget her kindness.   Nobody except my mom has ever been quite as caring.   I canno speak to insurance issues you may run into.    Get your primary care provider to be the one to monitor you once you come home.  If your pcp won't, then find one who will.   I know I have not answered all of your questions and concerns, but I hope this helps.  

Hi Lisa,

I just read your post about your experience with Dr Jose Rodriguez. I'm curious to know which procedure you had done back in 2014 and how are you doing now?? I'm thinking of having a Gastric Bypass by Dr Rodriguez in Juarez Mexico in October 2016 and would love to hear how your doing in the long term. :) i'm from Bend Oregon

I used Dr. Fernando Garcia of Tijuana Bariatrics.  Sorry I can't give you info on the docs you asked about, but if you need any info on my doc, let me know.

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.