Hi VVrancher,

I am in Oregon. On 04/16/11 I had mini gastric bypass with Dr. Jose Castaneda Cruz (through Medical Tourism Co.) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Dr. Castaneda did a wonderful job. I have had no complications whatsoever, and have lost 50 pounds so far. Not only is Dr. Castaneda a great surgeon, but a very, very nice man, as well. 

The surgery itself cost $6,900; beyond that, I stayed for a week in a nearby resort following surgery to recuperate and follow up with the doctor.

I had a good experience all around.

Susan

Thank you for that info......I winter in Belize and as a result I travel through Mexico a couple of times a year.  That makes Mexico very convenient for me.....but not if I can't find a good surgeon there.

This whole process is scary enough without having doubts about the skill or the character of your surgeon.

Hi,

I suggest you contact the office and ask them.  They would know where. http://clos.net

Hi,

The key at this point is educating yourself on what's out there.  I will tell you that the MGB is reversable and revisable. I'm not sure any of the others are if that is what you are basing your decision on.  OH has a lot of forums on the different types of surgery so you can talk to others who have had them.  This is the MGB forum.  I am 11 years out and would do it again in a heart beat.  It is a very powerful surgery. Out of over 4000 patients, 40 have had to have a revision due to losing TOO MUCH weight.  There are risks with all surgeries and no one can predict how your body will adjust to whatever procedure you pick.  So, now is the time to gather information.  The MGB website is http://clos.net.  I think that is a good place to start.  If you have any questions, let me know.

Hi Paula,

I just happen to work in Health plan administration.  Here is what i would advise you to do. 
The first thing you need to find out  if obesity surgery is a covered benefit of the plan.   This will be listed in the plan booklet under covered services or on their website.  If you dont find any information there, you might look in the exclusions section of the plan booklet or online.  Alternatively, you can call the customer service phone number on your id card.  You are bound by the terms as explained in the plan booklet so if a customer service person gives you the wrong benefit information, you will be held to the terms of your plan as described in the plan booklet.  I found this web link that may be helpful to you.  http://www.harvardvanguard.org/ptinfo/insurance/index.asp.

If you find that it is covered, you will need to investigate the limits of the coverage.  Most plans have a certain amount they will pay per lifetime.  This is really important so you dont end up with a big bill at the end.  In addition, they sometimes have a requirement that the surgery be done by a certain group of doctors.  Most Blue Cross plans require a Center of Excellence provider.  You can go to the following website for more info on COE providers.  http://www.bcbs.com/innovations/bluedistinction/blue-distinction-bariatric/bluedistinctionbariatric.pdf.  Preauthorization is almost always required. 

After you have established the benefits for your plan, Including any limitations, exclusions, and preauthorization requirements, you will have the information you need to start looking for the surgeon you want to do your surgery.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Linda