Mexico?

You bring up a few good points here that I failed to mention.  I have agreed in the past to see patients who have had surgery elsewhere, and it is a very difficult proposition for most PS to assume care after any other doctor has done the surgery. 

Not having been there in the surgery puts one at a  disadvantage, and there are many questions that cannot easily be answered as a result.  Patients with complications, even small ones, are generally not happy campers and there may be financial issues they did not plan for as well.

Several posters mentioned travel-related problems.  I cannot stress how strongly I am against travel after major PS without appropriate preventative measures for blood clots.  Patients wearing a compression garment after an LBL or TT travelling more than 3 hours esp. on a cramped airplane are at increased risk of blood clot.

My objections are based only on real life problems I have seen, and I have never intended to be critical of any physician's skill or abilities.

One other thing I have not seen addressed here is the anesthesia difference.  I hope someone will chime in.  Dr S using epidural/twilight so he can operate longer.  I was in this for 1 shot and 1 shot only.  I knew I could not go thru multiple surgeries mentally or physically.  With my low blood pressure issues I didn't want to go under multiple times.  With that said I hate to be the cheapo here but there was no way I could have afforded to do this in the states.  I looked into there and just couldn't handle that much money.  You can find a plastic surgeon anywhere but not all of them are that experienced in weight loss patients.  The flights into Monterrey tend to be smaller planes and not very roomy.  I even had to walk down stairs as there was no ramp into the plane.  So not sure how I will deal with that on my return home.  Should be interesting!!  I thought I would be fine by myself here but am finding myself very emotional today.  I also can't imagine being couped up in a room with anyone for this long.  You both would go nuts. I know I will feel much better when I am allowed to go to the hotel. Toni

I prefered the epidural twilight. The anesthiologist did put me under general towards the end but I have had both and felt amazingly awake afterwards.

I did fine in Monterrey. I a sure you can find  an elevator. My flight was less than 2 hours so I was fine.

I agree that Dr. S has amazing results and great experience with massive weight loss patients. The 2 doc tors here didn't. I did find out later there was a new surgeon here from Beverely Hills (goes back and forth) and he had a lot of experience and wasn't as high as the other doctors. He specializes in reconstruction. But I didn't know that at the time. He was my wound care surgeon and offered to do a revision but I think I am done and will just deal with my pouch! :) An unexpected 4 month recovery did me in. I was in contact with Dr. S the whole time and I could have gone there to handle the issues.