Going to Mexico for surgery and looking for aftercare doc in East Tennessee

Hello everyone. I am currently in the process of scheduling to have surgery in Mexico (hopefully in March). I am trying to find a doctor for aftercare here in East Tennessee. I am a graduate student at UT in Knoxville and I spoke with my doctor at the student health center. He was supportive of the surgery but seemed VERY apprehensive about looking after me for longterm aftercare. The doctors at the student health center are there for colds and such, and refer people to other specialists. I am concerned about my insurance - which is the crummy student health insurance and doctor costs. Is there anyone here in East Tennessee that knows of a doctor who is open to the idea of taking on a patient post surgery? Thank you Annie

Hi I just read your message, are you sure that you want to go to Mexico for surgery? I some how don't think that being cut on in Mexico is such a good idea. Has anyone you know gone there with success? You do know that this surgery is serious, it is not like having a nail or corn removed. Is this because of finance. Are you having to self pay? You do know that UT in Memphis has a obesity program in Memphis and they have a very capable doctor on staff he does it laprosopic. I do wish you would reconcider. I would also like to tell you that once something goes wrong with this surgery it will be hard to find another doctor who would even concider touching you. Please research the hospital and surgeon really well before you do this. I am three years out and I am a very big advocate for the surgery, but only under the most safest conditions. You have to worry about sanitation, surgerical skill and nursing care after your surgery. Also will you have friends or relatives to go with you? I would love to hear from you with the answers to my questions, I must tell you that without some answers I will always worry about you.

Hi. Yes I have done tons of research. The doctor down there is EXTREMELY qualified and done hundreds of these surgeries. I am a self-pay and cannot afford it here in the United States. The hospital down there is better than many hospitals here. It is a private hospital with a better nurse to patient ratio. Many people have preconceived notions about health care in foreign countries and yes, some are true, but many are not. What I tell my friends is that ther are many people in Mexico that need and want excellent health care. I have talked with many people who have gone down there and had the surgery with Dr. Ungson with fabulous results. And I have found an aftercare doctor - actually two. So I am pretty lucky. My mom is meeting me down there and I am nervous - but not about having it in Mexico. I am nervous about the surgery. Thanks for thinking of me. Annie