Question:
Multiple Questions about having WLS in Mexico

   — DBXX (posted on March 24, 2003)

March 24, 2003
I'm going to Mexico for my WLS, and the Dr. requires you to be there a day before surgery, so that they can do bloodwork, cardiac testing etc. They don't require all the testing that is done here in the states. As far as follow up care, my regular Dr. here in Nevada can do that. I.E. checking incision, watching for infection, monitoring labs for deficiency etc. Also, you can call him anytime you have specific questions and he'll take the time to talk to you. Good luck. Hope some of this helped!
   — Alisa Sheets

March 24, 2003
Hello, I went to Monterray, Mexico back in September. I had a good experience. My insurance was billed for the pre-op under my PCP. The info was faxed to Mexico for my doctor's review. I spoke several times with my MD in Mexico who was by the way very fluent in English. He answered all my questions. When I arrived in Mexico he had a lady waiting for me at the airport and she drove me to the city and helped me check into the hospital. Actually the first night I was in a "hotel" room at the hosital and I did meet the MD that night. The next day the nurses came and took me to get prepped for surgery. The staff was very nice. What I enjoyed the most is when I went under for surgery the OR staff played American music for me and I found that to be very soothing even to this day I have fond memories when I think about the music and how relaxed it made me feel. I did have the same woman who picked me up at the airport visit me each day and she also called me and she spoke very good English as well and was able to communicate my needs for me. The MD also visited me each day also he gave me his home number and his cell phone. I thought he was a good doctor. Just like the ones here in the States. I feel that a complication here can occur just as easily as there. I had my PCP follow me here. I log onto this website for the majority of my support. I would do it again. I personally have no regrets. Oh yea, I am also a practicing RN and I think that I am really picky about my care. I do not speak spanish either. I had the RNY Lap distal.
   — train

March 24, 2003
Hello~ I had all the questions that you have. I've done alot of research on this. We are in a self-pay situation, so there for you need to be prepared for paying for follow up care. You need to find a PCP in your area who is WLS friendly. Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada,Mexico will give you all the information you need to give to your PCP, including your medical records in English. If you have major complications you can go back to Dr. Aguirre for a fraction of the orignal price. So far there has been no one who has had to have this done. You fly into San Diego,California and from there you go to Ensenada. You have all the pre-op testing done the day before your surgery, and yes it's everything the US requires. Your not paying any less for Dr.Aguirre than you would pay to a US Surgeon, you are paying less for the hospital care. That's the only difference. Please read my profile because I have it all listed in greater detail than this on my profile. If you would like to talk to me you can e-mail me and I will talk to you in private. Latrisha
   — latrishanickle

March 24, 2003
Hi~ I just checked your profile and your BMI is 32.1 is this correct? If it is you might want to first e-mail or call Dr. Aguirre to see if he will even accept you as a patient before spending alot of time on research! I haven't heard of ANY Surgeon performing this surgery with a BMI of 32.1
   — latrishanickle

March 24, 2003
I had my surgery here in Mexico City. Dr. Miguel Herrera ( [email protected]) is an excellent docor. trained in Mayo CLinic and Cananda. He will answer all of your questions. I live here in Mexico and I would love to help in any way I can! Good luck!
   — maureenmosti

March 25, 2003
Hey guys thanks so much for responding to my questions with such great answers. I will look into those sites you posted. As far as my BMI that is correct but I have lost weight on my own that is why my BMI is kinda low. I first started research on this site for me before I lost weight and now I am still researching for my husband. I know I really dont qualify for this surgery but I am still researching on behalf of my husband and me as well because you never know I may gain this weight back and if that is the case I will be well informed to make the decision to get this done for myself as well. I really do thank each of you I find this site is so helpful. Almost as helpful as if I would get the information directly from the Dr. himself. THANKS....
   — DBXX