Simply Curious - Why Mexico?

I'm just curious as to why so many people on this message board have gone to Mexico for their WLS surgery?  Is it because of insurance, cheaper?  I'm just wondering and thank you for your responses. 

My insurance didn't cover WLS, Mexico was a third the cost of surgery here in Atlanta, and the surgeons in Atlanta at that time did not have very good reputations.  They had been doing the sleeve longer down there than here, as well.  When I researched the surgeons, Dr. Alvarez's name kept popping up, and I could find nothing but excellent reviews of him.  It was a no-brainer!
--Dorothy

Ditto Dorothy's response.  Literally 1/3 cost of local w/out insurance.  Dr Alvarez' outstanding reputation.

If you're thinking of doing that, email Susan @ endobariatrics.com and she'll give you all the info you need.  You won't regret it!

I think most are going to be the same reasoning as above. If insurance does not cover WLS self pay is 1/3 to 1/4 the cost.  I decided to do it personally because a co-worker knows the Dr. down there and she had a lap-band done by him and I trust her opinion. So I decided to go heads first and schedule it, probably would not have done it on my own otherwise.

 I didn't go to Dr. A, but he is the reason why I looked into the VSG.
Also, I told myself if my insurance denied me, that I would go directly to him but I was approved. 

Passport:            $150
Airplane ticket:   $300
Surgery:              $8,750

Knowing that your surgeon is one of the most skilled & elite in his field(regardless of country or cost):  Priceless

Great breakdown!  Priceless......

$17,000.00 they want here.  Who has that kind of money?....

 VSG in Arkansas= $15000 and up
VSG in Tijuana= $5000 plus airfare and passport

Plus level of care is as good or better than USA. There are cultural differences though that make it a little frightening before you go.  But I found out myfears were baseless and I had a good experience.

JB

 Cost. Cost. Cost. With no insurance coverage, cost matters. Not to mention their experience in this surgery exceeded the local doctors in my area.