Is Mexico (generally) the better choice?
I had my sleeve surgery here stateside, at a hospital 4 miles from my house with one of the most highly regarded doctors in the country. With insurance I paid a hair over $6000, and had no complications. My pain was very well managed. My aftercare has been excellent and I have no complaints. I refused to go out of the country when I knew I could get the same or better care here at home AND I could get access my doctor whenever I needed to.
When I was researching Mexico in case my insurance wouldn't pay, I was impressed to see how those going to Mexico and using center and hospitals recommended by others, didn't seem to have the pain and recovery problems those here in the US were posting.
I know I would have had a easier recovery if I wasn't forced to stay in the hospital here for 2 nights. All the problems I had was caused by the process.
BAND REMOVED 9-4-12-fought insurance to get sleeve and won! Sleeved 1/22/13! Five years out and trying to get that last 15 pounds back off.
Mexico would not have been a better choice for me. Using my awesome health insurance and being close to home and support for the entire process was.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
I went to Mexico and had a great experience. I think a lot of the hoops they make you jump through in the US are unnecessary. I did have pre and post op diet instructions, but I see all the posts about cardiac workups, sleep studies, psych counseling, etc, and I don't get it. I've had 10 other surgeries, and didn't need any of those tests for them. Why would I need them for a VSG?
That being said, my dad and two coworkers had surgery in the US, and also had easy recoveries, but it took them a lot longer to get through the process. As for follow up, I live in a rural area. Even if I had surgery in the US, I wouldn't have had local aftercare because there are no bariatric surgeons where I live.
VSG 1/6/14 with Dr. Alvarez
