having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
So, I'm having my surgery in December in Mexico, but I'm curious about what kind of 'after-care' they send you home with? Will I need to follow up with my family doctor? Are there stitches that need removed? Is there anything I should make sure I have in the house in case of need?
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
Yes I would suggest you have your family dr on board before you go so that they are there for support and help if needed. I had to have my stitches removed. Had 4 incisions done 7 days out and still waiting to have the final ones taken out as it's infected and open still.
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
yes i had surgery in mexico and they send you home with some antibiotics and some pain reliever and a type of milk of magnesia. 10 days post opp you need to have your stitches removed. you can do this with your family doctor or thru an urgent care. i had always disliked my primary care physician so i useed this as an oppty to try a new pcp that has a specialty in weight management. i ended up going to her for the first time after surgery i just didnt want to be talked out of my firm decision by my current doctor so opted to keep mum about it. my new pcp dr de rosa is awesome and was very very supportive. no judgement or anything. she set me up for some tests for my blood and we have some plans to do some alergy type test to help determine what foods are best for my blood type to eat. we also have a little tracking system and some goals to reach each visit. nothing tooo difficult but just a way to stay connected to them and my goals. i feel so blessed to have found a safe haven for medical care. being over weight for me going to the doctor was like an inquisition. not any more thank goodness
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
I didn't have any stitches. Did you have your sleeve done laparoscopically?
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
No stiches here ....Now..my incisions were glued shut with strips...but I did have a couple of internal stiches work there way to the surface about 3 wks after the surgery. They just came out after a few days...I did let my PMD know that I was going to have this procedure done, they said they would be available should I need some assistance, but as of today..4 mo after surgery, I have not had to make a visit. I take my vitamins daily, try to eat protien first then vegs....limit my carbs...and drink lots of fluids (water, gatorade and juice). I do plan on making a visit to my PMD and have some blood work done, but I'd like to go at about 6 mo. I did go to my cardiologist at 4 mo, and got a general check up with him..and he was happy with my decision of having this surgery, and gave me clearance for 1 yr. I do work with a Nutritionist, and they keep me on track of my eating habits. Walking is the only exercise I get, and to be honest I do not do it on a regular basis. I do check in with Dr. Ramos-Kelly's staff every other week...just a weigh in report.
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
thanks for the info everyone!
i have an appointment with my family doctor next week. the doctor's liaison suggested that i don't tell my family doctor about my plans until afterwards, but i don't feel comfortable not telling her. she said many doctors don't encourage going out of the country for surgery, which i understand. but i want to make sure that my doctor is on board with my plans and available in case i have any complications afterward.
i don't foresee her NOT being on board with me. she's suggested wls surgery to me several times and had even written a referral for me last year (before my company changed insurances to one that will not pay for wls.)
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
sounds like a good plan and that you have a doctor you like and trust !!!! that is so important during this process. I didnt have one before but now thru this journey i have found a PCP i feel the same about which is sooooo valuable to me. keep posting your questions concerns - you have wonderful resources here for you !!!! have a wonderful wednesday!!!
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
thank you! i spent my life avoiding doctors, i'm so thankful to have finally found one that i like and trust.
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
i didn't tell my fam doc anything except i was interested in having it done but when i went looking in canada it was a ridiculus cost. So when i did my research i found Dr. Almanza's price & his youtube patients happiest. My healing went awesome. When i got back & i had to go to my fam doc to get him to remove stitches i couldn't get he freaked a little & told me he wanted to do a culture on the drain site which came back neg. which i knew anyway. I trust Dr. Almanza & would recommend any of my closest friends to go see him. I'm sorry to hear that britiajon came away with an infection did the doc say what kind of infection?
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
I had it cultured at the hospital this past Saturday. Haven't heard anything back yet. It's not bad, just surface infection and I won't place the blame on the clinic. Im prone to post op infections. I think the swelling and irritation from the hives (allergic to the antibiotic) didn't help either.
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
glad to hear how postive u r about this. I'm sure its all okay. Keep smiling.....nice to see another canuck on here are u planning on going back?
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
For plastic surgery? I'd like to. I don't think I'd go back to Jerusalem hospital unless they addressed some of the concerns I have, but Mexico is definitely a possibility if money is there. The tummy tuck can't be done unless I take care of the her is I have so hopefully healthcare will cover it here, but definitely thighs and lipo and maybe boobs. I had a reduction a few years back, so I'm not sure what the girls will look like when the weight is off lol.
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
How was your experience with Dr. Almanza?
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
Re: having surgery in mexico... follow up care?
my experience was awesome love mx