Scared about the trip to Mexico

[New new]

I have decided to have the sleeve but I keep reading blogs and now I'm having second thoughts I have decided to go with dr Almanza but now I keep thinking if I go there and come back to south Carolina and something goes wrong what will I do ? Are the doctors in Mexico accountable? or how. Will I get medical care? I'm going because of health issues but I'm scared.... Somebody please HELP

[Sunflower]

I went to Mexico two weeks ago and got very good care, with a surgeon who had done thousands more sleeves than any doctor I encountered here in the US. The day after I got home, I went to my PCP and got checked out. She was so impressed with my condition, the clean,neat incisions,my report of my experience, and what I paid that she took my Mexican surgeon's information and is planning to refer other patients to him when they ask her about self-pay options. ALso, my surgeon and PCP are in contact with each other via email. Complications can happen anywhere in the world. Yes, it's scary going to Mexico. I was scared, but I can tell you I have no regrets about doing it. Dr. Almanza gets a lot of good reports, but he operates in a clinic and not a full hospital. If you have a lot of comorbidities, you might want to consider a surgeon who operates in a full hospital, which most Mexican surgeons do. Good luck on your decision.

[Msvetrn]

Once you leave Mexico, the doctors are not accountable to you. You need to have a doctor in your area be willilng to follow up with your care. I use my PCP at the VA Medical Center. He has been very supportive. Most of the patients who go to Dr Almanza have other medical issues. They know about them in advance...you filled out a health history, correct? He has even not operated when he felt the patient was at risk. When you get there, you will have an EKG, blood work and I think a chest xray-can't remember now! If something goes wrong when you return to SC, you go to the emergency room and they must treat you. Chances are nothing will go wrong, BUT there is always the chance it will no matter what surgery you have or where you have it. Going to Mexico for surgery does not increase that risk. Your biggest risk is the plane ride back. Try to move around as much as possible while you are in the air even if it means getting up and walking the aisles. Breaking up the flight instead of a direct flight is better to reduce the risk of blood clots.

[soontobethin]

I went to my Primary doctor when I made the decision to do the surgery with Dr Almanza. He actually called and spoke directly with Dr Almanza and ask him to send back anything that he may need. I brought back my x-ray and went to see my doctor when I returned. I've had no problems at all, but I wanted to make sure that I had somebody here in Oklahoma if I needed it. I have an appointment this week for my 6 week all clear with my regular doctor.

[SharonB]

Try calling Dr. Morris Washington at the Conway Medical Center in Conway, SC first. I just had surgery last week and it cost $8000 all inclusive. At least he is in the same state and I find him to be a really nice doctor who is competent and knows what he is doing. His number is 843-347-3900

[New new]

Thank you so much ..I so needed to hear this

[SharonB]

where in SC are you?

[New new]

Greenville

[SharonB]

well, 3 hours by car is better than 6 hours by plane any day!

[SharonB]

good luck, I hope it all works out for you.

[sleever101]

You know I love Dr. Washington!!

[itsmytime]

Good luck! I hope whatever your choice that everything goes ok. I went to Dr. Almanza and was treated well. I'm almost exactly two months post op. I have felt perfectly fine since I left with no issues. However, complications can happen. It's up to you to decide if you want to risk it. I agree with others saying to find a local PCP. I do think that if you can afford it, Dr. Washington would be a great choice. His price is very fair for the U.S. and it's not that far from you. Best wishes and please let us know what you decide.

[SharonB]

me too! are you from the Conway area?

[cloud1103]

@sharon, thanks for the infor on dr washington, I'm calling on Monday.

[scgal21]

Hi New new! Welcome to this site! I am from SC too...I also went to Mexico alone and had my surgery by Dr. Ramos-Kelly 12/8/11. It was very scary thinking about going alone to another country, the thought of follow up care, etc. I can relate to your fears. I had a good experience in Mexico and have had no problems at all. I will go to my primary Dr. this month for my routine yearly check up, have blood work, cholesterol screenings, etc. I would never have been able to have this surgery in SC, as my insurance wouldn't pay for it. So, I weighed my options of living a life of misery and pain and chose the surgery. I have never looked back. Good luck on your decision!