Newbie Looking for a VSL friends...

Hello Everyone!
New to the forum and could really use some help from VGL patients. I've wanted WLS for decades and now at 40, I've decided to go to Mexico for VGS surgery. I'm overweight, but not enough for my insurance to cover in the US. I've never had any surgeries and besides pain in my knees, no complications from being overweight.

I could use some help with the following questions:
Do I need to contact a US Dr. before scheduling my surgery?
Will Mexico surgeons do all the preop labs/xrays? Will I need to do preops?
What happens when I return to the US? Will I need to find a WLS specialist ?

After weeks of extensive research, I've narrowed my search to Dr. Ariel Ortiz or Dr. Corvala. Dr. Ortiz seems wonderful, has a great bedside manner and performs a 'double seal' technique to prevent leakage. Dr. Corvala is a world renowned surgeon and operates in a hospital.
I've heard some reviews that the price can almost be doubled because of 'extras.' Does anyone have any first hand knowledge?
Also, does Dr. Ortiz have emergency services or an ER nearby?

Any help would greatly be appreciated. This surgery is quite expensive, but our health in priceless.

Love & Light!

I don't know anything about surgery in Mexico, however I was self pay and my fee only included up to three months after surgery. Luckily I have an amazing PCP who is young and super knowledgable on the sleeve. She does all my blood work at the required intervals. My advice is to research to find a doctor in the states that knows what is required for a sleeve patient. Good luck!

How overweight are you? If it's not much and you have no other health issues, that's slightly concerning, but just my opinion so do what works for you.

Thanks for your reply! My health insurance requires a BMI over 40 and a significant health risk (diabetes, heart conditions) to approve any WLS. So my only real option is a México surgeon. My BMI is in the mid to high 30’s depending on those 20 lbs I keep loosing and gaining �� . I’ve researched some US drs and they’ve quoted over 20k for VGS and have recommended the balloon. I think it’s removable but again it’s almost 9k.
I’m so happy you had a successful surgery. I’m just waiting to finally feel better about me

I don't know about surgery in Mexico.
But I do know that a balloon is a waste of money.
It has to come out after six months and you will regain the lost weight in probably less than that.

But are you sure about the required BMI?
As I understand is that if yours is above 40, you qualify.
From 35 to 40 you need additional comorbidities.
Have you been tested for sleep apneu?
High blood pressure or heart conditions or in your family?

I had my surgery in the US so I am not sure. I know I would make sure that there are some pre op labs and tests run before getting any kind of surgery. Good luck.