New to this

[JpWill]

Hello to all,
I am in the waiting process right now to see if insurance can help with the cost of the surgery in the states. However, I am really considering the idea of going to Mexico to have it done. My wife is VERY skeptical of doing this. I just look at the difference in cost here and there. If insurance pays all I can do it for around 4,000. If they pay for the "hiatal hernia" which I'm not a 100% I have it is around 8,000. If they dont pitch in at all it is a little over 10,000. My wife is just worried about after care and safety. I don't blame her but I have fought my weight all my life. At one time I was 330 and made it down to 202. For a while I could keep it around 230 and that was ok but over the last few years I am creeping back up to now over 260 and I just cant fight anymore the way that I did when I coached and taught PE. Since I moved into administration I am not as active.
Just looking for some perspective and advice I guess.
Thanks
JW

[NV_Angel]

Welcome to the site! There is alot of good info and support on this site.
My advice is to research, research, research then decide. Sounds like you may have done all that so you are one step closer! It's a hard decision to make and should not be done lightly. It's a life altering surgery in that it not only changes you physically but mentally as well. Examine your relationship with food. If it is your rock, your best friend, and your comfort just know that all that will go away after you have this surgery. I'm not gonna lie. I had buyer's remorse the first couple days in the hospital and even now some days are better than others. I do really well most days, but there are those few that I really hate food. Don't get me wrong it's the best decision I ever made!
Try not to treat it as a "diet". I tried that and found that's when I was at my worst. Follow the doctor's and nutritionalist's advice and guidelines but remember when you are about to go off the path, moderation is key!
I wish you all the best in your journey! Good luck and God bless!

[Traceye]

Welcome to the site,
I certainly understand about your spouse being very skeptical. My husband has told me that if I have the surgery, he is leaving me. I posted my story on the blog.. and received alot of support, plus some good advice. It never occurred to me that my husband is scared. I really never explained the sleeve to him. We both work at a hospital, he stated the some of the doctors and nurses, have told him I shouldn't do it. Like you, I have struggled with my weight for years.. I believe this is the best thing for me health wise. my surgery is scheduled for next Friday. I am really excited to start my new healthly life. I pray everything will work out for you.. your bestfriends are your bloggers.. I believe you are on the right track! take care

[JpWill]

Found out today that Insurance will not cover the surgery at the least expensive level. The cheapest I can have it done will be around $8,000. I am going to look really hard at having it done in Mexico. Any advice or things I really need to look at?

[HoosierGirl]

You are welcome to check out my blog...I had surgery in Mexico....family freaked out when I told them my plan, but I had done the research and knew exactly what I was getting. HoosierFatty | Fat to fab in Hoosierland… My blog lists how I chose my surgeon, all about my surgery experience, etc. Glad to answer any questions I can. And good for you to do research and find the right doctor for you! Good luck...

[MarshaD]

HoosierGirl, your blog was a huge part of my decision to go with Dr Ortiz. Thank you for all your research. I was able to verify everything and I had a wonderful experience with Dr Ortiz.

[JpWill]

Thank you for the info! I am looking into it. I have been looking long and hard at Dr. Ramos Kelley or some of the Doctors at this website mexico gastric sleeve. There are about 5 or 6 doctors listed including Ramos-Kelly and Dr. Carlos Diaz to name a couple.

If anyone has any information please let me know. I could gain about 20 pounds and have it in the states. However, my knees just cant take that. I hate being overweight as it is much less to get even bigger like I was years ago.

[christine53]

Go To Mexico! Funny how people are scared of Mexico when they have never been. You ought to hear the stories that they say about American in Mexico

[Rox]

I am having my surgery in Mexico and am using the services of a company that makes all the arrangements. I have to pay air fare, but the surgery itself will be $6500 which includes a 5 day hospital stay - preop testing is included and my husband can accompany me free of charge. It's a really big decision and I don't have to jump through all the hoops the insurance company makes you go thru - i.e. 6 mos. Dr. supervised diet, psych eval, etc. I too have struggled with this for the past 15 years and have decided that this will make life much better.

[Rox]

Loved your Blog!

[Harley Granny]

If if were just my decision, I would have gone to Mexico in a heartbeat!