Want to hear from all who have had the sleeve in Mexico... Good and bad experiences... short survey :)

[RussianBlue_x2]

Hello everyone. I have recently started researching having my sleeve done in Mexico since I have all but given up on my insurance and all their antiquated processes and roadblocks. I have read through the forum and see mostly good experiences with surgery in Mexico (except some occasional complaints about overcrowding at one particular recovery house). But, it would be wonderful to see many comments in one place so I could access them a bit more efficiently. I would appreciate your assistance with the following questions/concerns. THANK YOU!

Who was your surgeon and where in Mexico did you have your surgery?

What was different about having surgery in Mexico vs surgery or hospital stays in the US? Please list anything good as well as anything surprising or not-so-good.

How was the facility, the quality of care, and the competency of the staff compared to what you have seen in the US?

I would especially LOVE to hear from anyone who is employed in health care in the US, and understands the JCAHO standards and can compare the care in Mexico to what the JCAHO expects in the US.

If you had any complications or leaks, I would especially like to hear from you and how your complications were resolved.

Thank you so much!

[bobbybeegood]

Who was your surgeon and where in Mexico did you have your surgery? Almanaz

What was different about having surgery in Mexico vs surgery or hospital stays in the US? Please list anything good as well as anything surprising or not-so-good.I think the patient interaction was better. The nurse to patient ratio was much lower than in the US. The facility was "older" but the OR was very modern.

How was the facility, the quality of care, and the competency of the staff compared to what you have seen in the US? The facility was older but the equipment was top notch once you get into the OR. The staff was very competent. They did use "patient techs" overnight & I don't know what their level of training was or what their instructions were if there was an emergency.

I would especially LOVE to hear from anyone who is employed in health care in the US, and understands the JCAHO standards and can compare the care in Mexico to what the JCAHO expects in the US. JCAHO is very difficult for a non-US facility to adhere to. I was in Saudi Arabia & worked at the "premier" hospital in the middle east, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, and they couldn't make JCAHO standards.

If you had any complications or leaks, I would especially like to hear from you and how your complications were resolved. No complications.

[ranchersdaughter]

Hi. I'm in Moriarty, NM. I had my surgery on April 11, in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Almanza. I can only ask that you read my previous posts about my surgery and etc as there's too much info to list here.

In a nutshell, it was a better experience than any I have ever had in USA. The facilities were more than adequate for the nature of the business. The staff was well equipped and seemed prepared to handle just about anything that arose, including two bimbos with breast implants who decided to have a cat fight in the recovery house. (As if a bunch of us overweight, whiney, gassey, miserable gringas, (American at that!!!) wasn't enough.)

Good luck with your decision, whatever it might be.

[RussianBlue_x2]

Hi Neighbor! Thank you for your post. I'll read your previous posts.

[jane_vsg_ayla]

Surgery with Dr. Ramos-Kelly in TiJuana. Stayed in hospital 3 days for laproscopic surgery (which would be probably outpatient or one night in US). All rooms had a full size guest bed so you wouldnt have to stay alone or pay for hotel for your guest. Dr spent HOURS with me over 3-4 days before and after surgery and was in NO hurry whatsoever - was willing to stay and talk as long as I wanted. IN the US, I have waited 4 hours to see Dr for 10minutes and they rushed through that! Tests were done very quickly with results in minutes sometimes and brought back to you and handed over for you to take home! I have nothing bad to say about it. I dont know about standards, but I did notice gloves seemed optional there - the tech who drew blood didnt wear them and a nurse or two doing IV type things. I had no complications of any kind, and was out at the laundromat and walmart while in mexico just 3 days after surgery. Some doctors use stitches you have to remove yourself or have your dr back home remove, mine did not. The drain was removed before I left the hospital as well. Good luck to you on your decision, there are several good choices!