Just curious, why Mexico?

[Kevin_Sly]

I'm just curious, why are there so many Mexican visits for sleeves? I would guess insurance but is that the only reason?

[KariVSG]

I think people go to Mexico if they do not have gastric insurance. The prices are wonderful and i have read that you are treated very well.

[RehabNurse]

The reasons for having weight loss surgery in Mexico are numerous:

1. Some people are uninsured and cannot or will not pay $15,000+ cash to be sleeved here in the States.

2. Some people have insurance, but their health insurance policies will not pay for weight loss surgery.

3. Some people are insured, but do not weigh enough to qualify for weight loss surgery in the States. Many 'lightweight' people in the 29 to 34 BMI range get sleeved in Mexico because most insurance companies will only pay for a minimum BMI of 35 with a comorbidity or a 40 BMI with no comorbidities.

4. Some people want to avoid the time-consuming red tape associated with their insurance companies such as the six-month supervised diet, the nutritional visits, psychological evaluation, etc.

5. Finally, some people (like me) have insurance that is not so great. I was sleeved here in the States, but could have saved money having the surgery in Mexico. I paid a total of $4370 in insurance copayments to be sleeved here, where I could have paid in the $3,000 range to get it over with in Mexico.

[Connie4]

$$$$ no ins.
Someone told me stateside without any ins., is about $18,000.
Mexico 5 or 6.

[Hippychick]

Ive just had a gastric sleave in Mexico
I flew from the UK had a two week San Diego & LA holiday then went to TJ for the op
The GS was 4250 usd so around £3000 sterling
My holiday cost about the same ( really nice 5 star hotels (lol) )
So even though it was around £6000 in total Itcwas still cheaper than the UK at 10k upwards and I had a lovely holiday as well

[Lanette]

Part of mine was the lack of insurance coverage. The largest reason for me is that Dr. Almanza had done more of these surgeries than anyone else. Ahmed has also had the surgery himself. He has done over 12,000 of them. Experience was a huge motivator for me.

[sraebaer]

No insurance, and can't afford it in the states. I feel lucky I was able to do self pay in the states, but people who go to Mexico are thrilled too. Personal decision.

[janedoyle88]

Well, to tell you the truth.. they have a pretty nice service, and very good prices :P !! Ive been there for other medical services and it has been great, i haven't make a choice yet about the surgeon, still on research but is going to be in Mexico, for sure....

[missbybee]

They do so many surgeries down there, they are very experienced. My #1 reason was price, but after doing research I would have made the decision to go to Mexico even if money wasn't an issue. I would rather go to a doctor that has done thousands of the same procedure, rather than the docs in the US who do waaaaaaay less.

[Connie4]

Many congrats on your weight loss.
Way to go!

[sue60]

Congratulations! I am impressed by what I have been reading. My insurance company may or may not approve- I am waiting for a second ruling. If unable to have it per insurance I would go to Mexico probably next year. Please keep us up to date on how you are doing! It is highly motivating!

[girlwitharosetattoo]

It's less expensive- plus people have had good experiences. I read in other countries it varies. In Jordan, for example, the procedure costs $4000 yet in New Zealand, it costs $20,000.

I paid out of pocket here in the US since, with my particular medical insurance, it was a no go. $1800 for my EGD, and $10,500 for my actual surgery.

[Dawnislas]

My sister-in-law put it so eloquently when she said "I'm worth the price of a car when we were talking about how much she paid for her surgery in Dallas. Luckily I have insurance but unfortunately she did not have coverage for WLS

[Journey Tobeme]

I love Mexico. I live there a part time. I always leave the US for medical care. It is cheaper than carrying insurance in the US. The service is MUCH BETTER in other countries. My Mexico Drs are well trained and their staff provide care that is not found in the US. No red tape, no dealing with bull, no Drs trying to dictate my healthcare.

[Findingdory]

Very regretful that I didn't go to Mexico. It would have been half the money (self pay/insurance wouldn't cover it) I listened to all these ppl with their horror stories and I knew deep down that they were wrong....grrrr I had sleeve done and they only gave me a week off from work, I took 2 because of liquid diet postop I'm on. I wish so badly I had found this forum before I made the choice. I did have a good experience with Dr Broussard and his staff however if given the chance to do over I'd choose Mexico in a heartbeat!!!