Will having surgery in Mexico compromise my relationships with my US doctors?

Question

Will they want to treat me in the event I needed a follow up visit or emergency visit? My biggest concern because I have other health conditions involved.

Carson C. Cunningham, MD · Answer

If you have surgery in Mexico, it is unlikely you will get assistance from your local bariatric surgeon. The best choice for patients is to seek care from a surgeon in the US who is close to home.

Steven Fowler, MD, FACS · Answer

Medical Tourism is here to stay. And why shouldn't it? With improved communication and connectivity through the internet, and greater globalization in all services, people will explore their options beyond traditional borders. That's reasonable, but you need to balance this with the relationship you will establish with your local bariatrician/bariatric surgeon.How will your surgeon understand your particular anatomy? How can they feel confident about the quality of work? What level of responsibility will your surgeon have with "someone else's patient"?Because of these reasons, and the fact that ALL US bariatric surgeons have a nightmare story of taking on a complication done at some outside institution, you will most likely experience difficulty obtaining timely intervention on any problem that could arise after your operation.With bariatric surgery, I strongly encourage you to obtain your operation within your local community of health care providers.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

The answer to your question is, "It depends."  It is certainly unfortunate that many US surgeons refuse to take care of patients whose surgery was done elsewhere.  They are offended because you didn't come to them for your surgery.  They don't understand that you only did it because you couldn't afford the inflated prices charged by most US hospitals.  They don't understand that you are only trying to save your life.Do some research first.  Your primary physician will probably not mind, and will continue to care for you.  The ASMBS maintains a physician finder website where they list doctors who are willing to care for patients of other surgeons.  Search for such a surgeon.Another thing to consider is the operation you pick.  LapBAND is the worst choice as you will need lots of follow-up care with a bariatric surgeon.  Sleeve gastrectomy is probably the best choice as you will need the least amount of follow-up care from a surgeon.  I see many self-pay patients who come from far away, and most of the time my patients are able to get adequate care near where they live.

Will having surgery in Mexico compromise my relationships with my US doctors?

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Will having surgery in Mexico compromise my relationships with my US doctors?

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