If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I wear a few hats — but they all come from the same heart. Whether I’m helping someone board a plane for bariatric surgery in Tijuana, answering panicked calls from expats in Mexico who suddenly need an MRI, or reminding post-op patients to please take their vitamins, my work is built on one thing: caring for people who need guidance, clarity, and peace of mind in a health system that feels foreign and overwhelming.
I like to call it the Sheri Approach. And it applies to two communities I love deeply: medical travelers through International Patient Facilitators (IPF) and expats through Mexico Medical Members (MMM).
Let’s unpack what that means — and why it matters for you.
Compassion. Clarity. Care.
I built both IPF and MMM around these three words. They aren’t just a tagline — they’re how I work with every single person who reaches out to me.
- Compassion → Because if you’re contacting me, chances are you’re worried. Worried about your weight, your health, your aging parent, or that little “what if” voice that keeps you up at night. You need someone who listens first, and talks second.
- Clarity → Because the Mexican healthcare system is incredible… but it’s not always easy to navigate. Which hospital? Which surgeon? How much should it cost? Am I getting ripped off? Is this legit? These are real questions, and I believe in straight answers.
- Care → Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about booking a surgery or selling a membership. It’s about real people and real outcomes. I want you healthy, safe, and supported. Always.
For the Medical Traveler: IPF
Through International Patient Facilitators (IPF), I’ve been helping people access safe, affordable bariatric surgery and other procedures in Mexico since 2007. Thousands of patients later, I can tell you that medical tourism isn’t just about saving money — it’s about finding the right surgeon, the right facility, and the right aftercare.
The Sheri Approach here means:
- Matching patients with surgeons I’ve personally vetted.
- Making sure you understand exactly what to expect before you step on the plane.
- Standing by your side (literally) when you arrive in Mexico, so you never feel alone.
I know firsthand how scary surgery can feel — and how confusing cross-border medicine is. That’s why IPF patients don’t just get logistics. They get a human connection and a guide who’s done this countless times before.
For the Expat: MMM
Now let’s talk about Mexico Medical Members (MMM).
If IPF is about coming to Mexico for care, MMM is about living in Mexico with peace of mind. Expat life is beautiful — sunshine, tacos, adventure — but let’s be honest: it also comes with the nagging question, “What if something happens?”
That’s where MMM steps in.
With a membership card in your pocket, you’re not Googling “nearest hospital” at midnight in Spanish. You’re calling me. And I’m connecting you to trusted doctors, arranging imaging, walking you through insurance forms, and making sure you get the right care without the runaround.
Think of it like this: IPF helps people become patients in Mexico. MMM helps expats stay healthy in Mexico. And both are built on the same Sheri Approach.
The Overlap: People, Not Labels
What I’ve noticed over the years is how often these worlds overlap.
- A woman who came through IPF for bariatric surgery is now living happily in San Miguel de Allende… and she’s an MMM member for her day-to-day health needs.
- An expat who joined MMM for “what if” coverage later asked me about her husband’s hernia repair options… and IPF helped them navigate the surgery.
Life doesn’t fit neatly into categories, and neither do people. That’s why my work bridges both spaces.
And Let’s Not Forget Nutrition
You know I couldn’t write a blog without talking about nutrition, right?
Whether you’re a bariatric patient or an expat looking to thrive in Mexico, nutrition is the foundation of your health. That’s why I started Bariatric Food Expert — to give my community access to supplements designed for your unique needs.
For my bariatric patients: vitamins are not optional. They’re as essential as the surgery itself. And for my expats: a strong nutrition game means fewer doctor visits and more energy to enjoy the Mexico life you dreamed of.
I like to think of Bariatric Food Expert as the third pillar of my work. Surgery. Membership. Nutrition. It’s all connected.
Why the Sheri Approach Matters
At the end of the day, it’s not about fancy words or clever branding. It’s about trust.
- Trust that your surgeon is who they say they are.
- Trust that when something happens in Mexico, you’re not on your own.
- Trust that the advice you’re getting comes from someone who’s been here, done this, and still answers the phone herself.
That’s what I mean by the Sheri Approach.
So whether you’re packing your suitcase for bariatric surgery, sipping margaritas in your new condo in Playa del Carmen, or shopping online for your next bottle of chewable multivitamins — know this: I’m here, my team is here, and you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Final Thoughts
Medical tourism and expat life in Mexico are exciting, rewarding, and sometimes overwhelming. But with the right support, you can experience the best of what Mexico offers without the stress of the unknown.
If you’re curious about surgery, visit International Patient Facilitators.
If you’re an expat ready for peace of mind, check out Mexico Medical Members.
And if you want to keep your health strong with the right supplements, visit Bariatric Food Expert.
This is the Sheri Approach: Compassion. Clarity. Care.
For patients. For expats. For you.
Healthy Hugs,
Sheri Burke – RHN and surgery coordinator/ medical facilitator
1 208 258 9011
s.burke@ipf-mail.com
