Dr. Ortiz in Mexico....any advice???

So, I am new to all of this. I am a single mother of 3 amazing kids. I have gained quite a bit of weight over the last 6 years, I think I had almost every "life changing" event all in a couple of years and I basically ate my way through them....sister diagnosed with cancer, father died, husband of 20 years filed for divorce, moved 3 times in 2 years....now things seem to have settled down, but I am miserably overweight. Like almost everyone else on here, I have tried diet pills (years ago), weight watchers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, South Beach only to have limited results.

Now, I am looking at traveling to Tijuana, Mexico to have Dr. Ortiz do the lap band surgery. Any time I mention this to friends, they all panic and say how unsafe Mexico is. I've looked on this site and have read about a couple of people that are thrilled with Dr. Ortiz. I have a friend that went to him 5 years ago and she looks amazing. But I must admit, I'm scared to death. What if I am that one in100 that has a major problem?? I'm an Elementary teacher, so I don't have extra money laying around. Once you have the lap band, are you ever able to enjoy meals again??

If you are reading this and have any advice or suggestions, please, please let me know.

Thanks so much,

Marie