edistogirl2602

I just heard some disturbing news from a friend of mine. She works for the surgery department at a teaching hospital and she spoke with the bariatrics doc there. He told her that 35% of bandsters have complications and that the FDA was going to revoke their approval of the band. Yikes!! Does anyone have any info on this.

I totally agree with you, Sue. I just got a little concerned because I know this doc and he is usually very up to date on things. I think he has had to fix several bands that were put in incorrectly by some of the first docs. Maybe his perspective is skewed because of that. I'm over it and still moving forward.

I just did a search for lap band failure. I read a summary of the research on the spotlight website. I was comparing the initial findings that weren't so good with the current findings. I was surprize to hear that about the FDA. This doc also told my friend that the RNY was safer. I know that's not true. Hopefully it is much ado about nothing.

OK. I have calmed down now. I just went a read an article that made me feel better. Comments, anyone.

I am continually researching the lap-band and I was calling around today trying to find a follow-up doctor in my area (based on the advice of several of you guys). I called Hamilton Med. Center where Dr. Ponce is, in Dalton, Ga. The woman referred me to a website when I explained that I was self pay and wanted to go to Mexico. It seems that I can go to Dr. Ponce for about $13,800. It is done in an outpatient surgical center. So now I am reconsidering going to Mexico. Dalton is a 4 hour drive for me, but alot easier for me to get to than Mexico (and cheaper). Also, the fills are much cheaper if he does the surgery. I would love to hear from anyone that has been to Dr. Ponce (or his group). I was very impressed by the nurse I spoke with. Much more so than the coordinator for the doc I was looking at in Mexico. She said she would call me on 2 seperate occasions and never did. Oh well. You snooze, you lose I must say that I have a much better feeling (in my gut :eek: ) about going with Dr. Ponce.

Dr. Ponce provides fills for one year at no cost. You do have to pay $110 each time for floro. And according to the nurse I spoke with, they use floro at every fill. After 1 year, fills are $200 - $110 for floro and $90 physician fee. I completely agree with you about the cost. It is totally worth it for me to spend a little more here and be close to my doc. Plane tickets from my area (Augusta, GA) are around $500 a trip to Mexico. I am very excited. As soon as my "self pay packet" arrives I will be in business and get the ball rolling.

Thanks for all the support! I really means alot. My husband and I feel much better about this situation now that is is more affordable. I will keep everyone updated.

Welcome, I am new to this forum too. I haven't been banded yet, but hope to be soon. Who did your sugery?

Hi everyone. I am a newbie researching the lap band. I have decided to have it done in Mexico because I am self pay. I have narrowed it down to Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey and Dr. Rodriguez in Monterrey. I would appreciate any info on any of these docs. Experiences, good or bad. I am currently trying to educate my husband so that he doesn't think I'm trying to go get some illegal procedure down in Mexico. Hopefully he'll come around soon. I look forward to hearing from some of you guys. edistogirl2602

I did check with Dr. Ponce in Dalton, GA. His was actually the first place I looked into, but the cost is $19,000 as of a few weeks ago when I called. I have considered going to him for follow-up, but I want to find out the cost of that if he didn't do the surgery. If he does the surgery it is $267/fill. I have read on other boards that he charges $600-$900 for fills and that is just too much. It would be alot easier for me to find someone in Augusta or Atlanta. Dalton is a 4 hour drive from where I live.

Thanks Rica. I have already contacted Patti. I've got the ball rolling. I'm excited. I can't wait! edistogirl2602

Oh my goodness! I never expected so much drama from a simple question I can honestly say that I have now taken Dr. Ortiz off my list. Not because of what was said, but because after more research I realized I would be easier and more convienent for me to go to Monterray instead of TJ. I live in Georgia and it's half the continent closer. I do appreciate all the comments. This is by far the best lap band forum I have been on. I have learned so much in just the few days I have been lurking.