lightnerbride

I've heard of American doctors doing the lap-band on low BMI patients but only if self-pay. I think Dr. Fox in WA State might do them and he is doing a new self-pay price of $12,800 (he has been banding since FDA trails so a lot longer than most American surgeons) It's important when looking at Mexico to realize you may not get the same quality of clinic or hospital but the care can actually be higher since they've been doing these surgeries for so long. If I had all the money to afford to go anywhere I would have picked Mexico or Europe because of the greater experience doing the surgeries there. I had a great experience at Bajanor clinic, but Dr. Ortiz in TJ is highly qualified and very well known (he's even wrote a book on the topic). I have an letter from Inamed saying how important he was for the FDA trail phase and training other surgeons. I offer a copy of that to anyone interested. If you want more of a hospital setting go to Monterrey, Mexico. Dr. Zorilla is $8,300 and suppose to be absolutely great. I've heard very positive things about Dr. Sanchez too and also Dr. Raumbault. Otherwise there is Europe. I love Dr. Frering, he's absolutely top notch with less than 1% slippage and errosion rate and believe me in France low BMI banding is common. That's the trick for the women to keep smaller esp. as they age. When I was there, at least two of the other patients were probably BMI of 30 at most, two others around 32-34, and another 2 maybe 36. Dr. Frering is in Lyon, France and will give you a list of pre-op tests to get done in the US usually any insurance will cover if your regular doctor orders the tests and uses the proper codes (nothing mentioning bariatric/weight loss) or for $700 (not sure if American or euro) they can do the testing, the rest is $6,700ish American dollars, then you just have to stay 5 days post-op in France. The first three days puree, mushies, juices, jellos, then whatever is tolerated (unless he's changed his rules) I felt so great I was on the train the day after I got out of the hospital (high tech. with nurses falling all over themselves to help but poor english-I was still able to communicate pretty easily despite language barrier) on my way for a 7 day vacation in Paris. Although I wish I would have stayed awhile in Lyon, it is beautiful and very unique. If you want even less expensive it seems Belgium is the place to go right now (under $4000 eurodollars) In Europe it is usually done at a normal hospital or small hospital close to larger care facility. If someone could have gone with me I would have gone to Belgium but cost was such an issue I had to go by myself so I picked Bajanor since the cost is great, the surgeons highly qualified (inamed certified), good care, and not too long of flight by myself. Best Wishes

If going to TJ, Mexico and price along with quality of care is part of your consideration...I had a great experience at Bajanor Clinic (my previous posts with other Bajanor patients was misspelled as Banajor) The clinic was small but clean, they have an ambulance for any emergencies (to come to them or to be taken to a hospital) they were able to do my band laporscopically with no problem despite 5 previous abdominal surgeries (including a previous banding and then band removal). Dr. Covarrubias (Inamed Certified) was my surgeon and top-notch something like over 2,000 Inamed bands placed not including several thousand of the other brands of bands. He was assisted by Dr. Miguel who has also placed 1,000 or more bands on his own. I went by myself so the night nurse slept on my couch to be close to me. If I stirred she was up and on her feet. She was the only one who did not speak perfect english but I was able to get across when I needed to use the bathroom, needed something to drink and when I needed more pain medication. Dr. Carlos answered my numerous emails asking every little detail to make myself satisfied with my decision. I paid $6,900 that include all pre-op testing, medications, my night at the clinic, my night at Hotel Lucerna, etc. I had to pay airfare and for the food at the hotel. Check out www.bajanor.com if interested (I'm not a salesperson for them) As a matter of fact if I hadn't gone to Bajanor I would have went to Dr. Ortiz, maybe Dr. Aleceves in Mexicali (except they immediately wanted me to pay $2000 more because I'd already had so may abdominal surgeries so I didn't like that especially since no one else wanted to charge me more unless complications like open banding) Otherwise I would have gone to Monterrey, esp. Dr. Zorilla for $8300 an associate of my first surgeon. He is well known as a top notch bariatric surgeon. Many people are misinformed that Dr. Zorilla does not do the band anymore since he is well skilled in high-risk gastric bypasses and specializes in them. I can get in contact with Jonas Haegar to give you information on Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Zorilla if you are interested in either of them. Also I highly recommend Dr. Frering in Lyon, France...in my eyes he's the best but with the eurodollar is up now, airfare costs are up, you have to pay like $700 extra if you don't get pre-op testing at home, then the required 5 nights after the surgery to stay in France of course with him the day after surgery you'll be up to touring Lyon, France (unbelievablely beautiful), or Paris, or where ever in france delights you. His pre-op diet (or at least use to be) 3 days liquids, puree, jello and then eat as tolerated so you do get to enjoy the french food! I hear Belgium has some great deals right now if you want to travel to Europe. I know there are real reputable options there now for under $4000 eurodollars. They've been doing this forever in Europe, well probably just about as long in Mexico too! Good luck on your research. Oh, I have a couple places in WA state I can get after care and fills. I pay $224 per fill with Dr. Fox who starting doing banding during the FDA trials. April

Wow, I live in Western Washington and Surrey would have been so close for me. I tried finding out about getting lap-banded in B.C. but all I ever heard was they'd all retired or were about to and to try Toronto. I hope the information can help someone else though. Giblert, thanks for your information!

The band is a lot less for most of us, who's insurance does not cover anything bariatric,in Mexico. I would have to pay about $12,800 here without insurance and instead paid $6,900 in Mexico plus airfare (every penny made a difference for me.)

I saw the $10,200 on Dr. Tersigni's website but called about six months ago and with everything total it brings the price up to $12,???. The wish center is suppose to be $10,500 total. I don't know much about the wish center as they were so hard to get ahold of. April

I was first banded in Lyon, France by Dr. Frering who had done over 4,000 lap-bands. He was great the facilities were great and the nursing staff was incredible. If the eurodollar hadn't have gone up I would have gone back ($6700 eurodollars, pre-op testing covered by insurance here in the US, then airfare, and 5 nights afterwards anywhere in France!) I wanted to go to Canada but had trouble finding information, especially for B.C. So this time I went to TJ, Mexico for $6900 total plus airfare. My lead surgeon had done over 1,600 and my assistant surgeon had done around a 1,000 on his own. I was very happy at Bajanor Clinic which was small not plush clinic but the Hotel Lucerna was incredible. No Gas problems with flying either time. I never had problems finding aftercare here in WA with a foreign band. There are several places to choose from. So no worries about aftercare and fills plus the clinic in Mexico along with the nutrionist will stay in contact over phone or email. Good luck All, April

I've only hard positive things about them, but aren't they in Everret now?

The Seattle Wish Center I believe is the cheapest. Dr. Tersigni is like $12,800 when everything is totaled. There is a Doctor in Richmond, WA who is also around the same price along with Northwest Weightloss Surgical Center. When I checked Dr. Oh and his associate were the cheaper but that has been about 6 months ago. Dr. Fox and his associate do surgeries the same place as Dr. Oh so maybe around the same price? I'm going to Dr. Fox for fills since the place I went before doesn't do them anymore. I went to TJ, Mexico for my re-banding and it was $6,900 plus airfare. I just couldn't afford anymore and insurance didn't cover any of it. April

I was happily banded at Bajanor in TJ. I was a complicated case due to having 4 previous abdonimal surgeries and this was a rebanding. I chose Banajor in part for the price but I was very happy with the qualification of the doctors. It was a small clinic but I feel I got more than what I paid for and would recommend to anyone. I agree that cost can be a big factor and shouldn't be taken lightly. There are some great surgeons in smaller clinics, doing a great job, for a great price but do double check qualifications, at least be in contact with 1 person banded there, and ask lots of questions. If you go to Banajor Dr. Carlos can tell you I emailed him at least 100 times with every question possible. April

oops double

I'm a very happy Banajor patient as of 4/3/06. I paid cash as most americans going there do so the insurance fraud doesn't affect us really. Which Dr. Alessandrini? Dr. Carlos or Dr. Miguel? They are brothers. Dr. Miguel assisted in my surgery and Dr. Covarrubias was my primary surgeon. I'd happily go back again, not that I'm saying insurance fraud is okay, it's just when money is an issue and you can get such qualified surgeons for such a great price, then it makes ins. fraud seem like a minor problem to me. I don't know anything about The Molding Clinic or Dr. Martinez to make a comment on that. Good luck all, April

Well no busting but I am 2 weeks post-op from Bajanor and very happy. I'm so glad to be rebanded and working my way down the scale. I loved the packet of post-op information they gave to take home and refer back to with any question. I've got my lil' banded card. I didn't get one with my first band or all the post-op information to take home just verbal directions. It was overall a very positive experience!

Happily banded 4/3/06 at Bajanor (finally spelling it right!) I recovered easier with my first band but then again my Fibromyalgia, etc wasn't as bad back then. Dr. Miguel and Dr. Covarrubias placed my band with no problems. This was my sixth abdominal surgery so I was a bit of a complicated patient. I had another mid-band placed (major mid-band fan) and I'm down 12lbs post-op. All in all I'm so glad to be re-banded and glad I stuck to my guns on going to Bajanor. Thanks to all who shared their experiences and gave input. April

I'm a happily banded Bajanor patient Dr. Miguel (Allessandri) assisted Dr. Covarrubias, it was my 5th abdominal surgery and my second banding. I was banded on 4/3/06 and I'm recovering well, a little rough at first due to fibromyalgia complicating recovery. I had a mid-band placed (4cc band). I would love to give any info on the mid-band if you haven't decided on the type of band yet. I love mine. It was a nice small clinic and I was taken good care of, stayed my second night at the beautiful Hotel Lucerna (a large pharmacy by the hotel if planning on getting medications filled while there), and then flew home. They have 4 rooms, an exam room, incubator room, surgery area, a waiting area with 2 love seats and 2 sofas and then Dr. Carlos's office and the room(s) he does his procedures. They do plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures there if scheduled in advance. They had a dentist sign out front but not sure if they actually have one in office. They also have an ambulance. Private message me with any questions. I had a couple of posts about Bajanor on this forum but both times spelled the name as Banajor so is you look back your might find more information from those posts. I also recommend contacting Islandmom, samathatx, and Mithow, they helped me. I think for the price it was great. I paid my own airfare and then paid Bajanor $6900, that was for my mid-band, surgery, aftercare, medication, and one night at the Hotel Lucerna. Good Luck, April

Took them two weeks to email me back, I wasn't too impressed myself!

The wish center I believe ends up being less than the Doctor in Coos Bay like only $10,000, but getting ahold of them was a lot of work and I ended up not wanting to jump through all their hoops. I figured cheaper and less work to go to Mexico. I think having surgery in the US probably would be a little easier on the nerves but I had my first band placed in France so Monday I get rebanded at Banajor in TJ for under $7000. The wishcenter has a web-site to check out if you want to google it, OOPS, yahoo it or something! April

I found the email from Dr. Carlos saying their lead surgeon is Dr. Mariano Covarrubias and that he and 2 other surgeons would be doing the surgery. That doesn't include the anesthesiologist like most web-sites that say they have 3 surgeons do. I know it isn't going to be like American but I am very secure with my choice and Dr. Carlos answers all my emails (at least once a day since scheduled and more than that when I was making the decisions--no patient consultants that don't even live in Mexico and make a commission off me going to the doctor they work for. I know since he runs the clinic that he makes money from patients coming but it different than my past experience where I worked with a great patient consultant but he often had to find out the answer to the question since he wasn't in France with the surgeon and was working for many different surgeons around the world (including Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Zorilla) Anyway, I emailed Dr. Carlos yet again to double check the doctor thing since I'm a complicated case (have had 4 abd. surgeries already and they aren't charging extra like many other doctors wanted to) Thanks everyone! April

Dr. Carlos didn't give the name of surgeon but told I would have a team of three bariatric surgeons, the lead surgeon being Inamed certified even though I'm having the mid-band, then there would be the usual anethesiologist and nursing staff. He did tell me the Inamed surgeons name but I don't remember to be honest. It's in one of my saved emails. In response to recommending Dr. Kuri . he wasn't the top of my list even if I hadn't chosen Banajor. I'm glad many have had good luck with him but I would have likely gone with Dr. Ortiz ( or maybe Dr. Aceves) or Dr.Zorilla in Monterrey, as Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Zorilla have worked with and trained with my first surgeon from France who is one of the bariatric surgeons that helped create the mid-band and is considered the best lap-band surgeon in France. Anyway hopefully all will go well and I'll be sharing details late next week. Thanks everyone! April

What type of post-op diet does Banajor use? It's not 2 to 4 weeks of liquid diet is it? Please tell me no! Thanks, April

JoAnne thanks for sharing. I fly in Monday the 3rd and have surgery. I know it's not going to be like the United States but I'm okay with that because the price is so much better. I can't wait to go, I wish Sam and I had contacted each other sooner so I could have gone at the same time as her. We both are going alone. I'm the only one scheduled to surgery Monday but I'm pretty independent so not too worried. When I got banded the first time my mom went to France with me. I'm most curious about the post-op diet they use. When I had my band in France the pre-op diet was applesauce, cottage chees, and yogurt the day following surgery. I was told to stick with soft things for a few day and then whatever I tolerated. I keep reading all these 2 or 4 weeks of liquid only diets before even going to mushies. What do they recommend at Banajor??? Thanks, April

Do you mind me asking about how much it was for surgery in Quebec and Mississauge, ON? Just wondering what the cost in Canada is. I'd hoped to go to Canada (esp. B.C.) when I first planned to get rebanded but I'm now scheduled for surgery 4/3 in TJ, Mexico at Banajor for $6900 US dollars...not including airfare. It would be nice to have an idea though for when others I know are researching options. Thanks April

I looked into both Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Aceves, Banajor and several others. I would agree Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Aceves have great reputations and are great surgeons without a doubt. I however, have decided to go to Banajor and have found a few previous Banajor patients that have been very happy with their experience on this forum. There surgical team consists of three bariatric surgeons, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff who do surgery on each patient, the lead surgeon is Inamed certified. I am very happy with my decision and will be banded 4/3. I'll be back the 5th and happy to share my experience with others. I've been banded before in France but couldn't afford the cost of going back there. I like that I can get a mid-band instead of being only given the choice of the inamed. I unlike many Americans do not believe, just because the Inamed is the only FDA approved band, that it is the best band for everyone. Thanks for your input and replying to my post-April

It took my third fill before I got restriction. It was always the day after a fill before I noticed a differnece. April

I had the thing with my first band of not knowing from day to day what I'd tolerate. I'd get fill sometimes and not feel anymore restricted than I did before. It's weird to feel less restriction though, your not doing anything that could be causing your pouch to stretch? But they'd notice that at your fills if that was the case (assuming you get fills with flouroscopy) Are you sure they are keeping track of how much you have in your band accurately? I had times when I'd go in and my records showed I should have 2.2cc and they'd pull out 5.2cc but a couple of times it was the opposite. They'd say I had 3.8cc and pull out 2.8cc before giving me a new fill and I'd be like no wonder I can eat just about anything. Good luck April

It was my third fill before I got restriction but be careful about adding to much at once. I know because of cost you want to get the most for your money but they associate getting too much added at once with eventual slippage the same way they do overfills. I wish I could find a place to get fills for only $150 after I get back from getting rebanded. It's $350 with flouroscope at the place I use to use in Tacoma, WA. Anyone from WA state have fill location recommendations? Does wishcenter do fills on Mexico band patients? Good luck Wannabelean but don't rush things too much it'll start happening before you no it and you'll be looking and feeling great! April