And I'm so excited! I've spoken to the staff of Dr. Roberto Rumbaut and also to the staff of Dr. Miguel Zapada-- Dr. Z looks to be a bit cheaper and still highly recommended, so I'm guessing he wins this race. I've researched both surgeons as extensively as I can and asked all of the questions from the sticky about Mexican bariatric surgeons... I feel comfortable with either .

Also... And THIS is a biggie... I've convinced my husband that going to Mexico is NOT "sheer idiocy" (his original wording) but rather a necessity as our health insurance is worthless in this case. I don't think he LIKES it, but... He IS willing to accompany me (I have a 6 month old nursling who'll have to be tended to while I'm in surgery-- he's gotta eat!).

I'm waiting on a check in the mail before I book my surgery... And then it'll probably be about 6 weeks out as I need a deal on airfare and without booking 6-7 weeks in advance, the prices are just a bit steep for me. Now... I'm just want that check to GET HERE! It could take another couple of months, though (geez, I hope not!), so... For now I'm going to work on cutting all caloric drinks out of my diet as that could be a big problem-- even banded... And I'm going to start stocking up on Protein drinks. I hear Isopure plus is the best tasting?

I'm just ready to get it done, now... I'll be stalking my mailman even moreso now!!!

Very exciting! Dr. Rumbaut has an excellent reputation.

I'll be going south of the border too! My mother went a couple years ago to get it done, then she took her best friend a couple months ago to get banded and now I get to go in may to get banded. I'm very excited. Not only is it a vacation (ill be going down a couple days before hand) but also a life changing experience! Good luck! We'll be in it together!

Good for you!!! I had my surgery done by Dr. Zapata on January 19, 2010. He is such a nice man, very gentle and soft spoken. It was a great experience. The hospital was beautiful and the staff was very nice.

Yay Melissa! I'm so happy for you. If my insurance wasn't covering it, I'd be on the plane with ya. How exciting!:thumbup:

OMG! Y'all should read my latest blog entry. Geez... I think even if insurance covered 100% I'd be looking for other options after the lap-band "seminar" I attended with my hubby and mom tonight. UGH!

Hey you all, just be so carefull and do your homework on these Mexican doctors I read about one who banded some womans esophagus!

Soexcited, I would NEVER jump into surgery, period. Let alone surgery in a different country. LOL I totally see your point, though. When I first began researching, I thought people who went out of the States for surgery were crazy! But, now... In my area, at least... I feel entirely MORE comfortable with the 2 doctors I've researched in Monterrey than I feel with the doctors here in my hometown. When you add in that my insurance doesn't cover weight loss procedures at all... Well... It takes care of that 0.5% niggling doubt about Mexico.

IMO, I'd be more likely to have my esophagus banded here in Alabama than in Mexico. But, I might just be unlucky in the medical choices here in southern Alabama, too. I'm sure there are great surgeons in the US as well. I'm just not fortunate enough to have access to 'em!

Melissa -- congratulations! I had such a great experience with Dr. Rumbaut and was seriously impressed with the hospital, facilities and level of care. It blew everything I've seen in the U.S. away, and Dr. Rumbaut has more experience with lap band surgery than most U.S. doctors. I have not heard about Dr. Zapada, but it sounds like you have done your homework.

Best wishes for your success!

Catherine