Hello, my name is Scott and I have been seriously considering getting the LapBand surgery, now, for the last few months, though I have thought about doing it for several years. I have a BMI of 42, and have been overweight most of my life. I am ready to actually do something about it!

My health insurance wont cover this, and I have seen that the cost for the surgery has come down significantly, recently. In order to keep it more affordable I am considering having the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, which is only an hour drive from where I live (San Diego).

I am looking for suggestions, comments, tips, reservations, or anything about this. I have seen ads for The Obesity Control Centers, run by Dr. Ariel Ortiz, and this seems like they may be my first choice, at this point.

Thank you for any help!:biggrin:

First of all hi and welcome to Lap Band Talk. I can't speak for everyone but for me this has been the best decision I have made regarding my weight loss. I never thought I would be where I am today, but here I am. Before surgery I had tried so many different diets, fads,etc. that I felt that I was never going to lose the weight and keep it off. I guess I decided that I would always be fat and I couldn't change that, but when I began to have joint problems, high blood pressure, back problems and absolutely zero energy, I knew I didn't want to spend the rest of my life that way. Really it wasn't living, just existing. So I made the decision to do the Lap Band. It was a slow weight loss but a healthy weight loss and that was what I was after anyway was to be healthy. I do enjoy being thinner but I FEEL so much better. I wanted to be able to keep up with my kids and eventually WAY down the road, my grandchildren. It isn't an easy journey by any means, but with the support of your family and friends and especially YOU, you WILL be an success. Good luck to you and keep us informed.:biggrin: