I am planning my trip to Tijuana, Mexico for May and getting banded by Dr. Almanza.

I have told one of my friends and she thinks it is crazy to go to Mexico. I have tried to research ad honestly the only info is his websites and what people say on here and obesityhelp.com.

I was planning on a US dr here in KC, MO but then my husband switched jobs and not insurance doesn't cover it. I also researched him and saw worst complaints about him and it was a "center of excellence." I can afford 5 grand to go , get it done and come home but can't afford 16 grand to do it in the city.

I feel like I am making a good educated choice but still nervous. Anyone else going out of country? Is it that crazy?

no, its not crazy. a lot of people go to mexico to get banded BUT you need to make sure you have a follow-up care doctor near your home that will handle all your band adjustments. you need to find the follow-up doctor BEFORE your surgery in mexico. a lot of doctors don't like taking on band adjustments that they didn't do themselves.

I went to Mexico as well. Dr. Pedro Kuri. I was banded on the 4th of January and am 2 weeks post op and am very happy so far. I picked Dr. Kuri as I am a nurse and I researched them and decided on him. My decision was even further solidified by the fact that a family friend who is an OR nurse had gone down there and visted her top four choices and decided on him as well after meeting him and seeing the facilities. The Hospital Angeles where he works in Tijauma is immaculate and he has more experience than all the American doctors due to the fact that he has been doing this for 12 years and it hasnt been allowed in the US for nearly that long. He has done almost 5000 procedures. But I am in California and able to fly down to San Diego easily for fills, etc. The previous poster is right. You need to decide if you are going to be able to do that when needed or else find someone closer to you. But I was very happy with my choice in doctors. I do have to say that the doc you are choosing was not even among my top three choices. You might want to reconsider your choice of doctors.

I am planning my trip to Tijuana, Mexico for May and getting banded by Dr. Almanza.

I have told one of my friends and she thinks it is crazy to go to Mexico. I have tried to research ad honestly the only info is his websites and what people say on here and obesityhelp.com.

I was planning on a US dr here in KC, MO but then my husband switched jobs and not insurance doesn't cover it. I also researched him and saw worst complaints about him and it was a "center of excellence." I can afford 5 grand to go , get it done and come home but can't afford 16 grand to do it in the city.

I feel like I am making a good educated choice but still nervous. Anyone else going out of country? Is it that crazy?

Below, I have pasted some comments by someone else,....they have said pretty much what I would say:

"Generally, I would be opposed to having a LB installed outside of the country, or even outside of your own geographical area. There are many things to consider, particularly the aftercare. Many US Doctors will NOT provide aftercare to patients that are banded outside of the country.

I also feel that it's very important that you be within a reasonable proximity to the facility and Surgeon that performed your procedure, in the event that there is a problem of some sort. Also, there is the issue of liability in the event that is a problem....it's hard to go after an out-of-country Doctor if something goes wrong. Finally, there is the increasing incidence of violence along the Border cities with Mexico. Those are just a few of the reaons to re-think the idea of going to MX for surgery. Note that there are SOME Drs here in the US that are lowering their rates to attract additional patients....the economy is hitting even the WLS industry!

I have not thoroughly investigated this, but I HAVE heard that many good surgeons here in the L.A. area are reducing their rates to compete with the mexican surgeons. It's worth spending some time looking into. One guy told me that a surgeon here reduced his rate dramatically when he told him that he was too expensive and that he was going to mexico.

So, I would most certainly try looking at Surgeons here first.

When I had my band installed, I also considered the option of going to Mexico, as I am a couple of hours from the Border as well. But, after researching I decided that it would be better to be CLOSER to the Doctor that put the band in, in the event of problems. But that was just my choice at the time. I STILL wouldn't feel comfortable having a National Border between me and my Doctor."

I wouldn't leave the country for any surgery.

I do already have a Dr here in KC to do my fills.

I'm actually about to be banded on Friday in Mexico. I did extensive research and I'm not worried at all about going. So, no, I don't think you're crazy!

I will be headed down to Tiajuana on early Friday morning to be banded on the 30th. I was referred by a co-worker that went to same surgeon I'm going to (Kuri) about 5 months ago. She has since gone back for a fill and I will be doing the same. Its about a 7 hr drive from where I live. I understand the scare, I'd be lieing if I didnt say I'm 100% not scared but honestly I'm not scared of the Mexico part or the doctor himself. I have heard nothing but good about him and his staff. I'm more scared because that I'll be one of the ones with lots of pain and not one to jump up and be ready to go for a jog haha.

I dont think you are nuts. I have told family & a few friends where my surgery is at but for the most part its on a need to know basis because I'm fine and I dont need anyone un-nerving me this close and with my mind set.

Good Luck!

I support whatever decsions you make.If you have done your research and feel comfortable go ahead.