I have been here off and on for years, and once again, thinking about going to Mexico for surgery. I stopped looking for a couple of reasons, one is, just one more go at a diet, but then, I am back plus 5pds more. Another reason is, I do some research and email a couple of potential places and I get a bit overwhelmed. However, I have had enough but need some guidance. I have read alot of posts, and read and researched a few doctors, but then get swayed back and forth.

So I would really love to hear your story, your doctor, whatever you can. As well as cost. I dont want it to be about cost, but it is a factor.

I guess I am kind of intersted if the couple of docs I have picked are ones that come up. Please I really, need help. I get overwhelmed!!!

If you want to private message, please feel free..but I am really needing help!!! This board is so large!! LOL!!

Huge thank you in advance!!

Lannae

Ok, so you have been a member going on 6 years! Just bite the bullet and do it! It took me a year for me to decide to do it. My mom offered to pay for it for me. just had to want it bad enough for myself. What is it that is stopping you from going for it? The cost of my surgery was $13,900. That included the first 3 months of fills and 6 months of seeing the psycholgist and nutritionist. Where are you located? I live in southern Calif and I LOVE my doctor!

I know that money is a factor on why many people go to Mexico. I thank my lucky stars for the greatest give my mom could have given me. But I contribute a huge part of my success to the support that I get from my support group through Dr Oliak's office. I just got back from a support meeting now and afterwards had dinner with one of my lapband friends. For that reason alone, I am happy that I stuck by home for my surgery.

I believe I read that Dr. Ortiz in Mexico is about 8-9k. He seems to be recommended most, but is one of the higher priced Mexican Dr's.

I also remember seeing a post awhile back about a Dr in Colorado who did the procedure for about 9k. I would think this would be the better bet, as many practices seem to shy away from Mexican bandings but will take on patients from other US Dr's.

I know, I know, it's just a huge decision, then I get going well on my diet..and things start to look good, but then it creeps back...so bite the bullet is getting closer!!lol!!..Also, I live in Canada, and the wait list here is huge, or I can go to Toronto but spend 16,000.oo and yet I hear more and more people spending half that with such great success in Mexico...So I lean to Mexico..I have read some really good info on questions to ask and so far I am happy with a couple...but was hoping to hear a few people say their own experiences, with their favorite doc in Mexico..I also now have a friend who would like to do it with me as well, so that is a huge step forward for me, I was a afraid to go and do it by myself..

Anyone want to share their Mexico story and favorite doctor??

Dr Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico! top notch all the way (this from a fellow Albertan)

Lisa how much was dr.ortiz?? thanks!

$5000 US

awesome, thanks Lisa!! I was actually going to book with another popular doctor on mon, but he is a bit higher, and your doctor was my first choice. Just waiting for one to contact me...this is happening!! How are you feeling?When did you get banded? I am excited, I just hope this is the tool that works for me....

I was banded on Jan 26, so almost two and a half weeks out now. I have just started the last week of full liquids and I feel really good. I am down 25 pounds since starting the two week pre-op diet.

The first week after surgery you will not have any physical hunger at all. That was very weird for me to not be eating but feeling very full all the time. During the second week, I started to feel a bit hungry.

My incisions are almost all healed now and my energy is back. The first few days you will be very tired. I wish I had stayed an extra day or two longer before coming home to "real" life and taking care of kids etc.

All in all, this was the best decision I have made for myself in years. I do advise you to make sure you have an aftercare doctor set up at home for fills etc before booking your surgery. Once you get home, you really are on your own. OCC has been awesome in answering my questions via email since surgery, but this forum has been my saving grace for information.

Good luck in making your decision!

Dr. Ortiz is wonderful and pretty easy on the eyes too

Take care!

Lisa

I messages you Lisa..

Hello

I am also from Alberta and considering going to Mexico. I have been struggling for years and the more I read on here the more convinced I am that this is right for me. I was looking into International Patients I forget the Drs name. I hope someone reads this who has used this Dr. Sheri Burke is the liaison I spoke with. All and any info would be appreciated.

Hello

I am also from Alberta and considering going to Mexico. I have been struggling for years and the more I read on here the more convinced I am that this is right for me. I was looking into International Patients I forget the Drs name. I hope someone reads this who has used this Dr. Sheri Burke is the liaison I spoke with. All and any info would be appreciated.

Hi Billy Jo, I was banded on March 9th by Dr.Ortiz, I was extremely comfortable, everything went well, fast and proffesional..I wish you the best of luck!!! I was and am very happy with my decision..

Thanx Lannae! Dr Ortiz is with OCC? It seems lots of people on here have used him and had a great experience. I will call them today.

Hi Billy Jo' date=' I was banded on March 9th by Dr.Ortiz, I was extremely comfortable, everything went well, fast and proffesional..I wish you the best of luck!!! I was and am very happy with my decision..[/quote']

Hi Billy I had my lap band done April 14th in Mexico by dr. Jose A. Castaneda Cruz in Puerto Vallarta Hospital CMQ Premiere. They were fanstastic and took better care of me then I have had in the USA . I totally recommend him the cost of surgery was 5,100.00. 1,100 of that went to the hospital. Pull it up on google they take care of everything from picking you up front the airport taking u to and from for blood work and the surgery. They also will take you to the airport when your ready to leave.