Slipped Band... Will Mexico Reposition?

[Kalipso2 25]

i just found out my band has slipped. i was banded in april 2008. my surgeon says that even getting completely unfilled will not cause my band to reposition itself on its own. my choices are to pay $9000 to have the band removed or $4000 to have the band repositioned.

i don't want to lose my band.

does anyone know if a surgeon in Mexico will reposition for a much lower cost?

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Before you even consider going to Mexico, you need to find out if your surgeon at home will continue to treat you after. When you come back you will need considerable follow-up care and if your surgeon refuses to keep you as a patient because a Mexican doctor messed with your band, you could be in big trouble.

Better to be safe than sorry and find out.

Best wishes to you.

[running_scared 125]

I'd get your surgeon at home to do it. I wouldn't go to Mexico for surgery myself.

[SiSSi_829 0]

Please please please!! Don't go to Mexico! Get a 2nd 3rd and even 4th opinion w/ doctors here in the states. My doctor had 2 death ( unfortunately) from Mexico patients. I've heard not only those cases but worse Horror stories about bands and Mexico Drs

[slojo67 125]

I called my surgeon's office, Dr Almanza and they said that he would but it would be full price of 4000.00 (because there may be something wrong with the old band and it would be best to just replace it while they're in there. The number is:1-855-753-3833 if you're interested. I go August 28th for my lb surgery. Like the other member said you would have to be SURE that your surgeon would still do your follow up care. More are these days, but I would make real sure... Keep us posted hope this was helpful.

[slojo67 125]

To the other poster, there have been MANY many successful lab-band surgeries in mexico. you only hear about the negative, and I've not heard of one HORROR story yet been researching mexico surgeries for a year. I'm a nurse and would not go somewhere for anything if I thought my life was in danger. Most complications have been incision site infections and this happens in the states and is usually due to the patient touching the incisions sites with dirty hands. do your own research & from people who have actually had surgery in mexico....

[Kalipso2 25]

i just wonder... mexico or not... will they reband me if i'm under my goal weight? before surgery i was 213, now i weigh 118.

[slojo67 125]

Yea i'm self pay and i'm going to mexico to a surgeon my director of nursing just went to A month ago, no one has ever died from this surgeon. I think people are predjudiced because it's mexico. If we said england or something people would think it was cool. I'm not prejudiced but i am going to save 15,000 or more by going there...

[Kalipso2 25]

i have no problems going to mexico... if it saves me $5000+!

[NWgirl 574]

I think they would do another WLS. I seem to have read about insurance companies paying for re-banding/revisions because they know the only reason you are skinny is because of the band.

[cleescruggs 13]

How do they find out your band has slipped?

[Kalipso2 25]

i was not the best lapband patient. i was in such a hurry to lose weight that i developed an eating disorder (bulimia). i knew i was possibly doing damage to my band but the disease had a hold over me. after months in therapy and some great anxiety medications, i no longer feel the need to purge.

i decided to visit my surgeon since it had been 2 years since i'd had a check up. after telling my story they quickly led me the the fluoro machine and yes, my band had slipped even though i was having no symptoms (pain, vomiting, not being able to eat).

my band (named pauly) has to go. to just remove the band is $4,000. to try to reposition the band is $9,000 and to have the band replaced is $12,000. now you can probably see why i need to go to Mexico. they will replace my band for $4000.

i have talked this over with my surgeon and he will continue to see me as a patient, even after going to mexico. i've just begun my research into surgery in mexico and i have to get my passport renewed, etc. i'm not in any hurry right now... i've given myself 30 days to see if i can maintain my weight without having any Fluid in my band but i need a back-up plan.

that's my story!

[slojo67 125]

Thanks for your story do you see dr curry? I was going to see him when I get back from mexico but i found someone closer. he's awesome they say, anyways, Tijuana mexico is not fancy, but it is clean and they take good care of you. dr almanza is the cheapest, if i were starting this all over i probably would've went with dr ortiz he's not quite as cheap (dr almanza is the cheapest surgeon i've found anywhere), but his facilities are nicer and more people go to him. I'm glad i could help you, if you need anymore help or info on dr almanza let me know. i go aug 28th for surgery...

[Kalipso2 25]

yes, dr. curry did do my surgery and he is a wonderful doctor. i email him all the time and he always responds personally. the only bad thing is that his practice has grown so much, he no longer sees patients after their surgery... he has nurse practitioners that do all the fills, etc.

i'm not necessarily looking for fancy but more clean and hospitable. i don't plan on being there long. i want to be in and out as soon as possible BUT i'll be going alone so i'm not sure how that will affect my travel.

did you go through a company in the US that facilitates the scheduling between you and Mexico? is your hotel in the US? is your surgeon closer to San Diego or el paso?

[slojo67 125]

Stayed at hampton inn in sandiego they pick you up a the airport and take you to the hospital, you stay one night and leave the next moringing. I'ts through Weightlossagents.com they're very helpful. There are places closer to el paso but i don't know anything about them...i'm going by myself (only from San Diego