Hi everyone! My name is Amber and I will be going to Mexico to have surgery with Dr. Alamanza-Reyes in February of 2013 after I get my taxes. I am extremely excited to be getting banded. I'm a little nervous about going to Mexico because of the violence going on though. I am looking for stories from others about going and what happened, etc. Also, did piercings have to be removed?

Any other information would be appreciated....

Thank you!

mylapbandjourney.ning.com

I tell a full story with many pics.

I am another DR Almanza patient. Again...no problems here. I am a nurse so I went in after doing lots of research. There are certainly those on this forum who are negative of any Mexico surgery experience, but they weren't there were they? My surgery was 3200$ not including airfare. I was banded 6/12/12- and have had no problems with my aftercare. I arranged for it PRIOR to my travels. If you have any questions please feel free to message me.

Hi Dr. Almanza did my lap band over bypass in December, 2012. No regrets I hadn't first fill yesterday , I found a center here in Vegas, the only thing I can say is I would do it again. The staff was great and the dr. To, do keep me posted on your success.

I am also seriously looking at surgery with Dr. Almanza. I will be having lap-band over gastric bypass. Of course, my family is freaking out that I am going to Mexico to have this done and think something terrible is going to happen. I am grateful that this forum is available to read the positive stories. Is there anything special I need to know or take that hasn't already been explained?

It's fine in Mexico. You don't have enough time to go looking for trouble, and the hospital and hotel and shuttle are all very safe. Bring one person for support if you want, but it's not necessary. Everyone having surgery is very nice and supportive too. You don't need a lot of extra cash. The check-list it's all you need. I wish I had remembered my swimsuit for the night before surgery. There was a pool and hot tub at my hotel. I had surgery 3 weeks ago, I had some pretty awful nausea, but I'm feeling much better now, and losing weight.

I am trying to choose a Doctor. Isn't Dr. Alamanza at Jerusalem Hosp, which I have read is in a strip mall? I really would like to hear more detailed experiences about this place.. Any info is appreciated greatly!

Before getting banded in Mexico, it's imperative you do two things

-Find out what size band they are going to use. Too often they are still using the old 4cc band in Mexico. It's been discontinued in the US and Europe because of the very high complication rate but unfortunately in Mexico it's still used to keep costs down because they can buy them cheap. Make sure you are NOT getting an old 4cc band.

-Make sure you have a local surgeon to treat and fill you before you get the surgery. Very often this is a major problem because a lot of surgeons won't touch a patient banded in Mexico. Some will and do, but it's very important you have one lined up before you get the surgery.

I was banded twice with Dr Ortiz. Once in Oct 2008 and again this past Dec. He is the only doctor I trusted to re-band me. And I have a fill doctor here in Atlanta who totally respects Dr Ortiz. I had a great experience both times.

mylapbandjourney.ning.com

I tell a full story with many pics.

ugh I cant find your story. I'm scared not about going but about how it will be after. I will follow the diet they gave me and I have a doc here to do fills is there anything else I should know or what I should do to prep myself. I go 9/3/13 and have to be on the per op diet for 3 day before surgery. if you get there and get your blood work finished is there anything else to do other then sit in the hotel and count down the minutes and seconds till your wheeled into the OR. thank you for any and all info.