I've been impressed by what I've read about Dr. Rumbaut and his team in Monterrey, MX. My insurance does not cover lap band surgery. I've ruled out Roux-en-y due to the radical nature of the surgery and lifestyle changes.

I called all the major providers in Minnesota (Allina, Park Nicollet, Fairview, Mayo) and none of them will treat a lap band patient who isn't their own. In fact, the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester doesn't even perform lap band surgery. The person I spoke with said, "the doctors here are not convinced of the benefits". Hmmm.... this is the same place where foreign dignitaries fly to for medical care. Rather disconcerting.

The operation in Minnesota costs $35,000. Rumbaut charges $10,600. I'd be willing to go forward with it if I could find someone within 150 miles to provide fills, aftercare, etc.

This to me is the biggest obstacle in the way.

WalleyeK, have you been in contact with Dr.Rumbaut staff about this issue? Contact his team via email and I bet you get a response as to who you can visit with for fills in your area.

I had my lapband done in Crosby, They are less than $35,000. Crosby is north of Brainerd. I am happy with the whole process so far. Feb. 24, 2006 is when I had the band put in...

I was banded by Dr Kuri in Mexico,you might want to look into his services also.He was highly recommended by alot of people.I researched and researched and only found good things said about him,so I decided to go with him for my band.His cost was $8995.

Good luck.

Lisanjason,

Hi, I have been considering Dr. Kuri also, how did everything go for you? would you recommend Dr. Kuri? How did you find the thrir little hospital to be?did dr Kuri do your fills? Where do you live?? I am in Utah and thinking it wouldn't be to bad to go back for fills if you don't have to get them too often. Rett

Hi Rett,

Sorry took so long to respond,haven't been online for a while.Anyways everything went good with my banding with Dr Kuri.My sister was banded by him 6 weeks ago.So yeah I do recommend him as a competent banding Dr.The new Hospital is beautiful,looks kind of like a fancy hotel.I loved it.Dr Kuri did do both of my fills so far,but I've heard that his partners sometimes do the fills.I live in San Jacinto Ca.Dr Kuri's fills are free for life but there is a charge for fills with flouro which is,from what I understand ,the way he highly recommends them to be done,so I figure each fill is $70.00 (the cost of flouro).When do you plan on having surgery?

Lisanjason,

Hi, I have been considering Dr. Kuri also, how did everything go for you? would you recommend Dr. Kuri? How did you find the thrir little hospital to be?did dr Kuri do your fills? Where do you live?? I am in Utah and thinking it wouldn't be to bad to go back for fills if you don't have to get them too often. Rett

Dr. Ikramuddin at the U of M Fairview has worked with Mexico patients in the past.

His number: 612/625-8446

Good luck!

Megan