I'm not a virgin..............

[tia_1417 1]

:thumbup::scared0: sleever that is...... I had the lapband placed in April 2008. I have lost 19 pounds but gained it all back. My insurance paid for the band but I'm having a hard time getting the doctor to remove the band. The insurance will pay for it, but he's just stubborn. I switched from my original lapband doctor back in June, do you think I can switch to another doctor without the insurance company questioning me?

The two doctors on the top of my sleeve list are:Dr.Aceves and Dr.Alvarez, however I can pay alittle more and see a doctor that's only 20 minutes from home and work. I'm so afraid that I might have complications and I want to be able to go straigh to the doctors if I think anything is wrong. The prices for the sleeves in Texas are really reasonable.

If my doctor still don't want to take out the band should I a.) switch US doctors now and go to Dr.Alanis (his sleeves are only 13.5k and he's the Dr. that's 20 minutes away) or b.) Go to Dr.Aceves, according to Nina he'll take out the band and do the sleeve all in one procedure for 12.5

Advise anyone ppppppppppplllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaasssssssssssseeeee

[Malaika 50]

I think if you're insurance will pay for it, I'd go that route first - if that doesn't work, or you don't have insurance - then I'd go to Dr. Aceves - and yes, he will remove the band and perform the sleeve in one surgery and he's wonderful. I doubt you would have any complications - and he keeps you in the hospital 4 days/3 nights and performs 3 leak tests to help insure that there are no problems before sending you home.

[stoongal 10]

And if money is an issue for you like it was for me, you can have the same procedure done just across the border in Tijuana with Dr. Almaraz for $5000. He also does the three leak tests and keeps you in the hospital for 2 days and in the recovery house for another 2 days. He is A1 in my books and I hear his abilites are compared to a very famous doctor in Mexico, dr. Ponce de leon.< /p>

The risk of any complications are so low and why not check it out at 1 866 806 4286.

And no I am not paid for saying any of this, but have just had a successful sleeve operation there Monday, and one other gentleman was a revision from lapband to sleeve and he did extremely well also.

Worth a look-see.

[shanda7182 5]

Tia,

I was in your shoes a few months ago, trying to decide to go the Mexico route or the local route. After speaking and booking my date with Dr Aceves (who im sure is GREAT), I just could not get the nerve to leave not knowing all of the what ifs, I guess I wanted to feel comfortable that if something had happened that my family could be there and vouch for me. Therefore, I chose to spend the extra money to stay home. The bottom line is: WHAT is most important to you??? That will give you your answer, unfortunately, we all have different experiences, thoughts and financial situations as it relates to having this surgery. I would vouch for Dr Alanis anyday but if you cant afford it, then you may have to go to another skilled surgeon in MX for less money. Its totally up to you.

I guess what im trying to say is, you have to determine what factor is most important to you, in this equation.

I spent a good deal of money but my health is worth it but if I couldnt have spent that money, I would have tried an alternative route. Good Luck:thumbup: