As you all know, I've struggled and am still struggling over having my surgery done here or in Mexico. Cash I will have to pay even though I have insurance will be about the same either way. Here in the states I seem to be getting the run around. Have waited 2 weeks just to get appointment they haven't even called me back yet from 2 huge hospitals, of course there, lots quicker. Here, 6 month diet, but from what I understand I need the after care I can get here. But, can I not get that here from someone Dr. Ortiz sends me too. I'm so torn, would everyone tell me what they've done.

Thank you so much,

Sherri:help:

Oh I'm with you on Mexico. The care was similar to what I used to give at Mayo. At Mayo you don't wait an hour for a nurse. If you do, the nurse won't be returning the next day for a shift.

I used my call light twice in the two days I was there. Once was when I busted open my IV and blood and fluids were going everywhere and I just didn't have enough hands to fix it myself. Another time was for a sleeping pill. Both times, they were there in less than a minute. I'd say 30 seconds max.

They are very much into touch therapy too. If they are speaking to you, they have their hand on your arm or shoulder. Docs don't tower over you, they sit on the edge of your bed. They always make it a point to be at eye level vs. standing so the intimidation thing isn't there.

If a nurse comes to check on you they don't just stand at the door and yell, "Do you need anything?" The female nurses will come over to you, lean over a little, put her hand on your arm and ask how you are doing and can they get you anything. Very motherly.

Men are SUCH gentlemen! I couldn't believe it. I went for a check up a couple of weeks after surgery and I was outside after the appt and my doc happened to be going to his office. His office was just around the corner, way too short to drive. He asked if I wanted to come along (we were at the hospital). I wanted to see his office so I did. I had forgotten some of the old time "gentleman" rules. We had to cross a street, turn corners, etc. He kept changing positions so he was always between me and the street. Crossing streets meant he would hold my arm while we crossed.

When I was in the hospital and was getting various tests such as barium swallows, etc., it wasn't a transporter or nurse (as in the US) that came to get me, my doc escorted me everywhere.

It wasn't just him, it was everyone. There is a pharmacy across the street from the hospital there and I wanted to stock up on Tylenol, etc., since it is so much cheaper there. I was crossing the street and a man I didn't even know rushed to take my arm since I was crossing the street. At first I didn't know what the heck he was doing and I'm sure the expression on my face made that clear. He motioned to go ahead and cross, no cars were coming. I have no clue who he was. As soon as we crossed the street he let go of my arm and went his own direction. When it comes to simple manners there is a WORLD of difference between the US and Mexico.

The hospital was shining, it was so clean when newbies talk of going there I always tell them to get non-skid slippers for walking because the floors are so clean and waxed that if you aren't careful, I can see how someone would fall on their butt and look like a butt.

When I took my friend for surgery if I went to the nurses station to get something (ice, pillow, etc.) and especially if it was a male nurse if he saw me coming he would hurry and walk to me so I didn't have to go the whole 20 feet to ask my question.

If I had any complaints at all it was that they came to check on me too often. Between my doc, his staff, and the hospital staff they never left me alone. But if that is my biggest complaint, I'll deal with it. LOL

I had it done in the states. My doctor takes what ever the insurance gives an dosen't come after me for more. No regrets. My care was wonderful, the hospital and nurses were fantastic. I stayed at Centra State in Freehold, NJ. Nurses were right there when you needed them. Care was thorough. They made me stay through 2 "meals" to make sure i could handle them with no issues. So, surgery was at 915 am, and i went home 6:00 pm the next day.

I am happy for you. My local doctors were/are unable to compete by price. The local care stinks, and they do not have a good past. It a long way to go to Mexico, but I was able to get great care while I could still take a breath.

I had my surgery done in Monterrey, Mexico, too...but I went to Dr. Arturo Rodriguez. He has an excellent team and I have no complaints. Four of us went and had surgery the same day and none of us have any complaints. Two of us stayed in a brand new Courtyard Marriott while the other two stayed at the Quinta Real. (5* hotel) Both were very nice...all transportation provided, English speaking surgery team and nurses, etc... and MUCHO LESS $$$ !

No trouble finding local doctors willing to do fills in the KC Metro area. Just called around for best prices. (and they do vary alot!) Good luck!!!

:whoo::mad: :mad: :clap2:

My doctor said it can be hard to find a doctor in the US that will do the fills on a patient from Mexico. He even said that he's heard of people returning from surgery in Mexico only to have a port - no band! Of course, he might have been trying to insure I would chose to have my surgery with him! I know this, I paid more, but I felt very comfortable knowing my doctor was right here in Las Vegas if I needed him!

My doctor said it can be hard to find a doctor in the US that will do the fills on a patient from Mexico. He even said that he's heard of people returning from surgery in Mexico only to have a port - no band! Of course, he might have been trying to insure I would chose to have my surgery with him! I know this, I paid more, but I felt very comfortable knowing my doctor was right here in Las Vegas if I needed him!

LOL! Next time ask your doctor for specifics. Doctors in MX have been doing bands a LOT longer than those in the US. Sounds like your doctor was getting afraid he was going to lose a patient. Maybe he believes in the stories of people losing their kidneys in MX too

There's a Fill Centers USA in Las Vegas for fills and other problems that might arise would/could be handled by your family doctor.

I just had surgery August 13 with Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey, Mexico! Cost was only $7,700 ... we got a little discount for having more than one having surgery at the same time...four of us to be exact..all on Monday...all doing G-R-E-A-T!!!! Don't be nervous..they take VERY good care of you!

:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Oh yeah,...I forgot to say that we have had no problem what-so-ever finding doctors in our area who will take us for follow-ups and fills.

:whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo:

LOL! Next time ask your doctor for specifics. Doctors in MX have been doing bands a LOT longer than those in the US. Sounds like your doctor was getting afraid he was going to lose a patient. Maybe he believes in the stories of people losing their kidneys in MX too

There's a Fill Centers USA in Las Vegas for fills and other problems that might arise would/could be handled by your family doctor.

Hear hear!

There are three new newbies with infected ports posting just in the last few days and guess what? They were all banded in the US and all three came home from the hospital already infected so it wasn't the poster's fault. Does that mean all US surgeons are bad?

I was so excited when I came home from Mexico, I got to keep BOTH my kidneys AND my liver! HA!

Mexico for sure. The US Health care system has gotten out of hand with the malpractice suits & all the people that just don't pay their bills so any charges for the rest of us are outrageous! Plus, the surgeons in Mexico are so personable. I have been getting complete e-mail support from mine all the way. They just seem to be more availalbe. When my husband had orthopaedic surgery here we never saw the surgeon let alone have his e-mail or cell...here it is office hours only or emergency line. I have complete confidence in Mexican doctors & facilities & there are tons of complications here everyday too. As far as the Lap Band, Dr. Lopez Corvala was in there when I had surgery. He has WAY more bands under his belt than any of the US doctors & is actually an instructor here in the States as the process is much newer here.

I had mine in the US and I was self pay. I would not have gone to Mexico for reasons of possible complications. That is the main reason. One of the good things about using my doctor is that I have free fills for 18 months and support groups every month. If you choose Mexico you should consider adding up the costs of the fills and adding that to your cost of the surgery. You may not save as much as you thought. If your US cost is going to be about the same after your insurance pays I would consider all the after surgery appointments, research doctors and choose a good one in the US.

Another thought. Once a doctor has done hundreds of bands I do not think it matters who taught him. Research the doctor you are thinking about. Experience does not always mean good.

When I recently had to have my band removed, it was shocking how many people said "Why in the world would you go to MEXICO?!". Well, first and foremost is that my doctor has done thousands of lapbands and has taught many of the doctors in the states. Why go to the student if you can go to the teacher? The care there was like the "rich folk" experience - 4 of us and and 2 nurses 24 hours a day. Huge comfy rooms, we stayed overnight, doctor gave us so many numbers to call if there was a problem that he even gave us his own personal cell phone number.

BTW, when I was forced to have my band removed, the surgeon, who gave me a VERY stern lecture about having a band at all "You don't put foreign objects in your body" said it was one of the best placed bands he'd ever seen. I also had no problem getting a doctor to see me locally for any issues though I choose to fly back to TJ for all but the emergency issue (see my thread in the "Life after lap band removal" for more info on that).

I am hoping in a year or so I will be allowed to get another lapband. If so, I will be back with Dr. Ortiz :biggrin:

It took me a while to decide whether to have the procedure done in Mexico or the US. But I did it on January 12, 2008 in Tijuana, Mexico. I had the surgery done by Dr. Contreras Guarista at the Versalles Center. The place was amazingly clean and beautiful. But above all of that, the doctor really put me at ease. The entire staff was great. I love that place. It was the best decision I have ever made.

A friend of mine had hers done in Mexico. She has had complications. She has not been able to find a doctor in VA that will touch her for the fill. Her insurance wouldn't cover the surgery which is why she went to Mexico. Her words to me when I told her I was looking to have it: Don't go to Mexico. I was lucky and my insurance covered it.