A co-worker, pal of mine is thinking about getting the band (I was originally going to get it but our choices in Alaska are limited and I didn't want to travel). She's looking at getting it in Mexico. She was looking at the website for Dr. Joya but was unsure because it seems so easy and doesn't know much about him. Obviously his website is all sunshine and roses, but... well, you know how that goes. :cool:

So what do people know about him? Is he good? What about his facility? We'd appreciate any feedback you can provide.

Thanks muchly!

Hi Vickums. I had looked into Dr. Joya, along with a bunch of other Mexican surgeons. I ultimately decided with Dr. Ortiz. Here is another thread about Dr. Joya.

http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=20942

I had my band placed by Dr. Joya on March 17th 2006. I had a great experience. The facilities are very clean and everybody there is great.

-Michelle

Hijack warning:

Wow Vickums, I remember you...Alaska...it's been a loooong time! Whatever happened, did you get banded? Another surgery? Please update!

Back to topic!

Thanks for the info. I directed her toward a couple of different places and last I saw her she had a bunch of reading material she'd printed out and was plowing through. Thanks, you guys are awesome as usual.

To answer your question, though, nope I didn't get banded. I opted to have gastric bypass surgery (proximal) and it's gone very well. I have no side effects, and I don't even dump very much. There are very few foods I can't eat, I just eat smaller amounts, and I've lost 130 pounds since April of 2005. I just didn't trust the one doc here who does bands to do it and I had the other WLS doc in town do my bypass and he did a stellar job.

I'm feeling good, working hard at work (L&D and mother baby nursing), and have no regrets, other than doing it sooner.

I'll have to see how everyone here is doing. I wish you all the very best.

I am also from Alaska, NICU RN. I had surgery by Dr. Joya and would do it over in a heart beat. Totally impressed with him, his team and the facilities. Being an RN I was leary of going to another country to have surgery, but all worries put to ease as soon as started making arrangements with Dr. Joya's services. I have a local fill Dr. who is awesome, he has no problems taking mexico pts, like the main WLS surgeon does. If your co-worker wants to contact me and ask questions give her my email paulandterri@clearwire.net .

My experience was really bad with Dr. Joya. I had some sort of "bleeder" during the surgery and woke up super dizzy and sick. They had to go back in and fix it....and then they charged me 1800 bucks for their screw up. I'm sure some are happy, but I ended up with a bad port infection that led to my band being removed three months later. Be careful and choose wisely please!!

Sheila

Las Vegas

BMI was barely 35 at surgery

with no other health issues

Terri I'm a RN, too. L&D and Mother Baby -- as is my co-worker. I'll definitely let her know your experiences, and I know she was going to contact Dr. Jones about fills as well.

I'm glad it went so well!

I live in North Kansas City MO and would like to know what Dr.s are available in this area for the lap banding. Any information would be greatlly appreciated.

Thanks,

Janabelle