Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Just wondering why so many go to Mexico for banding?



Recommended Posts

Bettina,

I'll have those names for you in no time at all, Dr Ortiz gave me a list but I didn't need it. I'll call him no problem (he's in surgery now), then you and Dody can call them all to confirm. I know exactly what a psychic vampire is and she has posted numerous negative responses on this thread. She brought up Penni more than once throughout this thread to try to justify her mexico bashing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded in Mexico, my surgeon was trained in Mexico. I went because my insurance wouldn't help me get banded at home, and 2 years ago, I couldn't find anyone to do it for less than 20 grand and a year of other diet related medical hoops to jump through that my insurance wasn't going to cover.

I researched for a long time, checked references, spoke with dozens of previous american patients that had used my surgeon, and felt very comfortable with my decision. I wish I had local aftercare, but I have to go to Tijuana for that.

The cost isn't all that expensive for the flight, the hotel and the fill considering they use fluoro. The nearest doc to me who does fills won't see a midband let alone mexico patient, but charges $1000 for a fill with fluoro, plus you pay a fee to the hospital for the fluoro service. I can get to mexico and back in 2 days with a fill and fluoro for under $700 total. I am a very fortunate bandster with no complications to date. I'm a fairly smart cookie, do my homework and choose what I believe will best for myself based on my situation...Mexico for me was a smart choice.

It may not be a better choice for someone else, everyone has to make their own decision based on their own personal cirmcumstances. For folks who have difficulty getting time off or away for trips below the border, health conditions that require more frequent follow up or insurance that covers lapband services really would be wise to consider a local surgeon.

There are good and bad docs all over the globe. Research, ask questions, consider all your options, then choose what's best for you overall.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The nearest doc to me who does fills won't see a midband let alone mexico patient, but charges $1000 for a fill with fluoro, plus you pay a fee to the hospital for the fluoro service. I can get to mexico and back in 2 days with a fill and fluoro for under $700 total.

I can't believe the amount that some Drs will charge for a fill. I set up my aftercare Dr before my trip to TJ and he only charges $100 a fill with fluoro. At least you get a small trip every fill (Hmmm maybe I should have considered telling my husband that I had to go back to TJ since San Diego was so beautiful).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to Mexico for a number of reasons. First...Insurance didn't cover it. Ok...I make a more than decent living so i could afford to go to a local doc and pay out of pocket. But in investigating docs in Mexico because of info from this site I found that I actually trusted Dr. Sanchez more than the docs here. No one had the same experience with placing the band than Dr. Sanchez, and his rate of complication was WAY lower than those of the local docs. the man has placed over 6000 bands. that is more than any other doctor I have heard of. The hospital he practices out of is also one of the nicest in mexico, and honestly was nicer than any hospital I have been to here in the states. I even gave birth in a hospital rated the #3 hospital in the country, and the hospital in mexico was nicer than that one. I felt totally at ease, the surgery went well, everything was taken care of and I couldn't be happier. I have chosen a doctor here to get my fills done, and I get my first fill on the 6th of september. It is with Flouro, and the cost is only $200. bonus!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Bettina,

I'll have those names for you in no time at all, Dr Ortiz gave me a list but I didn't need it. I'll call him no problem (he's in surgery now), then you and Dody can call them all to confirm. I know exactly what a psychic vampire is and she has posted numerous negative responses on this thread. She brought up Penni more than once throughout this thread to try to justify her Mexico bashing.

Hi, from Sylvia Brown with fangs!! Penni was only brought up as an example of why I wouldn't go to Mexico along with a number of health problems. I merely read Penni's journal and saw what she had been through and said I'm not going there...my decision. Like I said my surgeon is black so I see absolutely no reason to say I'm bashing anyone....this thread should be closed down for the direction it is taking for sure. I now have one more person to add to the Ignore list. I didn't bash anyone's choices at all...show me where I did?????? It just simply isn't for someone with multiple health problems and neither is this dirt being thrown around. I could personally care less who choses to go to Mexico...I just did'nt.

Enough of fighting with invisible faces and personalities.

I hope Bettina shares all those names :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Quote by Dody dated 7-24-06

I was banded last Tues. and I am able to swallow pills or eat anything with absolutely no problem. Is this normal? I realize I have no fill, but I feel absolutely no restriction and am quite hungry. I have skipped from liquids and pureeds to solid foods with absolutely no problem. Is this normal? Somehow I thought I would know the band was there, but I don't. Except for the soreness I would never know I had it in there. Has anyone else been able to eat anything they wanted or suffered from hunger. I only ate once today, but I don't think what I ate was on my menu in any way, shape or form. Any help would be appreciated.
__________________

If I knew how to hyper-link I would have cause the thread is interresting

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can't believe the amount that some Drs will charge for a fill. I set up my aftercare Dr before my trip to TJ and he only charges $100 a fill with fluoro. At least you get a small trip every fill (Hmmm maybe I should have considered telling my husband that I had to go back to TJ since San Diego was so beautiful).

Glad you liked OUR area. My horses are stabled in San Diego :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Quote by Dody dated 7-24-06

__________________

If I knew how to hyper-link I would have cause the thread is interresting

Sorry thought you were talking about this thread. I'm a mo. out and eating whatever I want....dr's. permission. He told me from the start if I could swallow my pills to take them, and I have. He also moved me along very fast to solids withoiut a bit of trouble on my part. I've never as much as had a gas pain...if you would like to check all the links you will find I've NEVER had anything to complain about. I got excited finding my port for sure, but that is about it. I was simply curious how fast people more along.

I could ask the same...why don't lots of Mexican bandsters have a pre-op diet. Some are eating and drinking up till the night before surgery? I don't see you questioning that doctor's methods.

Have a great day. I'm through with this thread killer anyway....won't be back so carry on all day and fight with each other, because you won't have me to fight with. :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The problem here stems from lack of respect for other posters' opinions and not following the LBT "Forum and Posting Rules." In case you haven't seen them, or have forgotten them, or are becoming senile and need a quick refresher course, I have copied them below.

This is a valid topic, and an interesting thread, but I suggest everyone read the rules, paying particular attention to #1.

Sorry to join the gang up Dody, but you frequently represent your opinions as truths.

They are also working on a way that the band can't be penetrated...a new wrapping of types. No Mexican dr. is involved in this testing I can assure you.

Do you know this from research or by experience? Or is this just your opinion?

You have the habit of announcing your intention of leaving a thread because you just can't be bothered anymore. Sadly, it seems you can't stick to that resolve. If this thread is heading in a disagreeable direction, change the direction by changing your attitude, or leave it.

There's a contagious bout of "last word syndrome" going around. The only way to avoid contracting it, is to walk away.

LBT Forum and Posting Rules

<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->*********************

Forum Rules

Although the administrators and moderators of LapBandTalk.com - Lap Band Talk Forum will attempt to keep all objectionable messages off this forum, it is impossible for us to review all messages. All messages express the views of the author, and neither the owners of LapBandTalk.com - Lap Band Talk Forum will be held responsible for the content of any message.

By agreeing to these rules, you warrant that you will not post any messages that are hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws.

The owners of LapBandTalk.com - Lap Band Talk Forum reserve the right to remove, edit, move or close any thread for any reason.

Posting Guidelines

1. Don't report other people's experiences as truth. Share your own experiences, thoughts, opinions, theories at will.

2. Attack the idea, not the person. Basic online etiquette.

3. When posting, please show respect. We all deserve it.

4. Please take the really personal discussions to PM or e-mail.

5. Moderators will take a hands-off approach in general. The owners of LapBandTalk.com - Lap Band Talk Forum reserve the right to remove, edit, move or close any thread for any reason.

6. If you have a concern about a post, alert the moderators by using the Report Bad Post button. It's at the top of every post (the exclamation point in the triangle)

<!-- / message -->

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

DonnaB thank you for reposting the guidelines and rules. I find it rather strange that my name keeps coming into a conversation that I wasn't invited into. Rather Strange indeed!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have a great day. I'm through with this thread killer anyway....won't be back so carry on all day and fight with each other, because you won't have me to fight with. :(

I'm sorry to anyone else that may have thought I was arguing with them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

DonnaB thank you for reposting the guidelines and rules. I find it rather strange that my name keeps coming into a conversation that I wasn't invited into. Rather Strange indeed!!

Not at all - I suspect that you got dragged into this particular post because you and Lisa Bones are practically the "poster children" for Mexican lapband patients with complications. Since we ARE in this thread: Did your new doctor tell you (if it was possible to know for sure) if your band problems occurred due to problems with its placement? Or did your body just not like it being there? Or was it something else entirely?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×