I have been lurking for awhile but now I'm ready to "take the plunge".I am so impressed with the level of posting about the band experience and the overall knowledge and intelligence of this group. I learned about the lap band only a week ago because of the TV commercials. Since then it's been non-stop research! I am hoping to have the surgery in early January in Monterrey if all goes well. I am self-pay but the big draw is the experience of the Mexican surgeons. I do have a question: How can you be sure that the surgeon you are paying is the one who is doing the procedure? Once you're out, how would you know? This actually happened to me when I had my hysterectomy. I went to great lengths to get a particular surgeon and it turned out he only stuck his head in the OR once or twice. I had a training resident! Sheesh! Anyway, I'm so excited about the possibility of getting to be more healthy. Thanks.

Susan

I went to Monterrey and had a great experience. Just make sure you have a local doc that will provide aftercare. I think when you pay the surgeon for the surgery he will not have someone else perform it. That would be a good question to ask when you are setting up your appointments.

Hi and welcome to LBT! As far as the experience of the Mexican surgeons, I feel you can get just as qualified doctors right here in the U.S. But, everyone has their preferences.

With regards to making sure the surgeon you want is the one who performs your surgery, I would ask them straight out and make my preferences known right up front. If you are paying that kind of money for surgery, then you certainly have the right to determine which surgeon performs your surgery.

Best of luck to you.

One of the first questions I ask my doctor was if he would be doing the surgery. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you might have. If he avoids your questions, then I would go to a different doctor. Good luck!