I am a 51 year old female who wants to live a long life, Been studying up on lap band for a while. I will have to probably be a self-pay since nobody will insure me at my weight (about 320). Been checking on going to Mexico, although my husband is not to keen on the idea. Has anyone had Dr. Alvarez? I have been in contact with that office, and they seem very helpful.

I'm new to this talk forum thing so bear with me. Thanks, Deb

Hi Deb...i Too Am From Wi. I Live In Cambridge. It's About 20 Minutes From Madison. I Was Self-pay And Had My Surgery With Dr. Erickson In Fort Atkinson,wi. It Cost 17,500. Mexico Is Definately Alot Cheaper. I Can't Help You Out With Your Doc, But I Just Wanted To Welcome Another Wisconsinite To The Lap Band Forum. Good Luck On Your Lap Band Journey, It Is Well Worth It.

Hi Deb, I didn't have my surgery in Mexico but there is a lot of information out there about it. I would post something under Lapband support specific to Mexico if you want more info. Good luck in your journey. It is well worth it.

Hi Deb... I live in Oshkosh Wisconsin but did not have my surgery in Mexico. I would encourage you to make sure there is a surgeon nearby that is willing to handle your after care. My surgeon was Dr. Chua in Milwaukee and he was willing to handle the aftercare of patients that wnet to Mexico for their procedure but only if they went through the entire nutritional and psych eval through his office first. Wishing you all the best with your journey....

Lots and Lots of info on going mexico! there is also a doc in denver that does it for about the same price..... I think it is lapbandrockies dot com or something close... do a search, and I'm sure you'll find your answers!

good luck

Thanks all for the info. I will post a question in the doctor's section of the forum. Julie, sounds like you were exactly where I am now. You are doing great. Hope I can do as well.

hi deb! i'm also from wisconsin-about 45 mn west of the dells area. i am probably going to uw madison to get my band---but i wanted to welcome you to LBT! there's also a wisconsin thread on here-a few of us chat on there, too!

good luck on your journey-keep in touch!

Chubbola, (sorry, didn't see your real name)-was wondering how you were doing on the no smoking....I just had my 1 yr quit anniversary on 1-1-07...so I know it is hard...now just waiting on the rest of my testing to get a surgery date...hopefully late this month or early next....I am in Il -Elgin about 2 hrs from the Dells...spent a few hours up there at Ho-Chunk-bought those Indian kids many moccasins!!! :nervous I had a message from my surgeons office but didn't hear it til too late...may have to wait til Monday....:cry Hvae a great weekend....

Mae

Hi Deb

I, too am from Wisconsin. I will be banded by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver. www.lapbandrockies.com $9950.00. I will have my follow up care with Dean Care in Madison. I think they will do your band for around $13,000.00.

Chubbola, (sorry, didn't see your real name)-was wondering how you were doing on the no smoking....I just had my 1 yr quit anniversary on 1-1-07...so I know it is hard...now just waiting on the rest of my testing to get a surgery date...hopefully late this month or early next....I am in Il -Elgin about 2 hrs from the Dells...spent a few hours up there at Ho-Chunk-bought those Indian kids many moccasins!!! :nervous I had a message from my surgeons office but didn't hear it til too late...may have to wait til Monday....:cry Hvae a great weekend....

Mae

hi mae! i had to laugh when you said that about ho chunk!!! me and my nursing classmates went there after our semester final and they made a load from us!

i'm still smoke free as of 1/6/07! i still can't believe it! i haven't really had a craving for one, except a couple of times after i've eaten-habitually thinking 'better go outside and smoke'...but i didn't give in to the tobacco monster!

talk to you soon~

courtney

my experiance with Dr. Alvarez was a negative one. I would not got to this doctor. I am going to see Dr. Ortiz instead, he's a little more expensive, but worth every penny.

Hi All,

Had my lap-band surgery done in Mexico by Dr.Alvarez on May 31. I have to say I had a great experience there. I though Dr. Alvarez was a very thoughtful and friendly doctor. His coordinators, Susan and Rosie are absolutely great. I had to have a 2 week preop liquid diet. Started at 324 and am now down to 296. I am healing very well. Before I scheduled, I did find a doctor to do follow-up in Superior, WI. Am scheduled for my first fill on July 18. Just wanted to let you know if you want it bad enough, there is always a way to get it done.

Hi Deb! :wave: I'm in Two Rivers, WI...so on the other side of the state Just wanted to welcome you. I don't know anything really about the docs in MX, but many people on here have gone there and are doing great!