Hi everyone. I am a newbie researching the lap band. I have decided to have it done in Mexico because I am self pay. I have narrowed it down to Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey and Dr. Rodriguez in Monterrey. I would appreciate any info on any of these docs. Experiences, good or bad. I am currently trying to educate my husband so that he doesn't think I'm trying to go get some illegal procedure down in Mexico. Hopefully he'll come around soon. I look forward to hearing from some of you guys.

edistogirl2602

Tina, I'm sorry I offended. I was laughing at Sue's remark, which was agreeing with what you said about him being arrogant.

Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez attended at my surgery by Dr. Lopez (this was shortly before they parted ways), but I have never really met Dr. Ortiz, so I cannot agree/disagree with anything said about him.

I am, however, in love with Dr. Martinez... He talked to me as I went under - we discussed the dichotomy of the distribution of wealth in Mexico, the arrogance of Americans in general, art, and who knows what else, as I think I dropped off in the middle of a word... lol

He came to check up on me the next day after my surgery, and our conversation was just as pleasant and interesting as the day before.

OH - and besides being well educated, well-spoken, and caring, he is one of the most attractive men I have ever met...

Too bad he's already married to a wonderful cardiologist (who also happened to do all of my cardio testing pre-surgery).

Oh... And I have a boyfriend... I mustn't forget that...

lol

No problems Donali. Those were just remarks that I wasn't expected and was taken a little aback by them and expressed that. I didn't realize Sue and I were going banter back and forth about Ortiz. She's got her reasons. I totally understand that. The original post was about experiences people had with those two doctors and I was simply stating what I observed. If you don't care for arrogance, then Ortiz isn't your guy. I didn't realize it was going to turn into a Ortiz bashing post.

I'll have to agree with you on Dr. Martinez. He's going to make getting a fill a lot more pleasant. He's an absolutely great doctor and very easy on the eyes.

Oh my goodness! I never expected so much drama from a simple question

I can honestly say that I have now taken Dr. Ortiz off my list. Not because of what was said, but because after more research I realized I would be easier and more convienent for me to go to Monterray instead of TJ. I live in Georgia and it's half the continent closer.

I do appreciate all the comments. This is by far the best lap band forum I have been on. I have learned so much in just the few days I have been lurking.

If you would like dr. Arturo Rodriguez number I will mail it to you. He is very nice...also there is patty at www.lapbandinformation.com she is a great girl. I don't know if she gets comission, however, I did like her a lot and she was a wealth of knowlege. BTW Arturo is not the least arogant... and I don't work for him

Thanks Rica. I have already contacted Patti. I've got the ball rolling. I'm excited. I can't wait!

edistogirl2602

You go girl... If you need anything, let me know I will help as much as I can.

Originally posted by edistogirl2602

Thanks Rica. I have already contacted Patti. I've got the ball rolling. I'm excited. I can't wait!

edistogirl2602

I just noticed that you live in GA. Have you already looked at Jaime Ponce of Dalton? He is one of the most experienced US LapBand surgeons and I think (I'm not sure) that he has lowered his prices over the past couple of years.

Just a thought...

I've heard the same thing.. regarding prices and his patients seem to love him.

Originally posted by GeezerSue

I just noticed that you live in GA. Have you already looked at Jaime Ponce of Dalton? He is one of the most experienced US LapBand surgeons and I think (I'm not sure) that he has lowered his prices over the past couple of years.

Just a thought...

I didn't have a very good experience when I contacted his office. But maybe they were just having a bad day :sick

I emailed their group asking a couple of questions about follow up care, mentioning that my wife had arranged her surgery with Dr. Rodgriguez, and I received an long email back from whoever answers their main email address on the BeLighter.com website that was very vicious in its attack on Dr. Rodriguez.

It was filled with some disinformation and some outright lies regarding Dr. Rodriguez's practice and experience.

Maybe she was just in a bad mood that day, and I have read a ton of great things about Dr. Ponce and his experience, but this lady completely turned me off to having anything to do with them.

I am sure Dr. Ponce is very good and have no doubts about him, but he really needs to choose his associates a bit more carefully.

This has become a vicious marketing environment with people slanting truth and some outright lying about other docs, which does more a disservice to the entire community than it helps...and that in my opinion is a sad statement on the ethics of some of these people. They aren't selling used cars for crying out loud.

Just my .02

I think one of the most important things to remember is to do your own research. I know that several have stated that we all have opinions and fortunately, we have a place like this forum where we feel comfortable in sharing those opinions, but this is a life changing decision that every person needs to feel comfortable with.

My husband and I researched every aspect about this surgery before we made our decisions. We researched the different types of bands, we researched U.S. doctors and doctors out of the country, we researched about potential erosion problems and any other problems that could arise. We read every article we could, good and bad about physicians and the surgery.

My husband is a Scientist, so he got into reading the different research studies concerning the band.

All it takes is one person's bad experience to scare the beejevies out of you, but what I found was that for the most part, everyone that chose to go to Mexico to have the surgery had a pleasant experience and the surgeon they chose is thought of very highly.

It's scary making the decision to go to a foreign county to have someone perform surgery on you that's never seen you or you've never seen him. Besides just the pain of traveling in a foreign country where most don't speak english adds to the anxiety.

I think my excitement to have the surgery helped with my anxiety level. I was on a mission! I wanted this surgery and my hope for a better future was able to drown out my fears.

I have no regrets

I did check with Dr. Ponce in Dalton, GA. His was actually the first place I looked into, but the cost is $19,000 as of a few weeks ago when I called. I have considered going to him for follow-up, but I want to find out the cost of that if he didn't do the surgery. If he does the surgery it is $267/fill. I have read on other boards that he charges $600-$900 for fills and that is just too much. It would be alot easier for me to find someone in Augusta or Atlanta. Dalton is a 4 hour drive from where I live.

Aha. Well, some places it's down to $!3,000, but not that I know of in your area.

Tricia,

Aren't there two Dr. Rodriguez's in Mexico doing LapBand? One in Monterrey and one in Ciudad Acuña? Could there have been confusion about which doctor was being discussed? (Or, maybe I'm the only one who thinks there are two Rodriguez's doing this surgery.)

Sue

Just for the record, I AM following this thread but keeping my trap shut for a change. However, I prefer to hear it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Originally posted by GeezerSue

Aha. Well, some places it's down to $!3,000, but not that I know of in your area.

Tricia,

Aren't there two Dr. Rodriguez's in Mexico doing LapBand? One in Monterrey and one in Ciudad Acuña? Could there have been confusion about which doctor was being discussed? (Or, maybe I'm the only one who thinks there are two Rodriguez's doing this surgery.)

Sue

I believe you are correct, I think someone posted on this board about having a "not so positive" surgery with a Dr. Rodriguez, but it wasn't Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey.

As far as the doctor's office in Georgia being confused over which Rodriguez we had mentioned, they were very clear.

The name "Rodriguez" in Mexico is like the Name "Smith" in the U.S. Very common, so I could see where there might be some confusion.

I guess my whole point was for everyone to do their own research. Take people's opinions for what they are. I might have a great experience where someone else might not. But I like to read as much as I can (pro's and con's) about something as serious as having surgery in a foreign country.