When I was preparing for my band it never occured to me to go out of the states to have it done. I went to the same guy my aunt did and payed a large sum as I was self pay. But for those who go out of the states anywhere, europe, mexico wherever, IF something were to go wrong, what would the recourse be? Here in the states I know we have laws and malpractice and so on, but what if you are going out of country? I am not trying to start a war of stateside or across the border, I am just plain curious. Thanks in advance

There was probably not much recourse. But that's a risk we were willing to take if it meant we could have a band. For me, if I hadn't gone to Mexico, I would have NEVER gotten a band.

Consider yourself fortunate for having the money to do a self-pay in the states.

I too would never be able to be banded. I was ok with taking the chance since Dr Ortiz has less than 1% of people that have any kind of problems.

Stacy

These are good things to know. I did not have any 6 month pre-op here in the states, I had a 2 week pre-op where I was told to try and lose 10lbs to reduce the fat on the liver. If I had failed it would have been no big deal but possibly a little longer in recovering. I know some docs can be sadistic in what they require, mine is actually humane and very understanding and sympathetic to our plight. I guess I lucked out. But honestly it was my parents that paid for the surgery, we couldn't afford it in a million years, and they would have never paid for an out of country surgery, they'd have been too worried about me. All they have ever heard is horror stories so who could blame them. I was wondering about this in case I ever want to refer someone out of country or if I ever need a revisio of some sort that I can't afford here as parents can't help a second time. Thanks for answering everyone, I am glad to hear of the short term insurance that can be purchased :eek:

Hmm, I was told by my surgeon that the fattier the liver the harder it would be to work around cause they actually lift the liver during the surgery. The fattier the liver the more difficult and the more chances that the liver could bleed. I naturally assumed that a bleeding and bruised liver could make you feel a bit crappier for a bit longer than normal. Maybe I am wrong in assuming that, but I do know that there is a chance for the liver to bleed from them lifting it to get around it during the surgery.