Hi all! I've been trolling around in this forum for about a week now... It's the best on I've found online... everyone is so supportive and friendly! I'm glad to be a part of it.

I'm in Michigan and just got back from a bariatric seminar at Beaumont Hospital in the Detroit area. I knew this already but they told me again that you need a BMI of 40+ if you want the band. (Or 35+ with complications, but I have no complications.) Anyway I really want to be banded but my BMI is 39. It would only take about 10 more pounds to qualify...

Should I just eat more so I can gain the weight by the time I meet with the doctor lol?? Seems kind of like cheating, but heck, I'll probably gain the weight anyway in the next year or so, if I continue at my current pace.

I know that Europe is a long haul flight for you guys, but the costs in the US and Mexico, seem astronomical!

I had my band fitted in Paris the cost was 4500Euro.($6005!)

My surgeon sees quite a few USA citizens and fits them with the Lapband so they can find a fill doctor when they get back home.

Even with the flights and hotel accomodation it would surely come out less expensive, if you can spare the additional time... I would recommend an extra week in Paris post op to recover and enjoy the world's most beautiful City!

yea if your bmi is higher than 30, i believe, he'll preform surgery. Dr. Ortiz's website is www.obesitycontrolcenter.com you can request some info. I'm having surgery this coming monday, once i'm back i'll let know how my experience went. I'm sure it'll go smoothly i've heard a lot of great things.

I'm self pay so paying 8500 was way better than the 15000+ it costs in the U.S.

Great luck to you! You are a week ahead of me with Dr. Ortiz - I wish you ease and peace and loss!! :clap2:

I had a BMI of 36. I was banded 3/19 in Monterrey< Mexico by Dr. Zapata. It cost me $6990 plus airfair but that was their cheapest price. They have other options that include airfair, free fills for life and etc. I had absolutely no problem except for the language barier outside of the motel and hospital. The price includes motel, pick up at airport, motel, hospital. The website is www.ready4achange.com.