Has anyone had a revision done in Mexico? I had a lapband in the states in 2008 as a cash pay and am strongly considering a revision to a sleeve but can't afford the surgery here in the US and my insurance doesn't cover it. I know it is a more risky surgery to have a revision opposed to just the original surgery and want to get some feedback! If anyone has done a revision in Mexico who was your surgeon, what was the cost and how was your experience?

Thanks!

I havent been sleeved yet and I used to be banded as well. Im not going to Mexico but I have been doing so much research for the past 2 years and I always read and watched so many videos on Dr Alvarez and I thought IF i was going to Mexico Id see him. have you heard of him?

I've had the band since 2010, going to Mexico tomorrow for revision. dr. Ponce de leon and Trish as coordinator. I'll keep you posted.

Hi, I also had my band done in mexico by Dr Ariel Ortiz in 09. I loved the healthcare that I received so much that I went back to get the gastric sleeve 3weeks ago.

This time I used Dr Illan at the Florence Hospital. I needed an affordable doctor who I also trusted and I can strongly recommend Dr. Illan and his team. I had Zero complications and was shopping & hanging out by day 3.

Omar is the coordinator & he goes above and beyond to be just like a "personal assistant" to you while your there! Just putting in my two cents because I also researched doctors and it can be mind numbing to figure out the right one for you ect ect.

As far as my sleeve goes , I can eat and drink anything at 3 weeks out & feel very healthy, over all. When I eat too much it reminds me of the "stuck feeling"w/ a band. I haven't thrown up at all (not even after surgery) and my favorite thing is that I can drink faster and actually gulp water, which I couldn't ever do with the band!!!

Good luck Laura! Please do keep me posted! I'm so desperate to get rid of my band, it is so uncomfortable!

Hi, I also had my band done in Mexico by Dr Ariel Ortiz in 09. I loved the healthcare that I received so much that I went back to get the gastric sleeve 3weeks ago.

This time I used Dr Illan at the florence Hospital. I needed an affordable doctor who I also trusted and I can strongly recommend Dr. Illan and his team. I had Zero complications and was shopping & hanging out by day 3.

Omar is the coordinator & he goes above and beyond to be just like a "personal assistant" to you while your there! Just putting in my two cents because I also researched doctors and it can be mind numbing to figure out the right one for you ect ect.

As far as my sleeve goes , I can eat and drink anything at 3 weeks out & feel very healthy, over all. When I eat too much it reminds me of the "stuck feeling"w/ a band. I haven't thrown up at all (not even after surgery) and my favorite thing is that I can drink faster and actually gulp Water, which I couldn't ever do with the band!!!

Hi Maples,

I also had the lapband and later removed in 2010 due to complication. So in 4 years I have put back all the weight and some more. Now I am seriously considering sleeve as a weight loss option. I am thinking of going to mexico for a revision but still trying to figure out the best doctor. My big concern in leak and other complications which may arise later on due to being a revision surgery. Is your doctor able to care for his patients should some complications arise later on after the surgery?

Baby Girl

I didn't have a revision. Just the sleeve. I was sleeved Sept 27, 2013 in Mexico by Dr. Alvarez. Best care ever. I'm down 121 pounds.

Had a band to sleeve revision in Mexico on April 19, 2014. Wonderful experience. It costs 9 thousand. Here in the states, they wanted 8 thousand just to remove my band. You stay a a hotel in Eagle Pass and the hospital sends a driver to pick you up. She drives you across teh border to the hospital which is one mile away. I met with Dr. Alvarez and was blown away by his bedside manner. He said there was a 50/50 chance I would only be able to do the removal due to scar tissue from teh band. However, Dr. Spivak did my lapband and he is an excellent surgeon. Dr. Alvarex said that my chances went up tremendously. I went upstairs to my room and within 2 hours was in surgery. My surgery lasted about 2 hours with post-op. Surgery was on Saturday and went home on Monday. Dr. Alvarez came and checked on me three times a day and even when I got home he has emailed me.Great experience so far. Down 11.5 pounds today. Feel amazing.

Edited April 28, 201412 yr by hopeotto

Surgery went great, band removed, hernia repaired, and sleeve done. I have minimal pain (only Tylenol at night) and no bruising. I've seen some post op pics that are pretty horrific. I think Dr. Ponce and his team are wonderful. I felt so good I came home two days early from Mexico. Trish, his coordinator was a lifesaver in the communications and transportation department as I went solo! She even took me to a pharmacy to by retin a crème and latisse for my lashes. lol. vain vain, but the savings were amazing. (my bf is convinced I'm putting bat guano on my face and eyes) I would recommend them to anyone.

Hi BbGirl,

I was so depressed when I had to have my band removed. I gained 70lbs in 14 months. Believe me I enjoyed every bite of food but then knew I had no choice but to get the gastric sleeve.

I just felt really good about Dr Illan when I considered his experience, price & over all patient care. I also had a fantastic experience years ago with Dr Ariel Ortiz.

Thankfully, I haven't needed follow up care but I'm sure Dr Illan would FaceTime with me without question. He checked on me several times at the hospital & in the hotel, during my stay. He also doesn't do a ridiculous amount of surgeries per day & was a huge reason I chose him. Good luck & I just went with my gut feeling. Thanks :-)

I had mine done by Dr. Ortiz. It cost me $5,200.00. The sleeve was $4,400.00 and the revision was $800.00. I'm down 25 pounds so far and feel fine.

Hi Maples,

Thanks for ur response. I have sent you a private email as i am also in the process of getting gastric sleeve done. Just wanted to hear from people who have already been thru that phase and how i can better prepare myself. I hope you are okay with that.

BG

Hi BbGirl,

I was so depressed when I had to have my band removed. I gained 70lbs in 14 months. Believe me I enjoyed every bite of food but then knew I had no choice but to get the gastric sleeve.
I just felt really good about Dr Illan when I considered his experience, price & over all patient care. I also had a fantastic experience years ago with Dr Ariel Ortiz.
Thankfully, I haven't needed follow up care but I'm sure Dr Illan would FaceTime with me without question. He checked on me several times at the hospital & in the hotel, during my stay. He also doesn't do a ridiculous amount of surgeries per day & was a huge reason I chose him. Good luck & I just went with my gut feeling. Thanks :-)

I go on 14th of July to Dr. Valenzuela and I am nervous. Hopefully it will be better than band, too many ways to cheat the band and never got restriction again after year one. Though great tool for the first year.

Laura71,

I want Dr Ponce...but can't find the group in which he works with Trish. Who did you book through? Can you give me Trish's contact info?