Newbie needs advice.

pati-o · November 5, 2004

Hello all,

I'm Pati, I've been reading all of the posts I can for two weeks, and am ready to be banded:)

Here's where I need everyone's advice. After checking with my insurance co. and finding out that they will NOT ever cover this procedure, I've decided that I have to go to mexico for my surgery. I've spoken with Sylvia who is (I assume) a rep. for Dr. Kuri. I was very comfortable with everything she said about Dr. Kuri, and would definately consider him to perform my surgery. I am a part time R.N. and mom of 4 small children, so each and every dollar is pinched at our house. I will have to finance the ENTIRE amount. My questions are about who/where is the best place for my dollar to go to. (Hope this makes sense). I am not trying to be a cheapskate, but want the best Dr. with the best package price who is going to do the best job. Can anyone give me advice on this one?

Thanks so much!

Pati

New Hope · November 5, 2004

Have you checked mexicanbandsters.com ?

La_madam · November 5, 2004

Dr Kuri is a very experienced surgeon..he is very kind and caring to his patients, His aftercare is very good too..Chosing him you get the best of both worlds, you get a very experienced band doctor and the price is right... I have heard all good things about him. He has a yahoo group..it is called Original Southern California Bandsters most if not all of the members have been banded by Kuri and will be very helpful to you.

live2canoe · November 5, 2004

Dr. Kuri performed my surgery. I'm a single mom, and had to finance my surgery, too.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Kuri to anyone considering this surgery. Dr. Kuri performs fills for free to his patients. I just went to Tijuana last week for my first fill. THe flouro equipment at the lab he normally uses was not working, so I met him at his office. The fill was very fast, and painless. Since it was my first fill, he wanted to be sure of the level. He took me in his car and chauffeured my to another flouro lab so he could 'see' my band and my fill.

What a sweetie! Can you imagine a US doctor doing that?

One of the things to keep in mind when deciding on this surgery and the surgeon is the cost of the fill. Although Dr. Kuri will do the fill for free, I have to fly to San Diego, get a hotel room for a night (the flights don't work to get in and out the same day) and taxi/trolley fares to Tijuana.

This last trip cost almost $400, and I'll have to go again here very shortly. Dr. Kuri does not want to risk his patients being over-filled, so he likes to 'sneak-up' on the fill level. I was hoping for the 'perfect' first fill - no such luck. I'll be like everyone else, and it will take at least 2 or 3 fills. That's another $800-$1200.

Just something to keep in mind since we're all on a budget.

P.S. - If I win the Power Ball - I pledge to fly all Mexican banded patients on this board to San Diego for a fill/bash in Tijauna.

California Dan · November 5, 2004

I have researched the Lap Band Surgery for approximately 5 month now and I decided to get banded by Dr. Kuri. After exhausting all boards and search engines on the Lap Band surgery and the many US and Mexican doctors available. This is why I chose Dr. Kuri to perform my surgery on December 14, 2004:

1.Experience: [/b] Approximately 12 years performing the Lap Band surgery.

2.Convenience: Being from California he is 3 hours away and I can always go see him in case of an emergency.

3.Reliable: Dr. Kuri chooses not to travel so much, therefore he is available most of the time.

4.Reputation: I have searched most if not all the search engine, Lap Band Forums and spoken to many who had surgery with him, (Not one complain or negative comment).

5.Affordability: There are cheaper and more expensive surgeons and he is price just right for my budget.

6.Follow Up: Dr. Kuri has a reputation for being a caring doctor, He participates in support groups here in California (Whenever he has the chance). He also throws a party once a year and all his banded patiences are invited.

7.Fills: Dr. Kuri does not charge for fills or adjustments and if you need a flouro the x-ray clinic only charges $50. Many doctors charge over $200 for fills here in the states and don’t even have half the experience that Dr. Kuri has.

8.Online support: Dr. Kuri has an online support group were hundreds of banded and pre-banded individuals support each other and all questions are answer. I have not seen a busier support group yet.

This are the main reasons I chose Dr. Kuri and as you can see it works for me.

momhappe1 · November 5, 2004

If you have only asked you insurance once and were denied. All I can say is if they just do not cover the surgery at all, then go the way you are looing into, other words... keep pushing the insurance company. It took me a year to get them to do it. But they did, I just had to pay my co pay.

If they do do it just say that you do not qualify, ask them why. Usually it is that you are not heavy enough and do not have a co morbid disease. This was my problem. Well I went and had a sleep study done and have sleep apnea and then after my insurance got the results from that they approved me for the surgery right away.

I had also let my do know over the years all of the diets that I have been on. Thank god as this was all in my medical files and showed that I had been trying for years.

Good luck to you!

WillPower · November 5, 2004

what does it cost in Mexico???

roro33 · November 5, 2004

my insurance company wouldn't pay, we own our business, fortunately,i was able to switch insurance and have insurance pay......what really kicks me is,,, cost of surgery was something crazy like $17,000 insurance only paid like $3000.00 and that was considered paid in full, not fair... insurance only pays 1/4, but out of pocket pays almost $20,000....but whatever you do,,,, don't go on just what it costs, make sure you get plenty of references....... there are a lot of nuts out there....