If you were banded in Mexico please tell me about your experience. Did everything go as expected? Any surprises? Were you able to find a local doctor in the U.S. to do your fills? Was saving the money worth the trip? I am pre-op and will have to self pay for surgery. I would just like to hear the Pro's and Con's about Mexico. Thanks

I already responded on your other thread.

Hi

I was banded a little over a month ago in Mexico. Dr A. Rodriguez in Monterrey, MX. IT was a wonderful experience. Trust me I was soooo hesitant and worried. But 2 friends of mine had theirs done by him with great success. As far as finding a dr here. I am in Washiongton and there are 4 drs. within a 40 mile radius that will do the continued care.

I am glad I did it. I never could have afforded the surgery (12800)plus that labs (1-5000). But I paid 8400.00 plus air fare 500.00.

The journey has begain!!

Best decision of my life. Dr. Zapata/Dr. Sanchez, Monterrey Mexico. 8500.00 for everything. Hospital was wonderful, and I could never say enough good things about my surgeons, they were top notch and done over 7000. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

hi,

I was banded in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. Arturo Rodriguez and he is the best. My experience was great and comfortable. I had to pay out of my pocket so his price was better compared to here in the US. I went back to him for my fill. Just this past week I started to have some complications but not sure if it's because of the band. Everytime I eat I have severe headache and nausea with vomitting. I will go on Monday to see a GI specialist and find out if it is the band causing problems. I just had a baby also so that could have caused the band to slip. Other than now the band was great, Mexico and Dr. Rodriguez are the best.

I also used Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey. It was a good experience. I picked the expensive hospital because I have heart problems and it was the nicest hospital I've ever been in. Everything is marble and granite with gold faucets. We stayed in the Hilton and had an English speaking guide available all the time. I had some pain the first day from the air they pumped in there so take some pain pills. I live in eastern Oklahoma and go to a physician's asst. in Coffeyville, KS for fills. I went and got the correct fill and haven't been back in about a year. I highly recommend Dr. Rodriguez, but make sure he's the right one. Apparently someone else has been calling himself Arturo Rodriguez, and they were upset and sent emails to all of his patients.

I went to Alberto Aceves in Mexicali, Mx. I could not be happier with my experience. I talked extensively with his office prior to being banded by them. They helped me find a more local Dr. to do my fills/adjustments. I live in New Mexico, and there are no band surgeons in my state---so even the Dr. they found for me was 6 hours away, one way. So they also sent information to a local oncologist I had spoke with concerning any emergency I might have that would require a port access. All three offices, spoke back and forth and come up with what I deemed an acceptable plan of action!

My trip to Mexicali was wonderful, the motel they put us up in was top notch, as well as the hospital. I was impressed with the level of cleanliness! I had no difficulty understanding the Dr. or the Dr.'s staff, they all spoke English very well! There was always a nurse on duty who spoke English as well. They were VERY attentive, and concerned with my well being. They have followed up with me, through phone calls and emails.

My sister in law was banded the same day I was, and she just returned home yesterday from taking 2 of her Daughters down to be banded. She saw Dr. Aceves while she was there, because she was having some problems eating---hard protein, would not stay down. He took one look under fluoro--and pulled half her fill, she was too tight. She feels much better now she said! He did not charge her for the visit.

I have referred others, and would have no qualms in recommending him again.

Good Luck in your decision~

Kat

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz 8/8/07 in TJ, Mexico. I wouldn't have had it any other way. But I would only go to him & no one else. check it out. Obesitycontrolcenter.com. Dr. Ortiz even has a book, Life after Lapband. Hope this helps.

I was banded in Mexico four weeks ago and it was great. Very nice hospital and hotel and Dr. Zapata is the best. Loved him. Donna

I too was baned in Mexico....just got back yesterday! I work in the medical field as a nurse and right now I have been traveling for 3 years AND I have NEVER seen a surgical center as nice as the OCC with Dr Ortiz. I would go back in a second! Couldn't have been happier!

If you search these threads you will find journals of people's Mexico experiences and lots of helpful info on "crossing the border"!!!!!

Hi, I Am Also Looking Into Dr. Zapata. I Live In Houston,texas. Was The Whole Experience Easy?