Hi Everyone,

I hadn't planned on checking in for a while, then I learned of a rumor floating around about Dr. Lopez in Tijuana. I know some of you have commented that in the past the aftercare service was not up to your standards and that some of you have had problems with healing, acid reflux, even rejection.

The ones who have had to endure these problems are good people I'm sure. Sometimes in the stress of living through it, venting is a healthy part of the recovery process. I want to encourage those who are venting to keep commentary honest and accurate.

Since I have been a patient with Dr. Lopez, there have been staff changes surgery center changes and policy changes, all of which were set into motion to correct the very concerns of those who've had experiences not up to their standards/expectations.

My thought is that if Dr. Lopez responded to these concerns by being pro-active and made necessary changes, does that not show he is concerned? Does that not show he cares about his reputation? Does that not show he cares about his patients? Change is often made to improve the outcomes of things. Is change some sort of admission of wrong doing? Or, Does change arise form a need to improve outcomes? you decide.

From this site, I have yet to hear from anyone who has "visited" his office since June 04. I have been there 4 times since and all of the new systems are firmly in place and working well. I have had a chance to actually speak with--in person, to other patients men and women, who feel the office has provided fine service in a caring environment. Some of these people had their bands inserted 3 years ago.

As far as rumors are concerned, they are merely unverified comments, usually hearsay. You owe it to yourself to see the best, and receive care from the best doctors your money can buy.

Sincerely,

Margret

Why ANYONE is suprised that a Mexican Surgeon did a hack job on you and never supported you with any aftercare is beyond me.

You opted for a cheap solution. You gave up your legal rights by leaving the country. You put your life at risk. All to save a few thousand bucks.

You never thought to look at who will do your adjustments. You never realized that the adjustments need to be performed expertly. The band works through its adjustments - not through its placement.

Complications occur with any procedure. However, you gave up your rights to responsible medical care when you left the U.S. There are no laws against abandonment. There is no malpractice system to keep surgeons in-check.

Why would you believe that you would get aftercare across the border?

Stop Bi#(@$ing about how bad a particular Mexican Surgeon is and starting admitting in this forum that going overseas to chop-shop docs getting American dollars for sticking in discounted bands is dangerous.

You are buying surgery - not jewlery. I wouldnt value-shop on my life.

Yikes. That's pretty hostile from someone who doesn't know these people at all. Some people don't have thousands of dollars OR insurance. MANY mexican doctors are totally reliable and far better doctors than any amount of money can pay for in the states. My goodness! These people were trying to do all they knew to do, which was seek help for their obesity with whatever resources they may or may not have had. In ANY country a man's word should be worth something.

I have never read such a mean spirited and closed minded post DALRA... I also find it strange that this topic would be your very FIRST post on this site. My guess would be that somebody is just trying to get everybody stirred up and upset.

Leatha... you answered Dalra's post so well... (((HUGS)))

For the record.... I have seen ZERO complaints for any other foreign doctor other than the one mentioned in this post. This surgery was done in Mexico LONG before it was ever done here in the USA. I feel very lucky that my insurance covered my banding.... if it hadn't... I could never have afforded to do it here in the states private pay.

Finally... this is a group of fantastic women and men... and everyone is entitiled to their opinion. Dalra... most of us try to approach each other with respect and with an open mind... give that a try.

Darla is another plant people dont be fooled. She just joins the forum yesterday and has only posted here on this particualr post. Smelling a rat again..BEWARE

But anyway..Darla those Mexican Dr.'s that you are bashing are the same Mexican Dr's that have trained and proctored over half of the Doctors here in the US . Guess that means you just get charged more to be hacked up in the US then if your insurance doesnt cover it?? Do your research Darla, why dont you call Inamed and ask them about the Mexican surgeons becasue I know for certain that they come highly reccomended by Inamed. most Mexican Doctors have more experience in band placement then any Dr's in the US and if I had to choose form the exact same price of my surgery between a Dr. in the US who has only preformed 1-50 bands or from a Dr. in Mexico who has done over 1200 bands I am going to go with Dr. with more experience .. do you actually believe yourself what you are saying here on this post ? I sure hope not! I sure hope one of these doctors from Mexico did not train your surgeon then

Don't you all find it odd that a woman joins this forum yesterday and then only comes to this particular thread to post a mean and be littleling post? Coincidence? I THINK NOT!!!

Dalra, this is a support forum for people that have received the gastric band for weight loss. Ridicule, sarcasm, and ignorance are not support. We are not supported by any doctors. Patients can safely come here and honestly tell of their experiences - good and bad. We help each other through encouragement and the sharing of facts. Unfortunately, serious health problems can arise -anywhere, anytime, regardless of who your dr. is or how much $$ you paid. Perhaps you were looking for another forum?

Yes, Michelle. That was my first thought too.

I smell a rat too! It's not even worth a comment!

Would anyone object if we locked this thread now? It's outlived its usefulness, methinks.

Dalra, that spirit is absolutely not welcome here, as I think you can tell.