I'm considering having LapBand done in Mexico but I'm worried about the possible complications. I'm trying to find a Doctor who will help me if a problem should come up, not ignore me. I'm especially worried about erosion and flipped ports.<br /> <br /> For those of you who went to Mexico, who was your doctor, what (if any) complications did you have, and how did your doctor handle it? Did they offer to fix the problem for free or at a discounted rate? Were phone calls returned? <br /> <br /> Or if you got an infection state-side, how did you handle that? Did you have to wait to see a surgeon for aftercare or did you go to see your GP?

Edit: And FWIW, I'm thinking about Ortiz, Kuri, Rumbaut, or possibly Joya as my Doc. And personal experiences with those four would be very much appreciated.

There is a great deal of information right here on this site. If you do a search on both names you'll see quite a bit.

I just had my surgery on Friday with Dr. Ortiz, and i have never been more satisfied with my care than with OCC. Although he does not practice out of a hospital like some docs, the clinic was more sanitary than some US hospitals I've been too. All of the equipment was state of the art and the rooms you stay in are very peaceful and clean. I didn't have to worry about transportation or hotel rooms. They do all of that for you. I am also big on medication and they explained every single one they administered to me. By no means and I "pushing" Dr. Ortiz on you (although we all vote for our doc especially if they did an awesome job), you make that decision for yourself, but if you really want a Dr. you feel comfortable with contact each and every one of the prospects and talk to them, additionally talk to at least 3 of the patients. Ask any and every question that comes to mind no matter how dumb it is (this is your health after all). Search the message boards for questions to ask if you can't think of any (this helped me alot). But most of all don't rush your decision. Happy hunting.

I was banded 9/13/07 by Dr. Gonzalez in Tijuana. I had a very go experience. Very clear, very caring people. Private room to stay in overnight. I think they checked on me 20 times to see how I was doing. Fills for life, no charge. Surgery was $7500.00. Check it out Lap Band Surgery, more than 2,500 successful procedures.

I like in So. Cal, so it is only a 1 1/2 hour drive to Mexico.

In fact the Girl that would pick you up at the border, her Father is a Dentist and we are seeing him also. Very,very nice people, they speak english and the price is less than 1/2.

getting Lumineers done. By this time next year, nobody will recognise me. HEHE

I am currently scheduled for surgery with Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Mexico also. I am traveling all the way from Pennsylvania because US doctors have denied assisting me (even though my BMI is 33.4). My husband and I have been unsuccessful with fertility treatments for three years because of my insulin resistance. I am excited for this opportunity and will update everyone as soon as I can.

Hi there -

I went to Tijuana and had Dr. Kuri and his team two years ago. He and his staff were great, I highly recommend him.

I did call him a few months ago, I've had some bizarre issues with my feet swelling (but it doesn't seem to be related to the band). When I called their offices they put me right through to him. He is very caring - far more than any doctor I've had in the states.

Just three weeks ago my band slipped and I had to have emergency surgery, traveling to Dr. Kuri wasn't an option, which is tragic on two levels, first because my insurance won't cover it and the bill is $17,000 (almost twice what I paid Dr. Kuri) and also because whoever did my stitches did a pretty sloppy job on one incision.

Please feel free to contact me further if you have more questions about Dr. Kuri - I don't believe I've read a single piece of bad press about him.

Much success to you!

Laura D.

DOB 10/1/05

Dr. Kuri

248 / 145 / 135-ish?

Banded six-1/2 years ago in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut.

No complications.

Always very easy to get in touch with my doctor's office and staff--even 6-1/2 years later, I still get amazing customer service. (For example, I needed a copy of my surgery report a month or so ago... had it within 24 hours.)

No issues with follow-up care stateside... it's gotten much easier since I was first Banded. You do need to arrange that in advance, though.

My experience with Dr Lopez-Corvala and Hospital Angeles was good. I am also a nurse and was very impressed with the facility, state-of-the-art equipment, and attentive staff. Language was a little problematic, but manageable. I found BeLiteWeight to be dissorganized; I had to stay on top of them, but they got the job done.

I was scared too, but 3 months and 55 pounds later, I'm a happy bandster. My advice would be to find a local doctor who will follow up with fills and complications--espically if you are unable to travel to Mexico easily. I've not had any complications, and one fill so far. It cost me $300 to secure the doctor (consultation fee--paid by insurance btw) and $300/fill.

I have read alot of the posts from people who have been banded in Mexico and I have a question, Where do you have fills done and do you plan ahead for that? I have seen many posts from people who have been banded in Mexico but then have a hard time getting fills at home? I guess i find it suprising that someone wouldn't plan ahead for fills if they know they can't go back to Mexico. I am having my surgery done here but was curious about the after care. I have read mostly good things about the surgeons in Mexico and I understand it's more affordable for someone who is self pay.

I hope my post isn't offensive to anyone. I have a sister who wants to get banded but her insurance won't cover it so I am getting as much info. as possible.

Jenn

This is a great string of e-mails to read. I'm getting ready to go down to have Dr. Valenzuela band me. Thanks for all the good cheer, fellow lap-banders.

Hi! I was just banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. The experience was excellent! You get top-notch care and everyone there is so attentive. His facility is beautiful and state of the art. Being a nurse and working the O.R. at one time, I noticed all his medical equipment. He also uses the drip-anesthesia method that makes you wake up right away and still in the operating room. I remember being awake, then awake again only this time it was after the surgery. I investigated Dr. Ortiz thoroughly, he is world-renown and a member of our own bariatic surgeons here in the U.S. He uses only the INAMED band , which is what you what. I would'nt have considered anyone else, honestly.E-mail me I will be happy to answer any questions.

Cynthia R - <p>Why do you say we should want the INAMED band? Do you have any information regarding the Johnson and Johnson Band? I am trying to decide whether I want the J&J or INAMED...</p>

Jenn Core - <p>My doctor provided a list of US doctors that will provide service to patients who received their band in Mexico.</p>

Cynthia R - Why do you say we should want the INAMED band? Do you have any information regarding the Johnson and Johnson Band? I am trying to decide whether I want the J&J or INAMED...

I researched it and found that not only is it the safest, but Allergan Biometrics made and had the first "adjustable " bands approved. The Inamed is primarily used here in the states. Look it up for yourself. Allergan Adjustable Lap-Band- Biometrics. I read very little on the Johnson and Johnson. I am a nurse and I asked a lot of our local doctors here in California who band. They all preferred INAMED.

Hope this helps. Remember this is was my "personal" choice. I am not criticizing anyone else's choice. Good Luck.:clap2::clap2:

<p>Cynthia,</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you for the input. With your experience as a nurse, I was just looking to see if there was something extreme that you were aware of. I have read about the J&J band recently (since the FDA approval in September). Currently, I am not able to find any comparisons online, so I'm just asking questions whenever possible.</p> <p> </p> <p>The differences I have been able to find are (1) the port is titanium versus plastic which increases durability and (2) the notch doesn't have the fasten feature. it's a continued circle, which avoids the possibility of skin getting pinched/caught.</p> <p> </p> <p>Hopefully this is informative for anyone else who may be researching this right now due to the increased buzz about the J&J since the FDA approval.</p>

FDA Approves REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band For Morbid Obesity

Thanks for the info. While it isn't just a " plastic" but a silicone elastomer, the great thing is that it is adjustable and reversible. Is the J&j device also? I'm glad it is because believe me , it's reassuring to know I can get more food if i'm losing too fast or less if needed. Titanium is great but I've know it to be beneficial for joint replacement. Isn't the "Realize" due out in December of this year? I like the fact that there is documentation regarding the success of the INAMED band. Its reputation speaks for itself. Good Luck to you whatever you decide.