<p>Hello Everyone. I was interested in gastric bypass but after doing research, I don't want it at all. The lap band looks like a good option, at least from everything I've read so far anyway. The problem is my insurance doesn't cover it and I don't have a lot of money. </p> <p> </p> <p>I've been overweight since I was about 20. Several years ago I exercized really hard and lost 50 pounds over a few months. But I've gradually gained it all back plus, and now I weigh about 350. I've recently started getting chronic lower back pain. It seems like the least effort makes me sweat... Needless to say, it's no fun. </p> <p> </p> <p>What I want to know is, where can I get a quality lap band surgery at the lowest price? I live in OR. I am willing to travel to Mexico but if there's a place of comperable price here in the US, I'd rather go there. The sites advertising lap band surgery in Mexico sound good. But I'd really like to hear from those of you who got it done there recently and a year or so ago. Did they do a good job? Where did you go? What Dr.? How much did it cost? </p> <p> </p> <p>If anyone got it done locally in OR, where did you get it done? If it was covered, what insurance do you have? </p> <p> </p> <p>Another concern I have is about obstruction. A few months after you get the surgery and you're back on solid food, what happens if you eat a bite of something like meat that doesn't easily dissolve with water and you forget to chew that one bite really well? Will it almost definately obstruct the band? </p> <p> </p> <p>Does anyone know if medicare will cover lap band surgery?</p> <p> </p> <p>Sorry this is so long and thanks ahead of time to those who respond!</p> <p> </p> <p>Emily</p>

emi1y_2007@yahoo.com

Hi Emily..... There are several real good Dr's in Mexico... Dr Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico is a good one and there is Dr Gonzales in Tiajuna, Mexico..... OR .... There is Dr Kirshenbaum in Denver, Colorado who does it for $9950 and that covers everything, including 3 months after care...

There are finance companies that will give you a medical loan for the lap band. I would search this site for info on that....

I am self pay also and being banded by Dr Kirshenbaum on October 16th... There is a link to his web site below my signature if your are interested....

Welcome to this site and Good Luck on your lap band journey....

Mexico is a great option. Just make sure you do your homework. Don't just shop price. I wanted a surgeon that does surgery in a hospital and not a clinic. Most importantly look at the surgeons credentials. I had my surgery with Dr. Valencia in Tijuana. The cost was $8,100. He also does surgery in Ensenada for $8000. He is a professor of bariatric surgery at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). That was the main that reason that I chose him.

When you start eating solid food, if it gets stuck you will PB or throw it up. It sounds worse than it is. You have to take small bites and chew very well. Sometime we forget but you'll learn after a little while.