I've been a big fan of being Banded in Mexico until this past weekend. I just underwent my SIXTH Band related surgery (four major surgeries under anesthesia; two minor ones, plus countless other lab tests and appointments.)

Please do not go to Mexico until you have made an appointment with a local LapBand doctor to discuss your aftercare options. Don't set foot in Mexico until you are sure that you can get the care you need close to home, especially if you have an emergency. Most Band-related complications are not the type that require emergency services, but when you are scared, in pain, can't swallow, can't hold food down, have severe stomach pain, your port hurts or is popping out, you have a leaking infected incision, or any other Band-related complication, you'll want to get to a doctor within a day or two, not by the end of the month. Trust me on this one, many of us have been there!

I'm sick with grief right now. I don't want to slam any of the Mexican doctors, because if they practiced in the United States, they would most likely be our top surgeons. However, the standards of care in Mexico are way below US standards. I've had an open wound since May, yet nobody in Mexico (I've been there for 3 surgeries) has ever even did a culture, biopsy, or endoscopy; they just diagnosed and operated. I finally found a US surgeon. He operated on me this week and did everything in his power to figure out why I had an open wound, including an endoscopy, a laporoscopy, lab tests, blood tests, a biopsy, a breath test for H-Pylori - the list goes on and on.

Mexican doctors are not bad, but they don't go to the same lengths as required by doctors in America. It's been my experience that they treat you based on their first impression of what may (or may not) be wrong with you. In the US, people are lawsuit-happy. So many doctors have been sued that surgeons here have been forced to uncover every possible diagnosis before making a treatment, but luckily, that means we get the best care possible. Medical Malpractice insurance keeps our local surgeons on their toes. Mexico doesn't share the same problem with so many law suits related to medical malpractice. Kind of a Catch-22 situation. This is simply MY experience. Unfortunately, I've met many others that share these types of problems.

If money is no object to you, then do yourself a favor and get it done in the US, where the higest level of medical standards are required to be met.

The best way to get Banded would to find a local surgeon that accepts Mexican patients. Go to that surgeon first for a check-up, and to discuss your plans for Mexico. Once that doctor agrees to see you, make a future appointment with him, only THEN should you go to Mexico to get your Band. As soon as your band is placed, go back to your local doctor for a checkup. Keep relations open with both your Band surgeon and your local doctor. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS get a second opinion.

I went to Mexico cause it only cost me $7,500. But now I have to add in 5 additional procedures, my traveling expenses, incidental costs, time lost from work, etc. I can't give you the numbers because I'm scared to death to add them up. I went there to save money, but I could have gotten banded locally and saved myself all the horror.

So, before going to Mexico, you gotta post here that you've got aftercare lined up or I won't let you go!

ALSO, MAKE SURE THEY PLACE THE INAMED BAND! There are many bands out there, but you will have a very difficult time getting someone to service your band in the US unless it is the Inamed LapBand.

I read about all of the problems you had, and I felt so badly for you. It is a sad statement that women must take potential health risks going over the border (this is not to say that there aren't some great surgeons, etc.) But, what about quality aftercare, and support-which is so important.

I was really lucky that my husband's insurance covers the whole procedure, and I don't know exactly how much it costs. It scared me to read your post, and I am glad you did it so you could help everyone to make a better informed decision.

Joan

I am new to this board, and have a question. Why does everyone go to Mexico to get their Lap Band placed when there are so many qualified surgeons in the U.S. who specialize in it? I am going to get mine from Dr. Santiago Horgan in Chicago, and he only charges $250 for fills.

Joan

Most people being banded in Mexico do not have the co-morbidities (health problems) that the American health insurance companies consider for someone to qualify for WLS here in the States. There are several American health insurance companies that have specific exclusions about WLS - regardless of your need. Hopefully, more and more U.S. insurance companies will realize that this is a life-saving surgery, reduces current (or prevents future) health concerns (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, depression, etc.). Better health saves them $$ in hospitalizations, surgeries, prescriptions, and office visits.

You're right, there are many qualified U.S. surgeons. But if somene is a cash-pay patient, those fees vary greatly from dr. to dr. (U.S. and Mexico). The lowest I've seen in the States is $12,000. The bandster has to also figure in the long-term costs to maintain their band. If they're fortunate enough to live close to Mexico, that's not an issue. But if they live a long distance, they have to budget for: time off work, air/drive travel, hotel, food. They must have a local follow-up dr. (confirmed direct) available (BEFORE) they're banded - in the event of complications.

Even being banded in the U.S., a banded patient can have problems getting another band surgeon to accept them (unless, again, it's been directly preconfirmed beforehand). Things happen...patients move, the original band dr. moves or retires, etc., and the patient is left scrambling for a dr. to accept them. If they do find one, they're usually hit w/extremely high charges.

WLS is something that a person really needs to take the time to fully understand...preband, banding surgery, and post-band care. It's not just about what surgeon has the cheapest price, but also about that surgeon's experience, his/her patients' feedback, hospital facility used, surgeon's availability, his/her staff, and after-care quality.

The lapband is a life-changing tool that (hopefully) will last a patient a lifetime and give that person the power to take back their health and get out there and live life to it's fullest.

Hi Joanie, I'm glad I posted this, too. When is your surgery date? New Hope made a good point that many American patients end up losing their original surgeon for one reason or another. Those people might end up in Mexico, afterall, if they aren't able to find a local doctor that will take them on as patients. I said a lot of nasty things about some Mexican surgeons, but that was probably a mistake since Mexico might be our only option at one time or another. I'm just not the kinda gal that holds back when I have something to say. Some times you gotta have a big mouth to get heard.

Most of the people getting Bands when I did were morbidly obese and chose Mexico for the price and the experience of the surgeons. There was only one person out of 6 that was turned down by the FDA, but she was only 13.

Joan,

Hello everybody,

I had my surgery in Mexico. It wasn't a great experience but I have been problem free too. I was smart enough to find a wonderful fill doctor within a couple hours of my home BEFORE I had surgery who accepted Mexico patients and has reasonable prices but I didn't even think of getting my medical records while I was down there. It took 6 months to finally get them thanks to the help of Diane Beck. AND they came in English. The only thing I am pissed that I didn't do was get my serial number for my band. Otherwise my overall Mexico surgical experience has been VERY positive. It did seem a little sketchy and stressful when I was there for the surgery but I have no complaints since the surgery. Definitely do your research and find a local doctor before going south for the band. Teresa

Pati-o, who is the physcian who offers the package for 12,500???