I am writing this to inform people to STAY AWAY FROM DR. DE LA GARZA. I must first say that I am not a disgruntled or angry person; I just want the truth to be known about this Dr. I contacted Dr De La Garza. for the Lap band procedure because I was told that he was experienced and knowledgeable. My wife and I flew to Monterrey Mexico, she had reservations about me doing the procedure but I was determined to get it done. I paid $10,000.00 US for the procedure. After the procedure I learned dolor (pain) and aqua (water) that was all. While recovering in the hotel suite, I became extremely dizzy and could not eat; my abdomen was distended and swollen. All I wanted to do was sleep. Via phone the doctor continued to tell me that it was just the after affects of the surgery. My wife insisted that he come to the hotel. When he came, he became very nervous and pensive. He suggested that I needed a blood transfusion and for me to return to the U.S. for the transfusion because he couldn’t guarantee blood supplies in Monterrey. He simply wanted us to leave the country. My wife astutely put us on a plane for the U.S. I don’t remember any parts of the flight from Monterrey to Texas to Detroit because I was blacking out. Upon arrival I was met by my sister who is an RN and she immediately took me to Providence hospital in Southfield MI. Upon arrival in the ER the doctors examined me and immediately coded me for emergency surgery. They opened me up and removed the Lap band. I had almost 3 pints of blood in my abdomen and was told that I would have died in 2 hours. Dr De La Garza had punctured my colon and lacerated my liver!! I chose the Lap Band procedure because it was non-invasive and had quick recovery times. I was stunned. After 3 months of recuperation my wife contacted Dr. De La Garza to let him know what happened and to see if we could get our money back. The kind doctor was too busy to speak with us now and blew us off. He simply stopped taking our calls. It gets worse. We contacted an attorney in Mexico and tried to find out what recourse we had with this doctor. He wanted a $500.00 retainer and we sent it. After he got our money he told us we had no recourse. He would try to work something out with the doctor but there are no boards that we can appeal to and no jurisdiction because we are from the U.S. We tried to contact the attorney back and he stopped taking our calls. We then contacted the lead partner of the firm and he pressured the attorney. He sent us back $450.00.

I tell this story because I want other to be careful and check these Mexican doctors out. Ask questions, questions and more questions. If they get offended, leave. This is your life! They prey on those that are overweight because they know you are desperate. I think that if I had only found the right Dr. I would probably be at my goal weight, but because I made a poor choice, I am right back where I started and have lost $10,450.00 dollars.

I and my wife are willing to speak with anyone about our experience. I can be reached at 313-331-8423.

Thanks

Dwayne Breeden

Dwayne, I am so sorry that you've been through so much! Physically, how are you feeling now?

sorry about that i relly dont no why every body go to Mexico and we have in the usa the best dr and the cost for the lapband in the usa is $12000

That is so terrible!!! How could a doctor puncture your colon and lacerate your spleen without even realizing it. Why would a doctor even be in your colons area? I think that is the worst Mexico story I've heard yet. I am so glad you seem to be doing better and thank God you even survived. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your wife. I don't know of any Dr's here in the US who only charge 12k but have heard they are out there.

I believe he said punctured his colon and lacerated his liver.

I had a fatty liver (which seems pretty common w/obese people). My surgeon had me on a low glycemic food plan before banding to help reduce the size of the liver. There is a thread on here listing those foods.

I am so sorry for for all that you have went through!! I wish you the best of luck!!

They prey on those that are overweight because they know you are desperate.

Sad, but true!!!

Dwayne, Thank you so much for the warning. Fortunately, that particular doctor isnt very familear around here!

We wish you the very best in your recovery.

God bless you.

Do you know if he is affiliated with any other Dr.'s in Monterrey?? Just curious, as I am planning on having Dr. Rodriguez in March!!

Dwayne

I've been to Monerrey Mx, it is a very large city with 5 universities, most of them medical. Is this where he normaly practices? Besides being aware...I so feel for you.

wish I could do more, please, tell more

Dr De La Garza had punctured my colon and lacerated my liver!!

This chaps my hide

I have the same question as Samy Love. Why do so many people go to Mexico for this procedure? Just curious...

NON-Insurance...

They've been preforming Lap-Band proceedures longer there, than in the States.

Sorry to hear about your awful experience and I agree much research is needed before going to Mexico. I am a Mexico success story but I know there are people who have gotten burned too. Especially in your situation. I went to Mexico because my insurance wouldn't pay for the procedure. It may only be $12000 or so (depending on where you live) here in the U.S. but I truly felt I was getting a more experienced surgeon and it was several thousands cheaper. I was smart and found a wonderful aftercare doctor in my area who would take me and have not had any problems from my surgery. That is why some of us go Mexico. Again Dwayne, I am truly sorry about the horrendous experience you suffered. Best wishes, Teresa

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you are doing much better now. It is very sad that a doctor can get away with this and not face any consequences (?). Please post and let us know how you are doing now.

Thanks to everyone for their support. This was a trying incident for me. It seems surrealistic thinking back on what happened to me. At the time I researched places in the U.S., I couldnt find a doctor that would do the procedure. I have learned from this experience and now still fight the battle of the bulge. Maybe one day I will find that U.S. doctor.

Thanks for your support, you guys are AWESOME!!

Dwayne

Dwayne, how long ago did you have your band surgery and how are you feeling now?

My local Dr. here charges $12,000 but that does not include the cost of the hospital, anesthesia, nutritionist, psychologist, hospital labs, ect. By the time you add it up, it's around 20,000. Then add on your aftercare costs...it's getting pricey. I'm so sorry about what happened Dwayne. What a nightmare.

From what I have gathered, Dr de la Garza is not associated with Dr Rodriguez, and those that have seen Dr Rod have had a good experience, but dig around in here.

I am worried because Tarafeena is seeing de la Garza next week. I will e-mail her and tell her to check this out.

Again, so sorry Dwayne. I think about the risks alot, since I haven't been banded yet and I'm planning to go to Mx. I don't want to regret it, or leave my husband with two kids to raise, my kids without their mother, because I am so miserable being fat. I would rather be here fat than to risk what you have encountered and lose my life. But the benfits if all goes well...man, I am praying lots lately. Thank you for your story.