Hi Im from Chicago, Im 24 and I just meet the minimal requirements for lap-band. (5'3", 201, BMI 35.5) I have tried it all, for the last 6 years I cannot lose it and keep it off. I have insurance but i seriously doubt they will cover it, so Im looking into Mexico for the surgery but I have a few questions.

1. What should i look for with financing, my credit isnt the greatest and i know I cannot afford to pay up front, anyone have any advice?

2. Can anyone recommend a good dr. in Chicago for followups?

3. any general lap-band advice for someone so young, poor and obese?

4. Has anyone had any serious problems with Mexican doctors?

Please send any and all advice.

I know that the wish center does financing and also out of country follow-ups. I am considering having them do my banding. You can get more info at www.wishcenter.org Best of luck to you~Mandy

Hi chunkychicago,

I am scheduled to have the Lap-Band surgery on March 23rd, 2005 with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. I am a nurse and I have researched for over 2 years before making my choice. I am very excited. I decided on Dr. Ortiz in Mexico for many reasons, but the fact that is very cost effective dont hurt. I would suggest researching for yourself and talk to the doctors offices yourself. Many people have alot to say about what they don't know about, or about another country, but the best advice is to listen to your own heart and gut feelings after you do your own research. If you would like to call Sandy at Dr. Ortiz's office she can answer many of your questions, and even steer you toward financing if you need it. There number is 1-866-376-7849 Good luck with your journey.

Hi ChunkyChicago. I'm in Chicago too. Here's my off-the-cuff answer:

1. What should i look for with financing, my credit isnt the greatest and i know I cannot afford to pay up front, anyone have any advice?

>Some doctors offer their own financing through agencies. Most don't accept credit cards, unfortunately. A few of us have used home-equity loans, but that's not an option if you're a renter. So ask your surgeon's office if there are payment plans.

2. Can anyone recommend a good dr. in Chicago for followups?

>I go to Dr. Santiago Horgan. He's good. He's also expensive if you aren't one of his patients. If you decide to use a Mexican surgeon, don't even buy a plane ticket until you line up after-care. Ask the doc if he/she can recommend someone local for follow-up. Then call the suggested person(s) and make sure you can get care, and that you know what the prices and policies are.

3. any general lap-band advice for someone so young, poor and obese?

>Read all you can and don't get discouraged. That includes everything from before-and-after photos to stories from people who regretted getting the band to testimonials and complaints about specific doctors to (most important) descriptions of how the band works and how you will have to work with the band.

4. Has anyone had any serious problems with Mexican doctors?

>Check out the "Doctors" forum below.

Good luck! There are a lot of us Chicago bandsters. Not enough to take on the Texan posse, maybe, but we are mighty.

Medi credit offers credit to lap banders!

HELLO TO EVERYONE THIS MORNING .... BETTY

Is Anyone On Line Right Now

BYE I GUESS NO ONE IS HERE RIGHT NOW BETTY

Hi, Betty, LBT is a support forum, not a chat room. Perhaps you'd like to go to the introductions section and post what you'd like to share w/us. You'll get more responses. We do have a chatroom. It's just not used all the time. Best of luck to you and hope to get to "know" you better on here.

Great advice Zoe!

Capitol One offers financing also.