I am in BC and am considering mexico does anyone have any thoughts or experiances to share?

I live in Calgary and was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. It was a great experience for me. I have now lost 65 pounds, and although it has been slower than what I wanted, I can not complain about now being considered just overweight as opposed to morbidly obese.

I chose Mexico because it is much closer in proximity to me than Toronto and because I had a surgeon lined up here to do after care. I knew that if there were any problems following surgery, the surgeons here could look after me. They are limited in the number of lapband surgeries they can do, but the aftercare is provided privately, meaning that we pay for each fill. If we needed to have a revision or replacement surgery, it would then be covered by Alberta Health Care.

I chose Dr. Ortiz after investigating many clinics and doctors. I actually called to the maker of the band and asked questions. Unfortunately because of legal issued, the band maker could not answer many questions except to say that Dr. Ortiz was a licensed band surgeon and had been a proctoring doctor for many years. I figured that is he had been teaching other doctors how to install the band that his skill level must be pretty good.

I also looked at how much money you would get back from Alberta Health Care. You get back almost twice as much from AHC if you go to Mexico than to Toronto. I know that is not a great reason, but it did make it more cost effective. The clinic there also includes all your hotel costs, so the only thing I had to pay for was food (not much since you are on shakes prior to surgery and clear liquids following) and my air fare.

Check out Lap Band Surgery in Mexico - Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center for more information.

Julie C

Nov 6/06

Dr. Ortiz, Mexico

258/193/150

Do you have to go to a doctor here (in can.) to say your health will benefit from a lapband,to get repayed from the Alberta health Care? Thank you Louise

Do you have to go to a doctor here (in can.) to say your health will benefit from a lapband,to get repaid from the Alberta health Care? Thank you Louise

I didn't get a letter from a doctor. I just submitted everything. I think as far as Alberta Health Care goes you don't have to prove your need to have the medical procedure. I have heard that Revenue Canada requires it for your tax return, but I submitted all my receipts without a letter and they did not question it.

Jac can you claim it on your income tax when you had surgery in Mexico????

Jac can you claim it on your income tax when you had surgery in Mexico????

Yes, I claimed everything including the flight, a per diem amount for food (not that you eat anything while down there), cost for surgery, and any other travel expenses (i.e. km travelled to get to the airport). It worked out to about $15,000 the year that I went, but the Canadian dollar was much lower then compared to now.

Yes, I claimed everything including the flight, a per diem amount for food (not that you eat anything while down there), cost for surgery, and any other travel expenses (i.e. km travelled to get to the airport). It worked out to about $15,000 the year that I went, but the Canadian dollar was much lower then compared to now.

JAC - What a wonderful resource you are! Almost making me look forward to tax time.....well, er...

I am now into my 3rd week of liquids and haven't lost a pound in 5 or 6 days. I am definately not taking in too much - have you heard of not enough intake preventing loss? Should I be expecting losses during this healing time? What was your experience? I am definately more comfortable in my clothes, I have gained some "breathing room" for sure. I lost 12 pounds pre-op and 6 since surgery.

I just booked my surgery for October 22 with Dr. Ortiz and I am totally excited. I live in central Alberta and it is nice to know there are quite of few people out there that I can talk to and in my area!! Thanks for all the info on the taxes and Alberta Health Care...I can't believe I can claim that much back!! Whew...it makes me realize I should have done this sooner. But at least I am getting there now!!!:thumbup:

My experience in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz and the Lucerna Hotel - all excellent. I am lucky and able to return for my first fill at about 7 weeks.

I felt exactly the same - oh why did I wait - from the moment I decided. I do know one thing, going thru the AHC, you were not guaranteed the lap approach - was possible to get the old style vertical band, open surgery until recently, that's one good reason to have waited.

To those who had surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico, how was the journey back home? After looking at his site, it seems that after the surgery, you have a day or two left at the hotel and then are on your own.

If I do the surgery, it will be on my own, so I want to make sure that I'd be ok to travel back on my own a couple of days after the procedure.

To those who had surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico, how was the journey back home? After looking at his site, it seems that after the surgery, you have a day or two left at the hotel and then are on your own.

If I do the surgery, it will be on my own, so I want to make sure that I'd be ok to travel back on my own a couple of days after the procedure.

I overnighted at the clinic, then one more night at the hotel. I was up and walking around without much pain. Actually went shopping the next day.

Remember to pack light and have some loose fitting clothes for the trip back and you should be okay. You are not supposed to lift anything, so pack really light - a toothbrush and a change of socks. Actually, maybe skip the toothbrush. lol

Good luck

I overnighted at the clinic, then one more night at the hotel. I was up and walking around without much pain. Actually went shopping the next day.

Remember to pack light and have some loose fitting clothes for the trip back and you should be okay. You are not supposed to lift anything, so pack really light - a toothbrush and a change of socks. Actually, maybe skip the toothbrush. lol

Good luck

Recovery after the surgery is really not bad, flying home should pose no problem for you at all.

But I am curious, who is doing your fills and aftercare in ALberta? Is there a fee for this???

(I am from Ontario and got banded in Toronto selfpay)

I overnighted at the clinic, then one more night at the hotel. I was up and walking around without much pain. Actually went shopping the next day.

Remember to pack light and have some loose fitting clothes for the trip back and you should be okay. You are not supposed to lift anything, so pack really light - a toothbrush and a change of socks. Actually, maybe skip the toothbrush. lol

Good luck

Thanks for this advice! I tend to overpack, so it will be important for me to remember this, especially as I will be travelling on my own.

Recovery after the surgery is really not bad, flying home should pose no problem for you at all.

But I am curious, who is doing your fills and aftercare in ALberta? Is there a fee for this???

(I am from Ontario and got banded in Toronto selfpay)

I went back to TJ for my first fill. $279 plus cost of the flight. There is a local Dr that does fills that I will be seeing for my next one. (around 180/fill) (He has since stopped accepting patients) There is a local group that meets and the clinic internet forum for fellowship and support. Otherwise we're pretty much on our own.

To those who had surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico, how was the journey back home? After looking at his site, it seems that after the surgery, you have a day or two left at the hotel and then are on your own.

If I do the surgery, it will be on my own, so I want to make sure that I'd be ok to travel back on my own a couple of days after the procedure.

I travelled back on my own. Don't be afraid to ask for help. When I got to the check in counter in San Diego I told them I just had surgery and would need help in Vancouver to clear customs. They had someone there with a wheelchair and had someone pick up my bags from the baggage claim. They then transferred everything to the right flight to Calgary and got a golf cart to take me to the other terminal. There was no way I could have done all of that without help. I was so grateful for the help. Mind you, I did have a giant hiatal hernia that was repaired so I did have lots more pain and surgery than most.

Thanks for the info JAC, that was certainly one of the things I was concerned about - flying and walking all around the terminal with luggage and through customs and everything post surgery. Other than getting my tonsils out at age 3, I have never had surgery, so it would be a completely new experience.

I had no problems travelling back. But, when we say pack light we mean PACK LIGHT!! lol.I brought pain killers (just in case) for the flight, but I never had to use them.Be strong my friend! Your best health is just around the corner!