I am thrilled to tell you all that I am finally banded!! Ahhhh. I was banded on May 29th in Tijuana Mexico by Dr. Ortiz. My experience was exactly how everyone explained it would, no surprises (thank god because I am the most anal person I know). He operates one well oiled machine down there that’s forsure.

When I first started coming to lapbandtalk I noticed a lot of people going down to Mexico, I was baffled as to why someone would go to Tijuana of all places to have surgery, I remember actually joking about it to my husband, I actually recall comparing it to a back ally abortion (sorry if offended) BUT as I read and the more I researched the more I felt like this doctor is the doctor for me…Dr Ortiz… I remember the day of my surgery I was practically hyperventilating in my hospital room, he was walking by and saw this…the guy actually quickly came in my room and calmed my down with casual chit chat, he was in and out of my room numerous times just checking on me and chatting…that made me feel a million times better….he is a wonderful person and doctor. I spent the night in the hospital and was back in my hotel room the next day. I met some wonderful people down there and I am honestly thrilled with my decision. I’m in Calgary and if any of you are wondering about after care and fills and such (I’ve seen a lot of debates) I do have a fill and after care doctor lined up. lol

Well, that’s my story if anyone was wondering…..I did want to add…Julie, thank you for creating CalgaryLapbanders, I read daily…and it is a wealth of unbiased information (I’m Livpai). Also if anyone is interested in going to Mexico for their surgery I highly recommend getting in touch with Andrew from www.medicaledge.ca, he set up everything…totally took the worry out of everything and answered every question and concern I had…awesome guy!

Thanks for reading!!

Heather

Hey!!

Congrats on being banded! I wish you well on your weight loss journey!

xx

Congrats on your banding !! I think I have finally decided on Dr. Ortiz in TJ . Thanks for bringing back the info ! By the way , I ve seen some posts about how dangerous it is in TJ, did you feel safe while you were there ? Thanks !!!

Heather,,,

Congrats on the surgery...

Im in Calgary too...and waiting....*sigh

Really!!!!!!!! I never felt like that at all. The OCC drives you to and from the airport and hospital and the other times the gang hung out and shopped. I felt very comforatble. I really wouldn't worry at all. I was having panic attacks a whole week before going down but once I was there all my worries went away.

Congrats on your banding !! I think I have finally decided on Dr. Ortiz in TJ . Thanks for bringing back the info ! By the way , I ve seen some posts about how dangerous it is in TJ, did you feel safe while you were there ? Thanks !!!

Thanks, Im going to go for it. Best of luck to you with your journey !

I am considering this Dr. I have heard great things about him, where do I find the cost and info, I was at his website, but I did not find much info on the price.

Hi, In the website there is a " surgery options" button, click that ...then click on "cost & financing" then near the bottom of the page there is a link to complete a form and receive an automated e-mail with the pricing info...thats when Lori (patient coordinator)will introduce herself to you...she has been really helpful. Clear as mud ?...lol. Hope that helps !

Hi Heather:

I am glad to see that you are doing fine. I hope you are healing and still on the liquid diet. I was wondering who you got to do your fills. I contacted two doctors in Victoria and they only fill paitents that have been banded by them. I was considering going back to Tijuanna for my fill, however if you have any suggestions please let me know. I have lost 23 lbs since I started my liquid diet two weeks before my band and I am feeling great. I still have a little pain around my port site, I think it is because I have such a gut and when I bend over it puts pressure on my port site. Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing...... by for now Tammy..:thumbs_up:

happy at last: Try D. R. Woodhead in Delta for a $400.00 consult fee and $85 per fill that is still better than the costs to fly to Mexico. However, I don't know if Dr. Woodhead will do fills for Mexican patients but you can try.

On another link, there was a great deal of discussion that went on about the after care that people experience when going to Mexico. Someof it heated so I don't want to get embroiled in that again. However I place this caution - research your after care and be sure it is in place before you have surgery.

Doddie63. Please don't reply to my post. You have nothing but rude comments to people who go to Mexico to have their surgery done (I may not respond but I do and have read for a long time), do you think we were all born yesterday, do you think we are stupid about the aftercare part. Please keep away...Thank you for your input but it is not needed here!!

Thanks!

On another link, there was a great deal of discussion that went on about the after care that people experience when going to Mexico. Someof it heated so I don't want to get embroiled in that again. However I place this caution - research your after care and be sure it is in place before you have surgery.

Tammy, I emailed you, I hope you got it!!!How are you feeling?

Hi Heather:

I am glad to see that you are doing fine. I hope you are healing and still on the liquid diet. I was wondering who you got to do your fills. I contacted two doctors in Victoria and they only fill paitents that have been banded by them. I was considering going back to Tijuanna for my fill, however if you have any suggestions please let me know. I have lost 23 lbs since I started my liquid diet two weeks before my band and I am feeling great. I still have a little pain around my port site, I think it is because I have such a gut and when I bend over it puts pressure on my port site. Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing...... by for now Tammy..:cursing:

Mardigirl, I paid $7950

I am considering this Dr. I have heard great things about him, where do I find the cost and info, I was at his website, but I did not find much info on the price.

Heather:

I am going great. I am counting the days until the 19th. My port site is getting better, still a little sore when I bend over to far but helaing nicely. I am still looking for a fill doctor.... any suggestions? Have a great fathers day and I will talk soon:thumbup:

Doddie63. Please don't reply to my post. You have nothing but rude comments to people who go to Mexico to have their surgery done (I may not respond but I do and have read for a long time), do you think we were all born yesterday, do you think we are stupid about the aftercare part. Please keep away...Thank you for your input but it is not needed here!!

Thanks!

Well, wait a minute. I am a happy bandster who used a Mexican surgeon, but doddie is right. make sure you have those things worked out ahead of time. It will save you aggravation and panic later. In some areas of the country it is harder than in others to find doctors who will help Mexican patients. I can get fills near home and I can easily travel back to Tijuana, so I don't have a problem, but some people might.