Hi everyone!

I was just banded on Oct. 22, and as of today, I've lost 13 lbs.

I just wanted to put in my two cents about being banded in Tijuana. First off... do your research!! I did mine, luckily before I paid for my procedure in full ( I did end up losing $500 by switching out at the last minute, but no price to pay when your health is at risk). I looked around sites like this one, where you can get most of your information, from other people, not from anyone trying to sell you something. After going back and forth, I chose not to go with the company I had initially picked, and went with Dr. Contreras. As an Emergency Room RN, I was very skeptical about the whole thing and honestly, just doing it this route because it was the only way I could afford it.

By far, Dr. Contreras exceeded my expectations. He answered all of my questions (some of which were trick questions... I just had to make sure I was doing the right thing). Really proved himself to be a great surgeon and a great person. I was shown the surgical suite and equipment and was honestly, quite impressed. I received the best medical care from him and the nurses as well. I understand medicine is quite different over there, but honestly, I could not have asked for more from them.

I was provided with a card with a serial number for my band, from Inamed, along with all my paperwork. You want to be really careful with this as one of the things I read and could honestly not believe there is such sick, dishonest people out there, is that some of these surgeons in Tijuana will band you with non-FDA approved, cheaper bands and tell you (and charge you) otherwise.

So that's my two cents about him. I would do it all over again and am very glad i chose him for my procedure.

Thanks for the heads up. I am sure your post will help a lot of people that are doing their research.

I do have a question, how was the flight back after the surgery, I wasn't in a lot of pain but can't imagine getting on a flight for several hours.

Good luck.