Hey all, just a quick question...

I keep seeing these ads about having the Lap Band done in Mexico for like half the price of using an American surgeon. My question is... Have any of you taken the trip south of the border to have your surgery, and if so, what was the experience like? I currently do not have insurance and I am probably going to have to pay out of pocket for my procedure (hubby just started a new job, so I will see what the benefits are like before I buy a plane ticket). Do you think it would be safe to have it done in Mexico? Yes, I know that Mexico has good hospitals, but why is the price so cheap? Is this along the lines of "you get what you pay for"?

Thanks for your help,

Michelle:smile2:

You might want to post this in the "doctors and hospitals" section. Regardless of whether the hospitals are safe etc you know right now Mexico is having some bad violence along it's borders and in certain cities. (I'm a student in San Antonio TX; we were told NOT to go to Mexico for spring break, for example. There's a federal travel alert right now)

As to the other; I'd never go over there but some do and have good experiences. Just realize that if you get a band anywhere away from where you are (next county, next state, next country, whatever) you will either have to go back there every time you want a fill, or try to find someone local to do it (and many surgeons will not take on a patient that another surgeon has operated on)

Just like using a surgeon in the USA you'd need to do careful research.

Just remember you can't see bacteria and virus with your naked eye...so just because something "looks" clean, doesn't mean it is.

Wow, thank you. I feel like a doofus for having my head in the sand, lol. I RARELY watch the news anymore, just because it depresses me so much. I didn't know about the violence issues that are happening there. I think I'l try to stop being so restless and just wait for my insurance to kick in and go to the bariatric center that is right here in my town. Again, thank you so much!:frown:

Good luck! There ARE of course people who have crossed the border, gotten banded, and had good experiences. And those people are intelligent people who thought it through and made the best choice for them. I don't mean to imply it's a hot bed of hell and disease! BUT I would not do it. Plus it's harder to get aftercare (the fills are what make the band work) if you get it done away from home, as I said. If you can get it done near you, that's probably best, as long as you find a good surgeon etc!