I was just banded on April 14, 2009 in Mexico (Tijuana) by Doctor Pompa. My family thought I was crazy. They thought that either I was going to end up dead on the operating table or kidnapped by the locals. NOT SO. I had nothing short of an excellent experience. It is interesting that the doctors can be sooo young there. I honestly thought they were not being honest when they say they are doctors, but as it is they go to med school directly and only do a one year residency. I am SOOO impressed with Dr. Pompa. She is only 30 something and not only has established her own bariatric surgery center (interesting to note the name LIMARP as in LIza MArie Pompa) but has also a very impressive backround including being a medical professor. The surgery center itself is absolutely beautiful, the staff is warm and caring (so different than the care in US), and everything was great. The accomodations they provided for the post op stay was great too. I just wanted to share my experience.

Im glad to hear about your positive experience. I am trying to schedual for the end of may to have the lapband. But they say the surgen is dr lopez but from their website the surgery will be proformed by dr pompa. I am excited but very nervous at the same time. i have been trying to do my homework on everything in hopes to calm my nerves! Do you mind me asking how much you have lost so far? Is it uncomfortable. do you feel it in you? im sorry to ask so many questions but very courious.

Thank you

There are several surgeons working out of Limarp including a Dr. Lopez.

I have lost about 15 pounds so far...for me the hardest part was the pre-op liquid diet and post op diet for the first two weeks. Being hungry causes me to dry heave...I know I am wierd. I haven't had a fill yet so I don't have much restriction than I did before...but if I eat too fast, it let's me know. When I feel the restriction, albeit subtle (since I have had no fill), it reminds me "Hey You, remember that surgery you paid cash for?" and believe me, it gives me much motiviatoin to make healthier food choices and eat less. As for the other sugeons working there, I did see (visualy) Dr. Lopez, but only had interaction with my surgeon, Dr. Pompa. Really, I was sooo impressed. Although I have not lost as much as others their first month, I have already felt benefits from the weight I have lost. Very little stress incontinence, better breathing, and my back does not hurt as much. I hope by next year this time I will have lost 85 more pounds.

Well after doing a lot of research I want to work with Dr. Pompa and hopefully the end of the month I will be there (just waiting on our passports because of the new border law). What does the pre-op diet consist of? did you have a problem with the hotel they have you stay at? how long did it take before you weren't in pain from the surgery? sorry to ask so many questions but it does help.

Thank you

The accomodations were great. The room was very clean and comfortable. There was alot of security detail and everyone who was working there had such a pleasant demeanor. The best part is that it was just a short walk from the surgery center.

About the pain, well, I am a BIG BABY when it comes to pain, and I had never had surgery before either, so it was hard for me. There was another patient there getting a band, and she was up and around like it was nothing...myself on the other hand, I woke up crying, so they gave me some a shot for the pain. I was in pain for 2 weeks, but to me it was severe for a week. I think it differs as some people have a greater threshold for pain. I am not in pain now (I was banded April16), but my port incision is not 100% healed yet. If you would like to, contact me privately and I will give you my number.

you were right jjpoody daniella(the nutritionist)called me back, and i erased my last message cause i think by writing that i somehow indirectly got her in trouble. i feel so bad about it, maybe next time i won't freak out so quickly about things. but she called back and told me she was out of town and that's why nobody was able to answer. but she reassured me that i have nothing to worry about and now i'm back on track. and if everything goes well i will be having my surgery in september *fingers crossed*

Edited July 28, 200917 yr by mnb4784

Don't worry..they were very professional...I would be completely dumbfounded if anything like that happened...so relax and I am sure that they will contact you soon!!!