Grey Cat

Interesting, I had met some of his patients returning from surgery in the lobby of the hotel. I am so glad I went with BariatricPal for my procedure!

I have had the band since 2011 and am going to Mexico to Dr IIIan to have it removed and revised to the sleeve. I have had nothing but issues since getting it. I was wondering did you all have issues with the port once it was removed? Like pain in the port area? I am doing as much preparation as possible so I know what to expect My surgery is scheduled Jan9th In Mexico

Hello I have been doing a ton of research on Dr IIIan and have view so many glowing reviews of him and Bariatric Pal Mx. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with any links pertaining to his certifications or affiliates? I would really like to use them for my band revision surgery, but I am having trouble finding anything that states his qualifications from a non biased source. I also researched the ASMBS website search for Doctors in his area of Mexico and could not find him? Maybe I am doing the search wrong. Thanks

Did you have to have a ton of classes before he allowed the surgery? Whereill I live In Kansas we are doing self pay as our insurance will not cover the procedure- even with self pay I have to do 8 weeks of classes, a psych evaluation, as well as a battery of tests. I do not mind the tests and such but I really need a band removal to gastric bypass or mini bypass to help manage my diabetes. My band has made me miserable. Even after seeing the specialist here in wichita, they still want me to go through classes that I had when I did the band surgery all for a removal and bypass!! and we have to pay for each of the classes ...

I too am wondering about Dr. Lopez. I have been banded, and my band is causing me issues, and I want it removed, for a removal it will cost me 15K and my insurance wont touch it. Even if I am vomiting and having port pain. No slippage thank goodness. I am too looking at Mexico as an affordable option for removal and a bypass. Let me know what you find out/ and I will do the same! Catina

Has anyone has success with surgery in Mexico? Or has anyone used AOL bariatrics? I am in the formative phase of research to have my band removed and have the bypass.

I am in the research phase of my journey to have my failed lapband removed. I have been contacted by AOL bariatrics among others, but what stood out for me is the direct contact with the doctor, through his nurse or representative.. concerning my qualifications and what procedure would work best for me. I am impressed with that. So if anyone has had them do their procedure please feel free to contact me with their experiences.

I am sorry that things are not going as well for you as they should be. I can relate. I am looking at AOL surgical team in Mexico. I had direct communication with the Doctor doing the procedures, and they even called me to tell me that because of my poor results from the Lap-band, that they would not recommend the sleeve because it still is the restriction, and some people just do not do will with it. They said they would recommend the bypass. They also said that whom ever I choose to do the procedure, that they should be informative with the sleeve, and recommend the bypass. Either way they all agree that the band should come out because of the vomiting and the pain at the port site. 9,0800 is not bad. But because I have the band in, they have to remove it as well.

I had my Band put in in 2009 and it cost us around $7,000 and now I am having issues with it, I went to my surgeon and had the barium swallow to see if there were any issues, there were none. They still want to take the band out because I am having pain at the port site. I was quoted $15,000 to have it removed- and then an additional quote to have the sleeve done a few weeks later. Unbelievable. I am going to checkout Mexico for sure. To top it off the Place I go to have fills in Wichita shut down. Now If i need a fill or what ever, I have to drive all the way to KC I used Weight Loss Surgical Centers.

I was banded in 2009 and I have lost 63 pounds, and no more. Actually I gained back 20 of it. I have pain at my port site, and I went in to my surgeon and had a barium swallow to see if there were any issues. There were none, the swallow went through the band just fine. The band was in place, and the port which was crooked for years is now flat. They told me since there is some pain at the port site that I need to just have the band taken out. $15,000 to do that? I eat certain foods and I throw them up. I try to avoid carbs and certain foods, but things like pizza, and fast food is a major no no. I end up throwing them up. So most likely I stay away from them. I think I am going in to get the sleeve put in, and removal of the band. I am considering going to Mexico to have it done with This organization. I have done a lot of research and I am really leaning towards bariatricpal. I didn't have any support when the band was put in It was done in Kansas City, and my fills were done in wichita near my home. I have not had a fill in 2 years. Does anyone have any recommendations on the sleeve vs the bypass? Thanks

The thing is, If I wanted to go on a fancy diet and exercise like a mad woman, I think I could have done that without paying $15,000 to do it. I did do that. I lost 38 lbs. I was banded in july of 11 and now gained all of that back post surgery.

I will be sure to check you out on your blog.. Cream of Wheat? Does it keep you full? I will try it. You have a point about eating for the rest of your life.

Wow that is great that you have been able to lose that much! Good for you.. Where do you get RVL meal replacement shakes… GNC ?

That is a good idea too. I do eat eggs and yogert but kashi cereal too makes me sleepy…lol do you like egg beaters?

I agree with all that was said… I too suffer from depression, off and on through out the years, The funny thing is that it comes and goes and for years have not had any symptoms, until I had miscarried twins. Then it came back. I didn't want to leave the house, and do much of anything, no cleaning, no exercise and I love my pool, maintaining it — lost interest in that as well. I had gotten the band 7 weeks ago and thought that would help. If he weight came off then I would feel better. But of course that was not the case. So I got put on welbutrin, and have been for 2 weeks.. i am starting to feel much better. Sometimes we put on weight to hide our feelings, and when we are given the tools to take off the weight, we still do not deal with the underlying reason we put the weight in the first place.- thus the depression can get worse. Hang in there and know that the band is not a cure all, its a tool and your heart can also be a good tool. Do not be so hard on yourself. Hang in there! cat