isabelle290

You do need a passport to fly. Most doctors have some type of driving available (you don't need a passport to drive across the border). For example, you can fly to a certain border city in Texas and a driver will pick you up and drive you into Mexico. You just have to ask the patient coordinator. When are you thinking of going? I am set for early July with Dr. A. Rodriguez.

Hey there! Glad you posted! I know how you feel. I decided to have the band awhile ago but ran into an insurance battle that I lost. Now I am self pay set for early July. I can't wait!!! If you have found this forum, that's a pretty good indication that you are ready for this. My advice is to do lots of research about your doctor and ask lots of questions on the forum or from patients of your doctor. As you read about others success stories, hopefully you will decide to make the decision to change your life with the band:)! Good Luck!

I am using doctor Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey Mexico. He has 12 years of experience with the band. There are lots of forums posted here with other great doctors outside the US.

I think anxiety is normal. I have "freaked out" too many times. I just look at it this way- If I don't have the band, nothing will change and I will still be obese and depressed. If I do have the band, there is a 99% chance that it will work and I will finally lose the weight and be able to live my life! Of course, it really may help to talk with your doctor about your anxiety, but I can assure you, most of us have it too as our surgery approaches!:star:

See if you can talk with some of his patients. That is the best way to find out if he is a good surgeon. That seems like a great price for the US!

I've wondered the same thing myself when I was trying to get approved through my insurance. Just more red tape to see if there is a way for the insurance to get out of it! Hang in there!

Good Luck! I am being banded too in July in MX. I looked into your Dr. R and he seemed really good. The main reason I am using Dr. Rodriguez in Monterrey is due to people that I know that have used him and his 12 years of experience. Let us know how you do! I can't wait to join you!!!

My surgery is set for early July in Monterrey. I decided to go to Mexico after my year long fight with my insurance failed. I found out about Dr. Rodriguez through a co-worker that used him, so I feel good about that. He also had a good record and 12 years of experience. I have gradually been telling friends of my plans and they are FREAKING OUT! My good friend asked me to dinner so she could tell me how SELFISH I am for risking my life by having surgery in Mexico. She then said, make sure you have a will and I want to see you before you go because you are probably not coming back! Has anyone else had this problem? How did you handle it? I wish I never said a word to anyone! :cry

Sorry- I tried to edit something and apperently it doesn't work too well!

<p>gcgrove29-</p> <p> </p> <p>I loved the story- I think I may share that one with her! I am still laughing!<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/happy.gif" border="0" alt="" title="" smilieid="60" class="inlineimg" /></p>

The friend that told me that also has issues with her weight, so I thought she would be understanding. I guess you never know how people will react. It helps that you feel good about going to Mexico. I must admit, I am a little nervous. I am just so tired of dealing with all of the doctors and insurance issues here. I know I am ready to have this done!

Go to fillcentersusa online and you can search their site for close doctors by zip code. That is a company that specializes in lapband fills for people who are banded in Mexico or for patients who move and need someone to do their fills. Your doctor in Mexico should set you up with a close fill doctor after surgery. Ask them, too.

Thanks for the info! :)

With my band date around the corner, can you guys tell me how you handle eating in social settings? Like eating out with co-workers, resturants in general, or parties, etc. Thanks,

I completely understand! The friends I have told have been trying to talk me out of it. My dad even said, "Don't you think you could just lose the weight if you exercise?" Hello, no obviously I can't or I wouldn't need to have the band! Not to mention I need to lose 120 pounds! Do what is right for you!

I will look for your commercial! I am from Houston, too. Congratulations-

I have my band scheduled for July so I don't know about throwing up. I have a friend that is going through Chemo for breast cancer, so I know it is rough. I wanted you to know I hope all goes well for you. I wish you the best with your health! That is great that you are doing this for yourself.

I am a 3rd grade ESL teacher w/ horrible insurance b/c weight loss surgery was excluded. I am going to have my band done this July in Mexico. Hopefully, it will give me more energy to teach. Each year gets harder and harder as I keep adding weight. I can't wait to join those of you who have had your bands!

I am scheduled:D for Dr. Rodriguez in Monterrey on July 5. I can't wait. Many of my friends are terrified of me going, but I know it is the right thing for me. If you are ready, you will make the commitment, no matter what other people say. There really are lots of great doctors in Mexico, and plus you don't have to go through all pre-op things like you do here.

Just a curious question, after the band, do you have to keep the incision area dry? How long do you have to wait to take a bath or swim. Just wondering!

Thanks for the advice. The main reason I asked about the swimming thing is that my kids love to go to the pool and I am scheduled for July 5 for surgery. After reading the pee thing, I think their dad will be taking them. Good Point!

I am going to Mexico b/c of an exclusion on my policy. You don't have to jump through all the hoops there like you do here w/ psy evals, etc.

Please don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams! I am using Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, too after lots of research and people I know who have used him. Luckily, my mom is very supportive. Serveral of my friends, though keep telling me how crazy I am to go to Mexico. It is very difficult, but I don't want to live my life any longer regretting not taking control of my life!

I am using Dr. R, too. in early July. Several people in my mom's office has used him and had nothing but great things to say about him. I was upset my ins. denied me at first, but it is nice not to have to deal w/ the insurance anymore. Let me know how your bands go w/ Dr. R! I can't wait to have my band!

A trainer told me last year when I joined the gym (which by the way didn't help me lose the weight obviosly), that the reason people who drink Diet Coke are usually not thin is because our bodies don't know what to do with the artificial sweeteners b/c it is unnatural. Your body will then turn it to fat. Don't know if it is true, but it makes sense.