California Dan

Surgery in Mexico can cost from $7000 to $12000, depends where you have it done and which doctor you choose.

I have researched the Lap Band Surgery for approximately 5 month now and I decided to get banded by Dr. Kuri. After exhausting all boards and search engines on the Lap Band surgery and the many US and Mexican doctors available. This is why I chose Dr. Kuri to perform my surgery on December 14, 2004: 1.Experience: [/b] Approximately 12 years performing the Lap Band surgery. 2.Convenience: Being from California he is 3 hours away and I can always go see him in case of an emergency. 3.Reliable: Dr. Kuri chooses not to travel so much, therefore he is available most of the time. 4.Reputation: I have searched most if not all the search engine, Lap Band Forums and spoken to many who had surgery with him, (Not one complain or negative comment). 5.Affordability: There are cheaper and more expensive surgeons and he is price just right for my budget. 6.Follow Up: Dr. Kuri has a reputation for being a caring doctor, He participates in support groups here in California (Whenever he has the chance). He also throws a party once a year and all his banded patiences are invited. 7.Fills: Dr. Kuri does not charge for fills or adjustments and if you need a flouro the x-ray clinic only charges $50. Many doctors charge over $200 for fills here in the states and don’t even have half the experience that Dr. Kuri has. 8.Online support: Dr. Kuri has an online support group were hundreds of banded and pre-banded individuals support each other and all questions are answer. I have not seen a busier support group yet. This are the main reasons I chose Dr. Kuri and as you can see it works for me.

In Dateline's hour-long report, "Weighing the Risks," NBC's Al Roker reports on his health since his documented gastric bypass surgery; and the dangers and benefits involved in the procedure for obese people of all ages, from teens to adults. I thought it would be to all of our interest, it will air tonight at 8PM Eastern time, 5 PM Pacific. Dan

Gagirl, Who was your Dr. and how was the Mexico experience?

a book were they mention the Lap Band surgery and the success it's having?

There are some USA doctors performing the Lap Band Surgery now a days charging between $13,000 and $14,000 for the self pays. Why would anyone risk their lives and go down to Mexico and have the surgery done for $8,000 to $11,000 dollars? The Mexican doctors should be charging no more than $6,000 to $8,000 for the surgery since there are no high insurance cost and any threats of being taken to court for malpractice.

Babs, That is some good advise, it makes sense to drink the liquid first and eat the solids after.

My wife prepare her best chicken Soup and as I was eating it may me want to ask the following question: Once banded, I know that one of the rules are not drinking liquids while you eat, and not drinking anything for about 2 hours after. Does this mean that soup is out of the question or do you only drink the soup and not the vegetables and chicken? California Dan Not banded yet, but is comming soon!

Who was the doctor that banded Dr. Rumbaut? I have read that he is the only Mexican doctor who was banded and I would like to know. Thanks, California Dan

It is unprofessional and unethical to deceive patients when they are trusting their lives to this kind of doctors. I know lots of patients who have the sweetish band and are doing ok with it, but it does not justify deceiving a patient and installing something in their bodies for the rest of their lives. I know that saving $1000 or maybe $2000 is a lot of money for some people, but do your research and go with the most recommended doctors. Does any one know if there is a way to report malpractice to the Mexican authorities?

I have visited numerous Lap Band sites and always find that women are the majority everywhere. Is the Lap Band appealing women more or are men just too shy to admit they are having surgery? Dan

Nancy, I decided to ask this question because I notice one doctor had two different web sites. One quoted the surgery higher than the other and at this point I send the doctor an e-mail. Well to my surprise, the doctor in Monterey answered the e-mail and quoted me about $1000 less than his two sites. The answer he gave me was that the patient facilitators in the US received a commission and maintained the web pages. I could be wrong about other doctors, but it does not hurt to ask around.

Thank you for the advice Marie. Believe me when I tell you that I have been searching and asking questions on several doctors. I have narrow the search to Dr. Rumbaut, Dr. Kuri, Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Rodriguez in Monterey Mexico. I will sure start calling these doctors soon but I also wanted to know if anyone else has taken this route and been successful. Dan