Maples

My 2 cents for what it's worth. I had a lap band done several yrs ago by Dr Ariel Ortiz, he's an excellent doctor and I had an excellent experience. 4 months ago I had Dr Illan do my Sleeve & Omar was the coordinator. I could only afford to spend 5k for my procedure & was one reason I chose Dr. Illan & Omar. I traveled alone & felt safe the entire time and all the doctors were attentive, as well as Omar. If you are traveling alone then I would recommend Omar as your coordinator because I wasn't alone at the hospital during recovery time & I knew he would translate anything that I needed to the nurses and that was important to the overall experience. Dr. Illan was also professional and I'm happy with the results. Starting weight 212lbs and now it's 175lbs.

Hi BbGirl, I was so depressed when I had to have my band removed. I gained 70lbs in 14 months. Believe me I enjoyed every bite of food but then knew I had no choice but to get the gastric sleeve. I just felt really good about Dr Illan when I considered his experience, price & over all patient care. I also had a fantastic experience years ago with Dr Ariel Ortiz. Thankfully, I haven't needed follow up care but I'm sure Dr Illan would FaceTime with me without question. He checked on me several times at the hospital & in the hotel, during my stay. He also doesn't do a ridiculous amount of surgeries per day & was a huge reason I chose him. Good luck & I just went with my gut feeling. Thanks :-)

Great advise! I'm going to try that method of determining how I can try to prevent a stall in weight loss also, thanks!

Hi, I also had my band done in mexico by Dr Ariel Ortiz in 09. I loved the healthcare that I received so much that I went back to get the gastric sleeve 3weeks ago. This time I used Dr Illan at the Florence Hospital. I needed an affordable doctor who I also trusted and I can strongly recommend Dr. Illan and his team. I had Zero complications and was shopping & hanging out by day 3. Omar is the coordinator & he goes above and beyond to be just like a "personal assistant" to you while your there! Just putting in my two cents because I also researched doctors and it can be mind numbing to figure out the right one for you ect ect. As far as my sleeve goes , I can eat and drink anything at 3 weeks out & feel very healthy, over all. When I eat too much it reminds me of the "stuck feeling"w/ a band. I haven't thrown up at all (not even after surgery) and my favorite thing is that I can drink faster and actually gulp water, which I couldn't ever do with the band!!!

I appreciate your honesty and I can relate to you. Im having the exact same struggle. I started out strong the first week and have had a complete melt down of will power the second week -ugh. I have just consoled myself with knowing that getting the sleeve is the tool that I need. I had a lap band for several years and really loved it and used it as that extra help to keep my eating in control. I can't wait to feel the weight lifted off of my shoulders after surgery. Thx for sharing.

I feel so bad for you and so sorry for your sister. I had my band done with Dr. Ariel Ortiz and had the most wonderful experience. The health care in Mexico is far better than anything I had ever experienced in the states. I've been back and forth from TJ several times for fills and am going again for a gastric sleeve next week. I have had the option for health care and prefer the level of care in Mexico and the expertise I've gotten down there. I live in California & my family & some friends don't understand but I truly feel it's safer and better than the experiences I've had in the States. I have a history of anxiety issues but have never felt panic stricken or uneasy when being down there. I've always met nice drivers and helpful people to guide you along. Take care and healing for your family , S.