sphynxmomma

Please help me, I have been reading this site for what seems like a life time and I can't come to a decision as to where to go to have the Lap band done... Where did you go to have your Lap Band done? And who did you find locally that would do your fills? Did you find it difficult to find a doctor who would do your fills? Thanks in advance Heather

I am thrilled to tell you all that I am finally banded!! Ahhhh. I was banded on May 29th in Tijuana Mexico by Dr. Ortiz. My experience was exactly how everyone explained it would, no surprises (thank god because I am the most anal person I know). He operates one well oiled machine down there that’s forsure. When I first started coming to lapbandtalk I noticed a lot of people going down to Mexico, I was baffled as to why someone would go to Tijuana of all places to have surgery, I remember actually joking about it to my husband, I actually recall comparing it to a back ally abortion (sorry if offended) BUT as I read and the more I researched the more I felt like this doctor is the doctor for me…Dr Ortiz… I remember the day of my surgery I was practically hyperventilating in my hospital room, he was walking by and saw this…the guy actually quickly came in my room and calmed my down with casual chit chat, he was in and out of my room numerous times just checking on me and chatting…that made me feel a million times better….he is a wonderful person and doctor. I spent the night in the hospital and was back in my hotel room the next day. I met some wonderful people down there and I am honestly thrilled with my decision. I’m in Calgary and if any of you are wondering about after care and fills and such (I’ve seen a lot of debates) I do have a fill and after care doctor lined up. lol Well, that’s my story if anyone was wondering…..I did want to add…Julie, thank you for creating CalgaryLapbanders, I read daily…and it is a wealth of unbiased information (I’m Livpai). Also if anyone is interested in going to Mexico for their surgery I highly recommend getting in touch with Andrew from www.medicaledge.ca, he set up everything…totally took the worry out of everything and answered every question and concern I had…awesome guy! Thanks for reading!! Heather

Thank you Doddie....wishing you the best aswell!!!

Doddie, I did read that thread, I am stating the conversation me and my GP had. Although she did not agree that I needed the surgery she also stated that she would stand my by decision and if anything went wrong I was to see her ASAP and would give me the proper care. No one can be denied medical attention in Canada. If it was a medical emergency she would have been admitted ASAP...do you agree??? Whether it be a pacemaker or a Lapband...someone knows how to fix it. Luckily the surgeons that do Lapband here in Alberta are all under the province, there are no private clinics here...yet!!......so that may be the difference! And honestly I don't see it being any different form going to Mexico or going to Toronto (as long as you do your homework)....the end story is you are getting the band and whether you are in Alberta or PEI you still may face challenges because it's a relatively new procedure in Canada.. That lady had her band put in locally (I think) and shit still happened kwim. It sucks when crummy stuff happens but I guess that comes with anything and we should be prepared for it!

I asked my GP before I went down to Mexico. I asked her these questions and she told me that I CANNOT be denied any medical attention period...IF ANYTHING goes funk then I was to see her ASAP! Once you are back in the province you are their responsibility if anything goes wrong KWIM. Fills and such are obviously a different story.

I was also referred to Dr McKenna for weight management but decided that I wanted the Lapband and from what I’ve been told she is not involved in surgeries in Calgary…I believe she is strictly a nutritionist…so I packed my bags and headed to Mexico, I am 1 month post op and happy with my choic. I knew that there was no way I would be accepted in the WMP because I have no major health issues. Good Luck!!!

Tammy, Give Dr DesCouteux a call he does alot of Ortiz patients..his number is 403-943-4612

I don't want my thread to be a big debate about Mexico or here in Canada, most people know better....I've read too many posts and that is not what I want there..kwim

Mardigirl, I paid $7950

Tammy, I emailed you, I hope you got it!!!How are you feeling?

Doddie63. Please don't reply to my post. You have nothing but rude comments to people who go to Mexico to have their surgery done (I may not respond but I do and have read for a long time), do you think we were all born yesterday, do you think we are stupid about the aftercare part. Please keep away...Thank you for your input but it is not needed here!! Thanks!

Really!!!!!!!! I never felt like that at all. The OCC drives you to and from the airport and hospital and the other times the gang hung out and shopped. I felt very comforatble. I really wouldn't worry at all. I was having panic attacks a whole week before going down but once I was there all my worries went away.

Just wondering how long it took before you felt up for it?

May 29th here. I've been trying to lose this weight but it's been fighting me every step of the way. 2 weeks and a total of 2 lbs lost...that sucks!!!

How soon did it take you to lose your required weight loss of 5% for surgery.

I am a sneezing mess from now til Juneish. I take medication but I'm wondering how bad is it to have sneezing fits for a newly banded person...My surgery is May 29th

Could it be a evap line? I say anything that has turned pink (the smallest amount) in the 3 minutes is a BFP

Stories please!!!! I'm not banded yet but I was just wondering. Thanks Heather

I have an appointment with my doctor today to talk about it and I’m not sure how she will react???<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Thanks guys...when I book it I will put it out of my mind until need be...I'll try anyway!!

I don't have a surgery date booked yet and I'm paralized in fear about having this surgery. I really don't know if it's to do with having the surgery or because it's out of country (Mexico, I'm from Canada) or because I am going to be alone (My husband needs to be with our kids and can't take time off work). I keep thinking, what if I die how do they ship bodies back? Does my husband need to claim my body....how will my kids make out...SEE, I'M LOSING MY MIND!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhh Help me!!!!!!!!!!

It's with Dr Ortiz...I'm just trying to nail down my financing

Manda, Can you tell me about your experiance with Dr Ortiz...I have planned to have him band me. Thanks Heather

this is what I'm hoping for...I do think it will be the case.

My doctor want me to be aware of the possible risks associated with this surgery. Does anyone know if anyone has ever died or had a blood clot or bad reaction or major infection from this surgery....I'm sooooo scared but I want this sooo bad...Help me put my mind at ease!!! Is this considered major or minor surgery?