Alyssa

I'm completely new to all of this...I know there are many in just my position, and I'm hoping you'll (yet again!) be willing to help. I'm in process with two doctors: Rumbaut in Monterrey; and Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana. I'm really torn! I feel as though I've done the research, read all the postings, verified credentials...but it's challenging to get a sense of what's true and what isn't, especially when it's from afar. On the surface, Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana has the credentials that make me feel a little more secure...but I really don't know. I'd truly appreciate any help in deciding! OH...my BMI is 37/38, but my insurance company denied me because I don't have diabetes or hypertension. Scary high cholesterol, severe back issues, severe joint pain, and sleep disturbance weren't enough I guess. So I'll be paying out of pocket. I'm hoping to schedule the procedure with SOMEONE :thumbdown: in mid-April. Again, I really appreciate any help with this decision!

Hi, I was just checking in to see how you are doing after lap band...? I ended up having gastric bypass here in Chicago, just last month. Doing fine; working on my stamina. But you really helped me in the initial stages, so thank you. Hope you are doing well! Alyssa

Hi Snowbird, We're about the same age and I'm scheduled with Dr. Ortiz on April 18. Did you notice any significant difference between your recovery time and your daughter's? I'm excited, but also quite nervous! Did you have a lot of people who thought you were crazy to have surgery in Tijuana? Thanks for your help!

One of the scariest parts of trying to find a doctor in Mexico is not knowing who to "trust." It's hard to know who is a "real" person, and who is just working for the doctor. I wish there was some lie detector test so we would all know whose posts we can trust! But we all need to exercise caution in health care, whether it's here or in Mexico. I'm currently scheduled for lap band with Dr. Ariel Ortiz on April 18. Am I 100% sure? Of course not. For now I have a deposit down while I try to work through a little more of my ambivalence. I went back and forth between him and one doc in Monterrey. I just thought I'd feel more comfortable being closer to San Diego (even though I'm in Chicago!). Also, my husband is a physician and last night he had a phone consult with Dr. Ortiz. (Ok, I must admit I really didn't think he would even call.) And since I'm being such a skeptic, I made my husband ask a lot of very technical questions, most of which I didn't understand. My husband was very impressed. I have a sister in Southern California, and she is going to visit the clinic next week, just to make sure their website is accurate. If anyone is interested, I'll keep you posted.

Here's a link to an article about Dr. Verboonan being arrested and charged with insurance fraud: SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Six Tijuana doctors arrested in sting Just a reminder of how careful we need to be!

Hi- I'm in Chicago and in the same position as you. My insurance won't cover me, so I'm self-pay. My husband is a physician...we've been doing the research and he has a phone consultation scheduled with Dr. Ariel Ortiz tomorrow night. I can let you know how it goes, if you'd like. Dr. Rumbault and Dr. Ortiz both seem highly qualified, but if anything doesn't go as planned, I'd rather be a few minutes from a San Diego hospital, rather than in the middle of Mexico in Monterrey. But that's just me. Also, Dr. Ortiz's continuing medical education/training seems a little more impressive. Right now I'm scheduled to be banded on April 18.

Hi Amayqt (and anyone else!), I'll be flying to San Diego from Chicago on April 17. I'm confirmed for April 18 with Dr. Ortiz--if I send in my deposit within the next three days. It's tricky figuring out what to do with my two boys, ages 9 and 11, since vacation starts for them on 4/18. My husband is a physician, so (of course!) I'd prefer that he's with me. I scheduled a phone consultation between Dr. Ortiz and my husband on Wednesday night...my husband read everything on the website as well as Dr. Ortiz's resume. I know he has some questions. If you're interested, I'll keep you posted. Just curious: since you have hypertension and diabetes, did they ask you for any of your medical records? did they require a stress test? do any of your friends/family think it's crazy to go to Tijuana for a medical procedure? Did you ever find any stats regarding complications? Maybe I'M being the skeptic, but sometimes it seems that most of the posts are so glowing, it almost makes me wonder if they are "plants." I know that almost sounds a little crazy! But regardless, I was relieved to hear that you made direct contact with some of the people behind the "testimonials." I have a friend who lives in Southern California; she's Mexican. Tonight she told me she's going to visit Dr. Ortiz's center next week and will report back. I hope you'll let me know, too, what your experience is like. Now I'm the one that's sorry for the long post! But it's comforting to know you're going through all of this, too. Thank you so much! Alyssa

Oh my goodness, that's so exciting! (and, yes, a bit scary as well) It's healthy that you are a skeptic...it's still a significant procedure and you want to be aware of all the issues. Can you tell me what made you decide to go with Dr. Ortiz? Are you flying into San Diego? I'll be thinking of you! Best of luck, Alyssa

Hi-Hope you are still doing well! I, too, am considering Dr. Rumbaut, but I'm wondering...did you ever look into the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana? Dr. Ariel Ortiz looks very experienced. Have you heard of him? Thanks so much for your help and best of luck to you! Alyssa