walleyek

I did a lot of research. MIMIS in Crosby is THE center to have your surgery in Minnesota. The personal touch is HUGE -- why deal with Park Nicollet BS?

also check MIMIS in Crosby, MN/

I attended a seminar in central MN this past weekend. The MIMIS center in Crosby, Minnesota is excellent. I spoke to three people (2 GB, 1 LB) who are extremely happy with this center. I also checked out Park Nicollet, Fairview, and even Mayo -- If you live in Minnesota, Crosby is the place to have your surgery, hands down.

I've been impressed by what I've read about Dr. Rumbaut and his team in Monterrey, MX. My insurance does not cover lap band surgery. I've ruled out Roux-en-y due to the radical nature of the surgery and lifestyle changes. I called all the major providers in Minnesota (Allina, Park Nicollet, Fairview, Mayo) and none of them will treat a lap band patient who isn't their own. In fact, the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester doesn't even perform lap band surgery. The person I spoke with said, "the doctors here are not convinced of the benefits". Hmmm.... this is the same place where foreign dignitaries fly to for medical care. Rather disconcerting. The operation in Minnesota costs $35,000. Rumbaut charges $10,600. I'd be willing to go forward with it if I could find someone within 150 miles to provide fills, aftercare, etc. This to me is the biggest obstacle in the way.

I was contemplating Cardiff because there are no options close to my home state of Minnesota, but my sister lives close to Cardiff. I guess my question is: about how many aftercare visits should one expect? I'm close to pulling the trigger on lap band surgery in Mexico, but would only do it if I can work out aftercare logistics.

Does anyone have experience with this facility?

I have Empire Blue Cross (BCBS of NY) and they cover Roux-en-y, but not Lap Band surgery. I'm completely comfortable having my Lap Band installed in Mexico by Dr. Rumbout, however I will have to get on a plane more than once to have my fills, because my state (and surrounding states) does not have a physician who's willing to take on a patient who had surgery in Mexico. Here was the reply from one of the prominent hospital systems in my state when I asked about follow-up care: "It actually has not been very cost effective for our organization to do BAND fills on patients who have their BANDS placed in Mexico. Because the cost of the visit can be high (~$200-500 depending on what type of fill you receive), a lot of our patients had large outstanding balances with the hospital and some sent to collection. This and the large clinic volumes have made us reevaluate our practices." BTW, I live in Minnesota.