I live in Milton Ma. How about you?
I dont know about Dr Rodriguez but i have heard many good things about him. The lapband was used outside the US for way longer than it has been used here and there is a group of Mexican Drs that are famous for having done many more procedures for much longer and have really perfected this procedure. the clinics are beautiful- equipment the latest- the hotel accomodations luxurious...having satisfied patients is very important as this alternative to having it done in the US is growing and growing. It is really so much easier to have it done in Mexico- no psychologist approval, no wait, much less restrictive about initial body weight and bmi and less costly!!
EXCEPT for the aftercare issue. Dr Ortiz includes free fills for his post op patients. I would go back in a minute but it so long for a 15 min procedure.
There is no non stop flight to San Diego- have to change planes and unlike the initial procedure ,they dont pick you up at airport. You have to find a way to get to Tijuana ( i heard a cab for $130 not positive about this)
then up to you whether to spend the night in the hotel- Mrs Ortiz says they can get you a better rate.
Next is crossing the border it takes 1 to 3 hours of waiting,
and finally to the crowded S.D. airport for a 7 hour changing planes packed airplane ride home.
I sound like a spoiled baby cause really I am fine, so happy I did it and 12 lbs thinner!
The bottom line is that the medical procedural part is easy, safe, less time to book or wait for procedure- no need to meet w/psycologist, and less expensive. Some people who felt better than me went shopping for silver and other bargains and had fun.
The down side is aftercare and fills.
Sorry to go on so long but one more thing- I got an email from the Long Island Bariatric Center one in NY City and one in Levitown NY stating that they will take fill patients for international patients. I am going to check this out. I also downloaded a list from the Inamed (maker of Lapband) web sight with all t he docs in Boston that use it. I am going to go down the list and see if I can get one of them. I will let you know.
Let me know what you decide or if you need any more info- let me know a little about yourself. linda