lapmom

My daughter was banded in July in TJ, Mexico. Due to a series of events she has not yet had a fill. She attempted to have a fill last week and apparently the port has flipped over, or has possibly rolled. We contacted her physican in TJ and he will fix it, but travel and time costs seem prohibitive. In addition, she doesn't want to go back. Not a bad experience, but she is afraid. She lives in Arcata, California (near Eureka) and I live in Idaho. (Boise area) Can anyone recommend a doctor who will take Mexican banded patients? We have had one estimate with a doctor in Washington who said a minimum of $5,000. If she had that kind of money she would have had surgery here in the first place. Any suggestions and help with the "flipped out" port would be greatly appreciated. Lapband Mom

I just don't know what to do. My daughter was banded in Mexico and the port has apparently flipped over. She has had a terrible time trying to find someone to help her. Approximate cost in the United States is $5,000. We can go back to MX doctor for free, but why did it flip in the first place? Is there something we should ask for to prevent the flipping? The American doctors talk re-port, but I believe the Mx doctor will just turn it back over. Is there a reason she would need a new port? I'm becoming sorry she ever did this surgery. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Lapmom:phanvan

I am becoming so afraid of all the problems with the lap band. My daughter had her surgery in Mexico in July. She has never had a fill because at first we had trouble finding anyone to do it. A long story. Then it turned out her port had flipped over. Is that what happened to you? I would really appreciate your advice and any information you might share with me. Thanks, MJ GiaPaint@aol.com

Thanks Susan, She will be happy to hear that there is less pain involved with this surgery. I didn't see how it could be as complicated as the first since it's only the port not the stomach part. I'm hoping we can find someone to take care of all her needs. This is definately one of the drawback with the Mexico surgeries and she lives in a tiny very isolated town making finding support even more difficult. Thank you for your help. Lapmom