NataliesMommy

Nope, not Ortiz. I used another Dr. Like I said, I've heard tons of great things about Ortiz, so you shouldn't be too worried!

No, I didn't use Dr. Ortiz. And for the most part, I've heard he's a good doctor. So I wouldn't worry so much if I were you. I used Dr. Lopez Dominguez w/ Betancourt Medical.

I don't remember the name of the IV antibiotics... I would have to go dig up my medical records. But this last time she put me on levaquin... which I had to stop taking because I'm pregnant. I've pretty much had the same treatment as you, she tried going in and cleaning it out, and the antibiotics. I'm afraid she's out of ideas.....

Bless your heart! You've really been through hell and back. I can relate to your situation. I was banded in Mexico, and am having serious complications. I want my band out too! I've talked to several other people that were banded in Mexico as well, and had them removed in the US. Some of their insurances paid, and some didn't. Alot of it has to do w/ how they file it. I would definately call your insurance co. and see what they have to say about it. They may cover it if it's life threatening. And if not..... I know you probably don't want to go back to Mexico (and neither do I, but I may have to) but I've heard of Mexican surgeons removing bands for about $4000.... Best of luck. Keep us updated!

I can. And it's a good source of protein....

Just don't use Betancourt Medical in TJ!

It depends on the doctor. I experienced the dark side. I was banded in TJ, and when I started having serious complications the medical group I used was anything but helpful. (And that's putting it nicely.) From there, I attempted getting in w/ an American doctor and was unable to because I didn't have medical records from Mexico. (They told me my medical records had already been destroyed - this is less than a month after my surgery) So...just make sure you do TONS of research on the doctors. Talk to patients that have and haven't had complications. There are tons of posts on this site alone about complaints or praises from docs across the borders. And most importantly, set up your follow up care w/ an American physician before your surgery. Let them know exactly what your plans are, and what information they'll need from the Mexican surgeon.

Where in Texas are you?

If everyday individuals like dislexi can join closed forums, what's preventing posts of "dangerous advice" there as well? I can't say that I know anything about closed forums. Are all the posts and reply's prescreened by your individual physician? Doubtful....

Hi Sausha! I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. As soon as my culture came back as pseudomonas, my doctor very strongly suggested that I be admitted into the hospital for a week to receive IV antibiotics. She said the only meds that are effective w/ this infection, come in IV form only. So, that's what I did. But the source of the infection wasn't cured, so it just came right back. Then she tried going in and cleaning around my port, around the source of the infection, which did not work either. She's a good doctor, but there's only so much she can do. Therefore, my band will probably have to be removed. Were you taking oral antibiotics? Has your doctor said what he plans to do now that the meds didn't work?

I don't have any problems eating it. But as w/ any other white carb, I can't eat very much of it. Only a few bites.

I love going out to eat! However, after being banded, it just felt like such a waste of money! So, I began just sharing w/ my husband instead of ordering my own big plate. It was a little awkward at first because I didn't want the waitor to think we were trying to be cheap all the time, but I learned not to worry about what other people think. It will take some getting used to, but you just have to keep the big picture in mind. I wish you lots of luck!

Right. Dr Huacuz was not my surgeon and I have no personal experiences w/ him. Dr. Lopez banded me. Also, I'm glad to hear you received the follow-up care you were in need of!!! Thanks for sharing your story!

Thank you both for your advice!! I really learned alot! MzAngel, I'm relieved someone can actually relate to my situation. Sounds like you've been through alot yourself! Everything you said makes sense. However, I had no clue that when slippage occurs it's so painful. You poor thing. I'm glad you got the surgery you needed! Again, thanks for taking the time to respond. Good luck w/ your new band and new BABY!

Good lord..... Okay, you're right. *I* made HUGE mistake, and it's not Mexico's fault. However, the effects of my mistake were compounded HUGELY by the fact that my surgery had been in Mexico. And you're also right that I didn't do nearly enough research and I chose a cheap doctor. Instead of throwing that in my face (because that's obviously something that I already know) maybe you should commend the fact that I want others to learn from my mistakes. Even though it throws me under the wheels of judging people like you. Believe it or not, I did not know of boards such as these. I talked to several of their former patients of theirs that had perfect experiences. And really wasn't sure where to go to find complaints. Afterall this is a foreign country. Should we, who have these negative stories, keep quite for the sake of the rest of the innocent surgeons? Of course not. For bubblebutt's peace of mind I will say that I'm sorry and that I didn't mean to incriminate EVERY dr in Mexico. LIKE I SAID in my original post, I'm sure there are several legitimate caring Mexican surgeons (maybe that part was skipped over by her), as well as TONS of success stories. This is simply MY story. My experience. Just one person. Take it for what you wish....but don't try to discourage me when my intentions are to inform patients. The ugly side, though ugly, should be exposed as well.

I think it's perfectly fine, and understandable, to keep it between you and your family. I only told one person prior to my surgery (not even my family) because I didn't want anyone trying to talk me out of it. However, after my surgery, I did let everybody know. I can say that at times I wished that I hadn't told my co-workers. It gave them a gateway to comment on my weight, on food that I was eating, and ask me how much I weighed/was loosing on a daily basis. And that was uncomfortable at times... so I can definately relate to how you might be feeling. Good luck w/ your journey! I wish you all the best!

Thank you so much for sharing this! And to Sarah as well for your concern. It really means alot to me. I have an appt w/ my surgeon next week, and will definately ask her about this! We'll see what she says!!!!!

Thank you all for your kind words and your appreciation of me telling my story. In resonse to the bubble butt girl's rude and insensitive post: I'm glad that you are one of the lucky ones that received good follow-up care w/ your complications. And no offense, but DUH - what you spoke of in your reply is already a given. People know that complications can arise.... whether you're in America, Mexico, or the North Pole. My point is >>>>>>>>> If you go to another country for surgery AND have complications, you could be in big trouble, like so many of us!! I'm at the point now to where I'm having to go see my (american) surgeon every 3 wks. EVEN IF my Mexican surgeon was one of the caring ones, it wouldn't be possible to be going down to Mexico this often. No American doctor wants to touch you with a 10ft pole (I searched for mos until I finally lucked out and found someone to accept me), and getting help from your original foreign surgeon group is difficult at best. I'm sure there are legitimate surgeons across the borders that actually care about your health - and that's great, i'm happy you found one! But you don't know that about them for sure until/unless you have a complication. Why take a risk like that on your life? More likely than not, they're just in it for the money, and consider their hands washed of you as soon as you step out of their clinic. They have no legal responsibilities to follow up w/ you.... so why would they? So, let me go back, i'm sorry. Yes people, you can have complications if you have surgery in the states (for those of you born on Mars and didn't already know that!). The difference is, you can get treatment here much easier, and keep the complications to a minimum. Despite your hateful reply, i'm glad you told your side of the story. Like I mentioned, there are TONS of success stories that should definately be shared just as much as the horror stories. Also my point in posting this thread is that hopefully one would do much research before choosing a surgeon. If I had known of all the complaints from patients on this website alone about my surgeon, my health would not be in such danger as it is now. This isn't a question of right or wrong. You can quote and debate every sentence I write for all I care. Despite your lengthy attempts, you are not in any way proving me wrong. I stand by my post and will continue to warn as many people as possible. And I think you should continue to tell your story as well.

Wow, my heart goes out to you. My daughter, husband, and myself were struck w/ MRSA, and I know how painful and scary it is. It was an epidemic in our community. I couldn't imagine having it at my port site. My prayers go out for your speedy recovery!

That is so encouraging to hear! My band will more than likely have to be removed after my baby is born in Oct, due to infection. I'm terrified that my weight will sky rocket as soon as it's removed. Thank you for being an inspiration!

Yes indeed! Only Dr. Huacez is not there anymore due to the number of complaints. Now it is Dr. Lopez, and his track record isn't much better from what I hear.

He is the owner of Betancourt Medical in Tijuana, Mexico. Home of low prices and low life expectancy!

I can't say this surprised me. Andres acts like your best friend until there is complications involved. Can you believe he threatened to sue me???

The Molding/Moulding Clinic is now called BETANCOURT MEDICAL andshould NOT be trusted with your life. I've been dealing w/ deadly infection, weeks in the hospital, medical bills through the roof, loss of my job, pain and stress for over a year now. And I'm still not out of the woods! Not to mention, I've talked to SEVERAL other former patients that had life threatening complications! ANDRES BETANCOURT will attempt to sweep you off your feet and lure you w/ low prices. IT'S NOT WORTH IT!

Hi guys! I've always been able to count on this forum when I need advice! I was banded in April 06, and have been dealing w/ a horrible infection this whole time. It's a long story.... but needless to say I DON'T recommend going to Mexico!!! Because of the infection, I wasn't able to get a fill this whole time, and had only lost 40lbs right after the surgery. FINALLY a couple weeks ago, I was at a point to where (even though the infection was still there) my doctor agreed to fill me. I was sooooo excited to be able to start loosing weight again, and have lost 14lbs since the fill. IRONICALLY... the SAME day I got my fill, I found out I was pregnant!!! From what I've read on the internet, I will now have to get an unfill so that the baby can get the proper nutrition. Is that right? Does anybody know????? I informed my current (american) lap band dr that I was pregnant. She didn't mention anything about an unfill... just to stop taking my antibiotics, and that we wouldn't be able to do anything more about the infection until after the baby is here. I believe after the baby is here, she is going to want to remove the band all together. I feel like this next 7 mos is my last chance to loose weight w/ the band. But that can't be good for the baby(??) I haven't gotten the chance to see an OB doc yet. Im trying to make sure the food I do eat is nutritious and taking Vitamins as well. Does anyone know if the OB dr will require that I have an unfill?