NataliesMommy

Thanks for your quick reply! I do agree that I should get a second opinion. I was a little shocked when she said that I would just have to live w/ the infection (without treatment) until after the baby is here. I do trust her though, she is a great Dr and took me on as a patient when no other American Dr would (that I could find). She did have me on levaquin, which I'm unable to take while pregnant. And like I said, I think we were at the point of discussing removal of the band. But that would be too risky of a surgery right now (I'm guessing). I have another appt in a couple weeks, so we'll see what the plan is from here. But in the meantime I will definately take your advice and do more research. Thanks again for your advice and prayers!!

:help: I believe I made the biggest mistake of my life. I was so desperate (and stupid!) to get lap band surgery in April of this year, that I went to Tijuana, Mexico to have the procedure done. I was unable to have the surgery in the states because of financial and insurance reasons. It has turned into a nightmare. They ASSURED me that I would be able to follow up w/ an American Dr. My mistake was waiting until I got back home to find a dr to do my fills. Naturally they wanted my medical records. So, I call "mexico" and request this info faxed over. They stated that the medical records had been destroyed, and that they don't hold on to records. It had only been a little over a month. So.... I was unable to find a dr to treat me and do my fills. If I want a fill, I have to go back to Mexico. Seeing as how this is very inconvenient, I've only been able to have one fill, and am already back to eating normally and not loosing weight. On top of that, I've had complications since I had the surgery. A month or so afterwards, I developed a large, painful, and hot to the touch, knot right under my incision. I went to see my PCP and he referred me to a surgeon. The surgeon said it was inflammation and would go away. Well, it never did, and got much worse. The knot became larger and more painful, and eventually developed a sore in my incision that drained, alot. By then, I was in the process of switching jobs and didn't have insurance. So, I just prayed that it would get better and of course it didn't. Finally the pain and discomfort of the last several months got to me. I broke down and went to the ER. I was there for 6 hours having several tests ran. The dr concluded that I had a huge and serious infection that is streaming down to my hip and over to back. He put me on 2 different antibiotics an pain meds. I've been taking them for over a week and feel no changes. The knot is still there, still draining, and still painful. So I'm fearful that this isn't going to work either. My reason for this post is maybe for a little cheap therapy, and of course hopes that someone else may read and learn from my mistakes. And of course I would LOVE LOVE LOVE any suggestions and advise.

Hello, I promised to update everyone on what happened with my issue. Im actually writing from my hospital bed, I will be here for 6 more days. From one of the subscribers to this site, I was referred to Dr. Querry in Marshall, Tx. She was happy to get me in, and actually cultured my infection, unlike all the dr's before. The results weren't so great. Apparently it's pseudomonas. Never heard of it before, but it's a heck of an infection, and the only meds that will work, are in IV form only. So, I guess it's good news and bad news. I'm just relieved to find a doctor that is willing to spend the time and help me.

WOW! I'm in shock at our similarities. Apparently I'm not the only one that's a victim of this sleazy medical group. I wanna know more!! I'll email you!

Ft. Worth, Tx

The loan was in-house, through the owner, Andres Betancourt. That's why i'm not paying the rest out. If it had been through a bank, I'd pay to keep my credit in line.

My doctor was Dr. Lopez through Betancourt Medical. Unfortunately, they are no help due to the legal issue now. They are taking me to court, so that's the last place I can go for medical assistance. That's why I am attempting to find another dr that would be able to see me.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. Honestly I didn't imagine this many people reading my story, much less taking the time to offer great advice and assistance. This board has made the world of difference on my emotional health anyways. New developments: I contacted my patient coordinator to plead again for medical records. Again she claims that they are destroyed after 1 month and they are unable to provide me w/ anything. So... this might not be the smartest thing to do, but I advised them that I wouldn't be making any more payments. (I owe them a remainder of $2000 of in-house finance). Now, Andres Betancourt, the owner is threatening to sue me. He says that he will file suit in Cali and I will be forced to travel there for the trial. I think he was just saying this to scare me into paying. But I'm not going to bend. He can take me to court if he wishes. But no records = no more payments!!!!! He supposedly filed suit against me yesterday, so... we will see what happens. On another note...I have been asked where I live several times and it's Ft.Worth, Tx. I plan to get on the phones and start calling around w/ some of the advice i've already received. But as always, If you have any additional info, I will GLADLY take it. :confused: Again, I just want to thank you all so much for caring and understanding. I look forward to hopping on the computer each day after work to see all my replies

Thank you all for your kind words and being so understanding. It really does mean a lot. I think I just needed a little sympathy and encouraging words. I'm sure everything will turn out fine in the end. My insurance will kick in w/in the next couple of mos which will be greatly helpful as far as the infection goes. All the advise has been wonderful, and I plan on putting it to good use. I could always use more though if you have it