Back from Mexico!

Doctorblue · December 12, 2003

Well, I'm back from Mexico! I was originally scheduled for surgery Nov. 21. However, that didn't coincide well with the time I need off for work, so I rescheduled it for Dec. 9.

Let me say, for me, it went about as uneventful as it could. Arrived at the hospital around 8am. Had the doctor's assistant show us the different bands to figure out which one we wanted. I liked the Midband and the largest Inamed band, so just said whichever the doctor felt was best for me. Had blood drawn for tests around 9am. Got some happy sleepy drugs soon after. Can't remember what time I got out of surgery, but know I was making telephone calls around 2pm.

I haven't really had any pain so far. I've had a few aches, but nothing really serious. Everyone was very impressed. They said it didn't even look like I just had surgery! My surgeon was great! I highly recommend him to anyone who choses to go to Mexico for surgery! His website is www.joseband.com .

Well, I ended up getting the Midband. He also placed my port in the center (usually places them to the left with the Midband). I also have one less scar than others (most people usually have five incisions, I only had four). The doctor and his assistant said my surgery went as textbook as it could go. So, I am so relieved and ecstatic.

There was another lady that was to have lapband surgery that day. Unfortunately she was unable to get the band. Her liver was so huge and diseased and took up so much room in her abdomen that the doctor couldn't safely move it to place the band. I'm sure she is devasted! Just as a note of further recommendation for my doctor (and no, I am not getting paid to endorse him, my surgery just went so well that I endorse him for free, lol). The doctor did this other lady's surgery for free. He did have to charge her for the hospital fees, but as far as the cost of the doctor's time, he did not charge her for that! So, he really is a caring doctor who cares about his patients and their needs. So, if insurance keeps turning you down, I recommend checking across the border!

quakergirl · December 12, 2003

I'm glad that things went well for you. :cool:

I haven't heard much about midband before, so it will be interesting to hear about your experience with it.

Do you have a fill doctor lined up already? I've heard that sometimes USA doctors don't want to deal with any bands except the Inamed one. That will probably change soon, though, if the FDA ends up approving the Swedish band.

It's horrible that one lady couldn't get banded. :rolleyes: I can't imagine the heartbreak of spending your own money, traveling so far, and still not getting the band. Kudos to your doc for not charging her though. Do you know if she plans to try again? I was so afraid of having the same situation happen to me because I had not gone on a pre-op diet to shrink my liver.

Leannie · December 14, 2003

Congratulations on your surgery Doctorblue!

I have a question about the lady with the enlarged liver.

I'm getting my band in 2 weeks. I was told I didn't need a pre-op diet. Can anyone tell me what could enlarge your liver that much? I'm sure a lot of drinking will do that, but what else? I'm not taking any chances.

Doctorblue · December 14, 2003

Yes, I plan on either going back to my surgeon or using a doctor in Texas named Dr. Snow. He will fill my Midband so that's good.

Yes, she is going to go on a diet and is going to try again in March (as of now). Hopefully she will be able to do it. She did tell me she didn't really do the pre-op diet though. So, I hope she takes these next three or four months seriously and improves her health so it will be safe to get her banded.

Thanks for the well wishes!

Doctorblue · December 14, 2003

Well, I know for my fellow patient, she had a very sedentary job. She does surveilance for insurance fraud. So, she was sitting in a vehicle ten twelve hours a day. She also ate a ton of fast food, potatoes, and butter. She had diabetes as well. I think years of all high fat foods and lack of any kind of movement is what contributed to her very fatty and diseased liver.

If you want to take no chances, I would still suggest going on some kind of high protein/low carb pre-op diet. I'm sure you will be just fine if not, but maybe for your ease of mind. (I am not a doctor though, so discuss this further with your doctor to find out why they don't think you need the pre-op diet, etc.)

Thanks for the well wishes!