A Mexican Mess!!!

[NataliesMommy 1]

: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.

[K@t 38]

Many people here have had their surgery done in Mexico with no problems. I would call the Mexican hospital back and insist that they send something over, even if they don't keep their records, they can make a new one for you. Then I would make an appt with your PCP and show him the knot again so he can refer you again. Make sure you let him know what the surgeon said the last time, that it was just inflamation...and obviously it was much more. I feel for ya, it sounds like things are tough, but I'm sure you can figure out a way. There are a few places on the web where you can search for fill doctors...there is one that a lot of people here recommend. www.fillcentersusa.com Good luck.

[Randi L 0]

I'm so sorry.

I know it's easy for others to tell you to do this or that.

You don't feel good. Physically or emotionally

I had an infection that developed a few weeks after my surgery.

My doctor said "it'll go away" and I ended up on antibiotics for 14 days.

It made me so tired, I had no energy, I slept, I didn't eat - because everything came back up. I felt I had made such a mistake.

I'm terrified of Mexico, so it was never an option for me. I've also read others posts where they've had a hard time finding a doctor to do fills.

But, I don't think it's reasonable for the doctor down there not to have any record of you at all. What a terrible pain to have to deal with all this, feel lousy, and not feel it's working.

Without insurance, it must seem hopeless to you.

But the thing is, there are hospitals that HAVE to give you help.

They take payments, and over time - maybe you'll be able to pay them.

I think you need to research who does do the surgery near you, and perhaps they can figure out how you can get a fill.

I'm so, so sorry.

[Iulizbug 0]

Who was your Mexican surgeon? I have never heard of that (not being able to have records sent...). I was banded in TJ by Dr.Ortiz and his staff was wondeful. It is possible I could find a doctor closeby where you live if you tell me. Dr.Ortiz's staff wouldn't mind finding that out..just let me know

~Liz~

03/10/06

241/165/160

5'7''

[carol134 0]

I feel terrible for you and after reading some of these posts like this, feel guilty for complaining of any complications I'm having or have had.

Here's a big for you. I hope things get straightened out for you.

[Alexandra 55]

Lyndseyjill, I'm so sorry you're going through this! Here's hoping you find a doctor who will help you get through this infection and heal up completely. Good luck, and please keep us posted! :hug:

It's been said before but always bears repeating: If you're going to Mexico or elsewhere for surgery, before you go be sure you have a followup doctor here at home!! Banding surgery isn't one-stop shopping; followup and maintenance are crucial. Even small problems can turn into big ones if we don't have doctors who know what they're doing taking good and careful care of us.

[NataliesMommy 1]

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

[christy 0]

I'm so sorry that this has happened to you, and I hope that you decide to post the name of your doctor. I was just banded in Mexico and received all my tests, xrays, doctors notes. I was also sent home with a precautionary antibiotic. It was very professional and I felt very secure.

I hope that your infection goes away soon and you can start enjoying your band experience!

[NewSho 20]

Lyndseyjill, I'm so sorry you're going through this! <snip>...:hug:

It's been said before but always bears repeating: If you're going to Mexico or elsewhere for surgery, before you go be sure you have a followup doctor here at home!!

What Alexandra said.

LyndseyJill - get better soon but while you're healing :sick , get back on the 'phone with Tijuana (buy one of those cheap international phone cards, at the grocery store) and call them daily.

Yes, daily.

Whoever told you the records are destroyed is (sorry to say this) lying.

Even doctors in Mexico maintain medical records long enough to do do patient follow up - no matter where the patient is from, they have to assume that patient will walk right back in the door tomorrow. So don't take "no" for an answer.

I very much understand being so focused on getting this life-changing surgery that you do whatever you have to do. I do not understand how patients get on a plane and fly to a foreign country to have a surgery with little forethought of what happens if things don't go as smoothly as planned. Sometimes surgery is not always smooth, and as I well know this can be challenging even when your surgeon is local. Add a geographic distance and a foreign country and it can be really difficult.:phanvan

And I don't mean to come down hard on you - because I think you having shared your story will really help some other patients - but no one should go to Mexico without having already arranged for their FOLLOW UP CARE before they leave. Alexandra said it and I'll say it, and we'll all keep saying it a thousand times until every single Mexican surgeons' Lap-Band patient hears us - arrange a local doctor before you get on the plane. Make sure that the follow-up doc is familiar with Mexican band patients and is willing and able to do fills and follow up.

I am so sorry - hopefully you can get stronger soon and have helped other Bandsters by sharing.

Good Luck - hopefully things will simplify for you.

[Iulizbug 0]

Lindsay,

I just called Dr.Ortiz's staff but since they are on Pacific time they are not open yet. I am going to pretend that I moved to Forth Worth/Dallas area and I need a fill doctor. I will see what I can get for you. I did see two Fillcenterusa sites in Texas but I am not sure how far they are from you. If you go to fillcentersusa.com you can see if it is driveable. I am sure there are other docs out there though. I will PM you with what i can find~Hang in there girl everthing will be ok

~Liz~

03/10/06

241/165/160

5'7''

[tracey anderson 0]

Hi,

This happened to me but it was from having a C-Section birth I also waited because I had no insurance finally went to see a Dr. in Washington he said that my port needed to be taken out and replaced the area cleaned well to make short I ened up losing my band due to erision BECAREFUL the infection can attack the band tubbing my infection was running up and down the tubing from port to band!! I no it cost but my insurance did cover the cost of the band removal I also was a self pay MX> patient it cost over 30,000 to have the band taken out so please go see someone. I miss my band everyday I wish I still had it. Would have another band placed in a heart beat but to much scare tissue. My band was removed in the US. Tarcey

[Carlene 12]

Are you in the Dallas/Ft Worth area? Dr Maese will fill Mexican Bandsters, and there is another doctor - a cosmetic surgeon in Grand Prairie - who does them, too. I can get his name for you, if you like.

[beachgirl 2]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I had surgery in Mexico and they gave us copies of ours before we left. I've heard some bad things about where you went but nothing like that. I had mine done by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey and I have had very good luck so far and they work so good with me. I can't understand the problem your having with fills. My doctor is fabulous. He didn't need any of my records. Why don't you just pm me and you can just fly to mine or heck, I don't know you but if you could get here I would take you there. That's horrible. If I can help please let me know.

[Iulizbug 0]

I have heard other negative things about Dr.Lopez (her surgeon) before. I am wondering what is going on here....:phanvan It sounds like what he is doing is illegal and unethical to say the least. I think it was Lopez I remember having a higher number of slips too....

~Liz~

[Penni60 45]

Lindsey: I just sent you a PM. Please do take care of yourself. That infection is nothing to sneeze at. It can easily get out of hand.

Praying everything turns out fine.