Dr. Rincon in San Antonio, Texas vs. Monterrey, MX

JRPTX · October 15, 2006

I am seeking information from people with personal experience with Dr. Rincon in San Antonio, TX, or who are also considering him at this time.

I understand he was associated with the Wish Center there until recently, and has now openned his own center in Downtown, SA.

I have not been able to find any negative feedback on Dr. Rincon, and his background and experience suggest he is more than competent.

I was pretty much set on making a run to Monterrey Mexico to go to Rumbaut, but it is now a two horse race.

My research suggests that Rumbaut, his team and facility are probably the most experienced and successful LapBand surgery center in North America. Rumbaut's reputation is, without question, impeccable. There are other fine surgeons in Monterrey as well.

However, access to Monterrey has issues of time, expense and comfort. It is about a 6 hour drive from Austin, and you have the whole "driving in Mexico" issues. The only flights I can find from Austin have connections, and are on Regioanl Jets. I do not know if many of you fly often, but Regional Jets are certainly the transportaion of choice in "Obese Hell"! They make economy class seats in a 737 look like an oversized Lay-Z-Boy.

It is only about 90 minutes on the plane, so I imagine it is manageable.

I would love to here about other people's experience traveling to Monterrey. How bad is a flight home after surgery? ect.....

As a self-pay, cost is always a factor. But the difference in cost between Rumbaut and Rincon is negligible, when all things are considered.

I guess it comes down to determining which choice offers the best chances of long term success. All things being equal, I'd rather have outpatient surgery 50 miles down the road in San Antonio, than spend the better part of a week on the road, in hospitals, hotels and "tiny" airplanes. But, I am willing to do it, if it provides better odds for long term success.

Before I post this, I would like to head off any Mexico vs US conflict. As far as I am concerned, Monterrey might as well be Oklahoma City or Portland Oregon. My issue is with access, not the country.

Thanks in advance, for any intelligent feedback, personal experience or advice.

JP

Pistol · October 26, 2006

Wife (Pistol) and FIL went to Dr. Rumbaut the first week of October. We chose him because of experience and track record. He may be the best in the Western Hemisphere. Pistol said that he has a wonderful bedside manner. Though we are self pay, we'd have paid the extra $7,500 to have it done closer to home if we could have found a surgeon with Rumbaut's reputation. Unfortunately, Rumbaut would have to give up his practice entirely for several years before surgeon's in the U.S. can match his experience. Land of the free my a**!

Pistol and her dad have both traveled extensively and are used to being crammed into tiny seats. The flight from Denver to Monterrey had them packed in for five hours. They both spoke of discomfort due to the influence of pressure changes on the gas in their abdomen's during the flight back.

The advantages to finding a local Dr. are obvious; and if you can find one with an excellent track record and lots of experience, go for it! Otherwise, go for the best.

take care, Pistol's husband.

anadora · October 26, 2006

Hi, I live in Odessa and was banded in Monterrey July 17. Not by Dr Rumbaut but by Dr. De la Garza who is also very experienced and an expert surgeon. I flew down on Sunday, had surgery Monday and flew home on Wednesday. I also had my gall bladder removed during the surgery so if anyone was going to have trouble it would have been me plus I am 58. The return trip was not bad at all. It is a little over an hour from Monterrey to Houston then another hour and half home. Luckily for me a Continental gate person arranged a wheelchair for me which was nice for navigating HIA and security and customs. The flight does not affect the band at all and does not affect the amount of gas a person has. I have gone back to Dr De la Garza twice for fills simply because he knows what he is doing and I enjoy seeing him.

If the trip is the only thing keeping you from going to Monterrey I would not let that stop me.

Wishing you the best,

Anadora

BekahBoo · October 27, 2006

Are any of you being charged for two seats? I have not been on an airplane for a long time. Even when I was a lot thinner...I remember the seats being small. What was the cost of flight? Would you drive from the border to the hospital?

anadora · October 27, 2006

No I have not been charged for 2 seats. I think Southwest is the only one who does that and they don't fly to Mexico. I usually do fly Southwest though if they have a flight where I want to go and have never had anything about weight mentioned to me. I have heard of it happening though. I fly Continental and the round trip fare from Odessa to Monterrey with all the taxes etc is about $475.

I hope this helps.

MollieBeth · October 28, 2006

I had Dr. De la Garza too! He was wonderful, I have also heard great things about Dr. Rumbaut but I would defintely recommend Dr. De la Garza. I went through the program litenfree which was located right in the Hospital at litenfree . com. The patient coordinator was wonderful, she is actually from the states so she made me feel so welcome and we became really good friends. She loves to keep up with her patients. As far as the hospital and staff they are soo wonderful. The hospital is so clean and the staff is so friendly. If you have any questions or would like to know more about my experience don't hesitate to contact me by email at molliebeth.smith@yahoo.com. I know I wanted to talk to a bunch of people before my surgery, it helps calm everything.

Mollie

K in SA · February 20, 2008

I am seeking information from people with personal experience with Dr. Rincon in San Antonio, TX, or who are also considering him at this time.
I understand he was associated with the Wish Center there until recently, and has now openned his own center in Downtown, SA.

I have not been able to find any negative feedback on Dr. Rincon, and his background and experience suggest he is more than competent.

I was pretty much set on making a run to Monterrey Mexico to go to Rumbaut, but it is now a two horse race.

My research suggests that Rumbaut, his team and facility are probably the most experienced and successful LapBand surgery center in North America. Rumbaut's reputation is, without question, impeccable. There are other fine surgeons in Monterrey as well.

However, access to Monterrey has issues of time, expense and comfort. It is about a 6 hour drive from Austin, and you have the whole "driving in Mexico" issues. The only flights I can find from Austin have connections, and are on Regioanl Jets. I do not know if many of you fly often, but Regional Jets are certainly the transportaion of choice in "Obese Hell"! They make economy class seats in a 737 look like an oversized Lay-Z-Boy.

It is only about 90 minutes on the plane, so I imagine it is manageable.

I would love to here about other people's experience traveling to Monterrey. How bad is a flight home after surgery? ect.....

As a self-pay, cost is always a factor. But the difference in cost between Rumbaut and Rincon is negligible, when all things are considered.

I guess it comes down to determining which choice offers the best chances of long term success. All things being equal, I'd rather have outpatient surgery 50 miles down the road in San Antonio, than spend the better part of a week on the road, in hospitals, hotels and "tiny" airplanes. But, I am willing to do it, if it provides better odds for long term success.

Before I post this, I would like to head off any Mexico vs US conflict. As far as I am concerned, Monterrey might as well be Oklahoma City or Portland Oregon. My issue is with access, not the country.

Thanks in advance, for any intelligent feedback, personal experience or advice.

JP

Have you had yours surgery yet? How is it going? I have gone through all the doctors that Dr Rincon has suggested. I am seriously considering havng this done next month. There seems to be some restrictions that I'm a little weary off (like having to exercise 5 times week). Having to take the supplements every day, etc.

Can you and others share w/me your experiences? I really like Dr. Rincon and have the upmost confidence in him. thanks!