Lapband to Sleeve in Mexico.... Who did you use?

[stefaniwg 172]

I have had my band for almost 3 years and I hate it!! Dense meat is not an option for me and most fibrous veggies won't work either. I slime, puke, pb or whatever you call it at almost every and I am sick of it.. I could never get a "sweet spot" and never really a good amount of weight. I am 5'0 weighed 200 the day of surgery and 188 today bmi 37.

I went to my surgeon who did my lapband deemed my lapband and failure and suggested to I covert to the sleeve. However the person who does the insurance said I didn't "weigh enough" to send it to my insurance and it called out the $17,000 price tag to me. Which was out of the question.

So I am looking those who have gone to Mexico to have a lapband revised to sleeve. What dr did you use? What was your experience with surgery and care? What was the cost?

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

My surgeon is Dr Ponce and there are a lot of others here who agree he is the best. Of course.. Most all surgeon in MX are with only one exception which I will only pm if someone asks

Trish is Dr Ponce's Cordinator and you won't find someone more caring then her. She is by far the best Cordinator and trust me I've dealt with more than my share(close to 10)

Whoever you chose, be sure to talk to several actual patients before you decide .. It's your life.

[stefaniwg 172]

Thanks Antiband! Did Ponce revise you from the band?

[confidence 46]

Hi Antiband i just sent you a pm.

[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

I had my revision on September 10, 2012. I went to Dr Fernando Garcia, an amazingly skilled surgeon in my opinion. There are many posts on here about him and he is well liked. I went through Ready4Achange and I do say that having the surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself.

[nightingale2u 42]

I've had my band for 9 years and am revising to the sleeve with Dr. Alberto Aceves. He is a highly skilled surgeon that costs a little more but like AntiBand said... this is your life. My surgery is April 1st and I am very at ease with my choice. Good luck with your journey!

[stefaniwg 172]

I would love to use Dr. Aceves as I have read and read about how wonderful he is however I don't have that kind of cash being quoted $10,500 I would have to save a little while longer and I am ready to get this band OUT! Lol I'm still looking and am wanting to have this done sooner rather than later. Does anyone know why he's like $5k more than others? Just curious...

[prettynpink 110]

I would love to use Dr. Aceves as I have read and read about how wonderful he is however I don't have that kind of cash being quoted 10' date='500 I would have to save a little while longer and I am ready to get this band OUT! Lol I'm still looking and am wanting to have this done sooner rather than later. Does anyone know why he's like 5k more than others? Just curious...[/quote']

I believe the hospital facility he uses is more expensive than some other doctors, plus he is incredibly popular and very skilled. There are fantastic surgeons at different price ranges. I, like you didnt have 8 -10k to spend so I chose someone different. Expensive doesnt necessarily mean best, and cheaper doesnt mean less than either. I did A LOT of research and asking others. Best of luck to you. PM me anytime if I can help. I will be sleeved next week I would be more than happy to share any info I can with you.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

Not sure if I was technically a revision because I had to wait 18 month for my stomach to heal from the damage the band did. (read my story in profile for more) There wasn't a dr who would touch me. Dr Ponce sleeved me... Wonderful amazing doc and staff.

[nightingale2u 42]

I had to re-finance my house in order to pay for this surgery and I am single on one income. I really started out looking at other surgeons as they were more affordable but in the end... I was going alone and wanted to be in the best hands possible. For me... he was the best choice and I felt the best chance I had for having a revision without complications. My band has been in for 9 years and I just can't imagine the mess he might find!

There are a lot of skilled surgeons in Mexico... and I am sure you can find one that fits your research and can provide a safe surgical experience. Just be sure to talk to as many people as possible and don't make price the first priority.

[stefaniwg 172]

In looking for a surgeon, I first need skill and sucess with band to sleeve revision, hospital setting and then cost. I'm a stay at home mom with a young daughter so I am on budget and my husband is making sure of that! I will not sacrifice going the "cheaper" route when we are talking about my life but I'm having a hard time trying to squeeze out that extra $5,000 to have this done or convincing my husband to unclench his pocket. He's understanding but doesn't understand what it's like to be overweight since he's been a bean pole his whole life. I asked him if he would take the money out of his 401k and he looked at me like I was crazy! Lol maybe I just need to save a little bit longer.

[nightingale2u 42]

You can go on You Tube and see testimonials from patients for many of the surgeons in Mexico as well. I did that and was able to see the inside of Hospital Almater and was happy with what I saw and heard. I also liked that he is in Mexicali ... I just didn't feel comfortable going to TJ alone. There was another surgeon in Monterray that I was considering as well but that area of Mexico is just too unstable for me to feel comfortable... in otherwards...I'm a big chicken.