A question for those who went to Mexico

argon · February 2, 2007

Wow, it's like, even after repeating her question, people still 'go elsewhere' with their posts. Not that the emailing Don Mills thing isn't a good idea, but in Canada we DO have bands done other than Inamed/Allergan, so lots of fill Dr. would fill other kinds. (I say this assuming that what US people have said about Inamed bands being the only ones approved for use there so far is true)

Yes, maybe they won't fill MX patients, and it would be good to ask, but asking Inamed isn't going to give you all the info you want. If you wanted to know the recommended Dr's who do all kinds of bands, you'd have to contact all the various companies that make them.

bandiva · February 8, 2007

Hi everyone, I just got back into town, so I am catching up on reading. Looks like I missed a little fire. Glad is it all resolved but I have to admit it was entertaining!

I used Dr. Ortiz in Mexico and loved my experience. My husband was a little concerned so he made me take my mother in law with me. (Like it wasn't traumatic enough just to be having surgery! lol.

I couldn't find insurance here that would cover me, however I did get general insurance that covered me for everything but surgery related illness.

Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions. It seems much scarier than it really is. You will be fine.

anonemouse · February 10, 2007

I am going to add my two cents here, as well, which might start another fight because I am (Oh, the horror!) an American posting in a Canadian thread. Who knew it was such a faux pas to post in a thread?

I also feel that once a surgeon has done enough surgeries to be considered "an expert" by the makers of whatever band they use, they are as good as any other "expert", even though they may have done only a quarter of the bands as the other guy. An expert is an expert. Going to Mexico is a personal choice that should be made after considering several factors. Of course, the experience of the surgeon is a major one, but so is the comfort of the patient. For me, I would only go to Mexico as a last choice because I am not comfortable going to another country for surgery.

Devana · February 10, 2007

laurend, you are certainly welcome to add your two cents as far as I'm concerned.

almostready76 · February 10, 2007

Hey Laura~

I went to mexico with my cousin who is from Calgary...we both had a positive experience with Dr. Kuri. She did have a doctor in place before she left to handle her post care. Good Luck to you!!

TracyinKS · February 10, 2007

I think that no matter what country you live in going accross the border to another is a big decision. Finding after care could be a problem no matter what. Some docs won't even fill you unless THEY banded You in the first place. As for the comment about experience... MY OPINION...

From the research I've personaly done the lap band is not a hard surgery to perform and if needed ANY licensed GENERAL surgeon can take it out. Yes experience is good, but also I would think that someone who has done 5000 of them might be getting a tad bit bored with it... (again MY opinion) but I don't have a surgeons brain, and it IS a question that I asked my own doc... He kind of chuckled and said... "Not Yet".

To Laura the original poster. I hope you've found a doctor that will provide aftercare and if that means a general policy that you take out as supplemental then good on ya!

Canadian, Australian, Mexican, American....... we all look the same on the inside! bunch'o'bloodn guts and slimy stuff..