South of the border? Am I crazy to even concider that?

toolman tim · February 24, 2007

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the whole Lap band thing. My weight has skyrocketted ever since I took a desk job. I really do try to get out and stay active but the older I get and the heavier I get, the less I want to do. I've never before considered having surgery to control my weight but it seems like every time I try a diet, I end up even heavier than before I started. I have no insurance to cover the surgery and don't have $16,000 to $24,000 laying around. Is Mexico an option? Have any of you had the procedure done there. At first I was like"NO WAY!" But the more I research it, the more OK it seems. Am I just being desparate? Please tell me what you know.

Tim

bandiva · February 24, 2007

I had it done there and would highly recommend it. I received the best medical care in a state of the art facility. There is lots of info on here...maybe try searching the word 'Mexico' for more info. Good luck!

Platinum · February 28, 2007

I had my surgery done in Mexico and paid $8500. It was the best investment I have made. The whole experience was fantastic. Dr. Ortiz is so great. Check out his website for yourself www.obesitycontrolcenter.com

Good Luck to you!

jabell76 · February 28, 2007

i am also considering mexico and am finding out that it seems to be a good option. i would also appreciate any feed back.

crikkit · March 1, 2007

I'm also self pay and considering Mexico. My husband is worried that if there are complications (infection or whatever) that my insurance will not cover that treatment since it was caused by a procedure that wasn't covered in the first place. Does anyone know about that? My main concern is that some complication will cause the costs to skyrocket, whether I get this done in Mexico or the U.S.

beachgirl · March 1, 2007

It was fabulous. I had never even been to Mexico and don't speak a word of English. I contacted www.ready4achange.com and they take care of every single step for you. They email you the paperwork, book your flights, Dr. Zapata does your surgery and he's done more than 7000. He trained in Houston and has proctored many US Surgeons. They provide surgery, preop testing, all transportation and your food while your they're. All hospital charges, your stay the night before surgery, and two nights after, and free fills for life. They are wonderful. 8500.00 for everything and right now there's a special with 7500.00 for everything. You can be in and have your surgery within 2 weeks if you want it that soon, that's what I did. PM me if you have any questions. Oh, he does his surgeries at Santa Agracias Hospital which is a full huge, hospital with trauma unit, same place President Bush would go if he needed hospital while in Mexico, not a clinic where a lot of people use.

WK863 · March 1, 2007

I too am going to get LapBand outside of USA due to expense - I did a lot of research and will be going to Italy next month (surgery date is 3/28) - I really wanted this surgeon as he was one of the original surgeons in Europe to use LapBand and unlike USA has been doing the procedure since the late 80s. The surgery there is $11,000 US - so even with the flights, hotel, etc. I come out at less than $15,000, which is $20,000 less than here in Northern Cal - Looking forward to the surgery, but getting more nervous as the time approachs - wish me luck!

Julissita · March 1, 2007

I too had mine done in Acuna, Mexico by Dr Rodriguez.-joseband.com, My band cost 7000 and went well. I did have complications and I went back and he put me back in the hospital and took care of me (included in the cost) for 2 days. What I liked was that he was within a 5 hr car ride if need be and not so expensive. He also has a lot of experience and a good reputation. I knew numerous people who he had banded and I also saw them looking good. It is worth it if you are ready to change your life! Check him out.

Kat817 · March 1, 2007

I was self pay and had mine done in Mexicali Mexico, by Dr. Aceves. I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience. The surgeon, his staff, the hospital, their staff---were all wonderful!!

I would not hesitate to take my own Mom or Daughter to have it done if they were to need it....

Kat

jabell76 · March 8, 2007

Help, my whole family is against me going to mexico. i admit that it sounded crazy to me at first, but i have done my research and i am comfortable with it. i need someone to help me convince my husband i'm not crazy. any advice?

Kat817 · March 8, 2007

Sit him down and let him read through some of LBT---or ask your US Dr. who trained him in the procedure and where. I used a surgeon in MX, for my surgery as I said, but I use a US Dr. for my aftercare, and he was trained in laproscopic surgery in general, by one Mexican Dr., then trained in banding by another Mexican Dr. maybe that is why he doesn't have issue with doing my aftercare. My surgeon helped me set up all different levels of aftercare prior to surgery. I live in a rural area, even the band Dr. I use for fills is a 10 hour round trip. So he even set me up to speak with a local oncologist, in case I needed an emergency unfill---as they are quite comfortable accessing ports. It is up to you to do your homework---but it can be done safely. Look up the statistics----they rank right up there!

Good Luck---there is such a stigma---and much of it fairly applied, that it is a struggle to make a decision, I know, been there!!!!!

Kat

DrewsLou · March 8, 2007

If cost is the only reason for choosing Mexico there is an alternative. My doc in Denver CO, Gerald Kirshenbaum, does the band for self pay patients for $9950.00. He has done thousands of laproscopic surgeries over the years and started doing bands a few years ago. I have been very happy with him and know of several other bandsters here on LBT that have had their bands done by him.

http://www.lapbandrockies.com/

I would be happy to answer any questions you have about him!

jabell76 · March 8, 2007

thank you for your replies. it is nice to have someone to talk to about this.

bandiva · March 8, 2007

Maybe you could print this thread and others like it, as well as the information on line regarding the clinic you are considering. Once he has done his research as well, he will be equipped to make an educated decision. If he is still concerned, maybe he can come with you to make sure everything is OK. I am sure he is so concerned because he loves you, but he also needs to trust that you know what is best for your health. My husband was worried as well, now he acts like the whole Mexico thing was his idea! lol.

Best wishes!

jabell76 · March 8, 2007

If cost is the only reason for choosing Mexico there is an alternative. My doc in Denver CO, Gerald Kirshenbaum, does the band for self pay patients for $9950.00. He has done thousands of laproscopic surgeries over the years and started doing bands a few years ago. I have been very happy with him and know of several other bandsters here on LBT that have had their bands done by him.
http://www.lapbandrockies.com/

I would be happy to answer any questions you have about him!

thank you so much. i contacted him and have a phone consultation scheduled for the 20th. i already spoke with my husband and he fully supports me doing the surgery in the U.S. i am so relieved and happy. I also have a friend with lives in aurora, colorado where his office is and would be able to stay with her. you have lifted so much stress of me.:confused:

thank you, thank you:) :eek: :eek: