Mexican Bandsters- Need Advice

[isabelle290 0]

My surgery is set for early July in Monterrey. I decided to go to Mexico after my year long fight with my insurance failed. I found out about Dr. Rodriguez through a co-worker that used him, so I feel good about that. He also had a good record and 12 years of experience. I have gradually been telling friends of my plans and they are FREAKING OUT! My good friend asked me to dinner so she could tell me how SELFISH I am for risking my life by having surgery in Mexico. She then said, make sure you have a will and I want to see you before you go because you are probably not coming back! Has anyone else had this problem? How did you handle it? I wish I never said a word to anyone! :cry

[TRANAM1955 1]

I am sorry your friend is so narrow minded....however, this happens to many bandsters that choose Mexico. I researched Dr. Kuri in Tjuana two years before I made my decision. At 52 years old, and with a life long battle with weight, I explained to family and friends, I was killing myself slowly and I felt strongly that my surgery had equal risks in the US as it had in Mexico. I did have one of my best friends go with me, and I paid all her expenses. I came through surgery without any hitches. Would do it again Tomorrow.

Also, keep in mind, your friend is used to you being obese. She may be worried as to how you will change when you become slender?? Maybe, control issues?? But that is pretty drastic to have someone say, you probably won't be coming back!!!!!!

GOOD LUCK....you can research Dr Rodriquez on this forum and print some of his Kudo's???

[luvinke 0]

Don't be worried. Throughout this site, I've seen numerous articles of people having their surgery in different locations, do a background search. Don't let others discourage you, try to find you a new support group within your family and friends, it seems like you may have chosen the wrong one's originally. If you can' find support their then find a support group at lapband.com in your area. Good Luck!

[isabelle290 0]

The friend that told me that also has issues with her weight, so I thought she would be understanding. I guess you never know how people will react. It helps that you feel good about going to Mexico. I must admit, I am a little nervous. I am just so tired of dealing with all of the doctors and insurance issues here. I know I am ready to have this done!

[jcgrove29 0]

Hi I had a similar experiance. I told one person what I was thinking and the negativity/fear that rushed out of this persons mouth almost stopped me in my tracks. I told no one else until the last minute.

This was my justification: I just had successful weight loss however the weight was coming back on. I knew I would end up between 375 and 400 pounds before it stopped. I knew I could not sustain this much weight.

We have a local lapband Dr in my hometown Dr Grossbard. I went to his seminar and guess what? He was not only trained in Mexico but banded as well.

There is risk in everything we do but I figured if he felt safe enough to have it done there I should be OK.

I am sorry your friend reacted that way. I think the best you can do is research the Dr you are scheduled with and try to get to level of comfort with your decision.

JC

[jcgrove29 0]

Sometimes comedy will ease tension.

I just remembered what I told my little negative buddy before I left.

I was researching on lapbandforum.com when I saw a thread about the different misconceptions people had about Mexico, Tijuana specifically. I read some of the posts then combined the stories into one through in a couple urban legends and had some pay back.

I called my friend told her that I just found out my arrangements:

I would fly into San Diego where I would be give a ride to TJ in the back of a produce truck, after which we would go to a special room in the back of a cantina, drink some tequilla and have the procedure. I told her I was informed that a single kidney is a customary tip, you know to offset the tremendous discount I was getting.

I think some people grew up watching too many westerns or something. The private clinic I was in was nicer and more modern looking than some of the rural Hospitals in my area.

Take Care, JC

[GinaKirwan 0]

I was just banded by Dr. de la Garza last Tuesday in Monterray. I told very few people before I left, but the ones I told had a fit. You are the one doing the research, it is your informed decision. Don't worry... you will be fine. My best friend came with me and had the surgery as well. We got excellent care, and all is well so far. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I had a big panic as I was going into surgery and almost got up and walked out. I was so relieved to wake up in the recovery room, knowing that I had made it to the other side of my decision. I am not a risk taker, and it was hard to leave my three kids and fly to Mexico... but I had done my homework and knew I was doing the right thing.

Remain calm, don't give your power away... you are the only one who can make this decision. For me, now that I'm home, safe, infection free, it has been fun to tell people that my "spa vacation" was really a surgery vacation! I am still not telling the world... just to avoid the "how much have you lost" questions!

Good luck!

Gina Kirwan

Seven pounds lost!:clap2:

[isabelle290 0]

<p>gcgrove29-</p> <p> </p> <p>I loved the story- I think I may share that one with her! I am still laughing!<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/happy.gif" border="0" alt="" title="" smilieid="60" class="inlineimg" /></p>

[isabelle290 0]

Sorry- I tried to edit something and apperently it doesn't work too well!

[jcgrove29 0]

It will pay off big time if you do it face to face, the colors and contortions are something to behold

JC

[lianna 3]

My mom had the same reaction. I told her that the surgery itself was very comparabe to having gallbladder removal.....just trying to give her a perspective since she has had hers removed! I dont understand why people freak out and think you are going to die or something. I have 2 friends that have had hysterectomies and I dont recall anyone wanting them to make sure they had a will beforehand. I guess people get weird over this because it is elective and seems like such a big step.

[Katherine 0]

lmao JC--too funny :drum:

[Katherine 0]

Hi Isabelle,

My TJ surgeon trained the prestigious wls dr in my state to do lap bands(she charges $40k he charges $8k). Unless someone is seeking alternative medical care in another country, chances are they are unaware of how safe and skilled the surgeons are, so it's easier to succumb to stereotypes for a kneejerk reaction.

Overweight friends, who we think would be the most understanding for our desire to lose weight can sometimes sabbotage our goals for wls; they might feel insecure about the changes we'll be going through and consequently, leaving them to remain overweight as we successfully lose the unwanted lbs.

Do what you gotta do, you'll be fine, good luck on getting banded!!

[catzintj 1]

i decided to tell only my sister that i was getting the band and that i was getting it in mexico. i went alone. thank god dr huacuz turned out to be wonderful. i was so ready to do something and i didnt have to wait. called, made a flight reservation and i was banded... best thing i ever did. just be aware that mexico is a little slower pace, the culture a little more relaxed and friendly, no rush. good luck

[gfwiii 0]

I went to Acuna Mexico just across from Del Rio, it was great and had no problems.