Mexico, Doctors, and Complications

[CynthiaR 0]

Thanks for the info. While it isn't just a " plastic" but a silicone elastomer, the great thing is that it is adjustable and reversible. Is the J&j device also? I'm glad it is because believe me , it's reassuring to know I can get more food if i'm losing too fast or less if needed. Titanium is great but I've know it to be beneficial for joint replacement. Isn't the "Realize" due out in December of this year? I like the fact that there is documentation regarding the success of the INAMED band. Its reputation speaks for itself. Good Luck to you whatever you decide.

[CynthiaR 0]

ive read alot about ortiz what about his associate dr arturo martinez?

Hi, go under ..obesitycontrolcenter.com and read all about Dr. Ortiz. I live in Plam Springs, Ca and he was on our local tv 'Wellness Hour" I was very impressed with his knowledge and the facilities. I was banded by him and his team on Oct. 3,2007. He has written the book on banding. Please look for yourself.

[akapsi 1]

CynthiaR -

Yes, the J&J band is also adjustable and reversible. Based on the information I was provided by the doctor's office and reading about the successful surgeries online, it operates the same as the INAMED with the exception of the enhancements.

I will post to the page after my surgery to let everyone know how it went.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

The differences I have been able to find are (1) the port is titanium versus plastic which increases durability and (2) the notch doesn't have the fasten feature. it's a continued circle, which avoids the possibility of skin getting pinched/caught.

Hopefully this is informative for anyone else who may be researching this right now due to the increased buzz about the J&J since the FDA approval.

FDA Approves REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band For Morbid Obesity

The back of the Inamed band is titanium.

[jamamama 0]

<p>Cynthia,</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you for the input. With your experience as a nurse, I was just looking to see if there was something extreme that you were aware of. I have read about the J&J band recently (since the FDA approval in September). Currently, I am not able to find any comparisons online, so I'm just asking questions whenever possible.</p> <p> </p> <p>The differences I have been able to find are (1) the port is titanium versus plastic which increases durability and (2) the notch doesn't have the fasten feature. it's a continued circle, which avoids the possibility of skin getting pinched/caught.</p> <p> </p> <p>Hopefully this is informative for anyone else who may be researching this right now due to the increased buzz about the J&J since the FDA approval.</p>

FDA Approves REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band For Morbid Obesity

Akapsi, I am new to this forum (just joined yesterday), but have been a guest and doing some research. I am thinking of using Dr. Jose Lopez in Acuna. Is he using the J & J band on you?

[akapsi 1]

I am going to Dr. Jose Rodriguez and yes, he will be using the J&J Band.

[aubreyr 0]

I am set for surgery on 10/29 by Dr. Corvala. How did things go with your surgery and how are you doing? Any suggestions you can make for me to not be so anxious? thanks,

aubrey

[LJBravado 0]

That is the first time I've seen a correlation between the patient's BMI and the size of the band they receive, or that the size of the band would prevent slippage. Did your doc give you any additional info on that?

My slip was due to being too tight, and vomiting too much. I know that other things can cause it, but from what I've read, that seems to be the biggest issue.

I definitely don't mean to suggest that the information is inaccurate - I'm always learning more and this was new info for me, so I'm curious.

And my own two cents about success - believe in the tool. I'm 2 years post-op, at goal, and although I did have a slip, it's still the best thing I've ever done. I did WW for years, did everything like you're supposed to, but still had 75 more to lose. So frustrating. This is so different from that scenario. Think positive - you will have success!! :clap2:

All the best!

Laura

I too am worried that I will go to a lot of expense and trouble and it wont work but........... its up to me to make it work it is a life style change. I decided to go for it Dr Alverez is banding me on oct 11 his cost was 6900 fills for life. He

Specializes in gastric sleeves he does a band to sleeve revision daily so he was a good choice for me, he knows what goes wrong and how to fix it. My BMI is 31.9 so I hope he will use a small band to avoid slippage I will keep you posted. I f you want his patient coordinator, Susan’s phone number she is great and has lots of good info let me know.

[jamamama 0]

My sister and I are going to go to Dr. Rodriguez also. We are planning on December. Please let me know all about your experience. I have been to Acuna in the past and it is a quaint border town. Nothing fancy is expected, but I am interested in the cleanliness of the hospital and rooms.

[needto 0]

I am wondering about your Tummy Tuck is it in Tijuana also? How much?.. is it cheaper if you get the lap band from the same facility or are they diff?

Thanks

[Freebigbennow 0]

I am scheduled with Dr Rodriguez on the 25th. I am flying to San Antonio from Sarasota, Fl. I will let all of you know how it goes.I am a bit nervous as it gets closer to that day.:sick_____________________________

[akapsi 1]

I just returned from San Antonio on Sunday and my experience was great. Please feel very comfortable with your decision. There is a nurse there named Rosario who is the sweetest nurse I've ever met and all doctors are extremely pleasant. I have no pain or any of the other side effects. Just a slight knot in my chest.

The shuttle will pick you up from the airport and will also escort you to places in the nearby location. I was also impressed with LaQuinta Hotel. Don't be nervous.. all will be fine. They will also provide you with an ENORMOUS amount of information.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions. Also, don't forget to take your laptop! You can hook up in your hotel room in San Antonio for free (you will need to use an Ethernet cable which they will supply if it's not already in the room).

[CynthiaR 0]

I'm considering having LapBand done in Mexico but I'm worried about the possible complications. I'm trying to find a Doctor who will help me if a problem should come up, not ignore me. I'm especially worried about erosion and flipped ports.<br /> <br /> For those of you who went to Mexico, who was your doctor, what (if any) complications did you have, and how did your doctor handle it? Did they offer to fix the problem for free or at a discounted rate? Were phone calls returned? <br /> <br /> Or if you got an infection state-side, how did you handle that? Did you have to wait to see a surgeon for aftercare or did you go to see your GP?

Edit: And FWIW, I'm thinking about Ortiz, Kuri, Rumbaut, or possibly Joya as my Doc. And personal experiences with those four would be very much appreciated.

Hi, I just got banded on 10/03/07 by Dr. Ortiz. The experience was awesome! His clinic is immaculate with state-of-the-art equipment. They put you on antibiotic before the operation (IV) and for the next 24 hrs. You stay overnight and have a 24hr. nurse. The private rooms are beautiful (flat xcreen TV from San Diego station) comfortable hospital bed. Everyone was so accomodating and everyone speaks English. A driver picks you up the day before for pre-op and 2 days later takes you back to your vehicle. They have a local patient staff at 1866-376-7849 Lori or carol are very helpful. You can also call the clinic direct from that number. All questions are answer and they have a 24/7 access. Dr. Ortiz is well-renown and has written the book on the procedure. I am a nurse and investigated him before my decision was made. I think you will be very happy. By the way the hotel where your accomodations are made is beautiful equivalent to a Marriots here in california. Good Luck.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

I'd be a lot more impressed with Dr. Ortiz if he actually did a bulk of the surgical procedure but he doesn't. When I look at a surgeon via reputation, I look at that surgeon, not the asst.

[CynthiaR 0]

I'd be a lot more impressed with Dr. Ortiz if he actually did a bulk of the surgical procedure but he doesn't. When I look at a surgeon via reputation, I look at that surgeon, not the asst.

All I know is when I was wheeled into the O.R he was there with the anesthesiologist. Whom e introducedto me I went irst at 9:30 and proceeded to see him come in and out after they wheeled me back into my room. He came in and spoke to me and I saw him there till about 5:30. Now once I was put under I can't tell you what happened. How do you know he doesn't? Did your Doctor in Mexico tell you he doesn't?