URGENT - Before Going To Mexico

[pati-o 6]

One thing that I have to say that I LOVED about Dr. Kuri was that he handed me an operative report before I left Mx. It describes in detail my surgery, what technique he used, what suture, and how many sutures, etc. I also got the very first x-ray that he did to take home so when I go for my first fill (March 7th), I'll have the operative report and xray for the doctor to reference.

I thought all Mx Drs. did this???

[Banded14yr 2]

I agree with gagirl, get your surgical papers before leaving Mexico. I'm fortunate that my aftercare doc here in the states didn't require them, but I want a copy nevertheless. I'm going back to Monterrey with two ladies that will be banded on the 19th of this month, so I'm going to get a copy of my surgical paperwork then. I'm going to make sure that the two ladies with me get their paperwork before we leave.

[Zoe 6]

Pati, Dr. Rumbaut gave me a similar report. I presented my local doctor with a copy of it, both to keep it in my medical records and to prove that I really was banded by his proctoring surgeon. I admit that if I hadn't received the report, it wouldn't have occurred to me to ask for it.

[bushbaby 8]

I agree completele with the finding of after care... I am fortunate to have after care close in TJ if I want it. But I should have researched after care and what kind of band I was going to get. SO far the J and J band is not leagal in the US so I am finding a hard time with a US Dr. for a fill... Lucky for me I love Dallas and I have family there so I can fly and get a fill with Dr. Rodriguez and see friends when I need a fill. I agree however that you should find a aftercare DR and check to see if he uses a inamed band!

[DeLarla 22]

Pati, Dr. Kuri did my first port removal surgery. During the surgery he filled my band, but he never handed me anything. I wish I would have known about this along time ago, considering I've had so many surgeries.

[DeLarla 22]

We were just talking about the Johnson & Johnson Band the other day. It's going to be a big problem as more people get it, since it's so hard to find someone to service it. Good luck to you.

[SPJones 0]

I agree with you totally I went to Italy and I have had problems finding a follow up Dr since my surgery last June. My dr tried to help me but it is of little use he is over there and I'm here. And most Dr. don't want to touch you unless they have operated on you.

[Penni60 45]

One thing to consider when getting your Operative report is to ask for it in english. Mine is all in spanish and unless your surgeon can read spanish it is worthless. I have mine but it is worthless.

[hopeful 0]

I am new, and I have made a mistake or two when posting, which may make you not take me as seriously as a perfect typist and speller....(Ha)..but Michelle is so right about Dr Ortiz and Dr Martinez. I went to 3 area (Midwest) specialist is obesity surgery, researched the surgerys for over a year, and the same with fills, and still will go back to my wonderful Dr's in Mx. at about the same expense I would have going to some of the less experienced and not using florascope Dr's in the U.S.

I could have had surgery in the U.S. but I choose not to, I wanted to go where the Dr had a few more of these surgerys under his belt. I sympathize with those that don't have the money or the insurance to have this life saving, life changing surgery done in the States and would hate to see them scared off from going to Mx to a good, competent Dr like Oriz and Martinez.

I don't know all of the Dr.s in Mx but I know mine and would recommend him to anyone that wants excellent care, compassion, 1st rate hospital and office care and wonderful staff.

hopeful Brenda

Sept 24 2004

[DeLarla 22]

Brenda, again, you are one of the lucky ones. This thread is really just so people can get their ducks in a row before making a big decision. Even though Ortiz may be excellent, it's still really hard for some of us to get to Mexico at the drop of a Mexican hat! You are lucky since it's not a problem for you.

[Vickums 0]

Yep, even the best surgeon isn't much help after the fact when they're thousands of miles away and you can't GET to them.

Damn laws of physics! If only we lived in the Star Trek universe and we could transport ourselves magically into their office for a look see.

[DeLarla 22]

I don't want to turn this into an Ortiz thread, but he has had his fair share of complications. I heard of a woman last night that had to stay in the hospital over a week after Band surgery and another that is horrified by his aftercare. Maybe some people are happy with him, but there are 2 sides to every story.

[hopeful 0]

I agree this is an excellent source of information for all that need support and direction and I would not want to make Dr Ortiz the source of any undue critizm or attention.

If we are being truthful about complications we must all take into consideration that we ( obese ) are the most likely to have them, with this or any type of surgery.

Again I had such a positive experience, as well as the others that I met at Dr Ortiz office and those I recommend the surgery to and have had the same great experiences that I am a little defensive for Dr. Ortiz and Dr Martinez. Sorry if I have offened anyone cause when it is all said and done we are the ones in this together.

Going to Mx for fills still is as cheap as having one here without insurance with or without the hat drop.

hopeful Benda

Sept 24, 2004

[Belle joufflue une 1]

I am new to this board, and have a question. Why does everyone go to Mexico to get their Lap Band placed when there are so many qualified surgeons in the U.S. who specialize in it? I am going to get mine from Dr. Santiago Horgan in Chicago, and he only charges $250 for fills.

Joan

[the best me 6]

Most, if not all, of the folks going to Mexico have insurance that does not pay for the Band. The surgery was FDA approved just a few years ago, but the Mexico doctors have been doing it for up to 10 years or so, they are much more experienced and in many cases, have trained or proctored US Docs. This is a real benefit when you are self-paying, because you tend to shop for good prices. In Mexico, the prices for the surgery are much less expensive than in the US. You are fortunate to have insurance paying and what appears to be a good doctor, I have seem him lots on the boards here. Look for others or they will make themselves known. Good luck! The 10th is coming fast!

Wait, I'm editing now...I just re-read your post and you may be self-paying as well, are you? Others may be interested in what cost you were quoted by the US Doc. I sure am!