Houston vs. Mexico

Paige65 · May 4, 2008

Right now I'm trying to decide whether to go to Mexico or stay here in Houston for my banding...

In Mexico I'm considering Dr. Ariel Ortiz in TJ and in Houston I'm considering Dr. Spivak or ????

So my question is what can you tell me about these doctors (or anyone else for that matter)? Now that I have made the decision to do this after thinking about it for 2 years I'm determined to make it happen. I will be self pay so the cost is important... but I'm sooooooooo nervous about going to Mexico!

soccermom · May 5, 2008

Hi Paige65, I am a self pay too and I have my surgery scheduled with Dr Kirshenbaum. He costs $10,000 and I get to stay in this country. Have you considered him? He is out of Colorado.

Soccermom

mini_me · May 5, 2008

oh, hey paige.

you will find a lot of people with great things to say about Mexico, and a lot with great things to say about Dr. Spivak.

i adore Dr. Spivak. he is really great, and he is attentive to my needs.

WASaBubbleButt · May 5, 2008

If you are going to Mexico why not go to an actual hospital for two nights for less money - than a clinic for one night and a hotel for the 2nd night for more money?

Paige65 · May 5, 2008

If you are going to Mexico why not go to an actual hospital for two nights for less money - than a clinic for one night and a hotel for the 2nd night for more money?

Right now I am leaning towards Dr. Spivak here in town... something to be said for having your doctor across town... and not in another country! Lots of options to consider... I wouldn't rule Mexico out just yet.

WASaBubbleButt · May 5, 2008

Right now I am leaning towards Dr. Spivak here in town... something to be said for having your doctor across town... and not in another country! Lots of options to consider... I wouldn't rule Mexico out just yet.

Well, with a lap band you will need lifetime follow up care. That's why I threw out the option of a sleeve for less money than you'll likely get a band in the US. NO aftercare. It's something I kinda regret not doing. If I had it to do over again I would not get a band. I'd get a sleeve.

Paige65 · May 5, 2008

not sure I want something that evassive... I like the fact that the band can be done with just a few incisions

WASaBubbleButt · May 5, 2008

not sure I want something that evassive... I like the fact that the band can be done with just a few incisions

Well, the sleeve is more invasive, no doubts there. But it is the same number of incisions as a band. It's also done through key hole (lap) surgery. The incisions are exactly the same as with a band.

I wanted reversible when I was getting my band, today I am at goal and for the life of me I don't know why I wanted reversible. It makes no sense. The only reason to lose your band is BECAUSE of the band, if it slips or erodes. Other than that you fight tooth and nail to keep your band.

I hear lots of people say they have lost their band, nobody has told me they lost their sleeve. ;o)

anitaj · May 8, 2008

I am an RN that was also very nervous about considering Mexico. My insurance would not cover me, and cost was certainly a factor. I researched the hell out of assorted doctors, and finally began talking to Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. Long story short, both of my twin daughters and I were banded by Dr. Rumbaut. It was the greatest medical care I have ever received (and I have been a nurse for 28 years), NO problems at all, would recommend him heart and soul.