For those who were banded abroad...?

[amaltha 2]

Does anyone else feel like the abandoned step child or ugly duckling that no one wants?

I found a doc for my first fill. And it just seems like he took the stance of..."I will will fill ya if you give me money but that is it and if you have problems you are screwed."

And obviously the doc in Mexico portrays the out of sight out of mind bit. I haven't heard a peep out of them asking how I am doing. Ironically the only person that called was the guy from the place I booked the appointment with to check on me the other day which I thought was sweet that someone seemed to care.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone else felt a little unwanted and alone besides me. :thumbup:

[RestlessMonkey 7]

This is a big reason to pony up the big bucks and get banded locally. I totally understand where you are coming from but one reason rates are so darn high here in the USA is malpractice. No surgeon wants to clean up someone else's mess....especially if that someone is in another country and "safe" from litigation. And if I have learned anything about the band, it's that follow up and maintenance are vital aspects. You don't get the band and go on your merry way. It will need tending and monitoring for the rest of your life.

There is a place called "fill centers usa" that will do fills but they aren't widespread and if you have an issue beyond needing that fill, you are out of luck.

So sorry for you but those contemplating surgery in Mexico remember you get what you pay for. There's a reason it costs more over here.

[luckytoloose 0]

according to me if one has to use the benefits of Medical Tourism and get surgey done elsewhere then its better to opt for sleeve gastrectomy

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Parul, if something goes wrong, though (and it can and does...any surgery can have repurcussions and one where you cut up the stomach is more dicey than, say, having your gall bladder removed) then you are in the same fix...needing help and unable to get it.

[amaltha 2]

True on both counts. The only problem is at least where I live, if I got it done in the states and moved somewhere else in the country...which is very likely in my work then I would be in the same situation as if I had done it abroad. Fact of the matter is if you have insurance from the get go you are set, but regardless if you do it here or anywhere else with out the insurance then you are stuck because even doctors here won't touch you unless they themselves did the surgery on you. I disagree with the standards that insurance companies require you to be at for this.

And believe me I knew this going into it. This really is no different than plastic surgery. My friends who had "certain areas of the body" enlarged here in the USA are in the same boat as me as far as after care and if something goes wrong with it. It was a risk I knew and was willing to take full well knowing this is a life long adventure. I just wish it was a little more about patients is all. I am happy and so far healthy and hopefully will stay that way. :thumbup:

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Honestly I think you're wrong about having insurance and being "set"...they get more money from you if you are self pay! My insurance does NOT pay what I would've needed to. So Many docs love self-paying people. Locally they will even refuse to accept patients from certain insurance companies. I think the point is, the grass isn't necessarily greener anywhere!

[amaltha 2]

Hehehe true that. It's a risk where ever you may be.

[allymb22282 0]

Amaltha,

Where do you live? I am traveling to Denver for surgery, but I live in Louisiana. I am having after care in Texas (which is close for me) I have already met with my aftercare physician and he is great! He is very thorough... far beyond just fills and he is VERY reasonably priced. When he told me what he charges for appointments w/fills I was like "is that all!" literally... Not sure if Texas is anywhere near you... but there are some options out there.