Well here goes.

[caymanbandit 0]

I am going to do it. I am 58 and have med problems and 100 lbs over weight and I know it can all be much better if I lose the weight. Been trying to do that for many years. Just never get full. I am self pay ...... has anyone had it done in Juarez Mexico?

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

I was concerned over post-op care, so I went with a local surgeon. yeah, it cost me more as a self-pay, but my doctor is just "up the street". If you go to Mexico for the surgery, research the surgeon really well, and have LOCAL follow-up care arranged BEFORE you actually go have the surgery. Many docs don't want to care for a patient who had the sugery elsewhere...

[caymanbandit 0]

Thank you for your input. I appreciate it. My problem is I live in the Cayman Islands so there is no up the street option. No matter where I go the flight cost is going to be high so it is kind of tough.

[kiz 1]

Do you have after care for fills and other potential band issues that may come up? I don't want to be a downer, but it's important that you have access to a doctor who can treat you in case of a problem and just the general band care, especially during the first year. I was lucky to never need a unfill, but it took approximately 8 fills (I actually stop counting) to get to great restriction. You might be lucky and get in two or so, but there's really no telling until you start getting fills.

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

Bandit, who is going to do your fills? The band alone is just the start (which I'm sure you've figured out). If you don't have a bariatric surgeon in the Caymans, you're going to have to figure it out or you will be paying airfare every time you need a fill, not to mention if you find yourself too tight even 24 hours after a fill.

A lot of the Mexican surgery options include the airfare, etc. in the cost of the surgical package, but I think after that you're on your own.

For example: I live in a big city (Atlanta, GA), and I was in a car crash just a month after my surgery and the paramedics wanted to take me to the hospital because they saw that I had pretty fresh surgical scars on my belly...but when I told them it was from lap band surgery, they freely admitted that the hospital the City transports crash victims to wouldn't have a doctor on staff that works with lap bands. I opted to sign the release, ride home with the wrecker driver, and go see my surgeon the next day.

These are things you have to figure out before you travel for this surgery. The post-op care is the bigger part of your care because it is ongoing for pretty much forever because even once you reach your goal, you are encouraged to "check in" and have your fill level "topped off" every 6 months.

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

Have you considered a gastric sleeve (GSV)? That would eliminate the need for fills since it relies totally on the surgery itself. I know there are threads on this website about it. I never really considered it but if I was facing the costs of extensive travel for fills, I think I might have.

[caymanbandit 0]

Thank you for your input.

I have really thought about this quite a bit and the reality is that no matter where I get the band done it will cost me to travel for either medical attention and for fills.

When you live on an island any kind of specialized medical treatment typically involes travel and expense. That was part of the reason to check out the Mexican connection.

If I have to do six fill trips it will cost me about a $1,000 bucks a pop for airfare and fill and hotel to stay over to make sure it is not too tight. But I am going to have to do that anyway even if I go to Miami or Tampa or Houston for the band and then follow up.

It certainly does make financial and really practical sense to me to go to Mexico ........... I am only wondering if the health care is up to standard.

Thank you again for having taken the time to give me your advice.

Bandit

[kiz 1]

I'm very glad you've thoroughly researched the band and the aftercare needed. I was self-pay too, and even though I have a local doctor, I couldn't help but be concerned about potential problems. I've had my band for a year, and I've had no complications. I also take very good care of my band. You're smart to include an overnight stay after fills in your plans.

I know lots of people have successful surgeries in Mexico and speak highly of the care they've received. I hope you get some good recommendations for clinics there. Do you have any in mind?

[caymanbandit 0]

I am seriously considering Hosptial Angeles in Juarez just across from El Paso. But I am certainly open to suggestions.