Mistymoon

If you want to avoid all the Dr. visits, test (some not needed), and wait time you should check out some of the MX Drs. I was so impressed with the facilities and the degree of professionalism AND caring. I had previous weight loss surgery in the states and my MX experience was hands down THE BEST. The facility was cleaner than any US hospital I have ever been in. If you go the US route you could expect to have surgery 6 to 9 months from now. In MX it would probably be within 1 month or sooner. Are they thorough? They decided I needed an endoscopy and sent me cross town to another DR for that purpose. This delayed my surgery til after 5PM but they waited and did it then. Can't see US Dr. doing that. One last point. I also cannot see US Dr. giving out his cell phone # to patients which all od Dr Ortiz's Drs. do. This was not meant to change your mind but to reassure you of the level of care you would receive. AND it would keep the Dr visits you hate to a minimum. Good luck Nance

Hi, I also was banded on 9/5/07 - It was very easy to set up, in fact I could have gone the week after I first called. but couldn't get a flight. I live in Brookings OR way down here in the South West. Just few miles from the CA border. We had a support group but my friend who ran it got tired of it and no one else pivked it up so now I get my support from the forums. Pain is such a subjective thing - I feel sore but it doesn't stop me from doing things. I chose Dr. Ortiz because of his experience - I have a number of co-morbities plus I'm 65 and I had previous weight loss surgery in 1972. For those who are wondering they don't do that surgery anymore as it proved to dangerous. I lost the weight but in 1987 I had to have it reversed due to malabsorbtion. Gradually the weight came back but while the surgery was intact I lost weight and kept it off. I hope to go to Dr Ortiz for my first fill it is included in the "package" but you do have to pay for the x-ray. Here in the states the doctors ask you to come back time and again. With Dr. Ortiz it is usually 2 or 3 times. I attribute that to the number of surgeries he has performed. Dr. Tersigini in Coos bay will do my fills if I can't get to MX - the initial charge is 185.00 and subsequent is 200.00 each time. Hope that helps. Nance

Hi Sarah, I sent an email to you. I am being banded on the 5th also. Your blog is am great idea. Cute family and I am dying to hear about your business. Nance

Hi Sarah, I am getting banded by Dr Ortiz on Sept 5th. too. And I am also reading Mae's blog for info and inspiration. Thats where the similarities end. I am 65 and have 130 lbs to lose. I'm sure we will see each other in Mexico. Nance :-h

Hi I'm scheduled to be banded on the 21st - arrive on 20th. Feeling scared - excited- hopeful - determined - and right now hungry but I will lose the 10 lbs needed!!! A little about me - In 1972 I had a gastric bypass that is no longer done because it was too dangerous. I lost 125 lbs and kept it off until I had to have the surgery undone (due to malabsorbtion) in 1986. Gradually I have put every lb back on plus 25 more. Being thin changed my life. I want that feeling back! In Dec. I am joining my son, DIL, and 2 grandaughters at Disney World and I want to have the energy to enjoy the visit. Last time I wanted to be thin - this time I want to get healthy. I have been reading the posts and have founsd so many helpful ideas. Thanks to all who post here! Anyone else scheduled for the 21st?

Hi Vex, I went to your blog and the one thing you said about maintaining weight loss made all the sense in the world to me. I too thought "why am I having this surgery?" I lost 40 lbs in the last 6 months but have already gained 10 of it back. So I will lose the 10 lbs before surgery and see you in TJ my banding is on 21st so we may pass in the halls.