Local doctor and post-op

[Coreyliz]

I have been thinking about calling the office to the local doc in town that does lap-bands (actually did my dad's gastric bypass 3 years ago). I am nervious about their reaction when I tell them I am having the procedure done in Mexico. Has anybody had a similiar experience or have an idea about US doctor's feelings on the topic?

A little unrelated to the topic...I am getting banded on the 30th and I am a little worried about how I will react emotionally. I am very even mannered , but I do know that I eat when I am stressed. ANy advice on surviving the first few weeks?

Thanks- you guys rock!

[tootsie_lou]

Hey Coreyliz!

First of all, yippee and wahoo for you that you have your date set. You said you are getting the lapband in Mexico, but are you going to OCC? If you are you will be in the best of hands (really partial here-haha). I didn't have the experience of searching out a local doctor for aftercare, but his/her reaction wouldn't hinder me from calling. Especially knowing that Dr Ortiz is the best in this business and trains numerous US doctors, it is good information to be armed with. On the other hand, I have used two Fill Centers USA locations, and both have been wonderful. You could research and see if there is one near you. They seem to be opening new centers all over on a regular basis.

For the post-op, the best advice would be to stay in touch with this forum. People have posted on practically everything you could possibly experience with the lapband--pre-op, post-op, and beyond. And everyone here is ready and willing to help you be a success with this. All the best to you in this journey!

[AngieB]

Before I had my surgery, I had called the bariatric Dr.s in my area. I was calling for prices and to verify that they would take on a Mexican banded patient.

I found one Dr.s office who treated me poorly and that would not touch me. I'd call around to see what your options are.

Most people are very understanding when you share your reasons for going to Mexico.

[Coreyliz]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to OCC and am getting very excited. I think I will call the local doc and try to feel them out. The closest Fill Center is about 5 hours away so having someone closer would be great.

[tootsie_lou]

Aw, bummer on the Fill Centers USA being so far away. The first one I went to was similar in that it was an 8 or 9 hour round trip in the car by myself (ugh). Hope the local doctor is open to working with you and doesn't give you a hard time. Do you have Dr. Ortiz's book (Lap-band for Life)? Maybe you could schedule an appointment with the local doctor and have a copy of the book in hand and show him that the author was your lapband surgeon. I know they are sold out a lot on OCC's website, but Amazon.com seems to always have copies for sale. Keeping our fingers crossed for you!

[Smiley]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to OCC and am getting very excited. I think I will call the local doc and try to feel them out. The closest Fill Center is about 5 hours away so having someone closer would be great.

What part of the country do you live in? There may be others on this forum that live in the same area and could suggest a fill doctor or two.

[jhawkchick75]

Before my surgery at the OCC I called and they gave me a list of all the doctors that would see me within a certain radius of my house. I assume they will still do that, so give them a call. I called two of those they gave me and went with which one felt most comfortable.