MEXICO??????

[kswarren]

HI, my name is Stacey. I just started inquiring about lap band. I'm confused why everyone is going to Mexico to have the surgery. Is it cheaper or what? I'm reading all your messages and I'm getting scared and more scared by the second. I thought this procedure was so much simpler and safer than gastric bypass but it sounds like there are just as many restrctions and discomforts as the other. any help is appreciated. thanks

[fishy]

HI, my name is Stacey. I just started inquiring about lap band. I'm confused why everyone is going to Mexico to have the surgery. Is it cheaper or what? I'm reading all your messages and I'm getting scared and more scared by the second. I thought this procedure was so much simpler and safer than gastric bypass but it sounds like there are just as many restrctions and discomforts as the other. any help is appreciated. thanks

Hi Stacey! I can tell you my reasons for choosing Dr. Ortiz.

1. My insurance completely excludes anything to do with obesity, so I am self-pay.
   
2. Dr. Ortiz is one of the best in the world, and has taught (proctored) a good number of doctors in my area, and has done WAY more lap band procedures than US doctors.
   
3. Yes, the cost was about 1/2 what I would have had to pay, but I was more than willing to pay to have it done here, even had the financing in place. However, the extra payment would have been a hardship for us.
   

The one piece of advice I keep reminding myself of is - There is no magic pill! Meaning, be sure to approach the lap band as a tool, not a cure all. To be completely successful, I believe one has to make several changes in the way they approach food and exercise.

I' am getting banded on July 10, 39 days and counting!

[Friend]

HI, my name is Stacey. I just started inquiring about lap band. I'm confused why everyone is going to Mexico to have the surgery. Is it cheaper or what? I'm reading all your messages and I'm getting scared and more scared by the second. I thought this procedure was so much simpler and safer than gastric bypass but it sounds like there are just as many restrctions and discomforts as the other. any help is appreciated. thanks

Stacey, Lap Band is just a tool like my friend said. I had mine done at the Molding Clinic in TJ with Dr. Ricardo Martinez and everything went well. Go to the Yahoo web and type in Molding Clinc you will find prices and info. for his office there. LB is removable and other is not but can regain all or dougle weight back. My daughter that it due to medical conditions. Good Luck!

Sylvia

Banded 3/24/06

[chrissysdolphin]

HI, my name is Stacey. I just started inquiring about lap band. I'm confused why everyone is going to Mexico to have the surgery. Is it cheaper or what? I'm reading all your messages and I'm getting scared and more scared by the second. I thought this procedure was so much simpler and safer than gastric bypass but it sounds like there are just as many restrctions and discomforts as the other. any help is appreciated. thanks

Stacey, this surgery is $9000 in mexico as opposed to $25,000 in the U.S. which is not usually covered by most insurance. I just had the surgery on thursday and I am feeling great. I have 2 sisters who had gastric bypass and this surgery is so much better even they wish they would have had this instead. You still have all of your body parts with this not with bypass. Please do not be scared this surgery is awsome. I have lost 17 pounds in 2 weeks and it is great. Good luck with your decision C.

[=^..^=Meow]

HI, my name is Stacey. I just started inquiring about lap band. I'm confused why everyone is going to Mexico to have the surgery. Is it cheaper or what? I'm reading all your messages and I'm getting scared and more scared by the second. I thought this procedure was so much simpler and safer than gastric bypass but it sounds like there are just as many restrctions and discomforts as the other. any help is appreciated. thanks

Hi... just wanted to add you can get the band removed if there is complications.... AND I just got my letter from Dr. Ortiz saying they are having a $1000 discount.... Make sure you research who and whatever you chose!!!!! Good Luck

[Darrin S.]

Stacey,

I just posted on another board a similar response.

I've read where some people that get this surgery in the US are in and out the same day - what does that say about medical treatment? And will the doctor give you his cellphone number for problems - I doubt it.

Dr. Ortiz has trained many of the doctors in the US on the lap band procedure - So ask yourself, do you want to be operated on by the teacher or the student?

The cost savings figures into it especially if insurance won't cover it. Since I am in San Diego, I'm only 30 minutes away from Dr. Ortiz's office anyways.

Good luck in your decision.

Darrin

Surgery scheduled June 22, 2006

[CutieCathy]

Darrin;

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU 100%!!!! I did a year and a half of research on the Lap-Band...and everything I read...all the seminars I went to....Books....brochures...internet....who's name came up?....DR. ORTIZ!!! I loved your comment on the cellphones.....that was very impressive to me too...how many American Dr.s would do that?...LOL....NONE!!! NADA!!!.....Well..I just had my surgery June 9th....and it was an AWESOME AWESOME experience....I wish you luck on your surgery...keep us posted!!! DONT BE NERVOUS!!!!Cathy:))

[PAMMIE]

GREAT NEWS!!! CONGRATULATIONS

[Linda M]

HI, my name is Stacey. I just started inquiring about lap band. I'm confused why everyone is going to Mexico to have the surgery. Is it cheaper or what? I'm reading all your messages and I'm getting scared and more scared by the second. I thought this procedure was so much simpler and safer than gastric bypass but it sounds like there are just as many restrctions and discomforts as the other. any help is appreciated. thanks

Hi Stacy,

I did a lot of research before being banded on May 26, 2006 by Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. Yes, the cost was much less, however I was totally self-pay and could not afford the cost here in the U.S. Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and the entire staff were Wonderful! I would recommend them to anyone who was seriously considering LB surgery. Just be sure this is what you want to do. The more research I did on the Lap Band, the more I knew it would be right for me - I did not want the Gastric Bypass as I didn't feel I could live with the "discomforts & restrictions, which are definitely different from the Lap Band.

I have my first fill scheduled for July 7th and am looking forward to it.

Good Luck to you in your decision.

Linda M

[Karen W.]

Hi Stacey! I can tell you my reasons for choosing Dr. Ortiz.

1. My insurance completely excludes anything to do with obesity, so I am self-pay.
   
2. Dr. Ortiz is one of the best in the world, and has taught (proctored) a good number of doctors in my area, and has done WAY more lap band procedures than US doctors.
   
3. Yes, the cost was about 1/2 what I would have had to pay, but I was more than willing to pay to have it done here, even had the financing in place. However, the extra payment would have been a hardship for us.
   

The one piece of advice I keep reminding myself of is - There is no magic pill! Meaning, be sure to approach the lap band as a tool, not a cure all. To be completely successful, I believe one has to make several changes in the way they approach food and exercise.

I' am getting banded on July 10, 39 days and counting!

Stacy,

I am getting banded July 10th also--with a friend of mine. We are both named Karen. We'll look for you there!

Karen W.

[charlie]

Stacy,

I am getting banded July 10th also--with a friend of mine. We are both named Karen. We'll look for you there!

Karen W.

I am getting banded on 7/12 so maybe I will see you at the hotel??? By the pool???

Charlie

[Kelli from Oklahoma]

NEwbie,

I'm also getting banded on the 10th. I am chomping at the bit (though this next week of all liquid diet is a bit daunting).

As for Mexico, I have to agree with everyone. Plus, one of my students had the procedure done last spring. She spoke to me about her wonderful experience. I had not realized the major differences between lap band and gastric bypass. When I heard how non-invasive lap band is, I started investigating and was thrilled to learn about it. And Dr. Ortiz simply has the best reputation. I've not found one negative word about him or his clinic. With the ease of posting rants on the internet, that says a lot to me.

I look forward to seeing you on the 10th!

Kelli

Starting weight: 427 lbs.

Band scheduled: July 10, 2006

Hi Stacey! I can tell you my reasons for choosing Dr. Ortiz.

1. My insurance completely excludes anything to do with obesity, so I am self-pay.
   
2. Dr. Ortiz is one of the best in the world, and has taught (proctored) a good number of doctors in my area, and has done WAY more lap band procedures than US doctors.
   
3. Yes, the cost was about 1/2 what I would have had to pay, but I was more than willing to pay to have it done here, even had the financing in place. However, the extra payment would have been a hardship for us.
   

The one piece of advice I keep reminding myself of is - There is no magic pill! Meaning, be sure to approach the lap band as a tool, not a cure all. To be completely successful, I believe one has to make several changes in the way they approach food and exercise.

I' am getting banded on July 10, 39 days and counting!

[Freetobeme]

NEwbie,

I'm also getting banded on the 10th. I am chomping at the bit (though this next week of all liquid diet is a bit daunting).

As for Mexico, I have to agree with everyone. Plus, one of my students had the procedure done last spring. She spoke to me about her wonderful experience. I had not realized the major differences between lap band and gastric bypass. When I heard how non-invasive lap band is, I started investigating and was thrilled to learn about it. And Dr. Ortiz simply has the best reputation. I've not found one negative word about him or his clinic. With the ease of posting rants on the internet, that says a lot to me.

I look forward to seeing you on the 10th!

Kelli

Starting weight: 427 lbs.

Band scheduled: July 10, 2006

Kellie,

My husband and I are flying in from Washington on the 10th and having surgery on the 11th. I am really excited, but finding it REALLY hard to wait! I keep reading everyone's postings and getting more and more excited. I am starting out at 36 BMI, a little on the lower side so I never could have this done in the US. I was one of those who was against anyone going to MEXICO (Ha ha). My husband, BMI 48, was turned down by our insurance unless he gained 30 lbs (to get to a 50 BMI) or his heart meds or blood pressure meds stopped working. Anyway, we decided to go private and my husband got a doc here in Washington. 17 thousand dollars. Then I hit my new high while waiting for the money to come and started researching. The cost for both of us with Dr. Ortiz is the same as one in Washington, we get a little break together (ha, ha), we can help each other stick to the new restrictions, and I don't have to watch my weight skyrocket while he loses. Plus, Dr. Ortiz has done this surgery 100X as many times as the doctor here. THAT has GOT to be better, right!

Everything I have been reading is confirming my belief that we made the right decision.

My only problem right now is losing 5% before the 10th. That's 10 lbs for me, yikes . I've started dieting early in hopes of actually making it. So far, 3lbs.

I will be looking for you and Charlie at the hotel! Maybe we can sip, sip, sip, water together!

[charlie]

Kellie,

My husband and I are flying in from Washington on the 10th and having surgery on the 11th. I am really excited, but finding it REALLY hard to wait! I keep reading everyone's postings and getting more and more excited. I am starting out at 36 BMI, a little on the lower side so I never could have this done in the US. I was one of those who was against anyone going to MEXICO (Ha ha). My husband, BMI 48, was turned down by our insurance unless he gained 30 lbs (to get to a 50 BMI) or his heart meds or blood pressure meds stopped working. Anyway, we decided to go private and my husband got a doc here in Washington. 17 thousand dollars. Then I hit my new high while waiting for the money to come and started researching. The cost for both of us with Dr. Ortiz is the same as one in Washington, we get a little break together (ha, ha), we can help each other stick to the new restrictions, and I don't have to watch my weight skyrocket while he loses. Plus, Dr. Ortiz has done this surgery 100X as many times as the doctor here. THAT has GOT to be better, right!

Everything I have been reading is confirming my belief that we made the right decision.

My only problem right now is losing 5% before the 10th. That's 10 lbs for me, yikes . I've started dieting early in hopes of actually making it. So far, 3lbs.

I will be looking for you and Charlie at the hotel! Maybe we can sip, sip, sip, water together!

I will be getting the pre-op on the 11th so I hope you can fill me in on everything that you are going through.

Charlie

[fisherman]

I will be getting the pre-op on the 11th so I hope you can fill me in on everything that you are going through.

Charlie

I'll be heading back to the hotel on the 11th, my surgery is the afternoon of the 10th - hope to see you there! Ice party!

[willowbas]

I was banded in Mexico because my insurance refused to pay for my surgery. The doctor I used in Mexico had a great deal of experience and I trusted him. The cost of having the surgery without insurance was prohibitive for me in the States. I chose Mexico after careful research.

[ginipat]

HI, my name is Stacey. I just started inquiring about lap band. I'm confused why everyone is going to Mexico to have the surgery. Is it cheaper or what? I'm reading all your messages and I'm getting scared and more scared by the second. I thought this procedure was so much simpler and safer than gastric bypass but it sounds like there are just as many restrctions and discomforts as the other. any help is appreciated. thanks

PEOPLE ARE GOING TO MEXICO, IN PART, BECAUSE IT'S CHEAPER I'M SURE. BUT THE LAPBAND WAS PIONEERED THERE. THEY HAVE MUCH MORE EXPERIENCE THAN IN THE STATES. IN FACT, DR. ORTIZ HAS TRAINED A GREAT MANY OF THE DOCTORS IN THE STATES WHO DO LAPBAND. PERHAPS, MOST.

WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICINE THE STATES IT NOT WHAT IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE. THE LAPBAND IS SO MUCH SAFER AND LESS INVASIVE THAN GASTRIC BYPASS TO MY WAY OF THINKING IT'S ALMOST CRIMINAL THAT ANYONE GETS GASTRIC BYPASS. THE PROBLEM IS THERE ARE 14,000 SURGEONS IN THE U.S. WHO DO BYPASS AND ONLY 1/10TH THAT NUMBER WHO ARE TRAINED IN LAPBAND. SURELY THIS WILL CHANGE, OVER TIME.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF ADVANCED MEDICINE IS EUROPE AND MEXICO IS THE GASTRIC BALLOON. HERE IN THE STATES IT'S NOT EVEN APPROVED. THEY'VE DONE THE MOST BALLOON SURGERIES IN FRANCE.

GINI

[LoriBecky]

If you wonder why people are going to Mexico, Gini is right, there is no one better qualified or skilled than Dr. Ortiz. Here is a great place to check out his qualifications:

Dr. Ortiz

If I can be of any help, please feel free to email me, you can find my email address below.

[dixie darlin]

Hi Stacey! I can tell you my reasons for choosing Dr. Ortiz.

1. My insurance completely excludes anything to do with obesity, so I am self-pay.
   
2. Dr. Ortiz is one of the best in the world, and has taught (proctored) a good number of doctors in my area, and has done WAY more lap band procedures than US doctors.
   
3. Yes, the cost was about 1/2 what I would have had to pay, but I was more than willing to pay to have it done here, even had the financing in place. However, the extra payment would have been a hardship for us.
   

The one piece of advice I keep reminding myself of is - There is no magic pill! Meaning, be sure to approach the lap band as a tool, not a cure all. To be completely successful, I believe one has to make several changes in the way they approach food and exercise.

I' am getting banded on July 10, 39 days and counting!

Hi I'm Dixie Darlin and I'm getting banded Sept 21st . I really have mix feelings first hard to believe I was acturally doing and 2nd wondering if I am doing the right thing. I have tried all kinds of diet and do well for a while and loose some weight 20 - 30 lbs. but then turn right around and gain it back. I really hope that the lap band will give me the will to keep the weight off as well as NOT stay hungry all time. There is where I have my concerns reading all the different response. How are feeling now and would you do it again.

BMI 37.8

[the Koala's DH]

Hi I'm Dixie Darlin and I'm getting banded Sept 21st . I really have mix feelings first hard to believe I was acturally doing and 2nd wondering if I am doing the right thing.

Hi Dixie,

I think it might just be the best decision you will ever make. After speaking with Dr. Ortiz and hearing how passionate he was about his reasons for believing in the lapband, I have no doubt that it was the right decision and that he was the right person to do it. Dr. Ortiz covered every conclusion that I had personally reached regarding the lapband and bypass.

Right now, we (it's like saying "we" are pregnant) just completed Day 2 post-op. My wife is sleeping and while she's still sore, she's feeling great! Heck, that group of women who had surgery on Monday, just about wore me out while shopping up on Avenida Revolucion. I've never read about anyone going shopping and out for dinner sixteen hours after having gastric bypass, so it's easier to see which surgery is easier on your body.

Surgeons are not Gods, despite what some of them think. I have never believed that re-routing what (has taken millions of years to evolve/God designed)* to lose weight was a good idea. The simple fact is that no one can tell you precisely how you will react to a bypass because no one with your exact genetic code has ever tried it. A bypass patient may never be able to have any sort of dairy product again. (This was no big deal to the nutritionist to whom we spoke.) A bypass patient may never be able to touch refined sugar again without running to the bathroom hoping that they aren't about to "dump" (That is such a bull====, namby pamby, politically correct, hide-the-patient-from-the-truth term!)**

Those things just don't happen with the band.

You have to actively and consciously work to defeat the band. Heck, even if you don't change what you eat at all (a bad idea), you'll lose weight just because you're eating a third of your former volume.

I can't imagine how complicated life would truly be if we had been stuck with a bypass.

One more thing before I go into a full blown rant mode. Here's what I saw at dinner tonight.

Four people who shopped until I was ready to drop...the day after they had major surgery.

Four people who were overjoyed at finding a little place that sold popsicles in one of the biggest tourist traps in the world.

Four people who ran the gambit from feeling fine to a little sore to a lot sore.

Four bowls of chicken broth and four servings of red jello.

Four people who couldn't believe they would ever order that in a restaurant

Four people who couldn't believe that they were full.

Four people who finally have hope.

Jason

* take your pick and substitute name as appropriate, or heck, pick both!

** I think part of the pre-op qualification for gastric bypass should include eating an entire bag of Ruffles Light chips....you know, the ones made with Olestra. In fact, they should have someone do that at EVERY gastric bypass seminar, then tell the attendees "Yes, folks, that is one of the things you will experience if you pick the more expensive surgery."

[fisherman]

Hi I'm Dixie Darlin and I'm getting banded Sept 21st . I really have mix feelings first hard to believe I was acturally doing and 2nd wondering if I am doing the right thing. I have tried all kinds of diet and do well for a while and loose some weight 20 - 30 lbs. but then turn right around and gain it back. I really hope that the lap band will give me the will to keep the weight off as well as NOT stay hungry all time. There is where I have my concerns reading all the different response. How are feeling now and would you do it again.

BMI 37.8

Hey Dixie,

As for me, all is great. Including my pre-op weight loss, I am down a total of 48 lbs. so far. My first fill is coming up on 8/21. I don't have nearly the hunger I used to have, and that is making a huge difference.

My weight loss has slowed quite a bit, but that is perfectly normal before you get your first adjustment. I am looking forward to it picking up again.

Good luck - Kurt (fishy)