lap band in Mexico

I am thinking about having lap band done in Mexico. I would like some suggest on who to go too?

I had my surgery done in Mexico and I have no regrets. It was a very positive experience. So far I have lost 65 pounds and have got so much of my life back. I used to have high blood pressure and a fatty liver. Now, both of those things are gone. I still have about 35 pounds to lose, so I still have some work, but I would recommend my surgeon to anyone. The wait list in Alberta seems to be getting longer and longer, and the requirements seem to change. The bad news about the wait list in Calgary at least is that it is a prioritized wait list, which means you may be at #15 one day, but if someone is prioritized higher than you the next day, you will be at #16. At first they were not doing people with a high BMI, now they won't do people with a lower BMI. I have had no problems getting fills after being to Mexico. There are at least 3 doctors in Calgary that do fills for people banded in other places. I have also heard that there is going to be a private clinic opening in Banff that will be doing bands, but I think the cost will be almost double what I paid in Mexico ($8,000). I took out a line of credit for my surgery, and I would do it again. I have so much more energy and I am sure I have added years to my life. A couple of suggestions if you are looking for a surgeon in Mexico, at least these are the ones I used. Look for a surgeon that is committed to the band. Don't pick one that uses any type of weight loss surgery. I felt that they were just in it for the money and maybe not as committed to the band as I wanted them to be. Also, by looking for someone that just does the band, I felt they would have more experience and probably better skills. Also, make sure they use the INAMED band as this is the brand name most widely used in the US and is used by all the surgeons here in Calgary. Also, check out what other people have said about them. There are some horror stories about surgeons in Mexico. I called to INAMED themselves and asked about my surgeon, they could not tell me any specifics about him except that he is one of their recognized surgeons and that he was also one of their teaching surgeons for a while. That gave me peace of mind. If you want more information, just let me know. Julie Nov 6/06, Dr. Ortiz, Obesity Control Center 258/192/158

Hello, I had my band done in Mexico. Some Pros: 1. You can set up over the phone and they are accomodating. 2. I had it done within days of my request . 3. Mexico would do the opperation and Canada said no because I only had 40 lbs to loose.(Dr. Aceves) Some Cons: 1A. You have to pay $8,000 plus air fare 1.The standards are not high like ours no matter how many times they seem to be washing the foyer. Don't let that fool you. The operating room is not as clean as the foyer. 2.When you come home you have NO support group. However Dr. Mitchell in Calgary said he will be starting one in about 6 months. Hope this helps.

Do you need a referal from your doctor or can you call yourself? To have it done in Alberta?

Hello Sherri, I think you need a referal from your Doctor. Dr. Mitchell is in Calgary here and he does the surgery. Warm Regards L.S.