Lap Band in Mexico

When you say "under Alberta Health Care" what exactly does that mean? I live in Red Deer and am interested in the Lapband procedure. Is there a specific weight you must be before you can be considered? I am 45 years old and have struggled with weight since my early teens. At my heaviest, I am 235 pounds. I carry all of my weight between my shoulders and hips. Finding clothes that fit both the torso and thighs is an absolute nightmare. At my last physicial, my doctor said that my sugars were too high and that I needed to bring down my cholesterol .... thanks for your input. Tricia

hi jamie... i am considering lap banding done soon.. is a 2 year wait in calgary.. can you give me info on starting the journey....i am 55 years old... and would like to find a support and info person to help me getting started.. thanx myrna mathews

Dear Jamie, I too am considering going to Mexico for The Lap Band procedure. Were you in any pain after the surgery? Did someone speak English there? What is the name of the Hospital you went to? What is the name of the doctors office? Also what is the phone number for Dr Joya? My e-mail is [email protected] Sincerely, Patricia

Hello Jamie, Mar 16/06 I also had my band done in Mexico. We are starting a support group here in Calgary. Please feel free to contact me thru this posting. Lynn

hi.. can you tell me how i can get a hold of dr joya in puerto valarta for the surgery.. i live in alberta and seems i can get a flight direct from calgary to there... please reply.. thanx myrna mathews

There is a clinic in Toronto that I found on-line. I am not sure that I qualify for the lap band surgery because I am only about 35 lbs overweight - but have been battling my weight since I was a child. I am 35 y/o man in Calgary. My job requires me to be at work for approx 14-16 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Exercise and diet would be more of an option if I had a "regular job" but I am tired of the extra weight and feel that as I creep into middle age that I will just keep getting heavier. Has anyone had issues since they had the lap band surgery - say with acid reflux or anything else? Or is it an expectation that you are going to need a tummy tuck due to the excess skin...Also, what was the "down time" like after the surgery? I am interested in hearing any thoughts that any of you have on this...You can reach em at [email protected] Hudson

Hi Jamie, I live in Edmonton and I am currently in the process of contacting Dr. Joya's office to book an appointment. I was wondering that when you came back to Canada, did you have any problems with spending that kind of money down there and have to declare it with Canada Customs and pay GST or taxes of any kind? Thanks, Glenda

Hi Glenda, I had my lap band done by Dr. Joya and I didn't have any trouble with customs nor did I pay GST. When they ask you why you were there tell then that it was personal. Dr. Joya is a wounderful doctor. The only problum is finding a fill doctor in Alberta, right now am tiring a Dr. Phillip Mitchall in Calgary waiting for them to phone me back. Kathy

i was informed i need to go ona opti fast liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery.. any body know where i can find opti fast.. only place i get on lione is sydney australia.. any info greatly appreciated myrna mathews

Hi Jamie, I also had my lap band done in Mexico Jan 12/07. Now I'm having a very hard time finding a Doctor to give me a fill. There is one in Red Deer but have to wait for 2 1/2 months and that is only for a consultation. I'm so frustrated for I have no restriction at all and am so afraid that I will but back on the 20 lbs that I have lost. Looking forward to hearing from you. Kathy