A little confused

For the past few days I have been researching have my Lap Band done in Mexico. I know the saying you get what you pay for. But so far things sound to be o.k. I got to work today and my co-workers scared me by saying that I may be going to Mexico and NOT coming back. They told me that its bad there and that they are kidnapping people. Now I dont know what to think. I read all the success stories for others on here and I'm just confused now .

I have read a couple peoples blogs that went to Mexico and one was just the other day and they seemed fine.  One thing I would check is if the Dr in the area you live in now will see you for fills when you get back.

I am just now starting the process to see about the band, and I went to the seminor. The Dr here said he WOULD NOT look at anyone that had their band done in Mexico.

http://diaryofafatwhitewoman.blogspot.com/


good luck with what ever way you go

Well going out of the country always have its risk. If something was to go wrong, taking legal action would be difficult. Not only that but after care would be difficult, with fills and etc.
But just think it through. I know of someone that had cosmetic surgery there and had a horrific experience. She found out that her drains were not properly placed, and that she had a potentially fatal infection. She also had some kind of burn on her stomach and she eventually had to have her tummy tuck done over because it was not done tight enough. So, weigh how secure you would like to feel. Good Luck!

It's true that it's not always safe for foreigners to travel or stay in Mexico...or a number of other countries I can think of and have had personal experience of danger there - accosted by police, soldiers, civilians with machine guns, rioters, wandering cattle, you name it. I have a friend who was attacked in the biggest train station in Hong Kong by a guy hoping to steal her purse...years ago while walking alone in Athens, I was followed by scary guy...and later, something similar happened in Istanbul. When in Malaysia, I was threatened while touring a factory.  In Indonesia, my drive got "lost" while delivering me back to my hotel...said he couldn't find it, even when I could see it several blocks away...I was about to exit the car when he finally gave up. So, overseas travel is never without risk, but...

In 3 years on OH, I have never heard of a member being attacked, mugged, robbed, killed, kidnapped, raped or otherwise harmed while having WLS in Mexico. A good surgery clinic or medical tourism facility should provide safe transportation and an escort for you every minute you are in Mexico. So when you screen your Mexican surgeon & facility, specifically ask about their security procedures and get the name and phone number of at least one American patient who can give them a reference.

Jean

It might be alot cheaper and because Im self pay that might have been the best route for me but I ended up paying 20 grand out of pocket for mine instead of going to Mx.

The number one reason is after care.  There is not one single doctor here where I live that would touch me if I had the surgery done in Mx.

Aftercare for the band is so important and unless I wanted to drive 4 hrs a way I couldnt find no care .

And I just didnt feel safe to go out of the country it just wasnt worth it to me that is my own feelings though .

There are safe areas, there are unsafe areas.
There are good (great even) surgeons and there are not-so-great surgeons (just like in the US).

There is a poster here -- "Wasabubblebutt" who lives in Mexico and has great info for you.

I would caution that if you are going to MX for surgery that you be VERY sure, COMPLETELY sure about your follow up care.

The band does not work without adjustment ---- and sometimes, many adjustments.
You need to have access to good follow up care --- it needs to be convenient and affordable.
Many US surgeons don't want to see patients that they did not band -- or they charge more, or apply 'program fees' --- make sure you have a plan.

To be honest, while I LOVE my band, if I was going to MX for surgery, I would have the VSG.
Less follow up -- better long term results overall.