Mexico??

Okay - I've been lurking, researching and lurking some more, trying to decide if we want to get ourselves down to Mexico for this surgery, since every other option here has been exhausted. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to email me and give me their personal information to help us make our descision. I applied online tonight to Dr. Rumbaut to get further information. I also applied to Dr. Aguirre, and am still waiting to hear from them too. I think that we will wind up with Dr. Rumbaut, though, because of the fact that he does lap RNY as opposed to open. So...Please, anyone with anything that we might find useful in making our choice, please please email me! Good, bad, ugly...I'd like to know all the little details. Pictures...Scars...how to get good followup care...hotels to choose over others...So far in all of the info I've read, I've heard nothing bad at ALL about either surgeon or staff. In fact, everyone seems to be better impressed there than here. My inital fears of having surgery in (*GASP*) Mexico have been allayed, but now I want to know the details.... Also, anyone have any suggestions on how to tell two sets of parents? One is dead set against WLS in any form, and the other has been supportive but will take some convincing with the out of country part. We are both having this done come hell or high water, but I would like everything to be explained in the best possible way so they will have the best chance of accepting our choices gracefully. So thanks again...and special thoughts to Traci in NY who leaves tomorrow! Kim

just tell them and state that you don't expect them to support your decision....but to support you!when they see the results they will be thrilled! afterall you feel this is a must for a healthy future. it's not just a fad thing! it's the only way out! best of luck keep me informed! i went to dr.joya in pv mexcio....loved itdown 96 lbs since wls on dec 15th 2005!

I went to Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mx and I am 5mths out and 115lbs (gained due to auntie flo...but I think 120lbs w/o her) loss. Dr. A was great, and I've heard nothing but good things from these two doctors you have listed so you will be just fine. I told my personal trainer today, that I had it done in Mexico and she was impressed...especially now I am out 5mths. So, do the research and talk to as many people as you can. And if you are going to get haressed about going to Mx, then dont say anything at all if you possibly can. Take Care and Good Luck! Kelli

Hi Kim, As I read your post, I just could not believe how we seem to be in a similar situation. I have been researching Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere & Dr. Rumbaut and I hear nothing but wonderful thing about the two of them. I have also had the pleasure of taking with someone from each of their offices and both of them were just wonderful people, with loads of information and each having some type of WLS themselves. As crazy as this is going to sound, I practically had to toss a quarter to decide which one to go with. I have decided to go with Dr. Ortiz; there is just something that feels right about going with him. My wonderful supportive Mother knows I am going to have the surgery, she knows that I have lost the fight with the Insurance Company (UHC) and will be taking out a loan for this - but what she doesn't know is that I am planning to go to MEXICO for it. I'm struggling with that one. I do not want to be dishonest with her, but I know she will just flip her wig about Mexico. This doesn't change the fact that this is what I have decided to do; I just haven't decided whether of not I am going to tell her before I go or when I get back. But either way - I plan to delay it as long as possible. Crazy isn't it, most people struggle with the decision of having surgery, but for me even at 36 years old, it is telling my mom about Mexico that is the most stressing. Wishing you the Very Best. Lehigh Barbie

Hello, I have had experience with a few surgeons in Mexico for lapband related stuff, I highly recommend Dr Ortiz or Dr Rumbaut. With that said I have been researching surgeons to do a conversion for me, the band I have now has eroded (this is rare and was expected in my case) anyway I saw someone else post about this surgeon so I checked out his website! Very affordable and in the US. http://laparoscopy.com/pleatman/ If anyone has questions about either of the Mexican docs let me know. Lauren

Thank you, every one, who has responded! I posted a few times on the main message board a few months ago when I was trying to get ins to cover this, and I never did get answered. . I have a few more great names to check out before I make the final call on the CHOSEN ONE, lol, but this is so much better than trying to muddle through all this info on my own! Thanks to everyone, Kim

Hi Kim: I had a great experience too. I went to Dr.Valencia.....I think you should check his website..... www.obesityfree.com Good luck on your search...... Tina

For detailed info about my lap RNY with Dr. Rumbaut - read my profile. I had a great experience and I'm down 120 pounds so far. For the hotel, they recommend all of their patients stay in the same hotel. It works well because when hanging out at the pool you can visit with other patients. Also the hotel sees so many of us, they treat us very well. The surgeon, or one of the other doctors on his team stop by to visit you in the hotel everyday after surgery, to make sure it is going well. The hotel they use is a Hampton Inn, and it was a fine place. Their website is: http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=MTYGAHX -Pam