I am consider lapband surgery ouside the US-any info on getting fills/de-fills in Syracuse, NY...

I would like to travel to Mexico to have the surgery do to the cost- but I am worried about finding a (fairly) local MD to do the fills etc. for me...Anyone out thre that has traveled to Mexico to have the surgery??

Hi, According to your profile your bmi is only 29 why would you need to do the lap band? I don't even think that a doctor in mexico or anywhere for that matter would operate on a bmi of 29. it has to be at least 35. Good luck in what ever you decide to do.  Sheila

Hiya!

I would call an office in your area to see whether they would do that.  In Syracuse, Dr. Simon Howard does lapbands.  Give his office a call.  Is there some reason you've decided to go out of the US for a surgery?  I would hate for you to have a surgery and not be able to find a doc to fill you.  Though, people move and still get fills, so I would hope you're still able to!

I was banded in Mexico. The cardinal rule (which not everyone follows) is LINE UP AFTER-CARE BEFORE YOU SCHEDULE SURGERY. Most doctors in the U.S. won't touch a patient banded outside the U.S. due to liability issues.

I had a great doc in Mexico but developed problems and If I didn't have after care lined up, I would have been in deep doo doo.

Please think very carefully about this, and why do you want to have a lap band if your BMI is only 29? To my knowledge, the lowest it can be in the US is 35, WITH co-morbidities like high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, etc. And if you do have a reason that a U.S. doctor would consider valid, there are some places that are more affordable than others.

Check out Lapbandtalk.com for a lot of info on doctors, prices, possible complications, etc.

Thanks for your reply! I will try Dr. Howard to see what they say...Two reasons why I am considering traveling for surgery... 1. Although I have had a chronic weight problem (40lbs overweight), I am still only borderline "obese", with no comorbidities(yet!). Therefore, finding a doc to do the surgery in the US will be nearly impossible.. 2. COST! I will be self-pay, therefore this is definitely a consideration. Canada also does the surgery for my BMI, but the cost is approx. double... Thanks again- I will keep you posted- I still have to convince my husband... Miss P.

Good Luck sweetie!  I believe ideas are changing regarding at least RNY in patients with NO weight issues, "normal" BMIs.  I was informed that "they" have determined that doing RNY on diabetes patience who do not have weight problems gives the same result as the heavier RNY patients.  Their diabetes is disappearing!  So, I suspect that in the near future lapband will probably be used the same way!

You might  also want to post this question  on the Lapband Message board here on OH.  There are a lot of lapbanders there from NY. Best wishes to you. Dee