Banded in Mexico, band has a leak.

Hello everyone,

I was banded in Mexico in 2008. A year ago I started gaining weight back, and long story short, I am 98% sure I have a leak in my band. I have gained back all of the wright I had lost :0(
So, I have a few questions. Have any of you ever had to have a leak repaired in Mexico, and if so, how much did it cost you? Also, do you think I will lose the weight again? I am concerend if I spend the money to go back that I won't lose the weight again.....this is money that we could use other places for sure. I live in Canada, so I won't be able to get anyhting covered by my medical I don't think...plus, because I had my surgery in Mexico, Canadian Docs aren't very interested in helping me. Any help or advice is appreciated. thanks!

Teresa 

Funny that you just posted about this because I am home now just recovering from having my port tubing replaced on friday by my doctor in Mexico. My doctor did it for free, he didnt charge me a thing.  The first thing you need to do is have them check for a leak first and then see if they can fix it, if all of your fills have been done in Mexico they should cover it. Let us know how your doing... Good luck to you and if you have any questions let me know.

I would STRONGLY suggest you revise to a different WLS rather than waste more time and money on a band. The band just has too many complications and is NOT a good option for self-pay. I was self-pay myself, and in less than 15 months I got 16 fills and never got restriction. So at this point......I have wasted $15,000 on a band that doesn't work, and now can't afford to revise to an effective WLS. I would hate to see you invest more money on getting the leak fixed only to have a slip, or esophageal problems in another year or two. :-(

Most bandsters do seem to be revising to VSG, but I think RNY and DS are both good options as well.