mexico-alaska lap band???

Hello, I am from Alaska and am planning on getting a band in Mexico. I can't figure out how to search to see if there is anyone that has done the same as what I plan to do....Alaska is pretty isolated as far as dr's that are willing to fill/treat you if you were banded in mexico...any advice out there? Thank you :) Ann

Ann, as much as a lap band advocate I am, I don't believe that is a GOOD idea. In fact it's a horrible idea. In order for the band to be effective YOU MUST BE very close by to your surgeon to make sure you are able to get fill adjustments monthly especially the FIRST YEAR.

Also, the band is not an exact science and sometimes you may get filled too tight by mistake, and if you find yourself too tight you must get to your surgeon immediately before you suffer horrible complications -- time is of the essence when dealing with band issues.

If you can find a surgeon in Alaska that is willing to see you for aftercare including fills adjustments and any complications that can arise, then you will be ok, but if not, this can be a horrible idea.

Good luck

Lap band in Alaska is a horrible idea.

There are few bariatric surgeons in Alaska.  When I lived in Anchorage, everyone I know who had bariatric surgery flew out of state (most to Washington state) and, based upon the time period, had RnY, which their local PCP and other specialists could monitor.

The biggest issue with the band in Alaska is that you will not be able to get fills (or emergency unfills). 

If you are looking for a restrictive WLS, consider the sleeve.  If you are looking for malabsorption, RnY or (gold standard) DS.

You will still likely have to fly out of state for any surgery. 

I would never, ever get banded if I did not have access to LOCAL medical follow up with a surgeon that I knew and trusted before the surgery.

My surgeon and I were a TEAM for the first 18 months that I was banded -- I saw him every 3 weeks for the first few months, then every 4-6 weeks for a few months, then every 8-10 weeks --- until I had reached my goal.

I got fills when I needed them, encouragement and support all along the way ---- and small un-fills when I needed them.

The band requires a HIGH degree of maintenance for optimal results.

Read the boards -- see the number of people (fewer all the time) who have successfully reached their goal with a Band -- and see what type of follow up commitment it takes ----- if you want that level of success, you need to set yourself up for it by having access to trusted, qualified medical care --- not just an emergency plan -- but an on-going support model.

Otherwise, you are wasting your money, your time and risking your health.

I LOVE Alaska but...I would never live there and get a band unless you are in Anchorage or Fairbanks and they have a doctor there willing to take on a Mexico placed band.  The band requires a HIGH degree of maintenance, you HAVE to have a local willing to be there for you at all times just in case..

I would really reconsider.  If you want restriction a only look into the sleeve.  What surgeon are you using in Mexico?

Good luck.

First I would like to ask. Are you getting a band in Mexico because you have no insurance? I am from Alaska(Wasilla) and have three friends that were banded in Mexico due to lack of insurance and here is what they have told me. They had a hard time finding a doctor and when they did  he charged 250.00 per fill and that is only if they did not have to use Fluro. I have noticed with them they keep their bands way to tight due to not being able to afford the fills. When I say too tight I mean one of them is in the hospital constantly due to dehydration she is not able to eat  or drink much at all. Only because she is to tight which means she does not eat healthy. I worked with the Lapband Doctors  and I can tell you they are real reluctant to accept patient that were banded by anyone.. I can tell you after almost 4 years I would never have a band done unless my doctor lived close and I had access to him as needed. and I have insurance to cover it.  I have had a couple of time where my band tightened up for no reason and I could not swallow,  My doctor met me at his office on the weekend  and took fluid out immediatly. Thank God because that is the worse pain. I also know if you are not that doctors patient it could take weeks to get in to see him/her. I would really think twice before getting a band in Mexico. If you decide to do it please do your research find a doctor that will accept you before you get the band.  Find out how accessible they are how long does it take to get in for appointments etc. Also find out what you will have to do for after hour emergencies and the cost. If you need any help send me a PM I will be glad to ask my friends more questions for you or get you in touch with them. Good Luck to you

thank you all for writing! although I am now discouraged. The thing is, I do not qualify BMI wise for the band in the US, I am 204 and 5'8'' which is why no surgeons in AK will see me. I did find a fill DR that treats patients from Mexico, etc. in Anchorage AK and I made an appointment to see him next Tuesday. I thought about having the band 7 years ago and chickened out. The only reason I don't weigh more is because I run every day at least 5 mile. But I till have huge eating problems and bottom line is I've decided I just can't live like this anymore, I am broken when it comes to eating and my self esteem is at the bottom because of my inability to lose weight. I know it's my issue and I know if I eat less I will lose weight, please believe me when I say I'm just tired and ready for more help. I've tried medication, eating plans, diets, etc. My only saving grace is the fact that I run.

I plan on going to Dr. Rodriguez at Belite and follow up/fills with a local dr here in Anchorage. Any feedback is greatly appreciated....thank you for listening.