New To This Site

Hello, My name is Veronica and I am 26 years old and I have hit my weight high of 285 lbs.. I have been looking into doing the LapBand. I have no insurance but I have looked into having it done in Mexico.... If anyone has a little advice for me I would greatly appreciate that. Thank you for your time.

As you read our messages you'll find most of us our thrilled with our decision and our results. The two most often asked questions on this board are, who should be my surgeon and (for LapBanders) who in my area will do my fills? If going back to Mexico for fills isn't practical for you, you will need both questions answered. Who should be your surgeon? Dr. Rumbaut, of course. Others will have other answers of fine surgeons. I'd read the profiles (by clicking on the profile box under the message of a poster) of people who have seen various surgeons you are considering. Some folks write nothing. Others go to great length to journal their experience. I found it very helpful in selecting my surgeon. The profile information made my decision much easier. They provided unbiased information about the surgeon, the hospital, the medical team, and the whole experience. Since I found other's profiles to be so helpful, I continue to update mine -- just not so regularly anymore. For follow-ups and fills? For follow-ups most of us use our primary care provider/physician. You should see if yours is willing. For fills? First I suggest talking to the surgeons or surgeons offices of those you are considering. Ask them who in your area can do fills? If they have no names, visit the website for the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (asbs.org) and choose locate a surgeon. Look for ones that have "foll" after their information. Those are doctors willing to follow-up on other's patients. Then, call around. Not all of them are willing to do fills on patients who had surgery in Mexico. As you learn more, you'll ask more questions. Great. We are here for you too. -Pam 320/210/150

I am also pretty new and am wanting to go to Dr. Joya but I'm going for the gastric bypass but he also does lapband. His website is www.drjoya.com. Hope this helps!

thank you, i will definately look into it. ~Veronica

Veronica, I hear the Wish Center in Downer's Grove will take LapBand patients if they are 6 weeks out and do not have complications. You might give them a call. Also, what did you find out about hospitals and surgeon fees around Chicago? Kim M.

Kim, thanks for the advise...I have reasearched the chicago area only to find that it is very expenisive. Anywhere from $17,000 to $20,000. But I'm still searching. thanks again ~veronica

i am going in Jan, let us know who you decide to to go to. I'm still trying to work out which one too.

I will definately keep you updated Robbin. I ask that you keep me updated as well. Good luck and thanks again. ~Veronica

Veronica, Have you gotten any closer to picking a surgeon? I'm hunting prices again. If you found out any prices of different surgeons would you please let me know. I had them at one time, but gone with the wind I guess. Thank you very much, Robbin