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In my personal experience the band is not idea I have 4 friends that had to have it removed and that was the cost of another surgery plus now they are having weight gain issues again. Research it and you will find more than 50% of patients have to have a second surgery for removal or revision. Mayo clinic no longer endorses the surgery at all and many doctors won't perform the surgery anymore. I think its a definite way to get repeat customers. Plus if you move it will be nearly impossible for you to get another doctor to do fills or anything for you. My original desire was to get the Band but after many stories and stats I decided not to. Sleeve plication is reversible and considered less invasive but the weight loss results are similar to the band about 50% of the excess weight is lost on average. There is so much information and it is a really hard decision that only you can make. I took more than 2 years to decide and now I am fully convinced that I am making the right choice for myself I am scheduling my date this week! I hope it is a little helpful not just unwanted advice.
I just returned from Tijuana and Dr. Kelly's care on Tuesday. What an experience! I have to admit that it was harder than I anticipated, but also, like having a baby...you forget the pain when the excitement of your new life begins :). When I arrived we went immediately to get a chest Xray and bloodwork. Can I just say that I would NEVER be able to do those things in under 30 minutes here at home? LOL. I would be there all day! The next morning, I went to Clinica San Juan. The clinic is new and beautiful and SPOTLESS. The nurses did have a bit of a language barrier, however they always knew what I needed. I had my google translator ready to use, but didn't need it at all. One thing I will mention is that your guest will be sleeping in a recliner. It does lean all the way back, however you should bring a pillow and blanket of your own as they don't provide this for you at the clinic. My room was the only semi private room, but it didn't feel semi private. I shared with another girl who had her surgery the same day as me. There is an actual wall between the two rooms, just an opening to walk through. Also, on my side, I had a nice little patio with a sliding glass door and a screen. It was very nice to have open with a breeze blowing through the room. The first day, I won't lie, was miserable. I didn't have the dreaded gas pains, but I was pretty uncomfortable. It got better each day. Dr. Kelly checked on me several times each day. My swallow test was on Sunday Morning, and Dr. Kelly was there with his associate Dr. Vazquez. Everything was perfect. NO LEAKS! WOOHOO! I was given all my Xrays, and meds to take home along with my surgical report. At that point, we were taken to the Lucerna, and Dr. Kelly was there before we were! The next morning, I was outside waiting to leave and guess who was there AGAIN to see us off and make sure we had no additional questions? Dr. Kelly! He even arranged for us to have a brief shopping trip prior to crossing the border. :)
So in closing, I want to thank Dr. Kelly and his staff for the excellent care I received as his patient. There wasn't a moment that I felt alone or that my concerns went unheard. Dr. Kelly spent as much time with me and my numerous questions and concerns as I needed. The staff at San Juan Clinica was very professional as well. I never waited for medicine or anything that I needed. I would highly recommend Dr. Kelly and his staff to my closest family members and friends. I would never have received the promptness, level of care and true compassion and interest in my procedure in the States as I experienced with him.
HW 350. SW 338. CW 320.
Month 1, including pre-op: -27 pounds.
Awww thank you! I haven't taken the step, so I am hoping for next year I can begin the journey. However, my doctor just recommended the band, which I am still skeptical about. I'm gonna check them out and see if he has any info on the band as well. Good luck on your journey! My very best to you!
I spoke with his facility this week and was told $500 deposit and $4600 for the sleeve gastrectomy this includes everything except food and drink for my aunt who is coming to help me. They sent me some information and I had some questions which I emailed in and they got back to me super fast.
I would like to know everything about r trip from start to finish please. How was the hospital compared to those in the US, did u ever feel scared? How did I feel right after surgery ? Etc
on 3/5/15 10:56 am
DO ALL DR'S MAKE YOU GET THIS INSURANCE? WHAT EXACTLY IS IT FOR? HOW MUCH IS IT?
THANK YOU
on 3/5/15 10:49 am
IS IT THE DISCRETION OF THE DR OF HOW MUCH OF THE STOMACH HE REMOVES? DOES IT DEPEND ON YOUR STARTING WEIGHT, AGE, ECT ECT. I KNOW MOST DR'S USE A 32 F BOUGIE BUT I HAVE ALSO HEARD THAT SOME DR'S DON'T FOLLOW IT AND SOMETIMES INSTEAD OF REMOVING 80% OF THE STOMACH ONLY 60% IS REMOVED. HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THIS?
Congrats! Please keep us posted how it goes. I recently found out this week my lap-band of almost 10 years has malfunctioned and I will need to either have it removed or go with a revision. However, my insurance has an exclusion clause on bariatric surgery.. I am seriously considering pursuing a revision in Mexico but am very nervous. I look forward to hearing to following your story.
I didn't go through a lighter me.. I initially chose Mexico Bariatrics Center and I had a bad experience with them so I end up booking directly through my doctor as well.
I was sleeved on 2/16/15 with Dr. Alejandro Lopez he and his team was excellent.. My experience was great the VIDA hospital I stays in was great. After doing a lot of research I chose a doctor that best fit me needs. And I'm so glad I did.... If you have any direct question please contact me I will be happy to help you..
Good luck..
What do you mean by after care, I have BCBS and I'm able to go to my PCP for follow up appts. As it relates to complications they will check you several times before you leave Mexico so if their is a problem you'll know right away. But if you have to go to the ER at home they will cover you. But I'm sure you won't have any problems with your sleeve.
As far as your guest, I had my surgery at VIDA hospital my husband stayed in the room with me. There's two beds in the room he slept in his bed and all of his food while at VIDA was free for him and he ate liked a King, all he talked about was how good the food was and post-op meds are included. But it depends on what hospital, what Dr you are having your surgery with.. Ask your coordinator to be sure...
Good luck and there is nothing to be nervous about.
