surgery in mexico

Hello Everyone, I recently had lap band surgery in Mexico and my surgeon was wonderful however I did not want to travel every time I needed a fill. Is there anyone out there who is in the same situation and can recommend a md who will do fills. Thank You, Julie

Julie, I personally think you should have done the research before the surgery, maybe you can call the Oh phone # and find out what surgens do fills, it might be hard to find one that didn't actually do your surgery, but Im sure there is someone out there...best of Luck to you....

Sharon, Thanks for the info. I did research before I did the surgery and there are two fill centers in NJ. I was just wondering if anyone else also had any other mds to add to the list. It is not uncommon to go for surgery outside the states. I was classified as obese and because I was not morbid obese and did not have any chronic disease so no one would do my surgery. I have health insurance and they would not cover it. I decided that my health was important and had the surgery. I was extremely impressed with my surgeon, cardiologist, nutritionalist and nursing staff. Thanks for the help. Julie

Julie~ I can't believe you came here looking for help and another member told you that you should have done your research before your surgery. These boards are to help each other, not correct each other, or "talk down" to each other. I must say you handled the situation very well though. Way to go girl! You don't have to explain your decisions to anyone here. You did what was best for you-that's what we all do. I am glad you were happy with your health care in Mexico. A friend of mine just had all of her plastics done in Cancun, she paid a fraction of the cost she would have paid here and she loved her doctors too. Michelle Brennan

Hi Michelle, Thank you for the words of encouragement. I am happy I had the surgery and I feel great! I am also an ER nurse with years of experience so believe me I did my homework. Thanks, Julie

Hi Julie! Good for you for finding an alternative to your lapband surgery...I hear that the prices for these surgeries in other countries are much much less. The only thing that is missing is the follow up. I will tell you this...a friend of mine wanted to get lapband. I recommended my doctor but she elected not to use him because she felt he hadn't done enough lapband procedures and decided to use a doctor who had done 3000 and had separate support groups just for lapband patients. She also elected to pay out of pocket if necessary even though my doctor was willing to take her insurance. Anyway, he was very gracious when he spoke to her at the support group meeting she attended and offered to let her come to him for fills. So I think if you don't live too far away he would definitely take care of you and you can come to the support group meetings and even meet with the nutritionist. Email me if you need further info.

Hi Sheri, Thanks for the info. I would love to have the info on youre doc. I agree with you the only down side to having the surgery far away is the follow up. I live in central NJ and would love to find someone I feel comfortable with. My surgeon also did 3000 plus lapbands and came highly recommended and the cost was much cheaper. Thanks, Julie

there are a few reasons that someone will have to find a Dr to do a fill 1. patient moved out of state 2. what if the surgeon dies?? 3. no longer has transportation 4. insurance changes 5. falling out with office staff please do not judge people and their own personal choices Roberta