Dr in Seattle area that will take a Mexico patient

Hi fellow Washingtonian:

I had my band done in Mexico in March, and have been moving right along with little problems. I started developing a pain on my left side that radiated from my groin up to my port site that has gotten worse each day. I have been through every test known to man in the last week and they still are not sure it is the band causing the pain. I have had several x rays, CT's ultrasound, blood work, and urine tests. My CT showed some swelling around the tube leading to the port, bowel obstruction, and fluid in my pelvis. My urine test showed blood in it. My problem now is that they are not 100% sure it is the lap band doing the damage or if it is something else.

My question is, does anyone know of a Dr in the Seattle area that will take on a Mexico lap band patient?? I have been on morpheine for a week to control the pain, don't know how much longer I can take this. Please get back to me ASAP.

Thanks Bernadette

i would be getting on the phone and calling every bariatric surgeon in the area and start asking questions... 

the only way to know is to ask - and ask them all if necessary..

good luck to you



jeris

Thanks for the info, my Dr's office was supposed to have set me up with one this last week but instead they just kept sending me for more tests!!! I wish I knew 100% that it is my band doing all the damage, but I don't. I will start first thing in the morning looking for a Dr that will take me on, most of them won't see you till you are one year out or without putting a whole lot of money down. That is another thing I need to find out just what my insurance will cover.

This has sure turned into a big pain in the A%&. I just want to find an answer an get it taken care of. If that means I need to fly back down to Mexico then I guess that is what I will have to do.

Thanks again, Bernadette

I'm no doc but I really don't think it is band related. I've been on the band board for several years and I don't recall anyone having symtoms like that. There is no reason the band would cause a bowel obstruction or fluid in the pelvic area. It is very easy for docs to blame the band for anything that goes wrong but this truely doesn't sound band related with the exception of the pain at the port which could be an infection of some kind. If I were you I would push them to get a final diagnosis and look at other issues as well. It could possibly be gall bladder related as bandsters are notorious for GB issues. I wish you the best and hope they find an actual cause for your pain!

Hi Bernadette. Have you tried Dr. Lauter in Bellevue? I know he has seen people in the past who had bands from other docs, but I don't know if he still does. He is wonderful. I am 14 months out from surgery, and have had no problems . I hope you feel better soon, and can be seen locally.

Sorry for what you are going through.  I agree with another poster who said I would make your PCP give you a diagnosis before you go spend out of pocket monies when it may not be your band at all.  Sit on their front door steps if you need to to get them to get you an answer.

For Docs who will see us  Mexican bandersters....well it's not Seattle, but Dr. Neal in Olympia will see us...Here is their # 866-722-6363.

Good luck!

Hi All

I tried just about every surgeon I could find and did in fact find a few that would take me as a patient, with lots of money down. The least expensive one I could find wanted $8000. Since then I have gotten a diagnosis, my port has pulled away from the stomach wall. That is why all of the pain. I have sice scheduled surgery for this coming Wednesday! I'm going back to my original surgeon in Mexico, they are treating me well with the price too. So with all of my problems before this latest one I have decided to do a revision. So by Wednesday afternoon I will be a sleeve sister. I caqn't wait to have it done and over so that I can put this pain behind me and get on with my life.

Thanks for all of your replies!
Bernadette

Good luck to you!

Hi ladies!! And thank you so much for al of the well wishes. This has all happened so quickly, but I will be glad to have it behind me and quick! I will keep everyone posted on my progress!
Bernadette

You might try Dr. Fox in Auburn 833-7300.

Merrilou