Question:
I plan on lap band in Acuna Mexico with Dr Jose Rodriquez, any one out there who has

Need info on Lap Band in Acuna Mexico. Has anyone had any experience or a comment re: Dr Jose Rodriquez in Acuna Mex    — d1217arlington (posted on August 21, 2007)

August 21, 2007
Not me but my sister has. She regrets going to mexico and she regrets lap-band. she would rather do it here in usa and get R-N-Y The reason why is that she now feels that she could have lost more easier with gastric. And, gastric is permanent. Lap-Bands may wear out or move then you have to have surgery again. also, everytime you lose a couple pounds you are paying an american doctor $200 or more dollars for refills in the port. If you get lap-band here they usually include up to a year free refills. Good luck!!!
   — Evangeline1962

August 21, 2007
I applaud your decision to lose the weight but I suggest you really think and think again about going to Mexico for any type of medical procedure. Yes, the cost maybe less, in dollars, but the numbers of people who have had serious complications (even death) from operations by non qualified "doctors" is very high. You don't know their education and there is no follow up. You'd be far better off finding a board certified surgeon here in the US. Believe me, it's not worth risking your life. Also, I agree with the previous answer, get gastric bypass. It's the sure way to lose weight and you will not have any "hardware" inside you that can cause problems. I had RNY with Dr. Barker, in Dallas, and I had/have total confidence in him and in his staff. I don't worry about developing any problems and if, just IF, something were to happen, they will all be there to help me. You are on your own if you go to Mexico. Please, please, think this through carefully.
   — cherub13

August 21, 2007
If cost is the issue, then how much is your life worth? I would not ever consider Mexico for surgery...not even a manicure! You can't even drink the water there, hello. I can see you losing a lot of weight if you go there, as a matter of fact all your weight...in a box. Sheesh! Find a good surgeon here that can work with you or your ins. co. it is possible! RNY is definitely the way to go for all the above reasons and more...too many issues with that band!
   — LouAB

August 22, 2007
Just as I told another poster, do check out the duodenal switch procedure. Even better long term weight loss than RnY. No dumping. Normal stomach and eating practice. Hey, you can eat more and still lose weight. Duodenalswitch.com. Check it out.
   — KRWaters

August 22, 2007
I did. He is a very gently man. Did my research on Dr. Rodriquez for several months. My fill doctor knew him and talked highly of him. I felt safe with him. My fill doctor charged me $200 for a fill but nothing to remove it. Dr. Rodriquez charges $80 for a fill if I remember correctly. After 3 years it slipped. Went back to Dr. Rodriquez to remove the band since I couldn't afford US. doctors to do it. I had no insurance. If you live in TX it might be worth it to go to him. When I had problems, the US doctors more or less didn't want to take care of me. Here is his support board http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Dr-Rodriguez-bandsters/ I have to admit it, I loved the band,and Dr. Rodriquez, lost about 95lbs. slowly with it. I wish I had it again. But remember, when you have surgery in MX. the doctors here aren't crazy about taking care of you, and it might take awhile before you find one who will (like I did). I had to travel 5 hours to get a fill from a dr. in the beginning. I was one of the people who had complacatiions, and paid the price going to Mexico. Helen
   — Helen J.

September 30, 2007
I had lap band surgery with Dr. Jose Rodriquez in Acuna Mexico on May 18, 2007. He is a wonderful man, very very qualified; actually teaches bariactric surgery to even some US doctors. I have had no complications at all; have lost so far a total of 29 pounds and I am on my second fill. I use Dr. Maese in Ferris, Texas for fills which cost $200.00 per fill. I currently have 1.5cc's in my band. I would do it again! And I would go to Mexico ANYDAY!!! My experience was very positive. There are doctors in the US who will take care of you. Don't listen to those to bash the "unqualified" doctors in Mexico. Dr. Rod is not one of them. He is very well qualified. The hospital was small and furnished similar to a small motel in the states. No frills, but what do you need the frills for? I would highly recommend Dr. Rodriquez to you. Mamadingo
   — nballard