Question:
Has anyone traveled to Mexico for Lapband?

   — patt2 (posted on January 19, 2008)

January 18, 2008
I haven't had my Lap-Band surgery yet, but the thing I can tell you is that many OH members have commented that they have had difficulty finding a surgeon to continue postop care after surgery in Mexico. There also seems to be a high incidence of complications for some reason - my surgeon had told me about a patient he's caring for who had RNY surgery in Mexico, then developed severe complications from infection. The patient's been in the hospital for the last 6 months, has a colostomy and needs to be fed intravenously, and has been resistant to treatment for the infections. I hope you'll reconsider and really try to find other options for your surgery.
   — obeseforever

January 19, 2008
Hi Pat. Many people do what you are thinking of, but let me just interject this. First of all, I did not have surgery in Mexico, I had RNY here in the states and am followed up here. But, I have been on line answering questions for about 4 years now, and I will tell you this, the main issue with paying cash out of the country is finding a local surgeon that will help with fills and complications. You may find yourself going to Mexico for fills and any issues that are complications of your surgery. That can be pricy and risky. Be sure you have a local surgeon that will follow you up and fill your band. If you cannot find that support locally, you may want to reconsider the band, unless you have an unlimited checkbook. Surgeons are very picky about working in another surgeons territory, especially when it comes to weight loss surgery. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

January 20, 2008
Yes, if I didn't then I would not have had the lapband. It was a simple decision for me based on that. I am doing fine. There is a support group called mexican bandsters that may help you too.
   — candlecat

January 22, 2008
Dont let people scare you. I was banded in Mexico. I had a ball down there. Not a single problem. I am down 100lbs in less than a year. I will be returning for plastics also. I can give you the info on my Dr. down there if you want. Point is people get infections in the US too. But if someone says they got one while in Mexico its a big deal. Things can go wrong no matter where you are Just do your reasherch and do whats right for you.
   — Cari H.