Question:
Looking for Lapband MD in FL-self pay, BMI 38.5 --Many Questions!

Hi...I'm new to this site, and I have many questions! I'm a self pay who needs an MD in FL or GA for lapband. Also, any comments about the options for MEXICO, and who do you go to for followup care if you get the procedure there? I am a self pay, so cost is important, but so is my life!! Any comments from those of you who have any advice would be greatly appreciated!! I'd like a "mentor" or "buddy" to guide me if any one is willing.....thanks.    — Redrazzberi (posted on September 12, 2007)


September 12, 2007
I don't know any doctors in FL or GA nor do I know much about lapband (I had gastric bypass because people who have this procedure are much more likely to reach their goal weight whereas, with lapband, you will likely only lose approximately 60% of the weight. And gastric bypass is safer because there is no "hardware" inserted in your body. There are many other reasons why you might want to seriously re-consider you choice). But I really wanted to warn you against going to Mexico for surgery. Yes, the cost is cheaper but the risks are so high that you will have serious problems and then have no one to follow you up, once you return to the States. Most PCP's know little about WLS so you would be pretty much on your own. If you truly value your life, you won't go to Mexico. The horror stories I, myself, have heard about people who had their WLS done there are numerous and horrifying. Please do your research. You will most likely find many storiies online about people who regret their decision to go south of the border. Your life is worth way more than to put it in the hands of "quacks." Sorry to be so down about this but it is a very serious issue. -@li
   — cherub13

September 12, 2007
I am from South Carolina. My dr recommended not going to Mexico bc it is cheap. The risk are very high.
   — Crystal H.

September 12, 2007
Hi Desi, I am a lapband patient who has lost over 100% of my excess body weight. It is completely possible to lose all the weight with the band and the "hardware" does not make for more complications. As with any surgery (including the bypass) there is always a risk of complication, but the complication rate for the band, if installed by a knowledgable surgeon, is minimal. I am located in Seattle, WA so I do not know of any doctors in your area but I am more than willing to be your buddy. Email me if you have questions I can help you with.
   — VickiStevens

September 12, 2007
Dr. Jawad in Ocala, FL is an excellent doctor. His website is www.jawadmd.com (he has a self pay plan for patients).
   — AngelaC.

September 12, 2007
In reference to this quote ".............I had gastric bypass because people who have this procedure are much more likely to reach their goal weight whereas, with lapband, you will likely only lose approximately 60% of the weight. And gastric bypass is safer because there is no "hardware" inserted in your body. NOT TRUE. I was fed that answer 3 years ago and had the RNY instead of the lapband. Since then I have met many people who have lost all 100% of their excess weight and are doing great. I am 3 years post op and although I have lost all the weight and so far kept it off. I suffer with Ulcers, hypoglycemia, anemia(get iron infusions every 6 months). With a BMI of 38.5 you would do better with the Lapband and its certainally cheaper than the RNY. Good Luck and research carefully.
   — smparker2

September 12, 2007
A wonderful dr in Mexico is Jose Rodriquez. His website is www.joseband.com. But if you have had numerous surgeries in your stomach, I would recommend open bypass. He has performed over 1000 surgeries. A lady in San Antonio will take you over the border and stay there with you. She is a great person who has had the band. I had numerous surgeries and scar tissue, so my operation was not a success, but he refunded most of my money. My husband said he almost cried when he was not able to do my surgery successful. But you need to find someone to do your fills close to you unless you have the money to go there each time. He may come across the border to do them, I'm not sure. The cost is $7650 and covers the trip to Mexico from san antonio and all costs of hospital and services. It said on the website there was a follow up care. Maybe in the USA. Dr. Rod taught many drs the operation.
   — geneswife

September 14, 2007
First off, there is a third WLS. It is called deodenal swith or DS as they say. Check out the DS forum here at OH. Better chance of keeping weight off than with the other two. I know many people who went to Mexico, Brazil, or Spain to have the DS. Very good results and good care while there. Your PCP can follow you in the states. Keep searching and reading. Good luck.
   — KRWaters

September 14, 2007
i am in Arizona an was self pay as well.Go to my Drs web site of Huacuz .com an check him out. I would recommend him to any one. The clinic there was great an very clean.I cad my surgery on June 26th an doing great an I,ve lost almost 50 lbs.
   — loetam




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