HELP! Looking for Surgeon (Mexico) for Lap Band Revision to Duodenal Switch

Hi All,

Does anyone have experience with a Lap Band Revision to a Duodenal Switch?  I'm also looking for recommendations for a surgeon.  I do not have insurance to cover this procedure so I am open to having this done in Mexico.  Any thoughts?

Also, thanks to Amanda, Terry, and Cal Culator for directing me to this board!

Kimberly

Dr. Gilberto Ungson is the ONLY revision or DS surgeon in Mexico worth mentioning,.

Thank you!

Hi Kimberly,

Welcome! If you are looking to go to Mexico, Dr. Ungson is the only surgeon there who is truly experienced enough to do the DS.

His patients say a lot of good things about him. 

Dr. Gilberto Ungson
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 044 662 256 2357

The Clinic for Excellence in Surgery
Campodónico No. 31 Esq Emilio Beraud
Col. Centenario, C.P. 83260
Hermosillo, Sonora
Mexico
Phone: (662) 217 56 56 or (662) 217 46 02
Phone Mexico toll free: 1-800-670-3434
Fax: (662) 213 83 38

Thanks!  I've also been given the name of Dr Marchesini in Brazil.  I've emailed him, but haven't heard from him yet.  Is there any thought as to which surgeon, Ungson or Marchesini, is most highly recommended?   The more I read, the more nervous I become. 

Although the band is simplest procedure going in, apparently it can be a bit tricky getting it out.  Then the BD/DS is a complicated surgery on it's own.  I just want to ensure I put myself in the best hands I can afford ... ;o) ... I've looked into having this done in the US, but it just isn't financially feasible and I don't want to miss anymore of my life, if that makes sense.  

I have heard absolutely wonderful things about both surgeons. Both have excellent reputations and are considered to be at the top of the list of skilled DS surgeons.

If I had been in the position to have surgery abroad, I'd have felt completely comfortable with either one.

Not wanting to miss anymore of your life makes absolute sense. My only regret about the DS is that I didn't have it done sooner, so I really get it.  Good luck to you and keep us posted.

Jenna

Thanks Jenna!

Ponce has a good reputation as a band surgeon.  More than likely he didn't screw things up placing the band.  (Like that fool in Tijuana who banded an esophagus.)  Mine was placed by Rumbaut...the guy who taught all the first US band surgeons how to do it.  Because he knew what he was doing, and because my Revision surgeon (Keshishian) is a primo DS surgeon, the whole revision took less than two hours.

Sue

I agree with you 100% about Dr. Ponce.  I just think I'm one of those people who needs both a restrictive as well as malabsorptive procedure.  Although I did lose weight with the band, it was no where near what I need or want to lose.  Also, from yo-yo dieting all my life, I believe I've totally screwed up my metabolism.  I also like the fact that the DS positively influences the metabolism.  Lastly, not to sound overly dramatic, but it was davastating failing to reach my weight loss goals with the band.  I want the best possible surgical tool to help me lose the weight and keep it off.  From what I've read, it sounds like the DS is it.

Wow, that's great to hear about how well your revision went!  I hope I do as well as you. 

I had Ungson, but I was a "virgin" DS.  He's EXTREMELY competent, excellent surgeon & very-well coordinated program.  Know that your aftercare is entirely up to you once you leave his care/ country.  That's the tradeoff of going out of the country to save $$.