Almost decided on a doctor

I'm leaning towards Dr Joya in Mexico. I hear so many good things on the south of the border forum from those who have went to him. Wish me luck! Gonna make the final decision in the next day or so and get this thing scheduled for Feb. Lori

is there a reason why you are choosing to go to Mexico? Will your insurance not approve the surgery or do you not have insurance? Perhaps instead of traveling so far and having a dr in another country perform such a major surgery maybe you could possibly look into financing the surgery and having it done by a dr. near your home. I know several people who have financed elective/cosmetic surgeries.

Hey Lori, I just looked at the forum and chedked out dr joya, if this is the way you feel that you have to go to get this done then I wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my prayers. So keep me informed on how things are going. I look forward to hearing more about your experience when you are done and on the losers bench. I hope to have an easy enough time myself. Looking forward to being on the losers bench soon myself. Take care. Jeri

My insurance doesn't cover the band. I chose Mexico because while I can finance it here, it will still cost close to $20K. I can get it done in Mexico for less than $10K. Makes a huge difference in monthy payments. Lori

I completely understand, if I did not have insurance I would not be having this surgery. I could not even finance it. My financial history sucks, I have had a lot of debt since the death of my husband and son. So I totally understand. But I saw on the front page that you can get the lap band in Texas for $12000. You may want to check this out I know it is a little higher but you would be here in the states. In a facility that you could really check out good before you go. Just letting you know that I really do understand your need to do this however you have to. Good Luck with whatever decision you choose and keep going strong. Jeri

Lori: How will you get your band adjusted or filled after surgery? Our office does a lot of the fills for patients who had their band in Mexico thinking they were saving money, but when they had to start paying big bucks in the states to get a fill versus flying back to Mexico, it became very expensive. Fills can range from ($150.00-600.00 each) and these are just the figures I have heard. Just want to make sure you are aware of this and that somehow this is covered in your price. Complications following band placement would be another consideration and could become quite costly. Even though complications post band are rare, they do happen, I.E. infection, band slippage, band erosion... Cathi Roskind, RN The Bariatric Center at Georgetown

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. For fills, Dr. Curry in Cincinnati does them for $150. I also feel I know Dr Curry personally, I used to work at the same hospital as an RN, plus he has done a RNY on another nurse and close personal friend of mine. Not to mention, I also consulted with him a few years back on a possible RNY for myself that I later decided not to pursue. Also, Dr. Joya does them for free, so a well timed vacation to Mexico could also serve as a fill appointment. Of course I would have to pay for travel to Mexico, but the fills themselves are free. Lori