luzinit

I was turned down by Regence blue shield insurance. Paid out of pocket to fly to San Diego. Dr. Ortiz's driver picked me up and took me to Tiauana Mexico and all my expenses were covered, Lab work, Cardioligist, Dietition, Hospital, anestiesioligist, and hotel. All were very Clean by US standards and service was more personable than US standards. My only gripe was the hotel bed was hard as a rock. That month the Dr. was running a special at $8500.00 US. Usual price was $9500 USD I believe. I would do it again in a heartbeat! I priced US surgery in Washington State and found it to be $25,000 Cash price! The kicker was the Dr. in Washington was trained by Dr. Ortiz as he is one of Inamed's primary proctor surgions, meaning He has to train the Doctors and supervise 25 surgerys before Inamed allows them to use their product! The proceedure has only been approved for about 6 years in the US. It has been used in Mexico and Europe for 12 years now. If you do choose Mexico do some research into the Doctors and Hospitals. Not all are equal. I chose Dr. Ortiz for a reason and I can assure you I am not getting anything from recommending him. I do feel he is one of the leading surgions worldwide in this field and I researched this for almost 2 years before choosing him. Price wasn't the final factor as I could have shaved a grand or so if I wanted but I am not going to risk my health for $1000. Good luck, This is changing my life one day at a time. Andy

Laura, good questions! Dr. Ortiz answered them for me and I am sure he will answer them for you too. Scarring is minimal I have four 1/4 inch scars that have no visible stitches and are fading nicely, and one 1 inch scar at my port incision that might show if someone looks closely for it. Have you seem a bypass scar? Those people get big zippers! I do have a small bump at my port due to my body having a thin fat layer over my abdomen it can be felt more than seen. I find this a small tradeoff for having fat and cellulite gone for good! Slippage and errosion are rare but happen and all you can do is follow directions , usually if a slippage happens the person wasn't following directions and it was from retching during PBing, continuously PBing means something is wrong. Either in your eating or you have too much of a fill, or if your new it probably means your still too swollen. Call the Doctor if you can't drink liquids! After a Month of healing things feel pretty normal again and life as you know it returns. I am ready for my first fill but have already lost 3 inches in the waist just going through the surgery. I went by myself. The only thing I didn't expect was the cell phone didn't work well in Tj, many loved ones wanted a call to say I was alright and they had to wait for the email... I did realize just how by myself I was mid trip. i shook it off and was home in no time. I would do it all over again if I had to... I do hate chicken broth now though! Good luck Your in good Hands! Andy

Kelli, I chose to go to Tj because my insurance company Regence would not cover any part of my surgery. I went to a seminar and got quotes for $25,000 and up stateside. I researched doctors in Mexico and believe I found one of the very best in the field. Dr. Ortiz has been Inameds proctor surgion for more years than the US doctors have been approved to use the band. He has taught many of the doctors in our area. I am not against surgery in the states. I just couldn't afford the cost compared to what I spent out of pocket. In total I spent $9500.00 including airfair. The Hospital was very clean, modern, and well staffed. Doctor Ortiz and staff were far more informative and comforting than previous surgerys I have had in Seattle. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Now to the gentleman who wasted $10,000, This procedure is a tool for weightloss, if you are puking at every meal you are not listening to your body telling you you are full. Remember Three meals a day and no drinking for 1 hour after meals. Protein and vegi's first....No sweets ect... I have a responsibility to me to keep my commitment to me. You might have wasted $10,000 but it is because of your actions and behaviors. Seek a support group in your area and don't give up on yourself or the possibility of losing weight. I am part of my solution today not my problem. Take care Andy

Seanymoss, What part of Canada are you from? I am just across the ferry from Victoria? How are you going to get a fill done, travel to the States or do You have to wait four years to get your provincial doctors to do it? Socialized medicine is pretty cool in theory but I listen to alot of Canadian radio and think I'm better off paying an arm and a leg, or kidney perhaps...

So I am sick and tired of sleep apnea and my weight keeping me from living life to it's fullest. March 13th I arrive in TJ and the 14th I become a shadow of my former self, or at least start the adventure. As a guy I notice I am out numbered. I wonder whether the Guys are just too uptight and macho to post or just or am I in the wrong forum. I don't care though I made up my mind and I am feeling more excitement than fear, besides what is the worst thing that could happen? I might wake up in a seedy TJ motel bath tub full of ice wondering where my liver and kidneys are! Sorry I digressed. Actually I think my months of research will pay off as I believe I have one of the finest surgeons in the world for this type of surgery! I look forward to meeting Dr. Ortiz. Speaking to him on the phone eased some concerns. So heres a Big Howdy to you ladies from a big bad biker who is wanting to save his ass rather than his look good!