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PART 2 IS LINKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THIS ARTICLE
As long as I can remember, I have battled my weight.
I recall attending my first Weight Watchers meeting when I was just 8 years old, joining the group and losing 25 pounds. And like most people who have a weight problem I grew up trying many other diets, including Phen-Fen, liquid protein drinks, The Zone, Atkins, and everything else in between.
About 4 years ago I was fed up with the short-term success that diets had brought me, and I was looking for a more permanent solution. I had exercised and had been pretty active most my life despite the extra weight. I had researched both the bypass and lap-band procedures and decided to go with the lap-band.
At that time, there were virtually no mainstream health insurance companies that would fund the lap-band. Four years ago, the procedure cost roughly $25,000 if it was done here in the United States. However, I soon found out through online research that doctors in Mexico and in Europe had been doing the lap-band for about 4 years longer than anyone in our country. As a result, the Mexican and European doctors had a lot more experience, and they charged a lot less too.
I researched several doctors in Mexico and found Dr. Ortiz, who operated a center out of Tijuana, Mexico. Before I went in to have the lap-band procedure I weighed 260 pounds and was a size 24.
The medical care I received from Dr. Ortiz and his staff was better than what I’ve received here in the States. I live in Phoenix so I drove to San Diego and into Mexico for the surgery. At times when I would fly there for post-op treatments, Dr. Ortiz’s mother, a most charming and educated woman, would pick me up from the airport and take me to my appointments. I was given Dr. Ortiz’s email address as well as his other bariatric surgeon’s email for follow up. All of his staff spoke perfect English and I felt completely comfortable with everyone in his center.
At first, I had no problems with the surgery. I drove back to Phoenix and in 6 weeks I went back for my first fill of my band. From that point on, things did not go well.
For the next 2 years I was doing something called “productive burping” or “pb-ing,” which is not the same as throwing up—it is more like a burp with more food but less air. But it was very uncomfortable and embarrassing and I was doing this as often as 3 to 5 times a day. I think it became a vicious cycle, as every time I did this it irritated my esophagus more and more.
I emailed Dr. Ortiz many times to tell him what was happening to me, and he would tell me to come back to his clinic so he could check things out and make sure the band had not slipped, and do an unfill. A fill is the term for putting a saline solution in your lap-band to make you feel less hungry. Conversely they will also “deflate” or “unfill” your band if you are having problems with getting food down. In my case, this is where a problem came into play: 4 years ago, no bariatric doctor in our country would do the fills on other patients, let alone a patient being treated by a Mexican physician. As a result, I had to travel back and forth to Mexico from Phoenix for any type of adjustment to my lap-band, which meant at least $400 to $500 of travel expenses every time. Since this was hard on me financially, it meant putting the trip off for longer periods of time when I was having problems with my band and needed an adjustment.
PART 2
https://www.empowher.com/news/weight-management/2008/05/14/kelley-howard...
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Add a Comment4 Comments
Sandy
Thanks for your very helpful input. I have heard of Dr. Terry Simpson, Dr. Ortiz my doctor trained him. I am curious to know who performed your lap band surgery in MX? I have to admit I am a little nervous in that I do not want to have the problems I experienced with my first band. Would you mind telling us a bit about how much you lost and if you experienced any problems. Additionally I would be curious to know how often you had to have your band adjusted through out the time you were loosing weight. Did you find it difficult to find the perfect adjustment?
May 31, 2008 - 6:56pmThis Comment
Kelley, thanks for openly sharing your story. While the band is a very good tool for many of us, there are many things to consider before choosing the band, or choosing a surgeon far away. Initial surgery fees are only the first part of costs. I agree with you that having local followup care, and a very comprehensive aftercare program (not simply fills and fluoros) is critical to longterm success. The surgery itself is only the very first small step, and there are many excellent surgeons both in the US and in Mexico. But it is the months and years of aftercare that determine success.
Your story shows the dangers of reflux/gerd, which just can never be allowed to continue , banded or not. the resulting "Barrett's Esophagus" (which you seem to have had) is a very serious pre-cancerous condition requiring Band removal.
Now, I'd urge you to consult some local doctors about the new Inamed AP (Advanced Performance) bands. They are not used at all in Mexico, but Dr. Terry Simpson in Phoenix and most other US docs use them exclusively now. They were designed to specifically address and minimize the slip and erosion rates from earlier bands, and have a new design to be "gentler" on the stomach and esophagus.
If you want to be re-banded, please look honestly at the pros and cons, and consult several experienced surgeons.
The very best to you -
Sandy Richards, BSN, MN
May 31, 2008 - 10:53amBand Educator
banded in MX, 2003
at goal 4.5 yrs
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This Comment
Kelley, Wow! I had no idea what was involved. I look forward to the second part of your story.
May 13, 2008 - 9:15amThis Comment
Thank you for sharing your lap band experience. I had no idea what the patient goes through, so this is very informative. It's great to hear that you've had such a good experience with your doctor in Mexico.
Have you found a bariatric doctor in the States would now be more willing to do the fills on you?
May 12, 2008 - 5:24pmThis Comment