Originally Posted by RomeGA3

Hi, I just got back from Mexico--was banded 1/25/08 by Dr. Ariel Ortiz in TJ--it was the best decision I have ever made. Oprah Winfrey's production crew were there that day to do a feature on Dr. Ortiz / LAP-BAND® surgery in Mexico and I listened to Dr. Ortiz (what a looker) be interviewed. The Oprah show will be broadcasting that soon, though, so keep an eye out.

Oh, and I went back to work yesterday (1/28/08) and am doing very well--just a little gas pain in the shoulder which is typical and responds well to a heating pad and Gas-x. But I have a sedentary job, mind you.

I was very very impressed with the quality of facilities, care, etc. Dr. Ortiz "wrote the book" on the Lap-Band® and it's *all* he and his team do---thousands of surgeries and very low complication rate. I would wholeheartedly recommend them. I also am self-pay cuz I'm "not obese enough" for the states Whole shabang cost 8000. You can go back there for fills if you want (included in the cost) or have a local fill dr. of your choice. Fill centers USA are opening up locations all around the US, and they are the "preferred" stateside fill / aftercare provider that Dr. Ortiz refers his patients to (if they can't come back to Mex).

If ANYONE has any ?s you can feel free to personal message me.

Best of luck.