Patients often ask our opinion about getting LAP-BAND surgery in Mexico. In Mexico the only Lap-Bands available are the original models of the Lap-Band, the 9.75mm, 10mm and VG bands. The newest models are the AP System -- AP Standard and AP Large. There are multiple improvements in the AP System over the original models. One of the most significant involves the locking mechanism of the AP Bands. The AP System is designed to unlock and re-lock, thus making it possible to revise an AP Band without destroying it.
No matter which country or state you choose for your weight loss surgery, we suggest you do the following research:
- Select a board certified surgeon. In the U.S. surgeons are certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
- Be sure your surgery will be conducted in a facility which undergoes vigorous inspection. In the U.S. JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) provides this service.
- Bear in mind the total cost of the procedure: airfare, lodging, follow-up care as well as the cost of the procedure itself. Beware of any hidden costs regarding your follow-up care and having an adjustment. Adjustments can cost anywhere from $50.00 -$500.00
- Make plans for follow-up care. Some surgeons will not assume care for patients done out of the country. Less commonly, some surgeons will not provide care for patients done by other surgeons. Investigate your options prior to surgery.
