Is surgery in Mexico safe?

We at the Obesity Surgery Center are proud to say that we work under the most stringent hygiene and safety norms currently employed in the United States and with the most advanced medical technology available. The surgeons and staff of the Obesity Surgery Center have worked with thousands of US patients over the last six years with superb results. Our working hospital, the San José Hospital, is the most prestigious private university hospital in Mexico. The San José Hospital, in addition to dealing with open heart on a daily basis and transplant surgeries, is recognized as an official training center for surgeons from the US and Latin America in the application of the lap band. For more information on the San José Hospital, please visit the website at www.hsj.com.mx.

Monterrey has been the site of the Summit of the Americas on two occasions, first under George Bush Senior and two years ago with George W. Bush. During their trip to Monterrey, San Jose Hospital was chosen by the White House to be the Hospital of choice in case of any medical assistance needed by the President and his staff. No other hospital met the strict criteria required.

In addition San Jose Hospital is the medical facility selected by the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey for any medical assistance required by their staff.

Our institution has an academic and medical interchange programs with such prestigious institutions as Cleveland Clinic, Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine and John Hopkins.

What can I expect from the facilities at the San José Hospital?

The Obesity Surgery Center provides only first class facilities and top of the line medical equipment and this is what you can expect from the San José Hospital. This hospital has all private rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom, a pull out bed for a family member or companion, and cable TV with remote control. English-speaking doctors are on call at the San José Hospital 24 hours a day.

How many Lap Band surgery procedures has Dr. Rumbaut performed?

The Obesity Surgery Center is proud to announce that Dr. Rumbaut has performed more than 3,000 Lap Band surgeries. This is the largest INAMED Lap Band series on this side of the world.

Is Lap Band surgery less expensive in Mexico than in the US?

Yes, Lap Band surgery at the Obesity Surgery Center in Monterrey, Mexico is less expensive than the same procedure in the US. It is a great alternative for self-paid patients.

Does the Obesity Surgery Center offer financing?

Yes, it does. The Obesity Surgery Center works with a financing company in the US. For more information, please contact our patient coordinator.

Option #1:

http://www.medicalresourcepartners.com

MedChoice Offers:
•    Credit Limits from $500 to $25,000*
•    Low Monthly Payments
•    No Pre-Payment Penalties
•    No Annual Fees
•    No Payments or Interest Plans for 3, 6 or 12 Months!
•    Online Account Info & Bill Pay
•    Authorized User Feature which allows your Family or Friends
     to use the Account without having to Reapply

To maximize ALL approval options for your treatment please complete the follow steps:
    1.  Call 800.358.8980 (Option 1).
    2.  Identify Provider Id # 4618 or
         Provider Name- Dr. Roberto Rumbaut
    3.  Receive an answer within minutes

Option #2:

You may also contact eFinancing Solutions by clicking here or call 800-728-9585.

                              

Does the Obesity Surgery Center work with insurance companies?

Most insurance companies have no direct coverage for surgery outside the United States; however, this does not mean they will not cover it as a reimbursement. The Obesity Surgery Center will be happy to fill out any paper work needed for reimbursement.

What is the expected weight loss after surgery?

Weight loss varies from person to person. Average mean weight loss among Obesity Surgery Center patients, however, is approximately 67% of excess weight over ideal weight after 18 months.

Will I need to bring a companion with me to the Obesity Surgery Center in Monterrey or can I come by myself?

It is nice to have someone come with you to Monterrey, but it is not necessary. Many patients do come alone to the Obesity Surgery Center. If you do come alone, we will take good care of you. Dr. Rumbaut and his assistants will visit you at the hospital and hotel after the surgery. You will also have their pager and cell phone numbers so you can reach them at any time during your stay.

How long will I be hospitalized?

The Lap Band surgery can be done as an out patient procedure (and there are patients that feel well enough to go back to the hotel the same day), but we prefer to keep patients over night at the hospital to monitor their recovery process carefully.

Will the procedure be done under laparoscopy?

Yes, Dr. Rumbaut and the other surgeons at the Obesity Surgery Center perform both the lap band surgery and the gastric bypass surgery laparoscopically.

What type of anesthesia is used?

General orotracheal anesthesia.

What pre-op tests are required for surgery?

The Obesity Surgery Center requires general blood work (CBC, SMA-28, PT, PTT), esophogram with barium, chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and an EKG.

How long does the lap band procedure last?

The lap band procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to complete.

How long is the recovery period for lap band surgery? How long after surgery will I be able to return to work?

The lap band surgery involves only an overnight stay in the hospital. Most patients are able to return to work in 4 days after surgery and exercise within a week.

What are the risks involved with the lap band procedure? What is the complication rate with lap band surgery?

Major complications with the lap band are slippage and erosion. At the Obesity Surgery Center these complications have occurred in less than 1% of our patients. Other minor complications are leakage and infection, but these are even rarer than slippage and erosion.

Is lap band surgery reversible?

Yes, because the stomach is not cut or stapled, lap band surgery is reversible. To reverse it, we simply remove the silicone band.

Where will the incisions be made? How many incisions will there be?

At the Obesity Surgery Center, we make the incisions in the abdomen underneath the ribcage and just above the umbilicus. This usually consists of a 1-inch incision for the access port at the left side of the umbilicus and four puncture wounds ranging from 0.5 to 1cm.

How much pain can I expect after lap band surgery?

Since we perform the surgery laparoscopically at the Obesity Surgery Center, it usually involves very little pain and recovery is quite quick. We use IV NSAIDs (like ketorolac) routinely and if needed we add narcotics to the pain management strategy.

Will I be able to get pregnant after lap band surgery?

Yes, and with no risks. Actually, losing weight helps many women to become pregnant. During pregnancy, the band will be opened from the beginning to delivery, so you will be able to eat the appropriate amount of food for you and your baby.

Will I need to follow a pre-op diet before surgery?

We recommend that all Obesity Surgery Center patients follow a liquid diet for one to seven days before surgery depending on their individaul BMI. This decreases intra-abdominal fat as well as liver size, making surgery easier to perform. We strongly urge our patients to try not to gain weight in the few weeks before surgery as a rapid increase in weight usually concentrates fat inside the abdomen.

Will I need to follow a post-op diet after surgery?

At the Obesity Surgery Center we require that our patients follow a post-op diet for a month after the procedure. This diet consists of two weeks of liquids only and two weeks more of soft (pureed) food.

What is a fill?

A fill is the tightening of the lap band around the stomach by adding saline solution to it through an access port underneath the skin with a syringe.

How many fills will I need after the lap band procedure?

Most patients of the Obesity Surgery Center need 1 to 6 fills.

Will I have to return to Mexico for fills?

We would like you to return to the Obesity Surgery Center for fills. We do not charge for fills if you do return. We only charge for a fluoroscopy ($100), if needed. The other option is that we refer you to the follow up doctor closest to your home. The Obesity Surgery Center works with several centers in different locations throughout the United States that are willing to do the adjustments for patients other then their own.

Will I be required to take a vitamin supplement after surgery?

We at Obesity Surgery Center recommend that lap band surgery patients take at least one chewable multivitamin per day, especially during a rapid weight loss period. For gastric bypass patients, we recommend that they take a chewable multivitamin, plus extra calcium, iron and a sublingual B-12 supplement. We also recommend periodic intramuscular vitamins if needed.

Will I be required to take protein supplements after surgery?

The Obesity Surgery Center does not require patients to take protein supplements, but we have found that patients that do keep up their protein intake lose weight faster.

Are there foods that I will no longer be able to eat after lap band surgery?

After lap band surgery, you will be able to eat all kinds of foods. Depending on how tight the band is, however, it may be difficult to eat certain foods, such as bread, rice or red meat.

Will I be able to drink alcohol or soda pop?

After surgery, you can drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. We recommend that you do not drink carbonated beverages (soda pop and beer) because they will most likely make you feel uncomfortable. Carbonation may cause distention underneath the band, making you feel full and bloated.

When I reach my goal weight do I remove the band?

No, our experience at the Obesity Surgery Center is that most patients who remove the band regain the weight they have lost.

Will I need plastic surgery after weight loss surgery?

Most patients over 45 years old who have a BMI of 45 will want a tummy tuck after losing weight, although only patients with a BMI over 50 usually need it.

At the Obesity Surgery Center, we have seen that many patients choose to have plastic surgery after losing weight to improve their appearance and their self-esteem. For information on Plastic Surgeons in Monterrey, please contact our Patient Coordinator.

Does the lap band limit any physical activity?

The lap band does not limit physical activity at all. In fact, many former Obesity Surgery Center patients perform all kinds of sports activities. Our former patients include an NCAA defensive tackle, an ultimate fighting championship wrestler, an oil rig deep sea fisher, as well as pilots, personal trainers, etc.

How do I begin the process?

Fill out the Obesity Surgery Center online medical questionnaire and we will contact you.

Is there a waiting list at the Obesity Surgery Center?

We can usually schedule patients within 3 to 4 weeks.