There are certain things to consider when choosing your surgeon. Some things should be a more important then others. So make a list with an "A" column and a "B" column. This will help make things very clear to you.

• The "A" column is the critical list. Make sure that the doctor has met the criteria in this column. Credentials are huge part of this list. Proof is a big part of credentials.

• The "B" column is the personal/non-critical list. This is what the team offers you. What type feelings do you get when talking with the doctor or staff? What do the packages include? What type of references do you receive from your coordinator?

Things to consider when reading information on the Internet: Make sure that the information is true and correct. In some cases, information is embellished to entice you to choose that doctor. Some doctors claim that they are teaching the banding surgery in the states to American doctors. This may or may not be true. The research is not too difficult, to gain the proof of what a surgeon claims. You should be given the names and locations of the American doctors/surgeons. Find out what hospitals that the American doctor has privileges to work in the OR. Are the American doctors/surgeons or office staff willing to be a reference for your doctor in Mexico? Did the Mexican surgeon actually do the teaching or did he just observe (as a friend/colleague)? Always call or email all references that are given to you by the coordinator. How many doctors/nurses or medical personal do you receive from your coordinator?

Below are some (3) excellent credentials that should be considered valuable when choosing your doctor:

1. Does your doctor have Certification from Mexican Association for General Surgeons? This certification has to be renewed every 5 years to be valid. Some doctors may have had this certification at one time or another, but is it current?

2. Does your doctor have an ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)? This is a very difficult certification to receive. There are not too many doctors that have completed this testing/certification.

3. Is your doctor a Diplomat in Laparoscopic Surgery? There are very few Mexican surgeons that have acquired this level of recognition as a doctor. Be aware that a doctor can take a week long course (or less) while working on the laparascopy courses when making a claim. It is important make sure that they have completed a 3-month course, to become a diplomat.

Note: A doctor can be a member of many associations. Many times it doesn't require a certain skill level or even any type of testing, it is something that can be paid for.

This is where you can have a "feeling" or a "vibe" about the team that you are considering. Does a coordinator call you in a timely manner? How accessible is the doctor? Can you talk with the doctor or team member at any time? Do you find that there is an open line of communication between the doctor, team and patients?

Make sure you receive referrals (patients that have been to that doctor within the recent past, as well as patients from 1-2 years past). Look at the packages being offered. Don't make up your mind on a surgeon because of free air travel. You are looking for a good surgeon and team, not a travel agent; your coordinator can help you with finding a decent price for airfare. Be aware of doctors that have you bring all your blood work and pre-operatory reports with you (from the USA). That can add to your expense and they aren't really offering the surgery at a comparable rate.

When you are comparing doctors and their packages, read exactly what they are offering.. The wording is very important. An example of a typical embellishment is: "Free band fills for life" ... What that really means is:

1. The doctor may not charge for injecting the saline, but..

2. You will pay for the fluoroscopy ($100-$125)

3. You may pay for Taxi service to and from the airport ($50-$60 roundtrip)

Again, find out exactly what you are getting for your dollar!

Look at the years of experience the doctor has doing the band. Does he head every surgery? Or does he have a "Partner" performing the surgeries from time to time. Always remember, never be afraid to ask questions.

Be Aware of: There are many doctors from the borders of Mexico to the interior of Mexico that claim to be the first ones doing the Lapband surgery (in Mexico). They may have claimed to have completed thousands of surgeries. Always remember that they are trying to sell and they may advertise anything in order to gain your confidence. Be aware of doctors that have you bring all your blood work and pre-operatory reports with you (from the USA)

There are several companies that make the SAGB. If a doctor claims to be a proctor or professor of a particular band, do more research on that doctor. You may want to find out how many doctors make that same claim. There is a lot of competition between the band companies. They want to sell their band to the doctors and will entice them with certifications that may not be deserved.

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