Medical Professionals

My name is Linda Elmquist. I am a RN. I work in a surgical area. I had lap band surgery with Dr. Pedro Kuri in Tijuana Mexico in October of 2005. I too, like everyone, was anxious about the idea of going to Mexico for surgery, having seen such bad examples of Mexican surgeons at my work. Not so the case. I have found out that there are many excellent surgeons and facilities that cater to Americans that are failed by the insurance system here. I researched the options in Mexico and decided upon Dr. Kuri. I received excellent feedback about him from other healthcare worker, including physicians, that had the surgery. My surgical experience was great! I brought my daughter for support. She is also a nurse. Dr. Kuri allowed and even encouraged her to observe my surgery. She was impressed with the surgeon's skills and the facilities. The staff was great. The hospital is beautiful. The hotel was perfect. I could not have had a better experience in my OWN hospital!! I have had no complications. I get all my fills done with Dr. Kuri in Mexico. I am a firm believer in fluoroscopy for the fills. This ascertains that my band is in place and that the fill is appropriate. From Tucson the cost is about one hundred dollars to fly to and from Tijuana. I do it in one day. I have had four fills and one unfill. After a year I finally came to the place, a sweet spot, where I am losing at a regular rate. I am continuing to learn about my body, my psyche and food intake. The best thing about being banded is I never have to worry about dieting. I know that the weight is coming off and I will not gain it back. To date I have lost 60 lbs. so far and I have 25 more to go. My weight loss has not been as dramatic as some as I did not have as much weight to lose. My starting BMI was 37. The skinnier you are, the slower the weight loss. I am satisfied with the surgery, the support and my results.