Which Doctor?

**Enfury8me** · 12-02-2012 07:38 PM

I had my surgery with Dr. Quinones and I have not had any problems and am doing great. My price of $4,000.00 included myself and my hubby and a quality surgeon while keeping the price affordable. The only thing that I paid for out of my pocket was the malox and the non-narcotic pain pills when I left the hospital. They weren't expensive. We also got a night at a 4 Star hotel in Tijuana the night after surgery included in the price. Good luck in who ever you choose girl!

**dbarnes7** · 12-02-2012 08:40 PM

I did a TON of research on both facilities and doctors. I searched the internet extensively on the doctors and their facilities to make sure I was making the right decision. I even look at satellite pictures of the facilities and street level pictures of the neighborhoods they were in. After months of research I settled on St Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center. He was not the cheapest one in TJ, but his reputation was awesome. I was sleeved on Nov 21st and had a great experience. My total cost was $6500 and that included everything but airfare to get to San Diego.

**Phoenixrise** · 12-02-2012 09:09 PM

I heard Dr. Ortiz is a good doctor from my own coordinator, but $6,500 yeah I couldn't do that, I would not have had surgery in July 2012 it would have for sure been more like Dec 2012. I was comfortable with knowing I had a hospital surgeon working on me, in a nice medical facility. At the end of the day we go with what are individual preferences are, and really WHAT WE CAN AFFORD! After hearing everyone's experiences with their doctors I do not feel like I did not get anything LESS than they did with a higher priced surgeon. I enjoyed all the same amenities, as everyone else for ALMOST half the price for what I paid.

**zmdh39** · 12-03-2012 12:47 AM

I had surgery with Dr. Quinones as well, I could have afforded to have the surgery in the US, but I hate feeling like I am paying more than I have to on anything. I thought I had decided on Almanza until I came across Quinones. I did research and asked a million questions, I liked that he was a chief of surgery, had done many surgeries, and then I was sold when I found out that he actually trained Dr. Almanza. I was really happy with the surgery and the amenities as well, I know that we all have our own opinions and comfort levels, but I never really got why people make such a big deal about having the surgery in a hospital, rather than a surgical facility...I understand that there are stigmas that go along with surgeries in other counties, but I have had a few different surgeries here in America that were in surgical facilities and not hospitals...who knows, maybe I am the weird one lol. Either way that was the best 4k I ever spent, and I didn't lack for anything.

**robertajanzen** · 12-03-2012 01:48 AM

GL!!

**Texas Girl** · 12-03-2012 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by zmdh39

I was really happy with the surgery and the amenities as well, I know that we all have our own opinions and comfort levels, but I never really got why people make such a big deal about having the surgery in a hospital, rather than a surgical facility...

For me personally, I have a peace of mind going into this that in the unlikely event something does go wrong (which can happen ANYWHERE to ANY surgeon, so it's not just because it's Mexico), they are fully staffed and able to handle whatever happens without having to move me. Likely nothing will go wrong and it would never be an issue, but my family (who is not going with me) also felt more comfortable knowing this, which I totally understand.

I chose Dr Ortiz simply because he is at an International Center of Excellence, which meets or exceeds US standards, so I know I'll likely feel more comfortable there. And, since I have a very weak immune system, I also feel better knowing that the Obesity Control Center (OCC) is also designated solely for weight loss patients, which means that there aren't going to be any other communicable diseases that I have never been exposed to (I have issues when going to other states, let alone other countries!

).

Like others have said it's all about your personal situation and personal preferences. You need to go with who you are the most comfortable with and who you can afford, etc. I threw out the highest and lowest and went for the best option in the middle that I could find (and afford).

And while I didn't want price to be my sole deciding factor (it's my health and my life, after all), I can't deny that it WAS still a factor. It simply had to be, as it usually is for those of us who are self-pay and going to Mexico. Dr Alvarez was actually at the very top of my list, but I simply could not swing the extra $2k required for him, so I had to throw him out. In the end, I believe it worked out the way it was supposed to for me and I'm actually really glad I ended up choosing Ortiz instead.

That being said, Dr Quinones and Dr Ramos-Kelly were two other docs who were very high on my list and I feel that I would have been in skilled hands with either of them, as well.

**Scooter** · 12-03-2012 07:59 AM

I thought you Canadians had it made with socialized medicine! You have to pay for your own healthcare?

**dbarnes7** · 12-03-2012 08:01 AM

I agree with what everyone is saying. While I personally chose Dr Ortiz and paid $2000.00 more than what the others were charging, I don't feel that I got anything better than anyone else did. I'm not saying that I'm not satisfied or anything like that, I had a great experience and feel great, I'm just saying....
While Dr Ortiz was very good, and I have no complaints what so ever about him, his facility or anything at all about my experience, I didn't see a $2000.00 difference. I would not tell anyone to stay away from Dr Ortiz by any means though.

**dbarnes7** · 12-03-2012 08:03 AM

A person that was at the Marriott with me was from Canada and I ask the same thing. She told me that yes, the insurance would pay for the surgery, BUT, there was a 10 year waiting list.

**robertajanzen** · 12-03-2012 11:57 AM

GL look forward to seeing ur progress

**Jnell** · 12-03-2012 12:06 PM

has ANYONE used Dr. Philip Legget?

**robertajanzen** · 12-03-2012 12:59 PM

Yes if we get Cancer...Heart problems...infections...we do get a Dr for free....weight loss surg is a different thing...it's a lot of red tape..years of waiting...and if u can afford other options then ur better off finding other routes. Can u imagine how cluttered our systems wud be if u cud get treated for obesity like u get treated for cancer...to get private weight loss surg here is very expensive also.