Choosing a Sleeve Dr in Mexico

**rtdugger** · 10-10-2012 05:31 PM

I have decided to proceed with having the gastric sleeve. Now I must decide with who. I will be having my surgery in Mexico as my insurance is not paying for the surgery and the prices in the states are too high for me. Yes, I know some of you will say that if I pay less then I will get less care and I get what I am paying for. While in some cases this may be true, I feel that is not always the case.

I am hoping to get the good and bad feedback for several surgeons in Mexico. I know there is Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Kelly, Dr Ponce De Leon, Dr Alvarez, Dr Almanza, Dr Garcia, Dr Quinones... and probably many many more....

So the question is, who would you suggest and more specifically... why?

**AngelEyesInNJ81** · 10-10-2012 06:03 PM

Hello,
This is a tough one because everyone is going to think their doctor is the best. I think it may be best for you to write down a list of what you are looking for in a doctor/facility and go from there.

I chose Dr. Garcia because I liked the fact that I will be in a hospital, seen his credentials and I also had heard many many positive stories about him. After speaking with my coordinator Alma with ready4achange and how quickly she would respond to my questions also how fast the doctor would respond sold me even more and let me know I was making the right decision for myself. I am arriving in TJ 11/7 and so excited.

I think you should just peak around and just as you have just done ask people their opinions but make sure you know what is important for you.

Best of luck!

**dogs&cats** · 10-10-2012 06:45 PM

My surgeon was Dr. Ortiz. I would send anyone to him and I was very well looked after. The nursing staff is excellent and I never had to ring for the nurse because they checked in on me so often! Dr. Ortiz is very friendly and personable with perfect English and one of his surgeons is on call and at the center 24/7. They have a cardiologist on staff who evaluates you prior to surgery. They also have a nutritionist who is a Dr who meets with you prior to surgery. The center takes up one floor of a modern office type building with secure parking underground for the hotel shuttles to bring you in and up in a secured elevator. There are about 6 hospital rooms - all private with washrooms at the end of the hallway and the place is spotless. Anyone entering has to wear shoe covers. I stayed one night and was discharged back to the Marriot hotel (very nice) the next morning. I got in the hotel shuttle van daily for the next two days that took me back to the center for check ups. On day # 3 the removed the drainage tube and one of the surgeons did the leak test which you can watch on an overhead monitor. I had no nausea or vomitting, very little pain or gas and didn't have to pace or walk to get rid of gas like most others report. I only needed pain medicine for 2 days. He used a #32 bougie, providing good restriction but I can still drink well. Now 12 weeks later I do have some acid reflux and take medication for that but it's very common to have for awhile after this type of surgery. The center also sends you weekly email surveys to fill out for the first few weeks asking how you are doing etc. I was very pleased with Dr. Ortiz and the OCC.

**scgal21** · 10-10-2012 07:21 PM

I recommend Dr. Ramos-Kelly 200%. He is a gifted surgeon, speaks perfect english, compassionate and there every step of the way. I'm 10 months out and he still checks up on me from time to time. The entire process was seamless. Someone picks you up at the airport, traansportation to/from the hotel, you have the sleeve done in an actual HOSPITAL, not a clinic. I spent 2 nights in the hospital, then 2 nights in a nice upscale hotel, where Dr. Kelly came to check up on me. The cost was only $5800 + airfare. My only regret is not having it done much sooner. Good luck in your search.

**carolynodien** · 10-10-2012 07:45 PM

For financial reasons, I chose Dr. Almanza. I am perfectly happy with the care I received and with the facilities and my surgery was flawless. He is the least expensive, but he really doesn't speak much English. I knew the facility was a clinic in a strip mall, but it was clean and modern. Those were the only 2 things I might have been concerned about, but all in all I am very glad I chose him. Do your research and I am sure you will figure out the right choice for you!

**mirnsy** · 10-10-2012 07:51 PM

A lot of people go with Almanza and have a great experience. You should narrow your list down to a few options like your price range, whether you want a hospital or clinic--then research thoroughly those doctors by searching on YouTube and all the WLS forums and then making your decision then. Also, I would suggest you go with a doctor that requires a deposit either via credit card or paypal and those who offer refundable deposits. Almanza accepts PayPal and will refund your deposit if you change your mind. Quinones on the other hand, they only accept deposits through a bank wire transfer--so if you change your mind, your money's gone.

**dfreekey** · 10-10-2012 08:17 PM

I don't know anything about any of them except for Dr. Almanza and he did mine. I had it on Sept. 20 and I have done extremely well. I'm down 25 pounds Iincluding the 3 day pre-op diet. I've heard of some of the others on this website and they may be good as well. Dr. Almanza's staff take very good care of you, the Tiquan Hotel where you and your guest stay after surgery is very nice and you have 24 hour nursing care there too. Everything from start to finish is very stream lined and efficient. Everything was very clean and sanitary. I would definately recommend this group to anyone. Hope this helps.

**Band2Sleeve** · 10-11-2012 04:33 AM

Thank you for this! I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Ortiz at the end of this month. I've been very nervous about it. Reading your post helped to reassure me.