Waiting to get my life back

[Canadian333]

Hi Everyone,
Just joined up today as I am getting closer to making a final decision about getting the sleeve surgery. I am leaning heavily toward Jerusalem Hospital and Dr Mario Almanza. I read about some bad experiences there although the worst were over 2 years ago. I trust those couple of situations were isolated.
I did learn however that they no longer have the patients at the guest house. You are put up in a hotel for free if you stay with another patient. Otherwise it is $65 or so a night. Pricing is going up to $4750 in January of 2013. I met someone who got it done with Dr Ortiz from Obesity Control Center and she was happy with the process...just wish his prices weren't so high.

** so here is my update.... On the very day I was going to pay for flights and the operation in Mexico I decided to try to see my Doctor in person as she was not replying to my emails. She then told me her and other hospital members were having a meeting with the Overseas personnel to find out exactly what went wrong with a few patients process for the VSG. My insurance company ended up reevaluating my case along with some others and I was able to get the surgery done through insurance!!
I lost 15lbs in 2 weeks and so excited to see it go down more. The first 2 days were not pleasant at all. It was so painful to move around even just a little. On my second night I asked 3 times for pain meds before I got anything and I yes I asked after I was due to have any more med. By then I was in tears. This was in Florida USA. I remember thinking US hospitals or Canadian hospitals are not a guarantee for prompt health care. Most nurses were nice although one in particular seemed annoyed to be working both her shifts I had her. Who knows what she had going on in her head. The next 10 days were filled with wanting to eat solids but couldn't, learning to take smaller sips of soup, protein shakes, jello, etc. I only had one time where my chest and stomach hurt after drinking my pureed soup. I figured I drank too much too fast. Lasted about 75 minutes. Not pleasant. Learned my lesson though!
Once the staples were out I felt free!!! No more painful pulling at the sites and no more snagging on clothes or accidentally scratching a staple. ouch!! Been increasing my walk time and pace and feeling good. Even though I had some rough days I would still recommend this operation to anyone needing it. I'm looking forward to buying smaller clothes when I go back to Canada for a visit in August.
I am on my way to getting my life back!!
***

[Bilby]

Hi and welcome.
Good luck with your journey ... Keep us posted

[Canadian333]

Thanks and I will! I anticipate surgery to be in January. Nervous and excited!

[DiPri]

Hi, Had my sleeve done 12-12-12 by DR Almanza and had a great experience. There's a group of us that had it done the same day and are all doing well, some have some discomfort but most were out shopping in the neighborhood or went and had manicures. The hotel we stayed at was wonderful and there is a nurse there at all times if you need anything. Never thought going through this would be so easy. I look forward to great results!

[lindmar]

I'm having surgery in January with Dr. Quinones. If price is an issue for you, he is running a special for $4000 if you make a deposit before the end of the year. All my research about him has been positive.

[Canadian333]

I'm having surgery in January with Dr. Quinones. If price is an issue for you, he is running a special for $4000 if you make a deposit before the end of the year. All my research about him has been positive.

thanks for the information...I just happen to be looking him up and sent off a request for a quote. I know cheaper is not always the best way to go so that's why these forums are so important. good luck and who knows maybe I'll see you there!

[Canadian333]

Hi, Had my sleeve done 12-12-12 by DR Almanza and had a great experience. There's a group of us that had it done the same day and are all doing well, some have some discomfort but most were out shopping in the neighborhood or went and had manicures. The hotel we stayed at was wonderful and there is a nurse there at all times if you need anything. Never thought going through this would be so easy. I look forward to great results!

Glad you are all doing well! Just when I thought I had it narrowed down I join a couple sites and more information just comes pouring in. Love it! Melissa at Jerusalem Hospital has been very patient with all my questions. Did you go alone? That's a concern of mine..I have to spend another $850 or so to bring someone with me.

[DragonsLoard]

thanks for the information...I just happen to be looking him up and sent off a request for a quote. I know cheaper is not always the best way to go so that's why these forums are so important. good luck and who knows maybe I'll see you there!

Hello and welcome to the forum!!! I am getting my VGS done with Dr Quinones on Jan 11th. I agree 100% with you that cheaper is not always the best way! I also was going to go with Dr Almanza but after spending more than a week doing my research on english and spanish websites and going as far as contacting a major hospital in Tijuana. I knew that Dr Quinones was the Dr I was going to use... Money was the LEAST of my concerns when it came to having Dr Almanza or Dr Quinones perform my surgery. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good luck!!!

[zmdh39]

I was told that doctor Ortiz couldn't do bariatrics on the Angeles Hospital, due to malpractice alligations.

Hi Everyone,
Just joined up today as I am getting closer to making a final decision about getting the sleeve surgery. I am leaning heavily toward Jerusalem Hospital and Dr Mario Almanza. I read about some bad experiences there although the worst were over 2 years ago. I trust those couple of situations were isolated.
I did learn however that they no longer have the patients at the guest house. You are put up in a hotel for free if you stay with another patient. Otherwise it is $65 or so a night. Pricing is going up to $4750 in January of 2013. I met someone who got it done with Dr Ortiz from Obesity Control Center and she was happy with the process...just wish his prices weren't so high.

[zmdh39]

If you bring a person, and you have surgery with Dr. Quinones, your friend can stay with you for free, both at the surgical facility and the Hotel.I had surgery with him in Oct. 2012, so if you have any questions about him let me know. I also have a few youtube videos I have done of my progress.

Glad you are all doing well! Just when I thought I had it narrowed down I join a couple sites and more information just comes pouring in. Love it! Melissa at Jerusalem Hospital has been very patient with all my questions. Did you go alone? That's a concern of mine..I have to spend another $850 or so to bring someone with me.

[Cindola]

Best wishes for your journey and decisions. You are asking all of the right questions and looking at all the information with a critical eye. I hope you a smooth and successful surgery and recovery in 2013.

[Canadian333]

I appreciate all the welcomes and the information posted! I have been emailing Henry- Patient Services - with Dr Sergio Quinones and he's been great. Prompt emails even on a Sunday and he's written that I would get my deposit back if I had to cancel or reschedule for later. The payment options are great too...I didn't want to do wire transfers as they cost more money so Paypal and online email transferring are options. I'm impressed.
I had to ask all these questions after reviewing blogs.