I done 4 months of research im going with Almanza not because of anything bad that I read about dr Ortiz ..I just went with the Dr who has done more Sleeves
I am at the Marriott 3 days post op sleeve with Dr Elias Ortiz. After all I have learned and experienced, I believe it is worth the extra $200 to go with Dr Ortiz. The care given by him, Dr Morales, the coordinators, drivers, and nutritionist is outstanding. It's a great team! One week before surgery, I had all my post surgical care instructions and diet information so that I could plan and prepare. Other companies do not do this. At the hospital, I received a care package from A Lighter Me filled with medicines and instructions, bandages, tape, gatorade, eye mask, Chapstick, etc...
Further, Dr Ortiz has his own private nurse at the hospital on night shift to take care of only his patients, which is in addition to the hospital nurses. And, his surgeries are at a bariatric specialized hospital. Not in a clinic in a strip mall. I never had to travel back and forth between the hotel and hospital. I spent two nights post op in the hospital and two nights in the lovely Marriott. If you go to the Jerusalem "Hospital" and have any type of complication, it cannot be handled at the clinic, you will have to be sent to a hospital.
All this hasn't even touched on the fact that dr Ortiz is a great surgeon. He is younger and has not done 5000 sleeves but, he has done over a thousand and is very good at what he does. How many US doctors could you find that have have come close to the number of surgeries he has done? Not many.
I work in healthcare for a large group of surgeons in the USA and feel that I have a different perspective.
Bottom line, there is more to the surgery than just the surgeon. I believe both surgeons could do the surgery without complications but, It takes a team to care for you and you want that team to be excellent. I feel that is what I got.
My best to you in your decision and sleeve journey. Feel free to ask me any questions about my experience. By the way, I came from the USA alone for the surgery.
Melissa is spot on, it does take a team and every time I turn around, Dr. Ortiz and the ALM staff are upping the game. Now they have a surgeon who helps with aftercare (via phone or internet) and a new nutritionist you can hire (@$550) for six months of nutritional counseling.
After reading this thread I'm sad I didn't pick Dr. Ortiz. Dr. Almanza charges for every small item like xrays and I hear the B-12 shots. No care packages at all. The idea of a hospital setting doesn't sound too bad either.
Live and Learn. It's too late for me to change since I'm all paid up and confirmed for Monday. I just hope it goes well and without complications. That's the best we can hope for really.
I am confirmed surgery date for 3/26/2015 with Dr. Almanza and I too am thinking of switching to Dr. Ortiz...
Don't know... I will lose my deposit but I am ok with that....
Do the math. 240 surgeries in one month! Way too many for one surgeon alone to do. I personally went with the God Father of all TJ bariatric surgeons Dr. Corvala at Hospital Angeles. I would choose Dr. E. Ortiz. He has a good reputation and isn't over booking. If you are still deciding, please at least research Dr. Corvala. Dr. Corvala is $7500 for VSG with a 4-5 day hospital stay. Just food for thought.
I also chose Dr Elias Ortiz over Dr Almanza. I was very impressed with the dealings I have had with his staff. I've also talked to a lot of patients of both. I fly to San Diego on 3/31, surgery on 4/1. On pre-op now. Excited & nervous all at the same time.
That was an amazing post! Very informative. My name is Jamia and I am scheduled to have my surgery with Dr. Almanza on 6/23/15 in Mexico. You answered all the questions I had. I am 5'2 and 210lbs. I can not wait until my surgery is complete. Did you meet with your own doctor for follow up after your surgery?
My surgery was great with Dr Ortiz. I was a special case and actually had a complication being a revision from band to sleeve. I swell easily with the band so Dr Ortiz had to go back in and loosen the top stitches that go over the staples. The team at A Lighter Me were AWESOME!
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