Checking into other options

**niki k** · 12-04-2014 09:35 AM

Hello everyone, I know that this waiting game with the insurance is good, but my husband is not going to be a problem, his BMI is over 40 and he meets all the requirements for the insurance. Mine on the other hand needs approval. I am still going thru the steps... because it still could be covered by the insurance...I have checked out other options, like Mexico. I am fluent in Spanish, I have lived in a 3rd world country, and Mexico doesn't scare me, but some of the reviews are frightening. Have any of you gone to Dr. Almanza? I read that he is doing like 20 sleeves a day... that is way too many. How can each patient get the proper amount of care? Dr. Ortiz, sounds like he isn't running an assembly line. Have any of you gone with him?
My husband is telling me that I shouldn't be looking into other doctors, and don't get me wrong I loved Dr. Snyder. But I cant afford $14000 dollars. And they don't have a finance program. I got told we do have a person that could get you a personal loan, but you better have good credit.

My hubby seems to think that all will be great, but I don't want to wait too long, after him. I want to be able to do this together, and start our journey together in a life that is healthier, and lighter!

**tinman** · 12-04-2014 09:47 AM

Had mine done by Dr. Almanza. Would do it again every day and twice on Sunday.

He does between 10-15 a day and if you think that's too many, then you might look into alternatives. I didn't have a problem with it. I know he does surgeries two or three times a week.

As for "proper amount of care", I guess that depends on what you expect. I, like many, many more on here found the level of care by Dr. Almanza's staff to be on par with anything you can get stateside.

At the end of the day, if you do your research, you'll find that there are some excellent choices in bariatric surgeons in TJ. Choosing between the best of the best is going to come down to your personal preference.

Good Luck.

**Tropical angel** · 12-04-2014 10:14 AM

Well, I don't know if this can be of any help but this is one of the reason i have changed surgeon . Dr. Almanza was my first choice but as you said he does too many a day . That is why i change to Dr. Sergio Quinonez. Spoke to his coordinator, to past and actual patients, that i do followed for a while and feeling confident with my choice. Also he does only 3 surgeries a day. Take care and go with your gut.

**1deanna** · 12-04-2014 01:05 PM

I went with Dr Almanaza because he does do so many a few days a week. He has seen it all and knows how to take care of any problems plus he doesn't make the top of your esophagus so tight nothing can go down, where most leaks start. I thought his care was wonderful and he himself has had the surgery so he knows what we are going through

**Ann2** · 12-04-2014 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by 1deanna

I went with Dr Almanaza because he does do so many a few days a week. He has seen it all and knows how to take care of any problems plus he doesn't make the top of your esophagus so tight nothing can go down, where most leaks start. I thought his care was wonderful and he himself has had the surgery so he knows what we are going through

Would you please explain your post above a little more?

I've never ever heard that most leaks start at the top of your esophagus. And I had no idea that any gastric sleeve surgery tampered with any part of one's esophagus.

Thanks in advance.

**1deanna** · 12-04-2014 01:25 PM

Where the stomach connects to the esophagus a lot of doctors make it too small and then it leaks and huge problems start

**Ann2** · 12-04-2014 03:28 PM

Aaahhh ... then that's the BOTTOM of the esophagus.

Thanks.

**Dawnrogers7** · 12-05-2014 05:18 AM

Dr Almanza did my surgery and I couldn't be happier!! He did a wonderful job and I have not had any complications. I traveled to Mexico by myself (I speak a smattering of spanish-no need to be fluent) and met many amazing people while I was there including Dr Almanza.

Dr Almanz has indeed had the gastric sleeve procedure and will show you his scars and his BEAUTIFUL body. This of course was a nice side benefit!!

**Denise Foremam** · 12-05-2014 02:17 PM

I went to Dr Almanza and would reccomend him to anyone. I recieved the best care from his staff, and had a wonderful experience. I would definatley do it again.

**niki k** · 12-08-2014 11:47 AM

Thank you all for your comments. I go for my 2nd psych eval today. We have been just trying to go thru all the steps, necessary in order to have Dr. Snyder do the surgery. I am crossing my fingers and toes that I am able to have him do the surgery, it is now up to the insurance company.