Hello!!!

I want to say I am new here, but I'm not really new to OH, just new to posting! :)  I am FINALLY at a point to where I am going to have surgery.  My ins. excludes WLS, so I am self-pay.  I will be going to Puerto Vallarta to see Dr. Joya 2/23 for the RNY and I am getting nervous.

I just wanted to introduce myself to my fellow OH Arkansans.

Welcome! Congratulations on taking your obesity by the horns and saving your life!!! 

Welcome...

Have you researched all of your options? We have a great WLS surgeon in NW Arkansas ( Dr. Roller) and there is no need to travel so far to have surgery. I know they tell you it is cheaper in Mexico but you will have a lot of trouble getting well qualified doctors to take care of you post op if you go to Mexico. Also, Dr. Roller is the only doctor in Arkansas and Oklahoma that has done a fellowship in bariatric surgery. You really should check out his web site at www.rollerweightloss.com and get some more information before you go to Mexico. Also, he offers 3 different surgeries because not all patients need the same surgery and he is the only one in Arkansas that does the sleeve gastrectomy. Check out his web site, I know you won't be dissapointed.

Wendi

Thank you for the website to Dr. Roller.  I am going with Dr. Joya after spending a lot of time researching information about him and his past patients.  I would love to have my surgery done here in Little Rock and be able to have all of my family right there with me, but my insurance excludes WLS. I am self-pay and it's easier to get a loan for $12,500 than the $24,000 it would be to do it here.

Hello again,

I understand you wanting to be with your family and staying close to home. I just want you to know that the price you quoted was wrong. A gastric bypass with Dr. Roller is not 24,000.00. I hope you understand that by going to Mexico, you are taking a risk of not having a qualified surgeon to take care of you post op. Doctors in Mexico may charge less for the surgery but they don't take care of you post op and with any bariatric surgery, you will need follow up care for the rest of your life. You should be close to your surgeon in case you have any problems or concerns in the future. I urge you to reconsider your options and really think about going south of the border.

 

Thanks,
Wendi

Thank you again for your concern.  The post I listed for here in AR was the price Dr. Gibbs gave me, I actually didn't see any prices on Dr. Rollers website.  Are you by chance the same Wendi that works for Dr. Roller as a bariatric LPN?

I am the nurse for his clinic but most importantly, I am a patient and I really believe in the work we do. Since my surgery, I have never felt better and I am so glad I had it done. I am also glad that I have my surgeon here for me if I need something or if I have a problem. I am not just saying these things because I work here. I would tell anyone anywhere that if you are going to have surgery, the most important thing is to have your surgeon close. He/she is the only one who knows what he/she has done in the surgery and knows your anatomy. I cannot tell you how many people call me everyday asking for help because they don't have a doctor close that knows about bariatric surgery. It is vital that you have this support and a PCP is not always qualified to take care of you the way you need after WLS. This is my 2 cents. Good luck  and good health in the future with your choice, whatever it may be. I wish you all the best!!!

Wendi

I think that is awesome that not only can you testify for him as his nurse, but as a patient!!  I appreciate all the advice!