Puerta Vallarta - Dr. Castaneda Cruz

I've had my surgery scheduled with Dr. Castaneda Cruz (Puerta Vallarta) for some time (VSG surgery scheduled for August 30).  I have not seen many reviews of him on this website.  I'm beginning to get a little nervous as I have already paid my deposits, air fair and hotels.  I correspond regularly with Regene with Medical Tourism Co and have even received correspondence from the Doctor about exercise prior and running afterward but I'd really like to get some feed back from a few who have had surgery with him.  My friend had the same surgery here in the states and there were so many tests and diet restrictions prior to the surgery, I"m wondering why the same tests, etc. aren't practiced in Mexico.  I've asked but the only restriction is fasting the day before and "the doctor will give me instructions after surgery" ..  Am I just being paranoid?

I went to Dr. Kelly in Tijuana in November 2012. I had no problems and had a very positive experience. I was able to speak to Dr. Kelly on the phone a month before the surgery. His office kept in constant contact with me by email and phone. We got our post op diet when we were in the hospital. We were told prior to leaving home to be stocked up on protein drink mix, broth and to have our vitamins bought.

Our pre op diet for BMI's less than 50 was a 2 week life change of .... no soft drinks, decrease sugar and use sugar substitutes, no fast food,test different protein powder flavors to find the one(s) you like,, eat 3 meals a day, decrease portion sizes, practice sipping liquids, avoid alcohol,practice chewing 20-40 time,eat low fat foods and drink 64 onces of water a day.

We were then on a 3 day liquid diet prior to our surgery whi*****luded a protein drink(with water only) a day.

I hope this helps. I'm sorry I haven't heard of Dr. Cruz but I'm sure other people on the forum have.

Good luck. Message me with any questions.

Illou.. you kept saying "we" in your post.  Did you and a buddy have surgery too?  If so, how did you both do with the eating habits prior to the surgery...?

 

I'm a little nervous about a 2 week change.. (no alcohol???  That's the whole reason I run

I took a friend with me.She is a nurse and was impressed as I was with my care. They have a bed in your room at the hospital for your spouse or a friend to sleep on. Also another  friends husband had his band removed and had a VSG the same day as I had my VSG. Dr. Kelly was our doctors so the four of us spent the 4 days doing the same things and going shopping together.

Prior to surgery I know his eating habits were different than mine. He ate a lot of his favorite foods. As far as alcohol I think mainly it's after the surgery that you have to stop for 3 months if I'm not mistaken.So having it prior to surgery shouldn't be a problem. I only have a glass of wine every few weeks so it didn't bother me.

Another friend of mine didn't realize she had to give up alcohol for 3 months after but she is 2 months out and doing fine and feeling great.I was her surgery buddy. We emailed each other while she was in the hospital and at the hotel in TJ. It worked out great.Dr. Kelly was her surgeon also.Feel free to ask any questions. I will try and answer them.

Oh wow!!  That is great information.  Thank you so much.  I really don't think the alcohol will be a problem, I was really more concerned about the liquid diet and change in eating habits. In my opinion if I could stick to a liquid diet or change my eating habits for any period of time I wouldn't be looking at a surgery to assist with weight loss.. .  None the less I have already purchased my Advocare Meal Replacement shakes... (those I'm sure will get old quick). 

 

Seriously.. thank you again for the info.  You have made me feel much more comfortable about the whole process.  I'm sure I'll have more questions as my surgery date approaches. 

Hi again, I just Goggled him and he looks fine. The hospital looks new and clean also. I would have worried if it was a clinic.

Don't worry he sounds good and has done over 5000 surgeries.I know you know this already because you have researched him. The medical tourism company should be able to give you his number if you have any questions that they can't answer.

By the way all our tests were taken and read the morning of surgery. Blood work, chest X-ray and examined by a cardiologist and and EKG was done.

I am scheduled at his Guadalajara office on July 1st. Excited and nervous. Follow my post op to see how it goes! If you have any specific questions feel free to let me know. [email protected]

Thank you for the input.. I have several friends who've had a gastric procedure but they've all been done here in the states and there was so much they had to do prior and then of course there's the stigma of having a medical procedure in Mexico.  You guys have made me feel much better... Andrea I will be watching for you.  I know you are going to be fine.  I can't wait to hear about your success.