Has anyone had any problems with Dr. Aguirre

I are researching physicians and types of surgery. I have been very impressed with the testimonials for Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada. But, I feel I must ask the obvious. Has anyone had any kinds of serious problems with surgery performed by Dr. Aguirre-?? Is anyone sorry they had the surgery done in Mexico-?? What would you do differently if you were going to have it done again in Mexico. I'm thinking about flying down for a day or so to meet the Dr. and see the facilities. I'll take my significant other with me who is a nursing director and see what their opinion is. Thanks for any info you feel is worth sharing. Ray Bechtel

Ray, Hay that was going to my question today! Im glad you asked first. It seems like Dr.A has a great REP! I also wanter to know about any Deaths that anyone knows about. I emaild Rosella The other day and she let me know that she has the last 2 weeks of Sep open. Something to think about. Ray good luck Im sorry that im not a post op to answer your questions. But I just wanted to let you know that you are not the only one thinking these questions. If You do go down to visit Dr.A before you have surgery post on this board how it went OK. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR WLS. I wish you a most peaceful and blessed day CHER

Ray, I don't know of any complications more serious than strictures (which can happen no matter where the surgery is done) and an incisional hernia (same deal). If there are any deaths I'm not aware of them. Annette Wallace has had problems caused by a blockage in her small intestine - I'm not clear about the specifics, but I know the gastric goo from her old stomach was backing up into her new one, causing a lot of trouble. Perhaps a stricture type situation at the Y junction? (I hope I'm remembering the details right) You might want to contact her for more information. Tell her to update the rest of us while you're at it, will you?! My 1 month anniversary was the 13th and so far I'm fine. I'm also interested in learning if there have been complications I didn't know about.

I don't know about deaths but I know that a man who had surgery the week before I did vomited the day of surgery and retched so hard that he broke his incision open and had to go back to surgery to be closed up again. There was also someone who was diabetic and had problems with her blood sugar and had to be rehospitalized. Some people have had problems with strictures. I had surgery 7 weeks ago and have had absolutely no problems. Started walking a mile a day a week after surgery and am up to between 2 and 3 miles a day--I'm feeling great. Janice

wow- I can't imagine busting open so soon after surgery! What a nightmare. I retched and dry heaved for about 4 hours uncontrollably on the flight home and for a little while after I arrived home. (5 days post-op) Although I *felt* like I was going to break through every stitch and staple in both stomachs, my abdominal muscles and my skin - everything seems in good order. I guess being a dainty heaver has finally come in handy for something! I suspect the apple juice (heavily diluted) on the first flight among other factors contributed to my hellish connecting flight. never. again.

Hi Ray, I am the one who had problems with my diabetes, i got out of the hospital Thrusday and on Sunday I called Dr. A and said i just don't feel good, he said to meet him at the office in 1 hour, in 7 MINUTES he was at my hotel, took me himself for x-rays,than to the hospital, he kept my mom and sister informed at all times and his daughter took care of my 75 year old mom when my sister had to come home, they both said they have never seen such a worried and caring doctor( i was out of it for a couple days) and brought in another doctor to check me out, so if your worried don't be, my life was in his hands and he was there for me and family 110%. i was the exception due to the diabetes, but who knew, we are all different, would i do this again, YOU BET!!!!!!! if you have any other questions just e-mail!!!! Donna Petrowski

Hi Ray! I'll be four months out on Sunday and I have had NO problems. I had literally no pain after surgery (discomfort = yes, Pain = no). I had no nausea, dizziness, or anything else. My mother (age 79) went with me and was apprehensive right up until she met Dr. A. She has always been an amazing judge of people and told me later that she knew as soon as she met him that I had made the right decision and that she trusted him implicitly. I think that Dr. A has been doing this surgery for 15 years and in that time he has had one death. It was very early in his gastric bypass career and was caused by a leak. That may account for his immediate attention when anyone tells him they don't feel well after the surgery. I have to tell you, I had surgery on a Friday morning and woke up late that night with a man in my room. After asking what time it was (11:30), I asked him who he was. It was Dr. Aguirre and he was just checking on me. When is the last time a US doctor just dropped by the hospital that late at night to check on a patient who had no reports of problems? I would ABSOLUTELY go back to Dr. A and have recommended him to others more than once and will continue to do so. If you would feel more comfortable going down to meet him, I sure he would welcome you. From past experience, I would guess that he will even let your wife watch your surgery if she wants to! I'd be happy to answer any other questions you or your wife might have. Charlotte 2/20/04 - Dr. Aguirre Now down 75#

I'm the hernia patient, but I wouldn't say it was a problem, or the fault of Dr. Aguirre. Hernias happen. I had to go through another surgery on April 1st to have it repaired and the insurance company is whining but they'll end up paying. People have had complications but I've also only heard of one death. I am extremely pleased with my decision to go to Mexico seven months ago. I've lost 150 pounds and feel great. It was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I would have done different would be to go down a couple of days before surgery so I could do the tourist thing without discomfort (and been able to enjoy the food)! I got there late in the afternoon the morning before surgery. Advice would be to make sure you have a strong personal support system in place. Try not to let the "culture shock" taint your perspective, hae a supportive PCP at home and hopefully you have insurance in case you do have any problems or issues after the fact. The only negative thing I can think of is that "after care" is non-existent. Good luck with your decision. Mine saved my life.

Hey, I am just back from having surgery. I am diabetic and I had no pain just discomfort. I was up four hours after surgery talking to my friend and ask how it went. I felt great just tried. My friend is married to a doctor and has work around the medical field and she was impressed by the doctors, hospital and the care I received. He is the only reason I would have gone to Mexico to have surgery. Dr. A knows what he is doing. Take care, Debbie