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I did not go through this company but I have heard good things about it. If you need any info on my doctor, Fernando Garcia, let me know. Good luck to you!
Hello,
Can anyone tell me about your experience with Dr. Ortiz with A Lighter Me in TJ, Mexico for the VSG? I'm doing research but would also like to hear personal experiences. I'm cross posting this in the Mexico and VSG forums too.
Thanks.
Highest weight 208 in 2008 ** VSG 11/27/15 weight 193 ** Current weight 128 ** Goal weight range 100 -110 ** Height - 4'11" ** Age - 49
I have finally scheduled my vgs for the beginning of 2016. Any and all reviews on Dr. Almanza is appreciated! As you can tell I am nervous. This is a Big life step for me!
I did a lot of research before choosing Dr. Alejandro Lopez. At first it was between him and A Lighter Me but I found the staff at A Lighter Me too pushy and felt that they just wanted my money. I was sleeved August 20th 2014 by Dr. Alejandro Lopez and have had great success and no complications! His staff is awesome and took care of my from the moment I landed in San Diego until they brought me back. I would definitely recommend him to anyone without hesitation. Good luck to you and follow your gut instinct :)
I usually leave Mexico out of the conversation these days too because when I tell people I had my sleeve done in Mexico, they look at me like I have 3 heads or something. So I just say that I had the sleeve and describe what that is to people that don't know. My parents were adamant that they did not want me to do the surgery in Mexico and I actually delayed by several years because my mom was so adamant, but I finally decided that I had to do what is right for me and I have never been happier in my life, so I must have done something right. I could not have afforded the surgery otherwise, so this was the best decision for me and everyone is entitled to make the best decision for themselves.
Have you found the right Doctor for you? I had Dr Aljendro Lopez and had such a wonderful experience. I have referred several friends and relatives to him and have all had no issues what so ever. I am happy in my sleeved life. It's been one year and I am down 123 pounds.
Mary Ann
I know that I am late answering...but I agree 100%. Dr Alvarez is an amazing doctor. I went to him in February and I am thankful everyday for my decision.
38 y.o. 5'7" HW 347 SW 332 M1 -22 M2 -18 M3 -19 M4 -9 M5 -18 M6 -11 M7 -13 M8-9 M9 -7 M10 -8 M11 -5 M12 -1 M13 -9 M14 -0
I was judged by everyone including family and friends. I had about 5 people who actually didn't judge me. I did an abundant amount of research prior to having my surgery in Juarez, Mexico. So I had no worries. I had my surgery July 18, 2015 and I've lost 30 pounds and zero complications. Now all those friends and family are supportive and happy for me. Do what you feel is right for YOU!!!! Don't listen to the negative backlash and comments. Now all I say to those who tries to discourage me is....."Told You So". I took pictures and videos of the hospital and the surrounding areas to show everyone when I returned home. Try to surround yourself with positive supportive people right now!
Sorry for the delay. I would do it again in a heartbeat!! I do not and don't believe I will ever regret my decision to choose dr Alvarez. He was as amazing as every one of those positive reviews that you read on him.
The after care has been even better than I could have imagined. I had issues with the oral antibiotic that you have to take for a few days after you get home. I got a response within 15 mins. Any question I have, I can email Dr Alvarez (you could call too, but I'm an email person) or Susan and they get back to you quicker than you'd expect.
The nurses were awesome. My only gripe was one that didn't speak any English and I was a little loopy not too long after surgery, but I knew my vein on my left hand had blown, but with me being groggy and her lack of English (and I suppose, my lack of Spanish in all fairness) she wasn't understanding that I knew the meds we're not going in. She did finally get it, and another nurse came in and they did a new IV.
My hubby came with me, and they treated him amazing. Ordering food, always asking if he needed anything, making sure he was comfortable. I was very impressed. And Dr Alvarez, the other surgeons who assisted, and the nursing staff are always checking on you. I was surprised how many times I saw the Drs for just a 2 day stay. I was so scared going into surgery, and everyone was so compassionate and understanding, particularly Anali, one of his English speaking technicians (she also is a successful sleever of dr Alvarez from 2014). So she truly understands everything you are feeling, and she was wonderful.
My my travel on the way home sucked, but that was Southwests problem, and not the hospital obviously. My surgery was on Saturday, and I was back to work Wednesday morning. A little tired at times, but I feel soooooooooooooo much better than I could've imagined. i would say yesterday, so 6 days post op, was the first day I haven't felt a little fatigue.
And best of all.... I am not hungry (which is a pretty awesome thing to never feel hungry), every day the scale goes down....seriously I think it's nuts! Every morning, I'm lighter and feeling better. I'm down 9 lbs since my surgery, and 17.2 lbs since my one week pre op liquid diet.
And the continued support of being a Dr Alvarez patient doesn't stop there.... There are groups, events, channels of keeping in touch, you bond with your fellow sleevers (never more than 3 surgeries a day! Something that made a difference in my choice). Everything has been amazing.
I hope this helps.... And please don't hesitate to ask specific questions, as I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out.
But all I can say is, all those 742 positive reviews are spot on. He really is that good. Oh and the actual surgery itself takes about 25 minutes. Hubby said from the time they took me out of the room to the time Dr Alvarez came in to say I was in recovery and everything went great: about 35-40 mins. So pretty good!!
