Help deciding on surgeon

I am from South Texas and am trying to decide between 2 surgeons. That's pretty much our only choices down here. Too scared to go to Mexico. Am looking for anybody who's had surgery with either Dr. Robert Alleyn or Dr. Luis Reyes. I've started on my nutritionist visits, but haven't met either surgeon, as I was told I first needed to get most of these 6 month "insurance required" nut visits done. Then I could see the Dr and get sent to my other tests. Kinda frustrated with both of their office personnel. Don't want to have them dragging their feet in getting my paperwork submitted when I'm ready, yet I'm not really impressed with their enthusiasm! Please respond if you can give me any input.

Hi Anna!-will assume that's your name-forgive me if I'm wrong. I can't answer your question, directly, but, hopefully, someone will soon.

Do either of these surgeons offer free seminars or support groups that you could attend? Those are such a good way to "get a feel", ask questions, talk to your peers, meet new people, etc. I went to 5 seminars before my surgeon and I "picked each other"-and that was back when, when there weren't many surgeons to pick from. I never regretted my choice.

The whole pre-op "process" CAN be very frustrating. Make those office staff your new best friends. They deal with hundreds of people a day-you can stand out by being the NICE one. Take them a sandwich tray, on your first appt-bet YOUR paperwork gets "pushed thru faster"..just sayin..

Best of luck to you, and I sincerely hope you will continue to post and bring us your questions/concerns, and mostly just allow us to get to know you!

Gina AKA Nurse Diva

The process normally isn't quick. That is rare when it happens smoothly. Be prepared for glitches and then you won't be distraught when they happen. If you luck out and it goes super smoothly, you will be happy.

I would go to both doctors seminars and/ or support groups if they are offered. it will give you a better idea of which one you may prefer and will give you a chance to visit with other patients.

Karla

If you want to talk about Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta, PM me.  I have nothing but the highest praise.

Janet

Thanks for your replies. I actually decided on Dr. Reyes. I called his office and spoke with an insurance specialist. She was great at explaining the steps and told me that I would start by faxing my insurance info for verification of benefits, then see the Dr, who will  give me the necessary referals for the psych eval and other necessary procedures. I explained that I had started my supervised diet (as required by BCBS) in July and was about to have my 2nd visit. I did have to switch because the 1st place I went to lost their nut. According to insurance, I can see a different person for the diet, as long as I do it for 6 consecutive months. So, hoping this new direction is a better fit for me. I have read reviews about the extremely long wait to get in to see this Dr even if you have an appointment. But, this tells me that there's a good reason he's so busy.

Glad you got the ball rolling and are at peace with your decision. You'll have a million questions/concerns along the way. I hope you'll feel comfortable posting them, because we'd love to be able to help you.

I'm sure I will, and I certainly will be here asking. How about this one for starters...do you have any idea how I can change my Dr.'s name on my profile?

It took me forever to figure it out but go to MY OH at the top then MY JOURNEY and there is an edit icon next to the surgeon's name.  Hope this helps.