Really freaked out! Thoughts re Dr. Amanza

Thank you for posting.  All I have ever wanted were truthful accounts and for some reason when it comes to Dr. Almanza and Dr. Betancourt things seem to go crazy.  I, thankfully, had a great experience there last week but I can definitely understand your concerns.  Maybe things have greatly improved since you were there last.  I know that there were only 4 surgeries done the day of mine and only 2 the next day.  That is all I know and admittedly that is not a lot. lol  Also, which doctor or doctors do you refer to in your business now?  Thanks!

Kimberly

Hey Kimberly,

I just have to say - you are SO beautiful!  My goodness!!  Anyway - I am really glad you had a good experience (like mine was).

I don't want to get into who I refer to, because for me, OH is my personal space, and I don't ever recruit or refer patients from here, and I don't promote my business here.  This is where I go to get help, get advice and make friends.

But, that said - there are some great surgeons who've consisently had good reviews with very few complaints.  I would never hesitate to recommend Dr. Aceves, Dr. Joya, Dr. Pompa, and Dr. Pleatman in the US is also reasonably priced.  They are all great surgeons and have excellent follow-up.  Hope that helps, and I am sure there are many other great surgeons as well that I didn't mention (sorry!).  Please bear in mind that's only my personal opinion. 

We have folks who have had their surgeries with several different surgeons who attend our support groups :)

xo

Why thank you...that means a lot coming from someone as gorgeous as yourself.  Your new pics are wonderful....the new "girls" are PERFECT!   All the best to you!

Kimberly 

Edited cuz i can't stand typos! lol

I have one more quick question.  Since you have been referring people to surgery...is that the same thing as being a "coordinator"?  I am guessing it is.  If so, did people on here know that you were doing this?  I am just wondering because this is something I have some interest in maybe doing in the future but it seems people are weird about it on here...like they are not open about it and I am wondering why that is.  The only one I know of that posts as being a coordinator is Sandy Johnston.  I'm sure there are more.... she is just the only one I know of.  Thanks!

Kimberly

I had my surgery on March 3.  I had incision infections. When I went to my own doctor to have the stiches removed he did not like the way they looked. I went a week later and they were still infected. My doctor said that he sometimes sees an incistion that has infection, but not all of the incisions with infection. He seemed to think it had to do with hygene in the operating room. Again that is his opinion and I respect it. I am still treating the infection but it is much better.
Other then that I am fine and was treated very well in the recovery house.

 hugs,Mel.  I know it was hard,but you did the right thing.

You have provided the proof that everyone needs to be able to make a safe and  educated decision for themselves.

While I had an excellent  and safe experience,I now know for sure that some have not (besides the folks who have posted on the original thread. I certainly believe them.) My heart goes out to them and my best wishes for their continued improvement.

You never have to be ashamed here,Mel. This is the place where you are respected and loved. We all know you did not maliciously set out to help people be hurt.
My respect for you has risen tremendously and again,thanks.

I stand corrected on anything that has happened since Feb 18,2010,which was my surgery date.
H

(((((Hugs))))) Thanks sweetie

  Hi! I'm new to this forum. I've pretty much made up my mind to go to Dr Almanza for the VSG surgery.  I just have a few questions. Why is it that the people who supposedly got these infections are from Canada and why haven't they posted their problems for themselves. If you're a coordinator why haven't  you advertised it? I'm not trying to offend anyone and if it does I apologize.


Concerned,


Sharon

Hey Sharon, I only posted about my experiences, and I am from Canada.  Hence the Canadian thing.

I do not advertise, nor do I recruit or promote my business on OH.  I've been a member of OH since before my surgery, and only started my business this fall.  For me, OH is a personal space.

I also do no recruit people at random for surgery.  My personal opinion is that surgery is only a part of the solution.  People need good information before making a decision, excellent follow-up and care afterwards, and that includes a support group, psychological care, nutritional care, and an exercise program.  For me, signing people up for surgery is not what I do.

You are new here, so you don't know me, and that's ok.  It's good to ask questions.  I am not here to talk any one out of anything they want to do, and I am certainly not here to bash the clinic. 

If you are comfortable with your decision, then please don't let me deter you.  Just like there are people who had a great experience there, there are also people who did not.  And they are real people.  If you read posts over the few months about the clinic, you will see that some people have posted their complications themselves.  And you will see that they have been attacked for doing so. You don't have to believe me - I am not asking you to. 

I wish you all the luck with your surgery and I am sure you will love being sleeved!  It's an amazing journey!!!!  And welcome to OH - it's a wonderful place to get the support and the help you need after your surgery. I know my OH friends saved my butt many a time!

xo

They have posted, time and time and time again.  The problem is most sleeve people post on another forum where the owner of the forum is paid for promoting the clinic.  He deletes every single thread that is anti-Almanza.  I have copies of MANY of these posts.  If you want to see them first hand please PM me with an email address and I will forward them to you.

You can contact the poster and ask them for more details.