Help! I really need someone to tell me what I need to hear to make up my mind.

I am planning on having RNY in MX in June. I have narrowed my choice of surgeons to Dr Salvador Valencia and Dr Joya. Though I am open to suggestion of anyone else. I spoke with Dr Valencia for over an hour last week. His surgical technique seemed to be what I was looking for and he was patient and nice. He has great credentials, was a teacher of bariatrics at UCLA, his website claims he is also a member of SAGES and ASBS, but I havn't been able to verify that on their websites.  I havn't spoke with Dr Joya yet and I think I might not be able to. From reading his testemonies all people have said they meet with him on the way to surgery. I am not comfortable with that. But his coodinator is on vacation so I have not been able to request a phone call.  Any way there are pros and cons with both. I am really having a hard time commiting. I am scared. I know my life depends on making the right choice of MD's. I have not been able to find negative reviews of either MD's which is comforting and disturbing all at once. Noone is perfect. You can't make everyone happy. If these MD's have done thousands of surgeries they should have some unhappy or unsatisfied customers.  Any way, any words of wisdom or guidence would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Have you ruled out the sleeve? If so why? My experience with Dr. Joya and his staff was great. Everyone there treated you like you where the only one there. Feel free to ask any questions. Steve

Hi Stormy,

I am a patient of Dr Valencia. I've spent time with him in person before and after my procedure. I was with him a month ago in Seattle at a Bandster Bash.  He doesn't have a lot of patients on OH. But if you ask if I would choose him again? My answer would be YES. Jennifer

Don't worry to much if you have done your research. I had only read good comments about my doctor too and this worried me. I was the same way, I thought how can everyone like him so much. Then I met him had the surgery and now I know why. I can only say good things about him too. I was scarred to believe the testemonies. But I ended up with a great  doctor from Mexico.  I had Doctor Alvarez. I had lap band on 3-7-08. I hope this helps with some of your fears. Jill

Hi Jill, Your avatar says you have Dr. Coon? Did you change your mind and seek out Dr. Alvarez? Just curious. I agree with you, though.. if Stormy has done her research, she shouldn't worry so much....but we all do, right? Have a happy St. Patty's day!! Jen

I didn't even notice it said Dr. Coon. I don't know how that happen. I don't know Dr. Coon. Dr. Alvarez did my surgery. And no I didn't change. I will try and fix that. Thanks

Have you made any decisions?

Still undecided. Keep going back and forth between Joya and Valencia. Pros and cons for both. Thanks for keeping up. I will be sure to post when I am able to make up my mind. I kinda feel like I wont be able to stop looking and researching right up until the day of my surgery. I really wish I could comfortably make up my mind on an MD. I could really move forward then. Any way, thanks again.  Storm

I went with Dr. Joya myself.....had surgery on march 17.. I met with him a few hrs before my surgery... i was confident in his credentials and his knowledge..so i really wasnt worried about that.... as it turned out...he had a difficult time with me, but was still able to do my Sleeve...so im truly happy with that... Hes very nice, quiet, very smart, and gets things done...whatever it needs...so i would recommend him.. plus...Puerto Vallarta is so beautiful.....even tho i was in so much pain and couldnt enjoy much...i loved watching the beach..it past the time and made things more bearable.. good luck