Questions re: WLS in Mexico

I realize buried somewhere in this forum are answers to my questions, but guess I am just lazy.  Hah!

1.  I am leaning towards Dr. Aguirre but have also considered Dr. Joya & Dr. Rumbaut.  Any others I should think of?  Are the folks I should look at?

2.  Does Dr. Aguirre do it laproscopically or open (RNY)  I saw an older post saying he did it open, but I'd prefer laproscopically and don't know since a few years have passed if he is doing it this way now.

3.  Another Dr. Aguirre question....the cost on his website says all-inclusive, but it seems like folks who have gone to him have had "options" to choose from (i.e. Bambi picking up at the airport, hotel vs. apartment, etc.)  Are there hidden costs to these options?  Is it only Bambi picking up now or do I need to pay extra for this?  Does the apartment cost more than the hotel option or is it basically whereever there is room.

4.  If I decide to say long enough to have him remove my stiches, etc. how long should I allow for that?

Any other info y'all can pass on would be great!  I found one person who had posted great pics of the facilities for Dr. Joya, has anyone else done that for Dr. Aguirre or Rumbaut?

Thanks!

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

As far as I know Dr. A still only does open RNY he works with Dr. Valencia (offices in TJ & Ensenada) for laproscopic RNY.

Dr. A rocks I actually wanted open. I liked the idea that they had the big picture (connections, could see my gall bladder, etc.) and my open scar was used as part of Lower Body Lift so it's barely visible now.

I had surgery in June 2006 so his plan may have changed but I paid for the surgery, a fee to stay in his apartment with private nurse visits for 4 days (I stayed 9 days - including the 2 1/2 in hospital - left with no sutures or drains) and paid Bambi (Dr. A's driver and a super cool guy) to pick me up in San Diego and drive me back.

You are welcome to check out my blog link below for more info on my journey (check out the entries from June 2006 on from the archives section) and feel free to PM me if you have other Q's. I have a few pics and a list of things I needed.

~Michelle

When I went to Dr. A, everything was included. I did not have to pay extra for Bambi to pick me up from San Diego although he charges extra for certain excursions if he has to drive very far.

I stayed in the apartment and enjoyed my stay. My mother went with me but if I were to go alone I would definately pay for the private nurse to help me out the first few days after surgery. I believe you need to stay 7 days to have you drain and stitches removed. I loved Dr. Aguirre and would trust  him with my dearest relative/friend. Good luck in your search!

Thanks to both of you!  Goodness it is hard to decide the best course of action.  Just when I think I've made up my mind I read something else and am back to square one!    Being the Internet research geek that I am doesn't help the situation!  So I appreciate any and all thoughts on the matter.  Thanks again!

Dr. A is an EXCELLENT choice!!!
Best of luck on your journey.

I can only comment on Dr. Joya...and I would recommend him to anyone. He is really nice..so are his staff and the hospital.. I had a hard time with one complication....but Dr. Joya was so good at what he does. I left the hospital on time and never had another problem.. He gave me the WLS that saved my life and I will be forever grateful.

While I didn't use any of those mentioned Drs I have heard good things about them all. I do konw, however, that Dr Rumbault is now taking questions directly on www.wlsfacts.com in the Ask a Dr section so if you have any questons you can ask him directly.
Craig