Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta
Thanks for any input in advance,
Joe
Joe,
I'm sure things have changed a lot since I had my lap RNY in August 2005. But Gerald and Nathalie took care of everything. They booked the flight and everything from the airport I picked. When I arrived at PV, Nathalie picked me up at the airport. She also drove me to get my meds after surgery a grocery store for supplies. She then took me to the airport when it was time to go home.
I'm not 100% sure, but the cost was $12,000 or $12,500.
The motel was the Krystal. The motel and the hospital were very clean and nice. The motel is a resort with several pools and a disco-tech. (not that you'll be dancing the nights away)..
The Dr Joya, Dr Olivares and Nathalie were EXCELLENT! They actually seem to care about you personally, not like some of the doctors in the U.S. (no offense to anyone - don't blast me). They came to see me several times in the hospital and came to the hotel for checkups and to remove the bag and stitches. The nurses at the hospital are also VERY kind and helpful. There are very few patients, so you get excellent service. I really can't say anything bad about the hospital. Very clean and nice.
I was 222 pounds the day of surgery. (I am 5'4"). In about 10 months I had lost 100 pounds (my goal). The lowest I ever weighed was 118 (for about an hour LOL). Currently, I am around 127. I had no complications and have been very lucky. My only complaint is sagging skin. I wish I'd have done it sooner (I was 32 at the time), then maybe my skin would have bounced back better.
Good luck to you!
I just had gastric bypass on March 8th, with Dr Joya. The cost was 13,000 with the complication insurance. I did get the insurance just incase anything went wrong. Gerald is great and books everything for you. The ride from the airport to the hotel, and he explains all that in your pre packet info. When you arrive at the hotel they leave you a welcome letter with all the info for surgery day. I flew American. We took the taxi a couple of times, which is $5 american money. But we did take the bus a couple of times and that was only 65 pecos. The hotel Krystal is beautiful, however the beds weren't super comfortable, call the front desk when you get there and ask for a bed topper. The snack bar in the front lobby will exchange your american money for free. Don't do it anywhere else, they will charge you. They also have the best sugar free lime popsicles at the snack bar and gift shop, which you can have the day you get outta the hospital. I know this is alot of info but if you need any other info don't hesitate to ask.
Chelsea Canfield
Albuquerque, NM
I had the RNY surgery in PV Mexico with Dr Joya on Feb 21st 2012. So I'm about 18 months post op. I have lost from 256 (size 22-24) down to 134-137 (size 4-6). I feel amazing I am 54 years old. My husband and I flew to PV there was someone at the airport with a sign with my name on it. They took us to the Krystal where we stayed that night then we took a cab to the Amerimed hospital, it is very small but very nice and clean. I would recommend taking a shower with hibiclens before you go to the hospital. (You can get it at Walmart or Walgreens). The language isn't a problem, most speak at least Spanglish so it's good. I did pay the $500.00 complication fund fee and I am glad I did, I had to be taken back in a couple of days later and have my esophagus stretched. It was so different because I was telling Dr Joya what kind of problem I was having and he said we will fix that now, they will be here to get you in 10 minutes and WOW there they were. No problems from anything with Dr Joya and his team. If I could do it again in the U.S. I would prefer Dr Joya.
My husband had surgery (VSG) 11/20/14--to date he has only lost 30 pounds. My niece's cousin had the same surgery almost a year ago and had the same results. (nothing to speak of) I personally would never refer Dr Joya to anyone.
I had VSG almost 6 years ago by Dr Aceves but unfortunately he passed away last June but I would probably use one of his partners. I had wonderful care and could not eat half of what my husband does.
I personally do not believe he cuts as much stomach out as others..again this is my personal belief due to watching my husband vs what I could ingest, Good luck whatever you decide.
Sorry..just noticed the date--you obviously have already had your surgery--certaily hope yours went better than my husband's.