Conflicted over the best surgeon for revison... Help!

Hi everyone,

I am currently researching a revision from the Lap Band to a gastric bypass and due to lack of insurance coverage am opting to go to Mexico for the surgery.  I hope that others here can share their experiences with the surgeons they chose for revision.  I have contacted and gotten quotes from Dr. Aceves... Dr. ALvarez (when I was considering the sleeve)... and talked personally with Dr. Rumbaut ( Perhaps that personal conversation has me leaning in his direction).  I also sent an inquiry to Dr. Joya.  Of course... my main concern is safety for the surgery and post-operatively and also that the area of Mexico I stay in is safe.  I am going alone and have to put my complete faith in the surgeon... his staff and the facility I will be staying at and want to make the right decision... Help! 

Darcy

I had the VSG done by Dr. Kelly in Tijuana in November. The fellow who was done the same day as I was had his band removed and had the VSG done. Both our recoveries were fantastic.neither of us needed pain meds after discharge. I keep in contact with him and he is doing great and loosing pounds weekly.

 I have Dr. Kelly's number if you want it. He will also speak to you. I spoke to him before I went to Mexico. Good luck. If you do choose Dr. Kelly you are in excellent hands. His whole team are great!

In this case I recommend going to Tijuana, with Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela, the hospital is at most one mile away from the border, I has my GSV in there. You can check her website www.obesitycontrolsurgery.com and contact directly with Lewis, and they can explain even further. I understand that Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela is a specialist in Revision Surgeries.

 

I am there with you.  I am planning revision from band to bypass with Dr. Aceves, well now it is looking like the first of April.  I was going to schedule the end of February by had to find and start a new job the a few weeks ago.  So I don't want to ask for time off before my 90 days are up!  lol

I picked Mexicali because it is close to where I live, Phoenix.  The private hospital on 1 block from the border and I know people who go to Mexicali on day trips and tell me that they feel comfortable there. 

That's the key...go where you will feel comfortable.  When are you planning your revision?

I am planning the end of March into the first week of April.  Dr. Acevez has a wonderful reputation but I am afraid I can't afford his price for revision and it seemed he was concerned that it might take two separate surgeries.  I have crossed a few surgeons off of the list but am aiming now to go to Puerto Vallarta.  I am emailing Ron with Dr. Lopez in PV and have been approved with them but not sure about the lack of specific information of years of bariatric surgeries and specifics about his revision experience. 

I looked into Dr. Joya as well but was concerned with information that they sent regarding extra costs that may occur. 

On the positive side... got my passport application sent off today and am starting the process of refinancing my home since interest rates are lower for that than a personal loan.  Hopefully it is a process that we can get going and finished before my vacation time and surgery date! 

Good luck with your surgery and thanks to you and others for input... I really need to hear fro people with real experiences in Mexico... especially revisions from band to bypass!

I've heard wonderful things about both Dr. Joya and Dr. Hector Perez. One lady I know went to Dr. Perez for a VSG and absolutely raved about her experience there. The other lady I know of went to Dr. Joya for a bypass and was very pleased with her experience. I am sorry I can't offer my own personal account :-). I really wish you all of the best!! Please let us know who you chose and when you are getting surgery. Would love to follow your story.