Dr Valenzuela
Hi, I decided to join this site, because I was thinking today how grateful I am, coming up on 2 years later that I had a VSG and knew that there were very few reviews of Valenzuela-Cabrera and wanted to thank them in a tiny way by posting one.
I had a VSG a year and a half ago, went to Mexico Bariatric Center and had such a positive, professional experience. Started out at 214, weighed in at the doctor yesterday at 133 - Absolutely no post-surgical complications besides very mild anemia (my own fault because I haven't been taking my B12 supplements on a regular basis). Granted, I'm young, had the surgery when I was 29, had no medical issues prior to having the surgery. Anyways, as far as my experience with Dr. Valenzuela:
My contact with MBC was Christy, I don't know if she's still there, but she was very pleasant, bright, talkative on the phone. Answered all of my questions prior to the surgery. I was nervous prior to making the payment - scared I was going to lose a great deal of my savings, but she was very reassuring. Gave me her cell phone number in case my friends or family needed to contact anyone. I decided to go by myself because I didn't want anyone hovering before or afterwards.
Someone picked me up from the airport in San Diego, checked me into a hotel (and checked in with me every day I was in Mexi****heck in was easy, uncomplicated, the hotel was clean, professional. The next morning, came down to the lobby to wait for the shuttle to take us to the hospital. There were two other ladies getting surgery, all three of us were nurses (I'm still a nurse - LoL).
Went to the hospital, met Dr. Valenzuela and Dr. Cabrera, the anesthesiologist, the doctor who would be checking with us in the evening. Preop interview, labs and EKG were done. They all spoke English, where very polite, pleasant and professional. Waited for a few hours until it was my turn, distracted myself by reading a book. When they wheeled me down for surgery was the most nerve-wracking part. Put under, woke up three hours later.
The worst part of having the sleeve was the surgical pain when I woke up. I slept through most of the time afterwards. I didn't have any nausea or vomiting. One of the other two ladies did. All three of us felt fatigued. I had a cold prior to the surgery so they put me on nebulizer treatments to make sure I didn't have any complications from that.
Doctors, Christy, my check in person all visited me every day I was in the hospital. Was on IV NS, didn't feel hungry at all. Had postop swallow test, that went well. Wound care done by one of the nurses. Everyone spoke English, was pleasant, unobtrusive. Discharged the next day to go back to the hotel. When I left the hospital I accidentally left my wallet in my hospital room safe - They took me back to get it, no issues there at all.
I was discharged with my medical record, including H&P, labwork, etc. They gave me an incentive spirometer, prescriptions AND the post-op meds I needed, antibiotics, ketolorac for pain. They recommended getting OTC prilosec, vitamins and a brand of protein shake, which I obtained.
Total cost: $4500 for the surgery and hotel, $500 plane ticket and $200 in tips, some souvenirs, etc.
It is a year and a half later. I lost approximately 5-10 pounds a month for the first year, then dropped down to 10 pounds every 3-4 months after that. I've lost approximatey 80-85 pounds. I exercise, I am really careful about my diet - Adjusting as I go, so changing every now and then if I plateau for a little while. I've had post-op labs done, everything is fine. While I was healthy before the surgery, I've noticed everything has come down a bit - For example, my blood pressure prior to the surgery was running 125-128/85, now it is arond 115-118/75-78. My fasting sugars preop were 80-90, now they are running in the 70s. My LFT were running a little high prior to the surgery, they are now within normal limits. Basically, I was healthy, but on my way to developing hypertension, diabetes, etc. Now I feel like I have way more control over what will happen to me in the future.
Dr. Valenzuela and Dr. Cabrera were polite, professional and pleasant. They did an excellent job - provided the education I needed, were respectful, answered my questions. I really cannot thank them enough for getting me off years of yoyo dieting (since age 11) with all the emotional ups and downs that come with it. I feel so much healthier and in control of my health. Two other girls I've worked with (both nurses) have gotten it done (not in Mexico) since I have, and have stated tha****ching this process with me helped them make their decision. I would do this surgery again, no problem.
