Question:
I'm checking on Dr Baltsar in Spain for DS...can anyone help with facts?

I've decided to have the surgery, D Switch, but need some facts about Dr's...esp. this one in Spain...I'm self-pay, so money is a factor, he quoted 11500. total price. I, like everyone, need to get good health care as well. Can any of you big-hearted people respond?    — Lucia G. (posted on December 31, 2002)

December 31, 2002
If you are over 400 lbs or have a BMI of 65 or greater there is a Yahoo WLS support group you can join and I know a number of them have used Dr. Baltasar in Spain. It is WLS400plus on Yahoo Groups. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

December 31, 2002
There is also a Yahoo Group specifically for Dr. Baltasar patients and/or those considering him as their surgeon. Here is the link for anyone interested - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DrBaltasar-DuodenalSwitch I too am checking into Dr. B as an alternative due to only wanting to have the DS procedure done. Yes, money is definatley a factor, but he in my opinion is one of the best qualified and most caring doctors out there who perform WLS. If I had the money I would be on a plane to see him ASAP...but since it is a factor at the moment, I am playing out the insurance card right now. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or visit the Dr. B group. Everyone there is more than supportive and will be able to answer any and all questions you may have regarding going to Spain for surgery.
   — ImANewDee

January 1, 2003
Hi... Dr. B is a great surgeon, and his group is wonderful too. But there is another surgeon who I used in Brazil who is just as talented and compassionate. His name is Dr. Marchesini, he also has a group at Yahoo. His fee is $8000 total, but he will only do open on his American Patients. I cant tell you how great he and his staff are. The hospital is very modern, and is great! If you have any questions, please feel free to ge in touch! Jackie
   — Jacklyn C.

January 1, 2003
I had lap DS with Dr. B on 6/5/02. I stayed in the hospital for ten days (no complications--just didn't want to stay in a hotel.) That added about $1000 to the cost, so it was about $15500. He is a wonderful surgeon--skills and interpersonally. I started at 260, size 24 pants, 3x top. I am now down 100 lbs (give or take...since I only "count" weights at the doctor's office). I wear size 10-12 pants and medium or large top. I guess I have another 6-12 months' "window" to lose weight.
   — Pamela B.