Alvaro Valencia Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I cannot express to you enough how well you are treated by Dr. Valencia, Dr. Silva, and your guide. I'll never forget the first time I surfed onto Affordable Bariatrics website thinking, \"WOW.... this is my only option to get this surgery but going to Colombia, alone, those fears alone, not to mention the fears of the actual surgery, could I REALLY do this?\" Then I did a lot of research on A.B., met with someone who went there several years ago, contacted many people from the U.S. who had also gone there. FINALLY made a decision about a year later and being so scared when I made that first click on \"contact a doctor now\". And now, 6+ months post-op, I can't imagine NOT having clicked that button. Believe me, there have been ups and downs but I will never ever regret my decision for the surgery, or my decision to go to Bogota. I couldn't have asked for better care and treatment than I received with the entire Affordable Bariatrics team, especially Dr. Valencia, Dr. Silva, and my guide Elsa.

Dr. Valencia was extremely professional and caring. He was always a phone call away and kept in constant contact with me. Not his office but Dr. Valencia kept in contact with me. Everyone I met was wonderful and helpful. The focus was on me, what I needed, how I was feeling, and what could be done to help me further. Dr. Valencia addressed all risks of surgery, aftercare, and I know I could call at any time if I had a problem or a question and my call would be returned immediately. I did not have much pain after the surgery which was suprising. I did have a small infection in one of my wounds which Dr. Valencia took care of immediately. I would recommend him to anyone I know including family. The only negative is he is far away but I do plan to go back and visit.

Dr Valencia seemed to geninuine in caring about what he does. He saw me twice a day while in the hospital and once a day he came to my hotel to vist me for 2 days. There is no f/u program since he is out of the country, but he can reached via e-mail for any questions. Bedside manner was great. All risks were explained in detail and all questions were answered

When I first met Dr.Valencia in person was the day before surgery, although we had spoken on the phone many times. He was very thorough, answering every question, using visual aids to make sure I understood everything he was going to do. He is a very kind, soft-spoken man, professional yet warm. He made it very clear to me that he would work very hard for 3 or 4 hours during surgery, but I was going to have to work very hard for the rest of my life. He would only give me the tools, I would need to use them right in order to succeed. He saw me twice a day from then until I left Bogota. Several nights, we visited for more than two hours. He was great, as was his entire team. Dr. Silva, Miss Paulina, and my private nurses, Ruby and Saundra, whom I will always love, they were so helpful to me in those first days.
Dr. Valencia and Affordable Baritrics have a top notch all-inclusive package. I highly recommend them to anyone who has to self-pay.

What can I say about Dr.Valencia, the man is a wonderful surgeon and an A-1human being. The most compassionate and loving doctor I have ever come across, speaking from the prospective of a registered nurse that's saying alot. From the moment I met him it sealed my decision to go ahead with the procedure. He took the time to explain the pros and cons of what I was about to undergo. Even so far as to ask if I was absolutely sure this was what I wanted to do. That alone was impressive to me, most doctors wouldn't do that. Dr. Valencia has an overwhelming love for is job and his patience. He commits himself 200%. You don't feel FAT in his presence, you feel normal and wanted. When he says he will call you. He calls. when says he's coming by the hotel to check on you. He comes, no doubts, no questions. The medical team that works along with him are just great. The nurses, interns, nutritionist , Dr. Silva and your guide/translater are all some of the sweetest people ever. Dr, Valencia encourages you to keep in contact with him on a regular basis and keep in contact with his other clients who live here in the Bahamas with me, form a support system. People may feel that no person can be the best but I have to disagree. My personal experience with Dr. Valencia and team was expectional. I have no regrets about placing my life in his hands for any reason. It's a pity he's so far away.

I had decided to go to Bogata for surgery after I had been denied from my insurance company after my 3rd appeal and did not have the money for surgery in the USA. I went alone to Columbia and was very scared, worried etc... However I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Dr. Valencia is wonderful, I cannot say enough good things about him. I had RNY laproscopic surgery on 9/1/04 I was wanting to sit up in the recovery room, I was walking the halls of the hospital that same night with no problems. I returned to the United States on 9/10/04 and was feeling so good I went back to work on 9/13/04.
I was provided with a private nurses aide 24/7 for my four days in the hospital and my first night at the hotel room, Dr. Valencia came to the hotel every day to check on me, and called me every night. I absolutly recommend anyone who is considering having surgery outside of the US to contact Dr. Valencia or go to http://www.affordablebariatrics.com/