sheila2050

I'd like to mention that I had surgery in Mexico. Now I did not go to Dr. Kelly, but I would like to state that my doctor did not use a drain either and all was great. No problems. Actually there are tons of doctors that didn't use drains. There is no set standard that says they have to use them, I am sure it is a case by case episode, as we all react different to surgery. I know there are other factors here that are in play for Dr. Kelly, but I have heard allot of good things about him- and would not discount him just because he doesn't place drains. If you feel he is the best surgeon for you, then that is your right, Only you know what and who you are comfortable with, and you have to have that level of comfort in order for you to feel at peace with your decision. I wish you all the best!

I had the same surgery date & surgeon as Frza and agree with her completely. I work in hospitals for a living and I can honestly say the hospital I stayed at was cleaner than any I've been to in the Vegas area. My territory is 5 hospitals. Also, Dr Aceves has more sleeve experience than all the gastric sleeve docs in this area put together.
The staff is so friendly and helpful too. When Frza and I wanted to go to the pharmacy across the street, the nurse insisted on going with us to help guide us as the traffic can be tricky. We were treated like VIPS from airport pickup to airport drop-off. I would recommend Dr Aceves and his staff to anyone, no reservations.

Awesome. Thanks everyone!

My dad felt the same way. He is a lawyer (aka paid paranoid) and a total worry wart. I asked him to accompany me to Mexicali for my surgery with Dr Aceves. He was VERY skeptical at first. In fact, he insisted on going to down there and touring the hospital and interviewing Dr Aceves before I paid te deposit. He came back from that visit more excited about surgery than I was! He felt so confident - it was really encouraging to me.
Our experience in Mexico was superb, even better than I planned. I think your spouse has every right to worry about you, but really I think he'll be impressed with the experience. If he has questions or concerns encourage him to contact the hospital / surgeon!

Oh yeah duh. Great idea!

What about the pharmacy? Did you have to buy meds? Thank you for any info!

Night before is hospital, then 2 nights more hospital...then 2 nights beautiful hotel and the coordinator treats you like a friend and you can go to beach, out to eat, Mexican pharmacy with their 32 percent discount, shopping, casino, whatever you want that he has time for. Yesterday I treated my sis and me to leg wax. $36 for full leg, which I thought was pretty good.
We even went out to eat with the doctor.

I am 3 days post op with dr Kelly and feel wonderful. The way he does the sleeve you don't need a drain because you don't leak. He staples, sews, and then tapes the stomach closed.

BTW I'm an ICU nurse and am super critical of my care. There was nothing I found questionable and am healing well. The coordinators I'm told get about $1500 per pt so if the incentive was that great I'm sure I'd be peppering forums to my physician's advantage. Just my opinion. Bottom line is you have to be comfortable with whomever you choose to do your surgery----Mexican or US surgeon.

I was sleeved by Dr. Kelly this Saturday 9/22 and i did have a drain since I was a revision.

I think right now Dr Garcia is about $800 less than Dr Kelly. I'm sure that has a lot to do with it . I am 6 months out from surgery with Dr Kelly and couldn't be happier!

I am 6 months out with Dr. Kelly and I also couldn't be happier. I paid $5,500 +airfare. I wrote about my experience in my blog here on this site.

I was just sleeved by Kelly on 9/14, and my friend across the hall was done on 9/13 (there were some other sleevers there, too, but I didn't know them). From what they said, September is sort of a slow month for VSG down there. I haven't been talking a lot because my entire surgery and recovery were so textbook and uneventful that it doesn't even seem right to mention! My care was exceptional and my husband was really impressed with the entire process. I have lost 22 lbs. from pre-op diet to today, 12 lbs. from post leak test weigh in to today. I was up and walking around within hours of surgery, had minimal pain. Dr. Kelly visited us at the hotel to check up and Omar took us sightseeing and for several nice dinners (mine were broth, of course). Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

I was sleeved by Dr. Kelly 6 months ago and couldn't have asked for a more pleasant experience. I would do it 100,000 times over. And no, he did not use a drain.
I actually like the fact that I DIDN'T have to deal with a coordinator. I just wanted the surgery, so dealing with the surgeon directly was more convenient for me.

I guess I'd have to ask where you got your information? If it's from a coordinator, you need to think about their reasons for telling you this. They only make money if you choose from the doctors they're working with, and they make darn good money.
I'm not shooting any messengers, but I also don't believe in dealing with rumors. Unless you've confirmed these rumors with the hospitals where he's supposedly not allowed to practice? I do know that many doctors have preferred hospitals due to price points. There was one hospital where the same surgery would have cost me $10,000. It was amazing, but I was willing to settle for clean and modern facilities.
No, I did not have a drain with Dr. Kelly.

I felt the same way! So excited that you had such a great surgery outcome.

You're doing so good! congrats!!

Great job! I don't want to be a slave to the scale!

I'm working it like its nobody's business.

That's awesome!!!! Your achievement gives me hope and motivation...staying power. I like it. I see that you haven't smoked in 121 days...that's awesome, too! Good for you, and those around you. I hate smoke in doorways of gas stations and grocery stores...festivals, etc. I just think that's wonderful that you quit!!!
I realized just a bit ago, that I have less than 100 lbs to lose....99lbs!!!! Granted, I picked 160 as a midpoint of where I'd really like to be and where I was once before. At 189, the last time I had lost 63lbs....I was happy...then I gained it and more back. I was 165 or so when I got home from the Army, years ago, and that was ok...but when I was my thinnest, and felt the healthiest...I was 145-150. I had starved myself down to 138 one time, when I was going in the Marines...but honestly, I was sick as a dog and if I ate anything, I could not maintain that weight. I remember thinking I wanted to eat a houseplant that was in one of the offices I was in at that time, because I could not maintain that horribly small weight and eat. So, anyway, about 160 would be sweet. I'm just going to keep working at it....just like you are!

I went from 393 lbs to 301 in 3 mos. I just can't believe it. It's awesome

Wow such a difference you are sooooo working that sleeve!

hip, hip, hurray!! Thank you so much for sharing your pics, success, and enthusiasm. It's a wonderful inspiration.

You sound great. Enjoy your new freedom!

I have been so blessed. In January I had an appt with my PCP and requested this surgery. In February I began the six month program. there were comments from others about why they had to do this, but I loved every week of the classes. It was one Thursday a week to do something for me! I have five kids ( 3 are adults now and 14 yr old boy/girl twins). For the first time in 21 years of carrying this weight, I was doing something positive and rewarding and learning! And accountability and awareness to myself. I never missed a class, graduated at the end of July, and during the month of August I got every procedure that needed to be done. Insurance approved me to meet with my surgeon and his office team is wonderful! I have felt so happy since January starting this. Since i had everything done, they scheduled me in two weeks and the RN told me they have never scheduled that quickly ever and insurance again approved immediately. Things are buttoned up at work so I feel great leaving on medical leave. Today I'm doing some housework, getting out the Fall decorations, running a few errands, and happy for tomorrow. I hope everyone scheduled for surgery has a smooth transition and looking forward to learning more from each other.