Sandy Johnson

You are close! It's jrkelly45@hotmail.com

Actually Dr. Alvarez is the most experience VSG doctor in Mexico. He has performed many, many sleeves and has conducted studies and written papers. Plus, he literally wrote the book on the VSG… http://www.thegastricsleeve.com/order-your-book.htm Good reading for anyone thinking abou this surgery.

The border re-opened today and is fully functional!

Just want to pass this information along. A section of scaffolding on the U.S. side of the border at San Ysidro and Tijuana collapsed today. The border moving north, from Tijuana to San Ysidro is closed. The section going south, from San Ysidro to Tijuana is still open. In order to go to the U.S. from Tijuana you have to use the Otay border. I just thought I would pass this on in the event that you will be leaving TJ soon or perhaps you might be waiting to hear from someone when they arrive back into the U.S. If you have a flight out from San Diego, you will want to allow a LOT of extra time to cross the border!

I received a couple of phone calls regarding this post so I thought I would come here and hopefully clear up any questions. Dr. Kelly has contracted with Bravo Development Group, LLC (a California Company), DBA: aLighterMe.com to assist him. We handle all of Dr. Kelly’s sales, marketing and advertising. We are what I guess you would say the Patient Coordinating Management Company for his practice. All of Dr. Kelly’s patients are now processed through aLighterMe. It is my understanding that Trish’s new website will soon be operational and Christi Bearden has a website called Successfully Slimmer. All of these coordinators now work through aLighterMe which will handle each client’s paperwork, payment, transportation, hotel and other administration and logistics. So no matter if you go directly to aLighterMe or to Trish or Christi, you will receive the same superior service. Ricardo now handles all transportation and Dr. Romero is our new aftercare specialist! He helps patients with any questions or any help they may need with their diet and eating habits post-surgery. All of these changes will allow Dr. Kelly to do what he does best. Dr. Kelly will concentrate on performing surgeries and giving each and all of his patients the very best care possible and a superior surgery experience. This will also allow Dr. Kelly to be more available to his patients. We are all very excited about the changes and we all believe this will allow a smoother flow and assure that each patient gets the very best care. This is what Dr. Kelly feels is paramount in his practice. I hope this clears things up. Sincerely, Sandy Johnston

I’ve received some calls regarding this issue. Hopefully this should clear up the confusion. Trish is Dr. Kelly’s patient advocate and takes care of all the patients when they arrive. I am a patient coordinator. Along with advertising and marketing of websites, I am also Dr. Kelly’s coordinator that answers his company phone. So if you call his office from his website, you’ll get me. Everyone is be cared for by Trish once they have arrived, so you don’t need to worry about going to Trish directly to book your surgery as you will always end up with her. As a matter of fact, you may find that Trish is so busy taking care of the patients that are in Tijuana, she may be very hard to reach. This also takes time away from the patients that are there having surgery. Trish used to be Dr. Kelly’s only coordinator and I’m sure that’s what has caused the confusion. But Dr. Kelly’s practice has grown. It has been said that some have expected Trish to know when their upcoming surgery is and/or if they have changed their date. Trish does not have that information in advance. She usually doesn’t know when a patient is coming until a couple of days before they arrive. So please don’t expect her to have your information or assume that she should have it weeks in advance, because she won’t. I and the women in Dr. Kelly’ office handle his calendar. As previously stated, Trish is very busy with patients and taking care of things in Tijuana. I hope this clears things up. Please call me with questions and I will be happy to help.

Yes! Dr. Kelly is wonderful! It's nice to hear that you had such a good experience! Surgery is scary and not fun! I'm so happy to hear that you were made confortable. Congratulations on having surgery! Dr. Kelly's team including Trish and Ricardo are great too! Keep us posted on your weight loss and congratulations!

Thanks for the replies. I do have about 20 - 30 more lbs I would like to lose. I was at my goal but got to goal in a bad way. I lost my last 30 lbs by vomiting constantly. I needed a surgery on my esophagus to remove excess scar tissue from the band that was on my esophagus. My first surgeon placed my band ON my esophagus and after almost 9 years, I'm still paying for that! It was discovered when my band was removed and my revision was done. Any who, I couldn't keep anything down. Since my surgery to fix my esophagus, I've been able to eat and I've gained about 20 lbs. The surgeon that did my esophagus surgery told me that I was very malnourished and that I would probably gain weight after the surgery and would hopefully lose it later. Well, I'm still fighting with that! I'm sure you're right in that I am better off than if I had all that extra weight and I need to look at the bright side. I am already on 2 medications for the high blood pressure, but not yet on anything for the diabetes. My doc is having me watch my blood sugars. I'm sure the next time I see her she will put me on something because my sugars have been running higher. I'm just bummed out about it! I'm on meds for thyroid, high blood pressure and now diabetes? I will rattle when I walk!!

I wasn't sure where to post this and hope this is the right place. I'm pretty upset right now. After having WLS and losing 154 lbs I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and now diabetes! My doctor always harped on me about my weight and blamed my weight for just about everything. Lose weight and this or that will get better. So now I asked her why after having WLS and losing such a large amount of weight, I get high blood pressure and diabetes! Her answer to me was, "We don't have a surgery to keep you from getting old!". Gee, thanks a lot! I do have both high blood pressure and diabetes in my family so I guess it doesn't come as such a big surprise. I guess that it could have been much worse had I not lost the weight. Maybe I would have been diagnosed sooner and/or it could have been much worse. I guess I better do better with exercising and really watch my diet closely. I'm just a little upset by it! I was hoping I would avoid these issues! Anybody else have this happen?

I just thought I would point out that on this board in the large thread there are 2 posters reporting infections. I wanted to point out how to show how much something can be blown out of proportion when the above poster mentions "reading about all the complications"! All those pages and posts and only 2 people reporting their actual experience. Sure makes it look like a lot more...doesn't it? When considering the number of surgeries done at by that doctor at that facility, that is to be expected from time to time. It's unfortunate how some use this scare tactic to encourage others to "go with their doc" for the referral fee. And before anyone accuses me of calling anyone a fake, I'm not talking about the posters; I'm talking about those posing as happy patients and all the PM's going on behind the scenes! I wish you a safe and successful surgery no matter who your surgeon is!!!

It is discussed ONLY by the same people discussing it here! Look carefully. It may appear that there are postings by "many" people. Actually there are many postings by the same people! I know your surgeon. He has a very good reputation, but he, like all the rest of the bariatric surgeons, have had complications too!

OMG! I'm so sorry to hear this! I hate it when insurance companies resort to a play on words, like in this case, to deny a claim! It's just NOT fair! Hang in there jsm, it WILL happen for you!

Keep the faith! Just want to point out that it's a good sign that your doctor is supportive. Hopefully he will go to bat for you and do a peer to peer for you! Keeping my fingers crossed!

JSM, Your appeal date may not be out the window! Try to appeal the decision NOW! Write a letter and send it overnight mail (with a return receipt) stating your reasons. Quote their own statement of "performed either as a stand-alone restrictive procedure, OR as a first stage procedure of a planned biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch for patients with a BMI exceeding 50" It is possible to get a decision within a few days. Mention in your letter that you have a surgery date scheduled. It's worth a try!

If you live near or will be in the Sacramento, CA area, your are invited to a Free Seminar! Weight Loss Success is Obtainable! Meet us in person and find out about the affordable option of Medical Tourism. No Insurance? Under Insured? Mexico is the Answer! FREE SEMINAR: Thursday October 1st @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Marriott Courtyard Sacramento, Airport Natomas 2101 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833 Call 877-765-THIN (8446) or 916-683-2808 www.aLighterMe.com www.Marriott.com/sacch

Dr. Alvarez is the sleeve pioneer in Mexico. He has done more sleeves than any other Mexican surgeon to date. Sandy Johnston Patient Care Coordinator aLighterMe.com MexicoWeightLossSurgery.com Sandy@aLighterMe.com 877-765-THIN (8446)

Now that this thread has been unlocked I would like to respond to the above post. It may be your opinion that the Allergan Lap Band is the worst band on the market, however many surgeons disagree. I believe that ?your surgeon? also offers the Allergan band. The fact is that only the Allergan band and the Johnson and Johnson bands are FDA approved. We only offer those 2 bands to patients residing in the U.S. Nobody, to my knowledge has ever claimed that Dr. Almanza has never had a complication. If any surgeon claims never to have ever had a complication, they are either very, very inexperienced or they are lying. And every surgeon that has done more than 300 or 400 bypasses and sleeves has had at least 1 leak. If they claim not, they are lying also! You cannot and have NEVER provided ANY documentation to prove or support ANY of your claims. The facility is certified in Mexico is a hospital. I never said it was certified in the U.S. The facility that ?your surgeon? uses has not been certified in the U.S. either. I posted the facilities certification document. It is not a ?small older home that was converted? as you claim. It is a new building. I don?t know where you?re getting your information. Or should I say your propaganda! It does have emergency equipment and ICU equipment. It does not have a blood bank, however there is access to blood that can be acquired within minutes (the same amount of time it would take to order the blood from a hospital department and have it brought up to the OR). Please do not post incorrect information that you know to be untrue. You are not helping anyone that is researching their surgery options. You are only manipulating and trying to make people believe that you are some kind of expert with inside information, yet you claim not to be working with any doctor. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, however most people are responsible enough to at least have something to base their opinion on. You simply state your opinion as fact without even the slightest bit of evidence to back it up. Everyone should do their own research mainly by corresponding with people that have had FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE rather than listen to those that post hearsay and opinions with no basis. I wish everyone the very best in their weight loss journey!

Elizabeth, Let?s not pretend that you and I don't know what has been going on, what has been said and how people have been treated. I have my own opinions as to how an administrator should conduct herself on a support forum. As you well know, I have previously PM'ed you and some of the others with regards to how people have been treated and incorrect information that has been posted. I have already spoken with Alex, at great length; I suggest you do the same. Until then, if you want to say anything further to me, I suggest you take it to PM so others on this board don't have to be a part of this nonsense and can get on with support and sharing. I will continue to share documentation to support information that I believe is important and refute untruths that have been posted, but I will not engage in a ridiculous juvenile battle with you on a public forum. If you truly want to say something to me or ask me anything, you would have already done so the last time we PM'ed. As I have stated to you in the past, you don't have to believe anything I or anyone says, however I find it strange that you refuse to look at actual documentation. If you are ready to correspond now, I will be happy to speak to you via telephone or PM. Thank you, Sandy Johnston www.MexicoWeightLossSurgery.com sandy@aLighterMe.com 800-935-6710 626-737-8711

Norma, I appreciate your point and your opinion. No one says you have to believe a word I say. That is completely up to you. You are correct that this was my first post on this board. This topic has been rehashed over and over again on lap band talk. I cross posted here because this board is a spin off to that board and is moderated, owned and administrated by the same people and there has been far too much inaccurate information disseminated. In defense of myself, I will however state that at least I tell people who I am. MANY times people on the internet are not who they say they are. There is no way to tell if ANYONE is truly who they say they are on the internet. I am a coordinator and also a weight loss surgery patient. If you are the least bit interested in my personal weight loss journey story, you can find it on the lap band talk board. I am sorry for the confusion and I do wish everyone the best in their own journey. Sandy Johnston Patient Care Coordinator 800-935-6710 626-737-8711 www.MexicoWeightLossSurgery.com

I would like to make yet another attempt to clear up the incorrect information that has been posted on this and the lap band talk board. There have been many outlandish statements made with absolutely not an ounce of truth nor documentation to show any possibility that these accusations could be possible. Statements were made the Dr. Andres Betancourt was arrested and/or convicted of insurance fraud. He was NOT. This is completely untrue. Below is the article showing the event that was mentioned and the doctors that were involved. There is no mention of Dr. Betancourt in this link. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20030410-9999_1m10fraud.html Statements were made that Dr. Betancourt had is license revoked. This is completely untrue. Here is a copy of his current, valid license. I have heard that there is another doctor with the name Betancourt that resides and was licensed in California that had his licensed revoked. Dr. Betancourt of Emmanuel Medical was NEVER licensed in California. He is only licensed in Mexico. At best, this is a case of mistaken identity. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/attachments/f11/17218d1247096452-mylapbandsurgery-com-betancourt-medical-center-emmanuel-certification.jpg There have been claims that Dr. Almanza doesn?t use the Allergan band. Here is his Allergan certification. Statements were made that the hospital (Emmanuel Medical Center) is unlicensed. This is untrue. Here is a copy of that license. Some have speculated the reason for the name change of the facility from Betancourt Medical to Emmanuel Medical Center. Again, someone?s opinion based on nothing! By the way, you can also find this and all of these, Dr. Almanza?s and other credentials on the website of www.MexicoWeightLossSurgery.com. The documents can be viewed by anyone at any time. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/attachments/f11/17219d1247096812-mylapbandsurgery-com-betancourt-medical-center-betancourt-license.pdf Emmanuel medical center has never had a case of MERSA either. All staff on duty is licensed and available. Patients are not left to ?recover? alone in a hotel room. Just like all the other doctors, patients are released to finish their recovery after spending the proper time in the hospital (up to 12 hours for lap band, 2 ? 3 days for sleeve gastrectomy and 3 days for bypass). Unlike some other surgeons, Dr. Almanza has an emergency plan in place for any emergency that may arise. A statement was made that a patient fell off the operating table during surgery. That is impossible as patients are strapped down during surgery. Even if the table were to be turned upside down, a person couldn?t fall off! Statements were made that Dr. Almanza has had many deaths and complications. Who, where, when? Dr. Almanza and Emmanuel Medical Center have not had any deaths. Yes, there have been an acceptable number of complications. All surgery comes with risk. It was stated that ?there have been many deaths and complications?, then it was stated ?They claim no complications?. Which is it? I guess we are damned if we do and damned if we don?t. Do you know how many complications and deaths other surgeons have had? You would be surprised at who and how many! The people making these statements have been asked time and again to post documentation or proof of their claims. They NEVER have, because it doesn?t exist. It has also been claimed that certain persons were ?Asked by Alex? (the owner of this board) to post information to let people know how to choose surgeons and/or educate them in some way. Alex has claimed to me that he has NEVER asked anyone to post anything. There has been much reference to ?Many horror stories?. Where are they? Where are the patients that actually had it happen? All we see here are references to, ?I heard, someone said, I talked to someone that had a complication, someone told me?, etc. For someone that has been in this business for about 14 years, you would think there would be lots of documentation if this were true. Every time a post operative patient of Dr. Almanza posts on this board about the positive experience they had, they are accused of being a ?paid poster? they are made fun of and usually, eventually banned from this board. You have tried to justify this by claiming that someone admitted to being a paid poster for Dr. Almanza. Who? Why has this person not made an admission herself on this board? Because this also is untrue! I realize that there is much competition in this business and that others are losing money because our business is able to offer high quality care and safety at a very affordable price. It?s a shame that the only way others have found to compete is to try to discredit our business. It has been said that it is impossible to offer such low prices without cutting corners. The peso has gone down (a lot!), the economy is struggling, causing reduced profits, together with the fact that this company owns its own facility and is a medical supply company which buys in very large quantities at a lesser price and in fact supplies other facilities. All this allows us to offer very competitive pricing. What is truly sad is that many people need weight loss surgery, struggle to afford it and are suffering. Unfortunately, they have people like some on this board try to scare them by making untrue accusations based on nothing, all in an attempt to sway people to pay more to another doctor where, I believe, they are receiving a referral fee. I base this statement on MY educated opinion that no one would spend as much time, as some here are doing, making it their mission to discredit some doctors and promote others unless they were getting something out of it. Who has that kind of time? I have made numerous attempts and offers to speak with people that have made these wild statements to find out why they are doing this, and have offered to provide the proof that the statements are untrue. No one has agreed to talk to me. I can only conclude that they have another agenda. I will no longer sit back and allow this untrue, libelous information be posted unchallenged. If you?re going to post something as fact, also post documentation to substantiate your claim or state it as what it is?an opinion with no fact basis! If anyone reading this would like to ask me any questions, you are welcome to contact me at any time toll free at 800-935-6710, direct at 916-647-9501 or you can email me at Sandy@aLighterMe.com Sandy Johnston MexicoWeightLossSurgery.com 800-935-6710