ctsleeve

Hi revisioners! I am paying for revisional band to sleeve surgery. I have seen both Marina Kurian at NYU and researched/talked with patients and coordinator of Alberto Aceves in Mexicali. I got my band in Jan 2010, lost 60 pounds, had ongoing problems with maintaining a reasonable restriction, gained 30 back, etc. Basically I'm trying to decide between the general surgical excellence and proximity of Kurian and NYU and the (as far as I have heard) vast experience and excellence of Aceves but significant distance if I have a problem/complication. I need to decide by Monday morning. If you have any thoughts and can weigh in, I would so appreciate any input. Assume money is not the most important factor here. Biggest questions: Does experience with 200 vs 20 conversions make a big difference when both surgeons have extensive experience with bands and sleeves? How critical is in-person follow-up care with sleeve? Is there a big difference in weight lost between Kurian's and Aceves' patients? Is there anything else I should be considering in this decision? Here's my pro/con list: MARINA KURIAN/NYU Pros: * 40 minutes from home. * Experienced, well-respected US surgeon. A known entity. * Will perform this surgery herself * Has done thousands of bands, close to 150 sleeves, but so far just 20 band to sleeve conversions * Follow up will be easier/ * Two nights in hospital * Kurian does two leak tests before discharge - one in OR, one with esophagram day after surgery. Cons: * Less experience with conversions * Fewer outcomes to compare * Cost is three times same procedure in Mexico with one less night in hospital and no guarantees that costs won't be higher * Lots of hoops to jump through ahead of time. ALBERTO ACEVES/MEXICO Pros: * Well-regarded surgeon, member of ACS and ASMBS * Tons of experience with this surgery - almost 200 band to sleeve revisions, 1800 sleeves and 2500 lap bands. * Performs all surgeries himself. * Everything included in price; if I need an extra night in the hospital, no problem, no extra charge * Three leak tests before discharge * Kurian says she doesn't know Aceves but knows some of the Mexican surgeons are excellent and she can certainly understand why someone would go there since NYU is being so crazy with pricing. She noted the problems with follow-up care. * Every person I've spoken with has nothing but good things to say about Aceves, the hospital, the staff, the care they received. * Price is 1/3 that of NYU Cons: * Follow-up care - would have to go back to Mexico for serious problem; otherwise, dedicated follow-up staff member to answer questions and advise * Cross-country flight home three days after surgery * Hospital is not accredited by US standards and while it seems clean, no idea about infection rates, surgical complications etc.

Thanks so much for your input, Chinamama. Your point of view is enormously helpful! I'm glad you're feeling better now. Best of luck on your journey, I hope the hard part and medical issues are long behind you now.