I had gastric sleeve surgery in Puerto Vallarta on December 12, 2013 with Dr. Lopez and his team. I would highly recommend surgery with Dr. Lopez.
Prior to arriving in Mexico I had a patient coordinator who very quickly responded to all my questions. Once I arrived in PV, one of the doctors picked me up and drove me to the hotel. The hotel was very nice and right on the beach.
The next morning I met the surgery coordinator, the anesthesiologist, Dr. Lopez and a second surgeon. They answered all my questions. The hospital was the cleanest, most modern hospital I've ever been in. I live in Toronto and have a very high standard of health care. A team of nurses did my pre op tests. There was a little bit of a language barrier but we got through it.
Once my tests were okay I was brought into surgery. When I woke up I was in a lot of pain. This is my 4th abdominal surgery and this was the worst time waking up. I was a revision from lap band to sleeve so I'm sure the scar tissue caused some of the pain. That night I had a steady stream of nurses taking care of me. I got up to walk a little at a time that night. The next day I was also in a lot of pain. According to Dr Lopez, Canadians and Americans rely too much on pain meds and not enough on healing through walking. He encouraged walking as much as I could. I did insist on an extra pain shot the second day as the pain really was unbearable. One of the doctors drove me back to the hotel early in the afternoon on the second day.
The hotel had a quiet area where I could do my walking, which I tried to do 4 times a day. By the second night I was a different person. I really improved dramatically. The doctors called me regularly and dropped by to check on me in the hotel that night. They said I was doing great and they removed my drainage tube. The next 3 days I spent walking, napping and then repeat. Everyday the pain got better. I had no appetite but was sure to drink Water all day.
I would recommend bringing some packaged broth and Gatorade with you as there is no broth available and the drinks at the hotel were pricy. My mom ate at a number of the restaurants and enjoyed them if you're bringing a companion.
I flew home 5 days after surgery. It took 14 hours and wiped me out but I made it. Definitely wear something comfortable. I wore yoga pants and a sweater.
My post op diet was 1 week Clear Liquids, 1 week full liquids and then 2 weeks soft foods. I'm almost at the end of soft foods. I've had chicken breast, fish, pork tenderloin, well cooked vegetables, beef, eggs and cheese with no issue as long as I chew very well and eat slow. I threw up twice, once I ate while on the phone and ate too fast and once I ate beef that was very spicy. Otherwise I'm doing great. I have no issue getting my water or meds in. I don't have much of an appetite but try to eat a few times a day in order to get my Protein in.
All in all I had a great experience with Dr Lopez and his team and would recommend them. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Kelly
when i asked what i was getting they did not respond and when i pushed for info they got upset with me i speak a bit medical spanish so i pursued my questions. i would only suggest going if one has a medical background (to jer clinic) anyway hope all is well for everyone
I was self pay and 3 weeks post op complications began. I have an individual plan thru bcbs (bought directly thru their website). It didn't cover WLS but has covered all my complications... about 3 months in the hosp, 3 ICU stays... 3 more surgeries including a sleeve to bypass (reconstruction). My plan was a temp plan that expired while I was in icu the first time... luckily a friend found a claus that said if it expires while ur in the hosp you get a 90 day ext. If you don't have insurance look into a temp plan to cover you for at least the first 3 months. I would have over a million dollars in medical bills I'd I didn't have mine!
i had my sleeve in mexico7-24-12 home and 10 days later or so severe complications (7 weeks in the hospital and still wit a j tube (feeding tube). i have kaiser - live 30 minutes north of the golden gate bridge...KAISER WAS EXCELLENT! MULTIPLE ambulance transports, surgeries, home health care - i paid zero! i am sure laws differ state to state, but if you are an emergent patient, it is illegal to deny care. good luck with your decision. even with problem, i am standing here smiling happy with my choices!!!
