Truth&Gutz

Hi...I am still in the process of finding out what I am dealing with.....I have been reading lots of medical information.....there might be some mal absorbtion of vitamins...? ie: B12,B1 etc.....the bloodtests will show more...I took a specific bloodtest called the Shilling test....tests more intricately for B12 absorbtion...I also had an MRI of my lumbar back and what yeilded was that I have some bulging discs in the lumbar are and thorasic area of the spine....perhaps, much too much working out in thhe gym?There might be several things going on at the same time.....I have been miserable with the burning pain in the feet....no sleep....I suppose that it takes time..... I will see a good neurologist and a gastroenterologist.....my surgery was fine....I already lost 121 pounds since July......I hope that you get to feel better soon....

thanks... I went to see a neurologist and had an EMG study that was normal....he took a biopy of the nerves in three areas of the leg....that information will come back in two weeks,, taking neurontin that helps a little for the neuropathy..... in lots of pain...burning feet...pins and needles.... I took an MRI yesterday....it shows that I have 4 bulging discs in the lower thorasic level and lumbar level....I will have another MRI on the upper level....perhpas, I was too intense working out in the gym??? IT also could be som mal absorbsion issues.....? I took blood tests this morning......taking oral vitamins...,,,,hope that you all are doing well......

I wish you and your dear daughter well and pray that the decision that you make is the best all around....I fully understand how you feel since one of my kid's sufffered all of the same issues....he was born large and due to many factors(medical as well as emotional) the weight krept up through the years....I found the best teaching hospital with a pediatric program( they have them) and worked with a comprehensive team approach to deal with the underlying issues(medical and emotional)...there were medical tests that yeilded problems in the pituatary and adrenal glands that helped create the weight gain........ had to change the kitchen(as a family) and eating habits....had the kid in a program that taught self worth and good eating habits....and an exercise program geared to young kids....and regular meetings with a good therapist......it was a long road .....and hard work.... going to Mexico is a gamble.....on many levels...iif you could try and find a good program that is part of a teaching hospital.....you might be able to receive funding for the help......wishing you good health and every success in your journey........i

I ams so sorry to hear of your dear child's struggles.....have you spoken to your pediatrician for advise.....? Perhaps, seeing an adolescent therapist might be of help at this juncture ? A child of 13 is still developing on every level and it would be worth checking out every other possible medical evaluation...including seeing an endocrinologist to see if there is an underlying medical problem.....? How did she gain the weight? Was it s sudden onset or did it develpop over a period of time ?Running to a so called surgeon in Mexico to have this most serious surgery done would be difficult on every level......the so called surgeons in Mexico do not have the Post Graduate training as do physicians in the USA.....should something go wrong....as they often do......there clearly is no recourse.....none ! There are plenty of fine bariatric programs geared to children that are connected to teaching hospitals.....and, often, they are funded so that you could get the assistence that you might need,,,,even in the USA....it is a long process.....it takes time......and it should....there should be clearance done by a psychiatrist,aocial worker, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist,cardiologist,primary care physician.....an adult who goes through the surgery often has some set backs.....and it is not easy......a person must be emotionally and physically ready to go into that journey.....it is not a quick fix.....I thought ot going to MExico for this procedure and after doing my due diligence.....and lots of research.....I decided to find a program in the USA with a Post Graduate trained surgeon at a teaching hospital that had ALL of the Safeguards built into the program.......I understand how hard it must be as a mom to want to help your child......I have experienced the very same issues with one of my own children.....there is help out there.....but, not in a so called 'surgeon's' office in Mexico......much too risky....and much too dangerous......there must be a teaching hospital where you reside......? Wishing your child all the best for good health.......

Have you had an MRI to see if the physician could determine what is happening ? Perhaps, then....you could get an answer? I am having severe burning in my feet and taking Neurontin.....does not help that much.....anyone else hear of this?

Having severe Burning in my feet.....especially,when laying down or sitting......doctor said it is not related to missing vitamins?Blood tests were o.k...seeing a Neurologist for an EMG study.......

YEs,taking vitamins.....and they gave me a form of neurontin....for the discomfort.....it does not help....lots of burning in my feet......will have an EMG study next week....to see if nerves are involved..?hope that this could be corrected with vitamin and mineral treatment.....surgery went very well.....

WENT TO SEE THE NEUROLOGIST AND AWAITING THE RESULTS OF THE BLOOD TESTS.....WILL HAVE AN EMG NEXT WEEK,,,,,,SO AWFUL....TAKING VITAMINS.....?ANYONE EVER HAD THIS?THE SURGERY WAS FINE......

The pain is sooooo awful...and a severe Burning feeling....like hot rocks in my feet,,,,,,,,I also have gout but, the feeling and sensation is different....perhaps,, a vitamin issue ....?

The doctor has taken lots of blood tests ....hope to get the results this week,,,,,,,

hi ..... I had my surgery with Dr. Daniel Herron at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC in July....already lost 120 pounds......have to adjust to the new eating plan.....I have felt great post surgery that was very successful.......however, I may not be getting enough nutients ......and now feel a buring sensation at the bottom of my feet......?trying to figure it out with the help of a neurologist.....?and will have to see someone to change my diet and add more nutricious foods......I also went to the gym....hired a trainer and miight have done something to my back...? Has anyone every felt sever burning in the feet ? Thanks...

You can research these surgeons on the website called: Healthgrades Another way is to call your state s medical licensing bureau to see if they ever had any issues...? (i.e. medical malpractice ?,etc..... you could ask to speak with former and present patients to see how everything went for them.....?All the best....for good health....

Oh My ! Wishing you both good health and recovery soon.......have you consulted with another bariatric surgeon ? You will get better--it just takes a little time....... has anyone ever felt pain and pins and needles at the bottom of the feet ? all the best........always....

So Sorry that you were hoodwinked out of the $700 dollars..... You do have recourse here in the USA...... the BBB is not a reliable place ....often those scores are bought....you could file something them if you choose to... a better wasy would be to contact the Administrator of the Bariatri Center and have them send you a letter in writing as to WHY you paid the $700 fee.....atleast you will develop a paper trail.....then, you call your state Baniking and Insurance Dept.(all states have them-listed on google) Get the name and address and phone number....first call-get the name of the person and then direct a letter explaining the situtuation....hopefully, you woul have received the letter from the bariatric center to include in a written complaint.....they will investigate and find out if other complaints were filed..... go to Heathgrades and find out how their physicians have been rated......? i,e. law suits filed ? complaints ? Then, call your state's Dept of Education that licenses physicians and medical facilities to see if any complaints were filed......you never know....others could have had the same issue...I know that it takes some time....but, worth it.....you never know...? They just might return your $700 to you..... When I decided to have the VSG.....I mistakenly was taken in by the glitz of Dr. Alvarez's website,etc...and some postings from people who used him....I spoke to his 'coordinator' and sent in my one thousand dollars...( alot of money for me),bought a plane ticket...also expensive...never had any of the money returned....I then did my do diligence[in many different ways that I am unable to discuss here] and discovered that I made a huge mistake..,,I called to see if my deposit could be returned since my physician said that I had an issue with a bleeding disorder and had to wait...the 'coordinator' refused to return the funds,,I lost the plane fare as well...I suppose a small price to pay for a potential disaster to my health...I discovered that the 'coordinator' keeps her fee of one thousand dollars(like a finders fee and the cash paid to the 'surgeon' is kept by him.....they will not take credit cards or personal checks....?I wonder ????Mmmmm? I have family in Mexico City(a famous person in the coutry) and discussed my decision and was told...to rethink and not to go there....I looked at the resume of the 'surgeon' and discovered that yes, there was medical school and training in Mexico however,No Post Graduate training in bariatrics....only lots of certificates for seminars lasting from 3 to 5 days duration in a variety of places in MX, in the USA and in Europe....physicans must take CME's Continuing Medical Education training to keep their medical licenses....the places listed were at lovely vacation spots.... paid a fee for the seminars and received certificates.....to me..lots of padding... for the non medical trained person....it looks impressive....that, is clearly NOT an accredited Post Graduate Fellowship that takes two to three years and more....and, there is no recourse in a foreign country as there is here in the USA....once a person is left on US soil after the surgery.....what then ? Do one return to Mexico to have it addressed ?There were other important issues that I became aware of and I decided that I would try and find the best medical facility here in the USA....that is a regulated hospital with surgeons that have the Post Graduate training and a huge success rate without complications...... It took me awhile......and I found several fine hospital based settings with fine surgeons......and a good presurgery program...I saw a primary care physician once per month, had a pre surgical diet, a pul,omologist, a cardiologist,a gastroenterologist who did both an endoscopy and colonoscopy, a psychiatrist,an anesthesiologist and the Surgeon and his support team.....oh, and a nutritionist.......the post op period takes some getting used to....and adjustment however, it can be done.....I hope and pray that all goes well with all of you......and whatever surgeon that you choose.....the VSG is clearly life changing.....and successful.....wishing you good health and every success in your journey......all the very best......

wishing you all every success in your journey.....Caveate Emptor or Buyer Beware ! As i mentioned...I had my plane ticket paid for and also sent in my one thousand dollar deposit to Dr. Alvarez's 'coordinator' ..after my personal physican stated that I was not able to have the VSG at that moment in time....due to a bleeding issue....the coordinator and Dr. Alvarez Refused to return my deposit...I also lost the air fare money....for me...alot of money....! My feeling is that that is no way to run a 'medical practice'...should I have gone ahead with the surgery in Mexico....there could have been a serious medical disaster....mind you...with no recourse....at all....! I also researched his medical training ,etc. It is important to Look closely at his training.... going to a a weekend course sponsored by a medical society to earn CME's in a lovely hotel....to me,,,,clearly, is NOT postgraduate training....for a surgeon who does Bariatric surgery it is important to have atleast a three year Fellowship....plus! I ddid my due diligence...it took a long time...and decided to go the more traditional route...for safety reasons...... ..it took 9 months of seeing many physicans who did lots of testing....to prepare for the VSG...in a regulated hospital setting......I am glad that went that route....i hope and pray that all goes well with whatever surgeon that you choose.....post op is not a picnic...it takes time to adjust.....all the very best for much success for Good health to all....

I wish you well in your journey... I was going to go to Dr. Alvarez and even sent in my deposit( that was never returned and kept by his 'coordinator')for me, a loss of one thousand dollars is alot of money....after doing my extensive research.....I decided NOT to go to that 'surgeon'...he does not have the extensive medical post graduate training and I was concerned about the safety factors as well.....I found a wonderful team and surgeon in New York City....it took 9 months to prepare...had to see a variety of physicans in several disciplines......the surgery was successful...no complications....and a weight loss of 112 pounds since July.... be careful.... do your research....ask physicans here in the USA what their thoughts were about leaving the USA for any surgical procedure.....?in the end...the cost might just be too much....in potential medical issues....that could not be addressed should a person go to another country.....there is no recourse on any level.....all the best...to you for good health and every success.....

you could go and search Healthgrades a good website for physicians....

Hi,,,,so nice to hear from you,,,,, I hope that you get to feel so much better soon...... so very sorry that you had a terrible experience with Dr. Ortiz....I looked him up and yes, his ads seem like they sell......I almost made a terrible mistake by going to a Dr. G. Alvarez in Piedras Negras,Mx...I had the sugical date and sent in the required $1,000 dollars to his ;coordinator'....they refused to return the funds to me after explaining that my personal doctor said that I had a bleeding disorder and could not got forward with the surgery at that time....they refused to return the money and kept it.....clearly, not the way to run a medical practice...I also lost the money from the air fare,,,,my feeling is that people who are dealing with these weight issues already are struggling.... and it was upsetting since financially , I was struggling.....that 'surgeon; also has a glitzy website...and self promoting..... after doing my research,I discovered that that surgeon did not have the qualifications that were important to me...and did not have the post graduate training that was necessary......I found a wonderful team in New York City......it took 9 months to prepare....and visit many doctors in a variety of disciplines to get clearance.....prior to the VSG..... at this point, I am trying to adjust to the eating....to make sure that I get enough protein and liquids....there are strips that melt in your mouth that helps with the acid issue..... did you have issues upon your return to the USA? Did you have to see a specialist ? I hope that you get to feel better each and every day.....stay well and stay intouch....all the best......

the surgeon that I used is at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC...... Dr. Daniel Herron.......I was in a pre surgery program for 9 months prior to the surgery....I had to see many physicians for testing so that I could get clearance for the procedure.....

Hi......how are you feeling ? It sounds as if you had a difficult time ? What happened ? How were able to choose that surgeon ? I was going to go to Mexico and I changed my mind at the last minute...glad that I was able to find a surgeon in New York City......presently, I have lost 112 pounds since July....I am eating a little at a time....and now go to the gym....let me know how you are doing ? All the best......

Hope that you get to feel better soon.......who was the surgeon who operated on you in Mexico ?

I hope that you are doing well..... perhaps, you could call a variety of hospitals and see if they have support groups...they are usually on a sliding scale of free..... I live in NJ(near the GW Bridge)...and I am thinking about moving to Arizona.... sounds like a lovely place to be...... wishing you all the best...in good health....

Have you gone to other surgeons who do the VSG ? Perhaps, go for a second opinion ? There are many fine Bariatric surgeons.... I did my research and interviewed three surgeons in Manhatten...who practice at three distinctly different teaching hospitals..... 1:) Columbia Presbytarian Hospital 2:)NYU -Longone Medical Center and 3:) Mount Sinai Hospital and MEdical Center . I chose Mount Sinai Hospital since the surgeon had a program-it took me approx. 9 months to see different physicians in different disciplines... and also meet with the primary care doctor once per month.....I hope that this helps in some small way.....wishing you every success in your journey.....and good health....

There is a website called : Healthgrades and you could reveiw any physician in the USA......and look at their track record.....I checked out the surgeon that I used...he is at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhatten.....should you find a surgeon that you like....you could also ask him for former patients as a reference...... and depending where you choose your surgeon...you couls also follow up with the state dept of licensing.....for reviews..... all the best..

Are you looking to have surgery? I had my VSG at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhatten with Dr. Daniel Herron who is wonderful...