gundern2015

Good luck. Can't wait to hear how it goes!! Very exciting

Amazing actually.thanks for asking.

I think Rocky1 is stating the medical preparedness concerns that he has which hr is qualified and thank god has a right to share with those who are not a PHD and familiar with hospital systems and level of preparedness. I agree that being completely informed on the ICU dept etc and if it functions 24/7 and how it is equipped for emergencies and if there is a department specialist on staff and equipment available at a moments notice for any given complication and that the surgeon is highly qualified and limits surgeries each day to under 5. Just my opinion and what we expect from this type of forum - different opinions and the ability to help others understand different perspectives. Rocky1 has related knowledge and is willing to share his, and I believe out of concern to help others make the most informed decision we can make.

Yes, still injecting Fragmin. Amazing that I can do that but the needle that is called subcutateous (sp) seems to be smaller then my pores are so I barely feel it and I have always been panicky around needles so this was a huge relief. I requested no morphine since it makes me feel worse than any kind of pain and nauseous so they gave me the alternative plus anti-nausea medication. If I needed sleep medication they gave that to me as well but that was the only bad part because it was in the form of a crushed pill. They explained something about counteracting with other medications. They didn't seem as keen on giving sleep aids and wouldn't recommend any prescription forms of that. Yes, I got my own spirometer but didn't use it enough . I am not sure about the other medications you mentioned. I'm not familiar with the standard surgical protocol. Dr Lukas, the tall surgeon on the far right of the photo offers a huge amount of his time to questions and concerns. He is very patient and would be the best source for some of the technical questions. Thanks for your well wishes!

Cost is always part of the decision making process depending on max budget. But I think the point was the difference between $4500 and $6500 one needs to be sure they weight the factors of total safety at every Level and potential complication against the $2000 difference. No, not everyone has another $2000 but is the lower cost equipped to save your life at any given moment on any given part of your body and organ within minutes with state of art equipment 24/7. Also... if the quality at $6500 is the same or better then those charging $15000 - $23000 that's pretty much a no brainer, and further a $2000 difference verses a $12000 difference is...well...not in the same ballpark to compare...

If the alleged statements are even true, that's a .0002% complication rate when the overall complication rate across the board is 1% I think..or is it 2% depending on laparoscopic procedure? Then his complication rate is a huge anomaly and highly unlikely in the best possible way, given the actual rates of complication that occur today. If I knew that beforehand, I would feel even more confident with my choice in Dr Corvala. I think that is comparable to saying only one person died at Hospital X in 2014. That hospital had 10,000 patients in 2014. Wow, that would be some accomplishment, almost impossible. Not in this field and only IMHO. No need to attack

Thank you! It has been a great experience, I just returned home today and have to say I am even more pleased than expected. Not just in the surgeon Dr Corvall, although IMHO he is one of the best, and sweetest too, but equally important is the pre-op and post-op care and those who administer it, which can greatly reduce the potential post-surgery complications. The nursing staff and managing doctors and co-surgeons that check up, evaluate, and pass down orders to the nursing staff who carry out the processes superbly to improve recovery time and outcome. I loved the nurses! David, Roberto, Esmerlada and so many others. But they really take you in and make sure you are well, comfortable and have everything you need to recuperate perfectly. I have never felt that well cared for in any US hospital and I have been in many coast to coast. Here are a bunch of pictures of my experience with Dr Corvala and Angeles Hospital in TJ. Truly a world class, state of the art facility with top surgeons, staff and protocol .... the icing is the spa like atmosphere Pictures: http://www.bariatric...19th/?p=3761436 and more pictures: http://www.bariatric...19th/?p=3762637

Picture links I took at Angeles, of Dr Corvala and staff etc... Rocky1 helped me greatly to make my decision. What he has said above was the main reason for me with Dr Corvala at Angeles. Are they capable of handling the "what-ifs" that do occur, and being so far from home, they must be able to and do it well. I just returned home today and have to say I am even more pleased than expected. But its not just the surgeon, although IMHO he is one of the best, and sweetest too, but equally important is the pre-op and post-op care and those who administer it, which can greatly reduce the potential post-surgery complications. The nursing staff and managing doctors and co-surgeons that check up, evaluate, and pass down orders to the nursing staff who carry out the processes superbly to improve recovery time and outcome. I loved the nurses! David, Roberto, Esmerlada and so many others. But they really take you in and make sure you are well, comfortable and have everything you need to recuperate perfectly. I have never felt that well cared for in any US hospital and I have been in many coast to coast. Here are a bunch of pictures of my experience with Dr Corvala and Angeles Hospital in TJ. Truly a world class, state of the art facility with top surgeons, staff and protocol .... the icing is the spa like atmosphere Pictures: http://www.bariatric...19th/?p=3761436 and more pictures: http://www.bariatric...19th/?p=3762637

Here are a bunch of pictures of my experience with Dr Corvala and Angeles Hospital in TJ. Amazing experience. I couldn't more pleased. World class, state of the art facility with top surgeons, staff and protocol and the icing is the spa like atmosphere http://www.bariatric...19th/?p=3761436 and more pictures: http://www.bariatric...19th/?p=3762637

Here are a bunch of pictures of my experience with Dr Corvala and Angeles Hospital in TJ. Amazing experience. I couldn't more pleased. World class, state of the art facility with top surgeons, staff and protocol and the icing is the spa like atmosphere http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/332074-anyone-at-angeles-tj-or-with-dr-corvala-onaround-feb-19th/?p=3761436 and more pictures: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/332074-anyone-at-angeles-tj-or-with-dr-corvala-onaround-feb-19th/?p=3762637

This thread has a some details and pictures of Angeles Dr Corvala. My surgery was the 19th: http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/332074-Anyone-at-Angeles-TJ-or-with-Dr-Corvala-on/around-Feb-19th?

Dr Corvala and surgeons, Dr Janine Nutritionist, transport mini van

Gas x strips didn't work for me. Just got xrays and all is well. I am on the terrace at the restaurant now. The pharmacy is also here on premises. Here are some pictures

I met dr Luke on his team. His name I think was janine Luke. I had Dr Vibreel for anethesiologist and Dr Corvala did a great job very little pain at all accept gas and seems to have done an excellent job not only in surgery but in pre-op and post-op care through the entire medical staff. Diligent about monitoring blood pressure temp IVs. They are waiting until 48 hrs to Xray for leaks so tonight at 5pm. I've been to quite a few hospitals from east to west coast and I would say the management and care is equal if not greater.big have always felt a lot of pain in my I've catheter but not this one. Even the way they secure it is better then I've experienced. There are about 6 nuses and managing floor doctors each day. The only challenge was one time a nurse changing my fluids didn't speak any English and I asked her to send in someone that did since she was adding a new painkiller and I didn't want anymore especially if no nausea medicine.they had an interpreter here yesterday as well. I know some Spanish and most nurses and staff know english. Equal care if not better. You are in the field and will know this at a more technical level. If they are doing anything differently it HSS gotten past me. The good difference is the staff us friendlier and more patient

Had surgery 30 hours ago and couldn't be more pleased with my experience air Dr Corvala nurse staff. Angeles is truly a full-all encompassing hospital that feels like a spa/resort . The resort part is not critical but makes recupersting a whole lot more comfortable especially having medical staff at the same time, private roims and lxurious bathrooms abd showers stocked with welcome bag filled with comforting products. I will probably be getting dental work while here as well. Every dept. Has state if the art equipment an doctors . I had a lot of gas pain after surgery but that is normal . Im so glass that is almost gone. Therapist comes in and checks on your well-being and message therapist too! I gave him a tip, he came back a few times that day . I get to stay another 3 days. After the gas resolved itself (lots of walking) I haven't had this much rest in 25 years.

I am feeling well. Yesterday wasn't easy the day after surgery. I was one of the lucky few that got bad gas pains. The others on my floor didn't have a hard time with that. This place is incredible. Angeles is a full all encompassing hospital that feels like a spa. I have lots of pics and will write a journal with them. Great nurse staff, doctors and care all around. I might even get my teeth done while here...need a bunch of work..any questions just ask.

Thanks Rocky1!

Best of luck to you two!! I'll be flying out tomorrow and found someone else flying out to Dr Corvala from the Southeast today so we'll be floor mates. Very happy and feel better knowing someone. Looking forward to keeping a journal (i hope) and sharing plus pics too. Safe travels and congratulations to us all!

Thank you! You too. Just getting ready packing phone service land last minute things for flight and post op diet so I don't have to run around when I first get back...

That sounds great and then we can keep in touch as we recover and the daily questions...etc. what is your bmi? How should I contact you?

I will be there too on Feb 19th for VSG with Dr Corvala at Angeles. I'm flying in from Georgia. What about you? When do you fly home?

I'm heading to Tijuana too on the 19th! Angeles Hospital with Dr Corvala Feb 19th for Sleeve. We are about the same BMI height and weight and I am also from Georgia but flying in from Savannah. So you're probably starting to get ready and a little nervous? What time are you getting into San Diego I arrive at 10:12 am on Feb 19th. What day are your returning. My return flight out of San Diego is Feb 23rd at 11:45 pm (red eye)

I am and flying in on the 19th for mine with Dr Corvala. I am also flying in from the east coast (Georgia). When is your flight home?

Does he send you home with pain meds, I know you can get over the counter meds there that are usually perscription here and for a fraction of the cost. It must be a lot of anticipation to wait so long for you...It must not be easy when you're so ready... I am too excited but nervous about some of the post-surgery issues like pain during return flight, blood clot fear on the flight home, but I'm taking the red-eye so hope to sleep most of the time. I hear I should wear compression stockings afterwards. I worry about nausea, constipation, and dehydration. The fear of dehydration is a big fear of mine and I know I'm going to worry about leakage ongoing...for sure. At one point I'll learn to trust that not happening. I heard of a story where a nurse went into pulmonary distress after surgery. But was just caused by dehydration. Now I know and will be extra careful,. I am not great at consistancy and drinking Water every 15 - 20 minutes will take getting used to.