mistyone

I am also looking for a good value in Mexico.

I've read lots of posts and feel that I've done a decent job of understanding the risks but I'm comfortable with the decision to have the procedure done in Mexico so what I'm asking for is a balanced recommendation. I'm not necessarily looking for the "cheapest" price but I am looking for experienced doctors available at the best price.

The doctor's office I'm currently the most likely to use is in Mexicali and they quoted $7,900. Since there appears to be a lot of competition for these types of surgery (I understand that some of those bargain prices come from inexperienced doctors), I'm just asking if anyone else has paid considerably less but is just as happy with the whole experience as if they'd paid thousands more... If you're only a couple hundred less I'll probably still go with this well respected doc but in the off-chance that I haven't discovered the best value, I figure that I might as well pse the question.

If you don't want to post the cost for your procedure on the open forum please PM me the info.

Thanks in advance! :tongue_smilie:

By the way, I live in San Diego which is next-door to Tijuana so that would be my first choice to find a good alternative.

I went to Dr. Valencia and was very happy! His price is around $8,000. Not the cheapest, but I think he is the best! Very experienced and he was a professor of bariatrics at UCLA.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a doctor in Mexico? Please - I am trying to do my research. I just feel so lost.

Thanks!!:thumbs_up:

I went to Dr. Valencia in Tijuana. I had a great experience and would recommend him to anyone. He operates in Hospital Angeles which was very nice. He is not the cheapest, but is the best in my opinion! He was a professor of bariatric surgery at UCLA. I picked him because he has the best credentials of any surgeon I found in Mexico.

I hope this helps. Keep us posted!

I think the Unjury shakes are really good. You have to buy them online at unjury.com They also have chicken broth.< /p>

Don't want to get involved in the fighting. I'll just say if you want to know more about my experience with my surgeon, you can pm me.

Everyone seems to get these stalls at one time or another. I get really depressed too but if I hang in there my weight loss always startes up again. I just have to fight that feeling of, "I might as well eat some junk since I'm not losing anyway" mentality!

I used 2 of my credit cards. Now I'm in debt AGAIN! Bad girl, bad girl!!!!!!

well MISTY...thanks for the info....but NOW....does anyone who is NOT A PATIENT COORDINATOR have info on a sleeve dr.?

I don't like being given the info by someone posing as a patient but is pushing their doctor in every post on this board. Is your name Sandy by chance?

Huh? You asked and I answered. Not all lapband doctors do sleeves. Mine does so I answered you. Use another surgeon if you want. It doesn't make any difference to me!

I am now considering the sleeve instead of the band. I am worried about all the f/u required with the band, & was wondering if anyone knows of any surgeons who do this surgery in the US or Mexico?

My surgeon does sleeves. There is also another surgeon on the website that does them in the U.S. alighterme .com

Hi thanks for your responses .

I don't know who to pick I am so confused. Who are the best choices?

Thanks again for any help. Getting close to scheduling.

Thanks Queenie.:wink2:

It can be very confusing! I can tell you what I did. I looked for the best credentials, and looked at the hospitals, then called and talked to the surgeons. When you talk to the surgeon ask lots of questions and find out what kind of plan they have in case of emergencies. Make sure they are equipped to handle what ever comes up. As it turned out, I had a great experience and a great surgeon. Good luck to you!

I just had surgery with Dr. Valencia. I also had surgery with one of those clinics that had an unbelievable price and so regret it. Dr. Valencia was straight forth and said he may or may not be able to do my surgery not, sure send me your money and we will do it then try to do it and can't. I was impressed with his whole team and how professional and caring they are. It has been several months since my surgery and he still calls and emails to check up on me. Also when I had complications he communicated to the doctor here in America. With having had surgery and bad experiences with another Mexican doctor I was taken aback at how well my experience was with Dr. Valencia.

I agree with you. Dr. Valencia and his team are awesome!

Hi To All Im Considering Dr. Corvala In Tijuana... Any One Have Their Surgery Done With Him?

I Too Am Very Stresed Over Chosing A Good Doc. That Is Honest.

You're right, looking is stressful! I was very happy with my surgeon. He is affiliated with UCLA which made me feel good about my decision. The hosptial was very modern, new and they took very good care of me. You can pm me if you want to ask me any questions.

Allison, I recently had to have mine removed (along with 1/2 my stomach) because the doctors at the hospital were too unfamiliar with the lapband to take my fill out.

The surgeon who took the lapband (and my stomach out) was the only one who was smart enough to remove the fill before I got worse. By then though, the damage was done. I will PM you with his contact information. He is in Alpharetta and works out of North Fulton Regional.

I'm so sorry to hear that you had such a hard time. What were the complications you had and why did they have to remove 1/2 of your stomach?

there are 2 dr valencias i want to know about the one you went to i think the other 1 is in Mexico city ...

The Dr. Valencia that did my surgery is in TJ and Ensenada. I went to TJ.

Hi! I had my surgery with Dr. Valencia. I had a great experience and I highly recomend him. I did a lot of research and found his credentials to be the best in Mexico. You can more of his patients CLICK HERE on the Obesity Help Board.

Best decision I ever made! I'm so glad that those of us that had to self pay have this option!

Hi Crawford,

You are looking for help finding a surgeon and that is hard to do. I would be happy to tell you about my experience with my surgeon. I was very happy with the care, aftercare and the hosptial. You can pm me if you want to hear my story.

please send me any info on this doc as i am placing my life in his hands

I had my surgery with Dr. Valencia. I had a great experience and the hospital was wonderful. I asked for certifications and more information and they sent me a copy of his certificates. I received certificates from UCLA, a copy of his license from the California Medical Board and a copy of his license from the Mexico Medical Board. If I can find them, I will email them to you. Or just ask his office to send them to you 877-765-8446. You are in great hands!

I just received a call back from Dr. Ortiz. Considering he had no idea why I was calling and I'm not even his patient and he returned my phone call this fast on a Sunday evening, I'd say he's paying attention to his messages.

He obviously does not know off the top of his head if he operated on a "Vicky" 10/1 but he is going to look into this and let us know.

You mean to tell me that this doctor is going to give you information about one of his patients?! I certainly wouldn't want my doctor to give out my information to someone he doesn't even know! I wouldn't want him to give out my info to someone I know either unless he had my permission!

From what I've heard and read, Belite isn't getting good reviews. I wouldn't use them.

Hi noahsmom!

Without a passport you'll need to cross the border by car. I chose Dr Valencia who does surgery in Tijuana and Ensenada. You can fly in to San Diego for either place and they will pick you up at the airport so you don’t need a passport.

The number one reason I chose Dr. Valencia was for his credentials. I couldn't find any other surgeon in Mexico that came close to his credentials. My family doctor wasn't happy when I told him I was considering Mexico, but when I mentioned Dr. Valencia and UCLA, he gave his blessing. Dr. Valencia is very caring, provides great care before AND after surgery! He only does surgery in full hospitals not a clinic. He does the surgery with only 4 incisions. He teaches and proctors all over the world and is well respected not only in Mexico, but also at UCLA where he teaches. I would recommend him to anyone! You should call and ask to speak to him. I spoke to him before I scheduled and he answered all my questions. You couldn't be in better hands. That’s my 2 cents!

I can't recommend any hotels in San Diego because I stayed in Tijuana. You probably won't be able to go swimming, but you should feel well enough to go to the zoo. They have a fabulous zoo in San Diego!

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Investing in your health is the best investment. I think all of us have tried everything! The band is the best thing I've ever done!

My best to you.

I have 4 including my port.

Mexico is a great option. Just make sure you do your homework. Don't just shop price. I wanted a surgeon that does surgery in a hospital and not a clinic. Most importantly look at the surgeons credentials. I had my surgery with Dr. Valencia in Tijuana. The cost was $8,100. He also does surgery in Ensenada for $8000. He is a professor of bariatric surgery at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). That was the main that reason that I chose him.

When you start eating solid food, if it gets stuck you will PB or throw it up. It sounds worse than it is. You have to take small bites and chew very well. Sometime we forget but you'll learn after a little while.

Thanks for your reply short c. I started this thread looking for a doctor in Mexico to do my lap band surgery. Did my research, read up, called and posted. I decided to go with doctor Gonzalez. That was one of the best choices I have made. I feel started my weight loss journey on the right foot. Doctor G and his team live up to everything they promise. Through their phone calls and emails I have felt part of their extended family of patients. I have never been left alone, Laura or doctor G or doctor Valenzuela have been there for me every time. This journey is hard enough, their support makes it a bit easier. Thanks Laura, doctor Gonzalez and doctor Valenzuela, your care before and after surgery has made me a happier person.

I'm so happy to hear you found a doctor you're happy with! I agree with finding a doctor that feels follow up is important. It's essential with a band! Luckily I've received great follow up care. An assembly line might be good for some things, but NOT for surgery! Welcome to the land of the banded!