I had my surgery with Dr Contreras in June 08 and everything about it was top notch from start to finish.

When I was researching surgeons, which I did extensively, when it was all said and done he was my first choice.

He was the only one willing to do a consult on the phone with me before I ever committed to using him. He spent about 45 minutes on the phone with me explaining exactly what he does and why he does it. It was reassuring to me that I could speak with him direcly and not a coordinator.

I flew in to San Diego the morning of surgery and was met by the driver who was professional and curteous. He drove me to the hospital which is about 10-15 minutes over the border. At no time during the border crossing either way did I feel unsafe or in any danger.

Dr C met me at the door of the hospital and talked/walked me through what would happen that day. I had all my pre-op testing (Chest Xray, blood work, EKG etc done by the internal med MD and this staff. I was then taken to my room until it was surgery time.

I remember going in to the surgical suite, I remember getting the epidural but not much else after that.

I remember waking up in my room later that day. I was not in much pain at all and was walking and talking on the phone that evening. I know that I had 2 leak tests while I was in surgery ane the following morning I was taken back down for a 3d leak test which was a contrast type test. There was also a 4th leak test which involved my drinking some blue substance which had there been a leak would have been detected in the drain. Saturday evening my IV came out and I was drinking liquids with no problems. I was not a big fan of the apple juice in the hospital so Dr C went and bought me some Gatorade. I was really touched by this gesture and when I did not really like the Grape Gatorade he came back with some lemonade type Vitamin water. He was kind and gracious and wanted to make sure I had a liquid I would like drinking. I had no pain while drinking at all which was a pleasant suprise.

Friday and Saturday he saw me at least 3 times each day. Sunday morning after confirming there we no leaks he removed the drain and I was off to the hotel.

For me this was a great option since I was bored and restless in the hospital. It was a lovely hospital and the staff was great I just wanted out and since I was doing so well he saw no problem with this.

He carried my suitcase to the hotel across the street and it too was lovely, more of resort type hotel.

Dr C made sure I was comfortable even advising the staff to bring me ice regularly since I do not like drinking warm liquids. I took no pain meds after I left the hospital and had virtually no pain.

Later that evening when he came to see me for the 3d or 4th time I talked to him about me returning home before the 3 days I could have stayed were up. Since I had no pain and was drinking like a champ and could even take my oral meds with no problem he said I could leave on Monday. He stayed with me while I called the airlines to change my fiight and then set up the transportation to take me to the airport the following day. He even came the following day to make sure I was picked up on time and to make sure the driver brought a step stool thing so I could get in to the van more easily.

I have had no problems post op and this is the easiest recovery from surgery I have ever had.

I have been able to eat and drink with no problems and have had O post op problems. Dr C emailed and spoke to me several times in the weeks after my surgery and I still keep in touch with him via email.

My total cost was $8600 which included everything except RT plane fare.

I can only speak from my own experience but I found him to be experienced, very qualified and professional. On a personal level I found him to be kind and caring.

Not sure where you got your "facts". Same name but totally different surgeon so far as I know. Might want to check out your posts for veracity before posting things like this.

Additionally my most recent internet check (this morning) indicates it is a well know and highly rated clinic (albeit alternative medicine). The Dr Contreras that you are referring to also has a new book coming out that is edited/co-written/recommended by many well known and vetted cancer surgeons and other physicians.

I do not know one way or another about the cancer clinic (not really well respected, it is on a US govt watch-list) but Contreras was even fired from betancourt's clinic.

I do not know one way or another about the cancer clinic (not really well respected, it is on a US govt watch-list) but Contreras was even fired from betancourt's clinic.

Once again I would appreciate you showing me "hard evidence" of what you say. I did not find any reference to the clinic (which by the way has nothing to do with my surgeon) being on any watch list.

Also please show me hard evidence of anyone being fired from anywhere. Interestingly you have made similar accusations about other surgeons being fired from Betancourt's clinic. Given the terrible things you have said about Betancourt I would think it was a good thing not to working with him,

Once again I would appreciate you showing me "hard evidence" of what you say. I did not find any reference to the clinic (which by the way has nothing to do with my surgeon) being on any watch list.

Also please show me hard evidence of anyone being fired from anywhere. Interestingly you have made similar accusations about other surgeons being fired from Betancourt's clinic. Given the terrible things you have said about Betancourt I would think it was a good thing not to working with him,

Call Betancourt's office and ask them. They are very free with the info. Go to the source.

And no, I have not made other references that Betancourt's office fired other surgeons. That seems to be the problem, they don't when it is necessary.

Call Betancourt's office and ask them. They are very free with the info. Go to the source.

And no, I have not made other references that Betancourt's office fired other surgeons. That seems to be the problem, they don't when it is necessary.

Given that my surgeon does not work with Betancourt and given your liberal trashing of him and his office, I again say it would appear not working for him is a good thing.

Also given your opinion of them I am not sure why you now think they are a credible source. On the one hand you think anyone that worked with or for them is suspect yet you suggest I would go to them for accurate information.

Given that my surgeon does not work with Betancourt and given your liberal trashing of him and his office, I again say it would appear not working for him is a good thing.

Also given your opinion of them I am not sure why you now think they are a credible source. On the one hand you think anyone that worked with or for them is suspect yet you suggest I would go to them for accurate information.

You asked for the source, I gave it to you.

You asked for the source, I gave it to you.

Are you suggesting the are a CREDIBLE source that you would go to for ACCURATE information?????

Are you suggesting they would give out PERSONAL INFORMATION on their previous employees to anyone that asks????

Are you suggesting the are a CREDIBLE source that you would go to for ACCURATE information?????

That is the source, take it or leave it. Why do YOU suppose Contreras left Betancourt? Why do YOU suppose he practiced out of there to begin with? He's your doctor, you should know, right?

Are you suggesting they would give out PERSONAL INFORMATION on their previous employees to anyone that asks????

Oh hell yes!

Can't have it both ways, LiveInPhx. Either they have ethics or they don't.

That is the source, take it or leave it. Why do YOU suppose Contreras left Betancourt? Why do YOU suppose he practiced out of there to begin with? He's your doctor, you should know, right?

Are you suggesting they would give out PERSONAL INFORMATION on their previous employees to anyone that asks????

Oh hell yes!

Can't have it both ways, LiveInPhx. Either they have ethics or they don't.

YOU were the one that used them as a source, not sure why you used them to back up what you said when you do not find them credible. You are the one that wanted it both ways, you were the one that cited them as your source to back up what YOU said.

I actually know very little about them except for what has been posted, primarily by you, that is at best unflattering.

I have no idea if Dr C worked for them or not. I did not ask him for all his previous employers. You continue to lump anyone that had anything to do with Betancourt into the same "they must be terrible cause they were associated with Betancourt basket". Just because a person works somewhere does not make them bad surgeons. The point being they no longer work there.

You can continue to trash any surgeon you do not approve of, and I fully expect that you will.

The FACT is that for me he was a great choice, skilled, experienced, compassionate and caring.

The FACT is that I have had NO problems post op and did not any need pain meds after I left the hospital.

The FACT is that he saw me at least 3x each day both in the hospital and hotel.

The FACT is Ihave lost over 120 lbs since surgery and have had zero problems with GERD, reflux, vomitting, "dumping" and so many other problems so many folks post about post-op.

To quote another poster

" YOU CAN ARGUE WITH ME BUT YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH MY RESULTS"

YOU were the one that used them as a source, not sure why you used them to back up what you said when you do not find them credible. You are the one that wanted it both ways, you were the one that cited them as your source to back up what YOU said.

Like it or not, they are the source. If you can prove the source wrong, by all means do it.

I actually know very little about them except for what has been posted, primarily by you, that is at best unflattering.

You are free to read the many many patients that have posted on many boards their negative personal experiences.

I have no idea if Dr C worked for them or not. I did not ask him for all his previous employers. You continue to lump anyone that had anything to do with Betancourt into the same "they must be terrible cause they were associated with Betancourt basket

Yeah, pretty much.

Betancourt has such a horrible rep in Mexico that a really good surgeon wouldn't want to work there.

The FACT is Ihave lost over 120 lbs since surgery and have had zero problems with GERD, reflux, vomitting, "dumping" and so many other problems so many folks post about post-op.

LOL! Are you aware that the above have virtually nothing to do with surgeon skill? People respond differently to the surgery, that's how it is.

BTW, where is your doc working now? Is he still in practice? I never see him advertising anywhere since he parted ways with Betancourt.

Like it or not, they are the source. If you can prove the source wrong, by all means do it.

You are free to read the many many patients that have posted on many boards their negative personal experiences.

Yeah, pretty much.

Betancourt has such a horrible rep in Mexico that a really good surgeon wouldn't want to work there.

LOL! Are you aware that the above have virtually nothing to do with surgeon skill? People respond differently to the surgery, that's how it is.

BTW, where is your doc working now? Is he still in practice? I never see him advertising anywhere since he parted ways with Betancourt.

Once again let me educate you

1) He was NOT working for Betancourt when I had my surgery. I have no idea when he did and only have your word and your unreliable source for the fact that he did. I have no idea if he really did, or when he did or why he is no longer there. I have worked in places that after being hired I found out where not what I thought they ought to be so I left.

2) Since I did not have my surgery with Betancourt I am not sure why you continue to bring that up. Are you suggesting that a surgeon is not a good surgeon because of who allegedly USED to work for but no longer do??

3) Why would I be interested in learning about a surgeon or program I did not use, that may or may not even be currently in business. I did not have my surgery with Betancourt.

4) I beg to differ that a surgeon's skill has "virtually nothing" to do with a person having or not having problems post op, having or not having pain post op, the amount of restriction from the sleeve which is a large part of post op success, my not having a leak or infection like many have had.

If these things are no indicative of a surgeon's skill what is?????

There used to be links on Contreras's bariatric web site to his scam cancer clinic (actually, it's his father's clinic) and a link on that web site to his bariatric site. There was also a picture of him on both sites and it was the same guy.

It is also well-known that he worked for Betancourt. There are plenty of posts around the web from people who went to him via Betancourt. For you to continue to insist that Contreras didn't work for him or that there is no proof of that suggests to me that you didn't research him at all because these facts are easily found with a very minimal of effort.

As for complications, even hack surgeons (like Huacuz) only kill about 1-2% of their patients. Therefore, 98-99% live. The fact that some live doesn't prove a surgeon is not a hack. It's the fact that too many die that proves he is one. The same with complications such as leaks.

There used to be links on Contreras's bariatric web site to his scam cancer clinic (actually, it's his father's clinic) and a link on that web site to his bariatric site. There was also a picture of him on both sites and it was the same guy.

It is also well-known that he worked for Betancourt. There are plenty of posts around the web from people who went to him via Betancourt. For you to continue to insist that Contreras didn't work for him or that there is no proof of that suggests to me that you didn't research him at all because these facts are easily found with a very minimal of effort.

As for complications, even hack surgeons (like Huacuz) only kill about 1-2% of their patients. Therefore, 98-99% live. The fact that some live doesn't prove a surgeon is not a hack. It's the fact that too many die that proves he is one. The same with complications such as leaks.

Given that I have met Dr C in person I think I am in a good position to say it is not the same surgeon that did my surgery.

When was it that you had face to face contact with him???

I don't recall insisting that he did not work for Betancourt, it appears that many surgeons were affiliated with Betancour at some point, however the fact that they no longer are seems to be more important.

You have NO information about what research I did or did not do and are no position to comment on it.

Please enlighten all of us with "proven" statistics or facts that back up what you say.

Once again let me educate you

1) He was NOT working for Betancourt when I had my surgery. I have no idea when he did and only have your word and your unreliable source for the fact that he did. I have no idea if he really did, or when he did or why he is no longer there. I have worked in places that after being hired I found out where not what I thought they ought to be so I left.

Had you done your research you would have known everything possibly about him including his history. Forgive me, I assumed you did SOME research.

2) Since I did not have my surgery with Betancourt I am not sure why you continue to bring that up. Are you suggesting that a surgeon is not a good surgeon because of who allegedly USED to work for but no longer do??

Already responded to this previously. I'm going to spin in your circles with you.

3) Why would I be interested in learning about a surgeon or program I did not use, that may or may not even be currently in business. I did not have my surgery with Betancourt.

No clue. Since I never suggested you learn about the program for a surgeon you did not use.

4) I beg to differ that a surgeon's skill has "virtually nothing" to do with a person having or not having problems post op, having or not having pain post op, the amount of restriction from the sleeve which is a large part of post op success, my not having a leak or infection like many have had.

If these things are no indicative of a surgeon's skill what is?????

For the specific complications you listed in the post I was responding to, it most certainly does not mean surgical skill. Leaks, for example, were not mentioned. Matter of fact, here are the symptoms that you credit your surgeon with, your words:

The FACT is Ihave lost over 120 lbs since surgery and have had zero problems with GERD, reflux, vomitting, "dumping" and so many other problems so many folks post about post-op.

Those words you typed is what I was responding to and I do stand behind my previous comment. The above are how some people respond to the surgery, not a thing in the world to do with surgical skill.

Had you done your research you would have known everything possibly about him including his history. Forgive me, I assumed you did SOME research.

Already responded to this previously. I'm going to spin in your circles with you.

No clue. Since I never suggested you learn about the program for a surgeon you did not use.

For the specific complications you listed in the post I was responding to, it most certainly does not mean surgical skill. Leaks, for example, were not mentioned. Matter of fact, here are the symptoms that you credit your surgeon with, your words:

Those words you typed is what I was responding to and I do stand behind my previous comment. The above are how some people respond to the surgery, not a thing in the world to do with surgical skill.

Forgive for not describing specifically enough for you. Clearly if I had NO problems post op I did not have a leak, stricture, infection or ANY other problem or complication which DOES speak to the skill of the surgeon.

We can play tit for tat endlessly. The bottom line is I had a good experience with this surgeon and I will continue to post about it.

This board is about an open forum for our PERSONAL experiences with our surgery. You can continue to talk about YOUR experience with your surgeon and I can continue to share mine.

Again, you can argue with me but you cannot argue with my results.

Given that I have met Dr C in person I think I am in a good position to say it is not the same surgeon that did my surgery.

You didn't even know he worked for Betancourt. Just "knowing" him hardly refutes his previous website. I do not agree that you are in a good position to know his history.