Why would you leave the US for surgery?

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

There is at least one, maybe two, US surgeons who do the sleeve on an out-patient basis. You don't even get overnight in the hospital -- you go to a nearby hotel. The price of the hotel is included, but I would want to be in the hospital after having most of my stomach cut off.

I can't fathom how it could be safe to do a sleeve on an outpatient basis. I am all for saving money but not when it jeopardizes the patient's health.

[TennJenn 9]

I haven't heard anything about Dr. Aceves' promotion. I am scehduled for July 7. WasA, how did you hear about the promotion?

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

I haven't heard anything about Dr. Aceves' promotion. I am scehduled for July 7. WasA, how did you hear about the promotion?

I heard about it via PM by someone who is thinking about going there. I don't know details.

[TennJenn 9]

Perhaps I should email Nina. Every little bit helps! (But I'm still going either way!)

ETA: Email sent. I'll let you know her response.

Edited June 16, 2009 by TennJenn

[Rosebud2 26]

Holy Moley! I can't even imagine. Although I felt great right after surgery, I still was on pins and needles regarding possible leaks or other complications. I liked the security of being in the hospital.

[Ruthi 60]

Yes, and keep in mind that some will charge more if the surgery is a revision and not a first time surgery. I had a band previously and had to pay 3K more and worth every cent.

[cajun 46]

"instead I am lucky enough to live near the practice that has done the most sleeves of anyone in the US and has some of the best stats out there."

hI Mac...I'm in the research phase. Can you tell me where that practice is? Being a nurse, I am anxious about selecting the most experienced. The docs around here where I live, some of whom are cited as being in "centers of excellence for bariatrics", have done 20 or so sleeves. NOT what I want!.

thanks.

Cajun

[MacMadame 81]

It's LapSF. The SF stands for San Francisco. There are similar guys on the East Coast... Dr. Gagner who is either in FL or back in NY is one. My doc has done over a thousand.

[Jellico 0]

I hate the 'my doctor is better than your doctor' wars that goes on in boards like this.

I do too. It reminds me very much of the "helmet vs. no helmet" flame wars that I see on many bicycling forums.

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

I don't think that goes on at this board. I have never seen any posts like that. I am sure that I haven't seen every thread, but to my knowledge, nobody has knocked anybody's doctor.

[*susan* 1,709]

We try to keep the doctor bashing down on these boards and stick with facts only.

[Malaika 50]

I haven't seen any doctor bashing on this forum and I've read pretty much every thread - there was one very heated debate between a few members; however, that was quite some time ago. I know that many of us used Dr. Aceves and we think he is absolutely wonderful and don't hesitate to speak out about that; however, we aren't bashing other surgeons. I don't know anything about any other surgeons so I certainly wouldn't offer any opinions about another's choice.

[LAN2k 18]

Once again there is a lag between the time of this thread and my citing it...(but I've only been registered here about 2 weeks now), so I'm not too sure that anyone will even read this. I'd like to add (for the record) my 2 cents. I have been researching WLS's for many months now and of this I am certain, I would not hesitate to have my surgery performed by Dr. Alberto Aceves/Mexicali, Mexico, if I had the funds, which, BTW, include travel expenses and follow-up. I would feel much less anxiety knowing that I was in his care and facility. I am going through a Hospital with a "Center for Bariatric Excellence" It is a North Shore/Long Island Jewish Hospital in Syosset. I wouldn't call it a dump. The WLS center does have a fat farm factory sort of feel to it, but then the centers sole purpose is WLS. I have met with my surgeon 3 times already and spent at least 40 minutes with him at each visit. My next appointment at the hospital will be for the pre-surgery testing on Sept. 9. My surgery is set for the 15th. He is one of 3, or 4 "specialty surgeons". My surgeon is the only one there who does the VSG procedure. I made my decision based on many factors, money, insurance, proximity and a doctor with (I pray) the expertise. WASa, (among others here), is right I mean everything she has said is spot on. Despite my insurance approval for the sleeve...it is a "no-brainer" if I were in a position to self-pay I would go where I would have the greatest certainty for success...Mexico and to Dr. Aceves for sure. His reputation is impeccable. And the people in these message boards have been there and testified honestly to his merit.:biggrin0:

[Ruthi 60]

We totally understand and we are here for you no matter where you have your VSG done. We are just happy you can have it done.

[kromrider 3]

It's LapSF. The SF stands for San Francisco. There are similar guys on the East Coast... Dr. Gagner who is either in FL or back in NY is one. My doc has done over a thousand.

My Dr, Dr Pomp has done many of these surgeries. According to the staff at the hospital many perople come from around the world for him to do WLS. The care and treatment that I recieved at Wiell Cornell was second to none. I saw the doctor at least twice a day and his team 5 or 6 times. I was in for two nights but I did vety well. If I was not ready to go home they would have let me stay longer.

I am very lucky as my insurance is covering my surgery. If I had to self pay I do not know what I would have done.