Hi, I would very much like all of us to publish who your surgeon was and at what facility you received your sleeve? I would hope this information will be of importance for all the future visitors to the site in helping them make a decision and hoping to relieve some stress in picking a doctor. Please post your information.

Thanks for all that info. Wow, most people would have never noticed most of the things you did unless they were a nurse. I would be so nervous I really wouldn't think about # 1 and #3.. maybe #2. I was talking via email to a nurse who works for Dr Alvarez in Mexico- can't recall the city but I know someone who had her sleeve done by him. Anyway, I explained to the nurse that 15 years ago, when I was 35, I had a DVT and PE that put me in the hospital for a week and it was also found at that time that I had Factor V Leiden in my blood- an inherited clotting disorder, basically. I had taken a long plane flight among other risk factors as well. Anyway, that was 15 years ago. So, a hemotologist had me taking Coumadin for the next 10 plus years. I kept going back to see what the latest research said about whether I needed to stay on it since Factor V Leiden is relatively newly discovered I guess. Finally I saw another hemotologist, she tested me again, took my whole situation into account and took me off. I have taken only a daily baby aspirin since. Meanwhile, I have had one surgery since- a total knee replacement in 2008. That surgeon was not concerned about my history and the surgery was definitely needed and a success.

So, after I put all of this in an email to the nurse, she quickly said I was no longer a candidate for any surgery with Dr. Alvarez. I was crushed but confused still. I did have concerns anyway about taking a long plane flight back to GA and maybe that factors in to his decision, no pun intended.. Since then, I have spoken with nurses for two different docs in the US and they both said they didn't believe my history would rule me out, that I would simply need to get special clearances. I am going to an informational seminar tomorrow here in the Atlanta area with one of those doctors- Dennis Smith, MD. I would like to hope I can still do this! We shall see. Thanks for your post!

My surgeon was dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana Mexico, I had a wonderful experience! My coordinator was Trish and my surgery took place at the INT Hospital and I stayed at the Lucerna Hotel for two nights, two days after my surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Ponce! My journey is on youtube including my surgery if anyone is interested. If you have any questions please feel free to message me! Good luck in your journey!

Where can i find your videos.. TIA

Dr. Andrew DeWitt @ Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

Dr Stephen Blamey @ Cabrini Hospital /Victoria AUSTRALIA. Excellent care from Stephen for the many years i have known him. We initially met 2009 and in 2010 he was the surgeon i chose to be banded with. He removed my band in 2014 due to complications and i had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy done by Stephen 10 weeks later. I fully entrust my life with this man.

Dr. Alejandro Gandsas, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, Maryland 12/17/14

Dr. Camelo Ramos in Mexico. Amazing experience! Will recommend to everyone I know!

Edited April 5, 201511 yr by nsynurse

Dr. Francisco Zavalza in Tijuana, Mexico at Florence Oasis hospital. Wonderful experience!

Dr. Aaron Hoffman, chief surgeon, from Buffalo General Hospital's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery performed my surgery on 12/22/2014.

This fully accredited bariatric program at Buffalo General is a Center of Excellence, meaning all aspects of the program’s surgical processes are closely examined and data on health outcomes are collected. Their statistics are outstanding!!!

It was understood from the very beginning that I had to do MY part of this process...surgery alone would not solve my lifelong weight problem! I was ready to make the commitment. I was completely confident in Dr. Hoffman's experience and statistics, the Center's exemplary standards, and the entire team at BGH.

I would highly recommend Dr. Hoffman!

Edited April 6, 201511 yr by OhSusannah

Dr. Tarek Waked

Salisbury, Md.

He is moving into a new office soon but has a Facebook page. He is so good I let him operate on my spouse too.

There are a couple of other bariatric doctors in the area. I have met them briefly. Their approach is much different and I don't think we would have gotten along well. I do better with a coach instead of a drill sergeant. Only my opinion.

@@funcatch hi! my doctor is also going to be Eric Dutson at UCLA!

My surgeon was Dr. J. Lopez from Bariatric pal, they gave a great deal, 3,899, but what I liked the most is the quality of their service, so humble and human, you feel like a friend in their house, the hospital where they performed my surgery was SANTA FE CLINIC.. nice and clean!!!

Hi Kelli,

I am scheduled with Dr. Teel on July 28th. I just switched to him in April due to my insurance requiring a Center of Excellence. I'm glad to hear you were were very pleased. Can you tell me a little about what to expect for my pre-op prep?

Alicia

My surgeon will be Dr Mauricio Gutierrez at Trinity Medical in Tijuana, he comes highly recommended and his coordinators are wonderful !

Wendie, have you had your surgery yet? If so, how was your experience with Dr. Gutierrez and his staff? Thanks!

dr luu in chicago at rush hospital is the only specialist in vertical sleeve. the hospital was very nice and the staff were excellent. i only recommend him.

Dr. Elias Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. Surgery was at Mi Doctor Hospital, and I stayed 2 nights, with 2 more nights recovery at the Marriott. Had a very positive experience and would HIGHLY recommend him! Oh, I went through A Lighter Me.

Dr. Ryan Heider, The Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Lake Norman Mooresville NC... UN - FREAKIN - BELIEVABLE! Great doctor... Highly skilled Great results!

I am getting the sleeve done with him July 27! I am very excited and anxious.