I have pretty much decided to see Dr. Aceves. Everything I've read about him is extremely positive. However, I do wonder if his higher cost for the sleeve is worth it. To anyone who has had their surgery by him, what exactly made you decide to pay more to see him? Are his results that much better? Just curious; I think he sounds great, but money is a concern for me.

Thanks!

Ann

Ok. Thanks for the info.! How was the cell phone coverage??

It was great but mostly because Mexicali is not far over the border so you still had good coverage. I have verizon. I went on verizon's website to check the coverage and it was right on target.

Did you have a passport..nina says ill be fine with birth certificate and driver licence

I did get a passport. She told me the same thing but I was just super worried about not being able to get back into the states so I got one. But I remember the process getting back in and it was pretty simple so you should be fine.

Ok. Thanks...my hubby keeps sayn the mexican cartel is gonna kidnap me and steal my kidneys!! It was funny at first but now im starting to get a little defensive... lol

Oh no! That part of the border is safer than others. They are so used to seeing Dr. Aceves' driver so you should be okay. I felt like where we were was pretty safe. Once we got to the hotel for the first night's stay, we were in for the night. We did not venture out. We actually ate at a restaurant in the hotel. And then the rest of the time we were in the hospital, which was very clean and everybody was very friendly and tentative. My mom ate at the cafe in the hospital most of the time. One time she ate at a place right next to the hospital, but I would not let her go anywhere else.

Yeah and im gonna go alone..so were u able to ride or meet with anyone who was also having surgery? Maybe ill find me a friend!! Lol

^{Actually I did. I met a girl on here. She was from my same state. We were actually on the same flight to San Diego and of course rode together to Mexicali from the airport. Then we all had dinner together that night in the hotel. She was with her sister who also had surgery with Aceves. Put a post out asking if anybody from your state is having surgery with him and put the date. You would be surprised.}

Thats great! I did already....i got nothing....lol

Ok. Thanks...my hubby keeps sayn the mexican cartel is gonna kidnap me and steal my kidneys!! It was funny at first but now im starting to get a little defensive... lol

Ha ha ha ha. I think he us still stuck in 1975. There is no real money in stealing organs anymore.

I'm not trying to start (or re-start) anything, but I do get the concerns of information being shared as if it were unbiased or factual when it's anecdotal.

I'll point out that when I was researching surgeons, it was a huge issue for me personally to see coordinators and other people who had a vested interest in the success of a particular doctor posting about why that doctor was better/ more skilled/better experience/whatever than another. I wish that doctors, coordinators, and other people who have a vested interest with a particular surgeon would state it in their profile or signature. Not that the information they have isn't necessarily great, it's just that if all they know is a surgeon they work with all the time and have a responsibility to, it's hard for me to think their perspective isn't colored by that.

We all share anecdotal and experiential information, it's why most of us are here, but it's up to each individual to keep in mind that anything that is represented as factual rather than one person's experience should be researched and backed up with other sources.

~Kat

Hey Kat, I am sure this was directed at me...First of all everyones opinion on here that has had the surgery is biased; of course they are going to love their surgeon...As I love mine. Yes, I work for Dr. Kelly directly...I am NOT a coordinatoe and I do NOT get paid by the number of patients he has or I refer to him. I am paid by the hour. I do absolutely love Dr. Kelly not only as a surgeon but as a friend. I had my surgery on January 9th, 2013 at that time I did not work for him. I was simply a patient. When, the job opened up...I jumped at it. I am so excited to actually be able to help others see their dreams come true. I KNOW what it's like to be fat, I know what it's like to be a single Mom of 5 desperately wanting to be skinny and trying to figure out how to pay for it. So trust me when I say to you that I am here as a normal person, with honest feelings and opinions...that I love to share with others. I am not here to put others or their choices down. That is not my way. My advice will always come from my heart...I get paid regardless of number of patients a month MY doctor gets.

Lora,

I'm not suggesting that you don't have experience to share and advice to give that could be helpful. I'm sure you DO understand what it's like to go through this process and that part of your story, specifically, could be really helpful.

I'm saying that coordinators (although you say aren't one, it's the same in my mind...the difference is just that you work directly for Dr. Kelly rather than an outside company) or anyone else that has a vested interest in a surgeon's success should disclose that when they post (either by identifying themselves as a coordinator/employee/Dr or just outright saying it in their posts) when they are touting a particular surgeon. To people who are new to the forum, I think it's important they have all the information necessary and understand if you have a vested interest in a surgeon's success. You *have* to have an interest in Dr Kelly's success in order to work for him, whether you are paid by the hour or by the patient...otherwise, you'd be out of a job.

Of course we all have biases based on our individual experience, but I think it adds an extra layer of bias when you work directly for a surgeon and are posting an opinion about surgeons. It's a different ballgame than just simply sharing your experience of going through the process....and makes for an uneven playing field, in my opinion.

I'm not at all disparaging Dr. Kelly. I've heard amazing things about him. I've heard great things about a variety of doctors here and through other sources.

I'm just saying that I feel like it's unfair for *anyone to state an opinion about a surgeon when they have a vested interest in that surgeon's practice.

~Kat

But you are his coordinator! I saw all of your posts on the doctor Kelly thread you were working out dates with people....

"Hi everyone Yhis is Lora, Dr. Kelly's new coordinator...Thanks for all the great feedback"

I guess some people just feel the need to start drama. Sadly.

No drama here, nor is there any prejudice. I'm simply stating an opinion, which has nothing to do with you personally or the surgeon you used/work for.

~Kat

Everyone has a vested interest in their surgeon. Its a very sacred thing. Its a bonding moment... i did not put and have never put any surgeon down, that is not in my nature. I will speak my mind and answer question as honestly as possible. Most of my post have nothing to do with my surgeon of choice! FYI he was my surgeon first, not my boss...so, I went through the process of choosing and struggling, just like everyone else here. The funniest part about all of this is, if I could of afforded Dr. Kim in Arlington Texas we would never be having this discussion. So, maybe you are being oddly prejudice against me. I wonder why....

I'm sorry but *ANY* form of advertising by our members is against our posted terms of service. Regardless if you're receiving commission from the surgeon or not - no exceptions.

Posting something like this is considered advertising:

I went to Dr. xxxxx-xxxxxx in Tijuana Mexico...total price with flight $xxxx. I now work for him if you need more information you can call or email me at info@xxxxxxxxx.com or call xxx-xxx*xxx.