Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Warning<< Gastric Sleeve Surgery Failure Dr Rod



Recommended Posts

With all due respect to your situation, it seems like you didn't do much research. You indicate you had plication done, but this is a vertical sleeve gastrectomy- these are very different surgeries. Did you know what you were having done? You also call him Dr. Rod and Dr. Rodregus- his name is Dr. Rodriguez. Perhaps living in Los Angeles makes me more familiar with Mexican last names, but I felt like I practically knew my Dr.'s entire life story before I got surgery from him- I read his name so many times just from my internet research. I'm not trying to discredit your experience, but it sounds like you were very misinformed and didn't really do much research.

If you had really bothered to read the original post you see that she was possibly having her plication revised to a sleeve which is why she was posting here. Also she was talking about how the doctor, the hospital staff, and the booking agency failed her and was warning people not to use them which is valuable information for people who are researching going to Mexico to have any surgery done. Finally I think that the poster was probably very well informed about the plication because I have not seen her post anything negative about the procedure just the doctor that preformed it. To me that signals that you know what you are supposed to expect from the procedure and that it's failure lies solely with the person who preformed it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Diva - Well stated response. I too went to Mx and had a wonderful and successful surgery with no complications. My daughter is an RN @ U of M Amplatz Children's Hospital and another in medical school. They both stoke with my dr (Dr Ramos Kelly) prior to surgery and researched with me. The RN could not believe the attentive care that I received after surgery both at the hospital and hotel. Had I had the surgery here in the US the plan was - outpatient surgery with a follow up visit 1 week after and again 1 month after. I was in the hospital in MX for 3 nights after and at the hotel for 2 days after. I saw my surgeon at least 2 x per day for those 5 days.

There is good and bad anywhere in the world. People come here to research and learn from others. I can only comment on my own personal experience.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I specifically said I am not trying to discredit her experience, but rather it would help her (and all of us) to really do a lot of research before choosing a surgeon and a surgery.

A bad surgery can happen whether you do your research or not, but it certainly can help to do all the investigating you can. I was considering plication myself, but decided against it based on seeing a lot of people who were unhappy with the results.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my sleeve done in Switzerland, and my doctors still got called "quacks" on here. out.gif

I'm sorry to hear about the bad experience had by Kacee. Regardless of where the surgery was done, it's always awful to have things go seriously awry. I wish you all the best in getting it all sorted!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So sorry you are going through this. I think the best thing to do is to move forward and see if you can find a way to revise to the sleeve. I was self pay for my band in Mexico (and I had a good experience there), but my band just didn't work for me. I revised to the sleeve and have been so successful. There is still hope for you. Many of us have had revisions to the sleeve after paying $8,000-10,000 for our bands. It is so hard to lose that kind of money, but it is just a chance you take to be healthy. Start researching revisions so you can make your dreams come true! The sleeve works, so don't give up!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ah, well. My surgery was performed by a Chinese doctor, in an American facility, in a Latino part of L.A. When I got up for a walk in the hallway, I was side-by-side with a retired NFL player, who was African-American.

Gotta love it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am really shocked by what has been said about Dr. Rodriguez and Beliteweight (proper spelling...FYI). I had my band done by Dr. Rodriguez two years ago and had a wonderful experience with him, JoAnne, Jessica, and everyone else that was a part of my experience. The hospital was fabulous, I had my own private room and things were cleaner there than any other hospital/surgery I've had in the US (I've had three other major surgeries in the US). The band hasn't worked for me, but I can't blame that on him. It was not a good fit for me. I think I've found my solution in the sleeve (I pray!) and I am going back to him for my surgery in August. I can only hope that this was all written hastily out of anger with complications that are spelled out as being risks before surgery. I am sorry that anyone had a bad experience with Dr. Rodriguez. Hope things have gotten better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it depends on the doctor. I have heard absolute horror stories from Mexico, Canada, and the US. I think the point to take from this is DO YOUR REASERCH! Whoever or wherever you go to.

I do want to say though, that after hotel, airfare and other non-medical related costs, having surgery done in another country might not save you as much money as you might think.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 9 days out from being sleeved by Dr Rodriguez in Juarez Mexico. I had excellent care and absolutely no problems. I feel great. Dr Rod and his staff were awesome and took good care of me. I went to Mexico because my employer chose to exclude wls on its insurance coverage, and self pay in Omaha was going to be $21,000. I wasnt willing to put my family in debt for this surgery. I paid $6800 plus airfare. I wouldn't change a thing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I do want to say though' date=' that after hotel, airfare and other non-medical related costs, having surgery done in another country might not save you as much money as you might think.[/quote']

Actually the savings can be considerable. My case for example.

Airfare was 625, surgery+hospital (blood work, EKG, 2days of after treatment)+prescriptions+ hotel + ground transportation=5500 (it's a package deal)

That's a bit over 6K total

I've seen prices in the US as low as 15K for the surgery. But that's just for the surgery, the total almost never ends up being under 25K, and where I live nobody is even willing to do a sleeve (here its 20K for a lap band & close to 60K for a full bypass). So if I were to have had mine done in the good ole USA it would have cost me 25K plus traportation & lodging to a city where this surgury is offered. So let's say a total of 27K as a posed to well under 7K

With the median household income in the united states today being under 40K & net expendable income being average about 500/mo, that means on average a person who wanted the surgury, using the numbers laid out here would have to save almost an additional 4 years to pay for the surgury here.

I've seen the argument made numerous times that you health is well worth an extra 15-20K, and I agree, but how much life are you giving up by waiting an additional 4 years to get your life on track? Time is our most valuable comidity & yes in my opinion it is well worth a small amount of risk, & a bit of stigma.

If you happen to have the money laying around, GREAT! Do what makes you more comfortable. But for me, 4 years of a higher quality life is priceless

Please don't consider this a personal attack, I've simply seen the argument of money so many times that I felt I had to break it down from my point of view.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Actually the savings can be considerable. My case for example.

Airfare was 625' date=' surgery+hospital (blood work, EKG, 2days of after treatment)+prescriptions+ hotel + ground transportation=5500 (it's a package deal)

That's a bit over 6K total

I've seen prices in the US as low as 15K for the surgery. But that's just for the surgery, the total almost never ends up being under 25K, and where I live nobody is even willing to do a sleeve (here its 20K for a lap band & close to 60K for a full bypass). So if I were to have had mine done in the good ole USA it would have cost me 25K plus traportation & lodging to a city where this surgury is offered. So let's say a total of 27K as a posed to well under 7K

With the median household income in the united states today being under 40K & net expendable income being average about 500/mo, that means on average a person who wanted the surgury, using the numbers laid out here would have to save almost an additional 4 years to pay for the surgury here.

I've seen the argument made numerous times that you health is well worth an extra 15-20K, and I agree, but how much life are you giving up by waiting an additional 4 years to get your life on track? Time is our most valuable comidity & yes in my opinion it is well worth a small amount of risk, & a bit of stigma.

If you happen to have the money laying around, GREAT! Do what makes you more comfortable. But for me, 4 years of a higher quality life is priceless

Please don't consider this a personal attack, I've simply seen the argument of money so many times that I felt I had to break it down from my point of view.

[/quote']

No worries! :-) Thanks for the specifics. I had a friend that had hers done in Mexico and it was 10,000 for her with air, hotel, and transportation. Mine, out of pocket, would be about $9500. So that's what I was basing that on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so happy to hear some one who is using the same doctor as me and in the same hospital as me June 6th... Thank you we should not scare people.. We did not stop eating when we seen we was gaining weight... Let's wish everyone good luck some of us come here for positive word and a peaceful of mind... Imjustsaying...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so happy to hear some one who is using the same doctor as me and in the same hospital as me June 6th... Thank you we should not scare people.. We did not stop eating when we seen we was gaining weight... Let's wish everyone good luck some of us come here for positive word and a peaceful of mind... Imjustsaying...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so happy to hear some one who is using the same doctor as me and in the same hospital as me June 6th... Thank you we should not scare people.. We did not stop eating when we seen we was gaining weight... Let's wish everyone good luck some of us come here for positive word and a peaceful of mind... Imjustsaying...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so happy to hear some one who is using the same doctor as me and in the same hospital as me June 6th... Thank you we should not scare people.. We did not stop eating when we seen we was gaining weight... Let's wish everyone good luck some of us come here for positive word and a peaceful of mind... Imjustsaying...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • ChunkCat

      Thank you everyone for your well wishes! I totally forgot I wrote an update here... I'm one week post op today. I gained 15 lbs in water weight overnight because they had to give me tons of fluids to bring my BP up after surgery! I stayed one night in the hospital. Everything has been fine except I seem to have picked up a bug while I was there and I've been running a low grade fever, coughing, and a sore throat. So I've been hydrating well and sleeping a ton. So far the Covid tests are negative.
      I haven't been able to advance my diet past purees. Everything I eat other than tofu makes me choke and feels like trying to swallow rocks. They warned me it would get worse before it gets better, so lets hope this is all normal. I have my follow up on Monday so we'll see. Living on shakes and soup again is not fun. I had enough of them the first time!! LOL 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×