HELP! I have been reviewing surgeons and various facilities and now am a little confused. I have looked into A Lighter Me who works with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Garcia. I have been contacted by their coordinator Louise. I also looked at Dr. Almanza and have been contacted by Sandy and then Melissa. On the A Lighter Me website, Melissa is mentioned as a coordinator. Does Melissa work for both surgeons? Also, Almanza is listed as operating out of Jeruselum hospital (which is really a clinic) but Melissa contacted me and signed her email from Mt. Zion. When I checked Mt Zion's website, it is actually Jerusulem hospital. I have also seen past posts where Dr. Almanza operated Emmanuel Hospital.

Do you see why I am getting confused? I am just looking for a surgeon who is experienced, has low infection and leak rates, has good reviews and uses a hospital. Can anyone help me sort through this and is Almanza a safe surgeon?

Laura30, if you don't get a response, try using the search feature at the top right of the page. Be sure to search "Forums" not "This Forum." I tried it just now and pulled up a few entries.

sorry never heard of him

Thank you Shangefan it was helpfull!

Mexicali bariatric center with dr aceves is who I'm using and luv his reviews and my PCP will be doing my follow up and my PCP also used dr Aceves himself.

You are welcome, laura30

I would recommend checking out Dr Kelly also. He does not work with any of the coordinators, he has a man by the name of Omar that does his coordinating. He uses a hospital and hotel for the last two days. He only will do 3 surgeries a day so he does not herd people through. His cost is $5500.00, with no deposit but pay in full on arrival.

I am 7 days post op and I never had much pain at all, as you will see most of his other patients say the same thing.

To contact Omar go to www.wlsclinic.com or call him at (619) 395-5347. He will have Dr Kelly call you directly to talk to you.

Thank you Sherlee the reasson Is I'm trying to get my surgery in Cancun in a hospital.

My surgery was also performed by Dr. Kelly on May 14, 2012. I am now 16 days post-op, down nearly 25 lbs (this includes 11 lbs lost on the pre-op liquid diet for 2 weeks due to my BMI being over 49).

A truly fantastic experience. I was picked up by Dr. Kelly's wife in San Diego, driven across the border to Tijuana (a 30 min drive). Taken directly to the hospital where all the pre-op tests were completed (x-ray, ECG, urine test, blood work), consults with the Anaesthetist, Cardiologist, Internal Medicine Specialist, and of course, Dr. Kelly himself. I have an anaphylactic allergy to Latex, so they were careful to make sure EVERYTHING (including the complete O.R.) was latex-free. I also have bad asthma, so they gave me an aerosolized asthma treatment both pre and post-op.

Arrived at the hospital on Monday at 11 am, was in the O.R. by 2 pm! And back in my room by 3 pm! Surgery was 48 minutes and would have been even shorter, but I had some abdominal adhesions due to a previously ruptured gall bladder. Spent that night and the next day in hospital and was discharged on Wed. morning!

A final leak test (done at another hospital where Dr. Kelly prefers the higher resolution of their imaging equipment), and then off to the hotel for 2 days!

I didn't even need pains meds after the 2nd day. I had minimal gas discomfort, showered on my own the day after surgery (and every day after that).

It has been a VERY easy road for me physically. Mentally I'm still learning about head-hunger, learning that I really can eat "just that little bit" and be full, etc.

I could not have asked for a greater surgeon (his skill, his bedside manner, his wonderful family - who is very involved in his medical practice!). Omar, his coordinator is great. He's very caring, detail oriented and quick to respond to questions, concerns, etc.

I highly recommend Dr. Kelly!

Hi. Does that are having surgery or had surgery with Dr. Garcia how much di you guys paid?

I hear ya!! I keep finding more and more information, now I am looking at Dr.Garcia. I have read good things about Dr. Almanza the only consideration I have is the clinic vs hospital........

Cheers

Gail

PS hoping to be sleeved in June.

Hi naturals

Congratulations. I will be having my surgery done by Dr. Garcia on June 11th. After doing extensive research my decision was based on the hospital setting. Good Luck with your decision.

I'm also scheduled with Dr Garcia 7/9. I'm a revision, but lap band already removed. Getting nervous as it gets closer.!

I had my sleeve on 17 may with dr Garcia.....brilliant is all I can say....everything for me was perfect and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have written other posts about my experience on here if you search.

Thanks, I am a nurse and sometimes think I can do or take care of it all but reality is I love getting the feedback and know that either surgeon/facility will be great. Just looking at the dates now.

Thanks to you all!

Gail

Gail....i did an international standards project for 8 years in Sydney australia.....I think I have some knowledge of what is and what isnt. I found my Lapland removal experience here in canada a nightmare.....no nurses to attend to anyone.., I was taking care of patients myself....it is not the nursing staff it is the system. With dr Garcia his nurses had time and. We're patient and caring the facility was spotless and cleaned thoroughly everyday....just my experience though.