I left Mexicali and Dr Aceves without a sleeve...

[stephanie1678 80]

Yes, it does happen. People changing their mind, even as they are IN the hospital about to have the surgery. Looking around the hospital, talking to the surgeon, and knowing 'it doesn't feel quite right'. I had emailed several members here and begged them to talk to me on the phone, to give me some reassurance that I was doing the right thing, to have some sort of hand holding. No-one followed through, no one was interested in talking to me in person. The ONLY person who agreed to talk to me (a prolific poster on a different forum) warned me not to trust reviews, and to be very careful....She talked about paid reviews, coordinators posing as past patients, hidden complication rates. I spoke to Dr Aceves as I was sitting in one of his patient's rooms, and he told me of complications some of his patients had suffered and I realized none of those stories had made it to the boards or to any of the forums I participate in. It made me realize that maybe there was some truth to the story that many reviews here are paid reviews....that the reality is not nearly as rosy as the fabulous success stories this forum is littered with.

And so I came home today...sleeveless. A fruitless trip to Mexicali that did not pan out as expected or as planned. I did get to meet Dr Aceves, Dr Campos, and his team. I got a tour of the hospital, and got to stay in Hotel Lucerna. I met some of Dr Aceves' patients who all seemed to be recovering as planned. I salute them and their bravery. I salute Dr Aceves for his brutal honesty and integrity. I could see the pride he has for his hospital in his eyes, hear it in his voice.

As for me? I am broke, disappointed, and confused.

Trust is important. I have absolutely no clue how this Medical Tourism business can be regulated better, how trust can be built, how complication rates can be better and more reliably conveyed.

It certainly is not for the faint at heart.

[No game 14,437]

I have read a bit of your posts the last couple of days... And it sounds like quite an ordeal.

I do wish the information here included more of a true story. The fact of the matter complications happen with ALL doctors. Here and Mexico, but for some reason it's taboo to speak of problems with the Mexican doctors?

Why? Does it make them less than? Does it make them less desirable? I for one would feel more comfortable knowing the good and the...I can't even say bad. It's more like truth, what's wrong with truth?

[No game 14,437]

But I offered to edit that and leave it out. You think that is not good enough. Why?!?!?!

Perhaps just writing a review and your thoughts without making it about a topic that was closed.

[SerendipityHappens 1,594]

Meh, I had no problem finding less than favorable reviews about various mexican doctors here on VST.

[No game 14,437]

Ok we are done here

[saffikeagan 8/31/13 48]

I understand why the mods are doing what they are. It helps to control flaming etc. However, it also leads me to wonder whether there's been a horror story about my coordinator or Dr. that has also been hidden that could have helped me decide to go with someone else.

[*susan* 1,709]

People, really, enough already. We do not, have not and will not ever hide or delete posts about any doctors, good, bad or otherwise. As long as they are in compliance with forum rules and based upon the personal experience of the poster it stays.

Do any of you have any idea of the lengths Alex has gone to over the years to protect members, find the truth about things, etc.? He has put his whole life into this and the needs of our members and the level of disrespect and questioning of his ethics truly disappointments me.

Sent from my iPad using VST

[No game 14,437]

I will say one thing here.. Susan and Alex have been very good about trying to make sure that the people that post here are "real" it's like a full time job for sure. But I have seen no favoritism for one doctor over another. If a dr or coordinator pushing a doctor comes on here trying to drum up business or bash other doctors. It's not tolerated. But it's hard to catch everyone that's for sure.

Just a few weeks ago there was some disturbing information about one doctor. And Alex did his due diligence by looking into it and helping correct it so no other patients should have to suffer.

[Alex Brecher 10,516]

I just cleaned up (AKA edited) and merged the (duplicate) threads.

[Jesser 295]

I will say one thing here.. Susan and Alex have been very good about trying to make sure that the people that post here are "real" it's like a full time job for sure. But I have seen no favoritism for one doctor over another. If a dr or coordinator pushing a doctor comes on here trying to drum up business or bash other doctors. It's not tolerated. But it's hard to catch everyone that's for sure.

Just a few weeks ago there was some disturbing information about one doctor. And Alex did his due diligence by looking into it and helping correct it so no other patients should have to suffer.

Which doctor? I must have missed all of that lol

[sarsar 824]

I'm sorry you left Mexicali without a sleeve! Although, I do believe that if it didn't feel right to you that you made the right decision.

I was sleeved over 2 years ago with Dr. Aceves. I'm not sure, but I am assuming Nina is still the only one that coordinates the surgeries? Correct me if I'm wrong on that please. I don't think she would have the time to come on the board and pretend she is someone else to drum up business for Dr. Aceves. His reputation speaks for itself.

If you would have contacted me I would have been glad to talk to you and share my experience. It was very scary going into the hospital with everything in Spanish and being in a foreign place and not understanding what most of the people where saying when we walked in! Part of me, for a few minutes, wanted to run out the door. I was able to get my emotions under control, speak with the doctors, and felt 100% at ease with my decision. My surgery went great, I had a great recovery and over 2 years later and 110 pounds lighter I couldn't be happier!

I do wonder why you didn't talk to Nina about complications? That was one of the first questions I had asked and she was upfront and honest when we spoke about that. I also talked to Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos about that at the hospital and, like you said, they were honest in their discussions.

I do wish it could have turned out differently for you and that you would be home and recovering right now. I hope you are able to find peace with your decision and move on from here.

[Alex Brecher 10,516]

Argh! Please DO NOT discuss moderation issues within this or any thread. Please contact us directly if you have any issues with mods, moderation etc.

[VSGKirk 855]

Stephanie, I applaud your bravery for listening to your own intuition. You should only absolutely do this when it feels 100% right. Kudos to you for sharing your story and letting people know it's okay to change your mind. I don't think this reflects negatively on the surgeon or the surgery center at all - In fact, just the opposite.

[WorkItOutWoman 185]

Some people just aren't ready. I can respect that. As far as wanting a stranger to call you and reassure you it's going to be ok? I just don't get that. This is why for good reason there are psych evals and waiting periods before this major elective surgery.

[becogolfer 68]

Regarding the original post. I understand having cold feet. I was sleeved near my home at a center of exccellence and i too gave thought to sayin no thanks the morning of surgery. I would think the stakes are higher or at least ratcheted up if you have too fly to another country for surgery. At least you got to meet them so you know more now than before. I hope you find peace in your decision whether you eventually get surgery or not. Either way its your call and nobody elses to make.