Scary surgeon story has me freaked out!

[Sleevesdropper 16]

Update 10/25/13

I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to respond to this question, both here and personally by private message. All of your input has been helpful.

I have been able to research this further. It was a real event, but I have some concerns about the way it was presented to me.

I certainly extend my condolences to the family and for the WLS community when a tragedy strikes. I feel satisfied that I am in safe hands and I can now move forward confidently. I will be staying with Dr. Aceves, and I'll be sure to update everyone following surgery!

Hi everybody--

I am not trying to be a fear-monger. I simply value your sober and truthful feedback and help on this difficult topic. Please refrain from contentious comments and be respectful to one another.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses and sharing your experiences.

___

I chose Dr. Aceves in Mexicali for my surgery and I'm scheduled for 11/21/13. I have felt very confident in my decision.

I was chatting in a Facebook group today, and a person in the group who works in the MX bariatric industry told me an "insider" story about a recent death with Dr. Aceves.

I know that complications and death are possible, and I have spent years--actually, two decades--deciding if WLS surgery is worth the risk. I know that stuff happens and it's not anybody's fault, sometimes.

However, this "insider"--who had 2 surgeries with Dr. Aceves--pretty clearly stated that while the complication was clearly just "one of those things" that happen, Dr. Aceves' response caused the patient to become septic and die. The insider then very plainly said that Dr. Aceves' office "made up" (insider's words) a story about a pre-existing condition so that they wouldn't lose future patients. The insider went on to say that Dr. Aceves' care has declined in the past year or so without explanation, and "everybody" in the MX industry knows this.

I researched the patient, and she did die of surgery complications, though I cannot find any further details than that.

I had previously asked Dr. Aceves' office for his statistics, and here is the reply:

Dr. Aceves has been doing weight loss surgery for over 10 years. He has done over 1800 sleeve procedures and over 5000 weight loss surgeries.

• Leak rate for the sleeve is .16 %
  
• Mortality rate for the sleeve is .05 %
  
• Overall complication rate for all surgeries he performs is .8%.
  

If my math is right, assuming 1800 sleeves, that's:

• 3 leaks (2.88 rounded up)
  
• 1 death (.9 rounded up)
  
• Overall complications for 5,000 WLS: 40
  

I'm interested in hearing from you:

• What you have you discovered in your research on MX surgeons?
  
• Do you know of any third-party organization who can verify surgeon statistics?
  
• What has your experience with Dr. Aceves been?
  
• Are you familiar with any negative cases or reviews of Dr. Aceves? I cannot find ANY negative reviews.
  

Again, thank you in advance for your knowledge and experience. I am grateful for your help.

Edited October 25, 2013 by Sleevesdropper

[nomorecupcakes 45]

I too have chosen dr aceves and aside from this one situation I have not been able to find anything else. Did this "insider" happen to say why or how this patient went septic?

I go in for my surgery on 11/4/13 and after reading your post im now a little nervous!

[homersmomma 77]

If it were me I would take the word of a so called,"Insider" with a grain of salt. However, keep in mind that no matter where or what type of surgery you may have there are complications that may or may not happen.

[Sydney Susan 333]

I believe there is stuff on this site about that death, but not enough for anyone here to tell you what truly happened and why... there's so much rumour and conjecture, and it sounds like an independent process of investigation might not occur as readily as it would in many other countries. You need to be confident in your surgeon - put your concerns to him directly and if you are not fully reassured then move on. Many people seem to get a "word of mouth" recommendation to a bariatric surgeon. Perhaps a WLS support group in your area might allow you to meet some people face to face and discuss their surgical experiences. I'd happily recommend my surgeon, but it's a long way to come... And surgery in Aus is similar in cost to USA. Good luck.

[AtlantaRed 651]

If it were me I would take the word of a so called,"Insider" with a grain of salt. However, keep in mind that no matter where or what type of surgery you may have there are complications that may or may not happen.

THere are definitely risks with any procedure. However, that being said, my surgeon is not in Mexico (although that has nothing to do with anything, just stating he is not in Mexico) and his stats are better than those in the original post. If I remember correctly, he told me he had done around 1500 surgeries and had 1 leak 5 years ago and no deaths. Disregarding where they are both from, if I was choosing between 2 surgeons, I would be apprehensive of one that had more complications than my surgeon. No matter who the surgeon is or whether or not they ever found out the exact details in that very recent death, his higher number of any incidents (only compared to my surgeon) would cause me to inquire about other surgeons.

[Sleevesdropper 16]

I too have chosen dr aceves and aside from this one situation I have not been able to find anything else. Did this "insider" happen to say why or how this patient went septic?

I go in for my surgery on 11/4/13 and after reading your post im now a little nervous!

I definitely don't want to make you worry, especially since this story is the only negative thing I've ever heard about Dr. A., and it's only one person that I'm hearing it from. I'll call Nina tomorrow to talk with her about it. I have not heard their side of the story yet! I've also corresponded with several folks who have had their VSG done with him in 2013, and they have all sad that the care was excellent and they've had no problems.

The Insider did give me lots of details. I will PM them to you if you'd like, though I think for your peace of mind, maybe I should wait until I talk to Nina? I don't want to spread untrue details. Yikes!

Rest easy and know that I'm looking for the truth and I've got your back for Nov. 4!

[nomorecupcakes 45]

Thanks girl! I am going regardless, and I too can talk to Nina! Its just scary, but I also know that I am very healthy with no co morbidies and I am not morbidly obese. I have 50-60 pounds to lose, and I also know that thereare people from other MX tourist facilities on here that try to make other bariatric surgeons look bad. Thank you for your support

[Sleevesdropper 16]

If it were me I would take the word of a so called,"Insider" with a grain of salt. However, keep in mind that no matter where or what type of surgery you may have there are complications that may or may not happen.

Yes, absolutely.

[Sleevesdropper 16]

Thanks girl! I am going regardless, and I too can talk to Nina! Its just scary, but I also know that I am very healthy with no co morbidies and I am not morbidly obese. I have 50-60 pounds to lose, and I also know that thereare people from other MX tourist facilities on here that try to make other bariatric surgeons look bad. Thank you for your support

Honestly, that deception is why I wanted to air this out. It's so difficult these days to know who is a legit source of information! I'm talking to as many sources of information as I can! Feel free to friend me--I'd love to hear about your trip!

[Sleevesdropper 16]

I believe there is stuff on this site about that death, but not enough for anyone here to tell you what truly happened and why... there's so much rumour and conjecture, and it sounds like an independent process of investigation might not occur as readily as it would in many other countries. You need to be confident in your surgeon - put your concerns to him directly and if you are not fully reassured then move on. Many people seem to get a "word of mouth" recommendation to a bariatric surgeon. Perhaps a WLS support group in your area might allow you to meet some people face to face and discuss their surgical experiences. I'd happily recommend my surgeon, but it's a long way to come... And surgery in Aus is similar in cost to USA. Good luck.

Sydney is just a tad far! I have felt extremely confident and happy with my surgeon choice. I'm sure not going to panic and cancel before getting some facts, but at the same time, I definitely value the experiences and knowledge this whole group of folks on the board possesses. I'm glad you had a great experience with your surgeon!

[Oregondaisy 2,019]

I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Aceves. Why don't you pm *Susan* who is a moderator/administrator here at VST and she also works for/with Dr. Aceves. I am sure she will tell you the truth.

[amykins 202]

I can only tell you that I went to Dr. Aceves last August and it was a great experience. I had no complications and was treated very well. I think there is a risk in every surgery, and while I am sorry if it happened to someone that was Dr. Aceves' patient, I also know it can happen to any surgeon, in any country.

I was willing to take the risk, and am really glad I did. He changed my life. Feel free to PM me and I'll give you my phone number if you want to talk. Amy

[Sleevesdropper 16]

I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Aceves. Why don't you pm *Susan* who is a moderator/administrator here at VST and she also works for/with Dr. Aceves. I am sure she will tell you the truth.

I was just thinking about asking her earliest today. Thanks so much for reminding me!

[Sleevesdropper 16]

I was just thinking about asking her earliest today. Thanks so much for reminding me!

Uh, "earlier today."

[Sleevesdropper 16]

I can only tell you that I went to Dr. Aceves last August and it was a great experience. I had no complications and was treated very well. I think there is a risk in every surgery, and while I am sorry if it happened to someone that was Dr. Aceves' patient, I also know it can happen to any surgeon, in any country.

I was willing to take the risk, and am really glad I did. He changed my life. Feel free to PM me and I'll give you my phone number if you want to talk. Amy

Thank you!