I am scheduled for VSG with Dr. Alberto Aceves on 3/11. I have a few questions for those of you who had surgery with him.

1. How much money should my husband expect to bring/carry with him for basic meals at the hospital, prescriptions, etc.

2. If I were to experience any minor complications or trouble with eating/post-op diet when I get back home during recovery... Is there a way to contact Dr. Aceves, or anyone else there that I can keep in touch with and help talk me through any concerns?

3. Will Dr. Aceves let me know what post-op bloodwork that I will need my PCP to check on during my first year out?

Thanks! Getting excited and nervous!!

Hi Jen, I was sleeved by Dr. Aceves 7-15-13 I'm down about 110 lbs and couldn't be happier with the whole experience. To help you with you're questions

1. In regards to how much money to carry what I can tell you is the PPI and pain med we're told to purchase cost me around 150 US $. Everything else varies on your travel situation.

2. You've probably been working with Nina regarding all pre - op info, well she has a counterpart named Gaby who handles all post - op inquiries so any question you ever have you contact her and if she can't help she forwards your email to the Dr.'s. Who in turn reply to you in a very timely manner, so you don't ever go clueless about anything these ladies are on the ball.

3. I forgot the question lol

3. OK got it. Yes definitely, Dr. Campos will facilitate all that info. I personally live in Palm Springs Ca an easy 2 hour drive to Mexicali so I just plan on going to him for blood work.

All in all I know you'll be soo happy with the whole experience just as I am they really know what their doing the hospital and staff are great and as an added bonus nobody ever mentions on here while at the hospital you will meet 2 amazingly sweet ladies Yolanda and Karen they are part of the coordinating team as well as Nina and Gaby. They are at the hospital till late in the afternoon every day, remember they are not nurses or hospital employees they but these ladies will assist in ANYTHING making sure you receive nothing but the best care possible. Any other questions you might have send me a message I'd be happy to help.

I'm still trying to decide between Dr. Aceves and Dr. Kelly. I'm leaning toward Aceves but want to know if you think the extra $$ he charge is worth it? I'm traveling over 7,000 miles for this and will have only basic healthcare when I come back home so I need to be SURE I'll be ok. Thank you for anything you can offer to help me decide! I'm looking at March 20. Thanks!

BEYOND well worth it. Keep in mind that while the fee for Aceves is more, it includes a private up scale mexican hospital. Also I haven't had insurance since way before surgery, but I followed all instruction to a tee and heeled perfectly. Good luck with you're decision, and if you have any question feel free to ask

Pedrosmommy, I'm booked with Dr. Aceves for March 20! Thanks for the reassurances!

Awesome best decision you'll ever make. Message me anytime if you want a friend along the way

I had surgery last Monday by Dr. Aceves. He was referred to me by a co-worker. I am very happy now with how much they do for you. They leave no stone unturned in making sure you have every ounce of knowledge needed.

I even emailed Nina having cold feet and almost backing out just days before. Once in there care you feel secure. I am back to work today and doing good.

I would refer Dr. Aceves and team to anybody who wants to go to Mexico and self pay.

p.s. I have bad anxiety and they kept me very calm.

Thanks for the post Socal Sleeve! It's good to hear reassuring words. Two weeks from today I'll be flying 7000 miles to San Diego and having surgery the following day.

I'm getting cold feet - especially because I've been battling a horrible flu + sinus infection since the end of January. I just completed 4th round of antibiotics and still feeling worn out. Now I'm worried that I won't be well by then! But airfare is too expensive to cancel/change so I'm hoping for the best.

Glad to hear you're doing well. Keep us updated! Happy healing!

Thanks everyone! I am currently on day 5 of the pre-op diet, and leaving on Monday for Mexicali!! I am also getting cold feet... But I know I'll go through with it. I'm so nervous... I also have severe anxiety... But I'm also very excited and ready! So glad to hear others' great experiences!!!

Good luck Jen40! You'll do great! Keep us posted.

Hi all

can someone tell me, what is the usual reply time by their office ? I e-mailed yesterday morning, nothing yet

Hi all can someone tell me, what is the usual reply time by their office ? I e-mailed yesterday morning, nothing yet

Nina has always gotten back to me within 24 hours. She's fantastic about answering questions, providing information, and offering reassurance. I leave in 6 days! Can't wait for my new beginning!

Researching Dr Ortiz and Dr Aceves. Both look like good options but I continue to scare myself out of committing to one. I've been saving up money for over a year and have enough to pay for the surgery in full, so I'm ready to set a date and move forward! Thanks for the detailed posts!

Researching Dr Ortiz and Dr Aceves. Both look like good options but I continue to scare myself out of committing to one. I've been saving up money for over a year and have enough to pay for the surgery in full, so I'm ready to set a date and move forward! Thanks for the detailed posts!

rosemaryb,

I initially was looking at both of these doctors, too. I ended up choosing Dr. Aceves even though the drive to Mexicali adds 2 hours onto my 23 hour trip. Communicating with Nina at Dr. Aceves' office helped me make up my mind. I was starting to freak out and emailed her a billion questions and when I was getting super anxious. She was always kind and patient and answered every last question I had and offered great advice. She even arranged for post-surgery hotel stays in Mexicali and San Diego at a discounted price, as I am staying several days extra before my long flight home.

Dr. Aceves allayed my fears about traveling so far a week after surgery and will be sending me home with a months' worth of blood thinners and extra pain meds "just in case."

I'm leaving in two days and will have my surgery on 3/20 with Dr. Aceves. I'll try to provide details about my experience.

PS - I was having extreme anxiety last week but came across some doctors' notes from some appointments several years ago. I saw 'morbidly obese' and 'moderately obese' written at the top of the pages and I realized - Holy Cow! I can put this whole obesity thing behind me now! Woo hoo!

I had surgery with Dr. aceves same day as SoCal Sleeve. They are top notch professional. They are with you every step of the way. You are never left alone wondering what will happen next. Nina is the one you'll be talking to then you get there and either Karla or Yolanda take you to all your tests. You have a very detailed interview with Dr. Campos he is a former sleever himself and a surgeon and nutritionist, he will explain everything and make you feel most comfortable. The hospital is impeccable the staff is seasoned. You will meet and see Dr. Aceves in the morning before surgery and he himself is wonderful. You have around the clock care and the doctors check on you a few times a day. I still to this day speak with Dr. Campos and Gaby, they follow up with you and check on you almost daily. You won't need much money. Dinner is maybe $25. I brought $50 total and it was plenty. I also had a cc just in case. But never used it. I highly recommend Dr. Aceves and his team. They are a bit more expensive but you get the best care and follow up.