Looking for info on Duodenal Switch Surgery In Mexico

[Midwest Cowgirl 2]

I'm looking into having a revision to the duodenal switch. With this surgery being a self pay I'm looking into going to Mexico. 4 years ago I had the gastric sleeve and did well the first 10 months. But only lost 65 lbs. I was working my program like a pro... I'm still working out and watching what I eat but have started regaining weight.(25 lbs. in the last 18 months) I would like to hear from others that have had revision or are going straight to the duodenal switch. Tell me about your experience in Mexico and your surgery... I know lost of questions but I figure that's what this forum is for... INFORMATION. Thank you!

Edited January 6, 2015 by Midwest Cowgirl

[jaba 0]

I had an outstanding experience in Mexico. Mine was performed by Dr. Aceves, who unfortunately died this summer in a plane crash. His partner, Dr. Compos may now be doing the DS - he was also great. Otherwise, they both trained under Dr. Ungson. 2 weeks after my DS I ended up in the hospital with gall stones back here in the states. My hospital stay was HORRIBLE compared to my stay in Mexico! The hospital in Mexico was so clean and the staff was very attentive. I will say, though, that travel after the procedure was very uncomfortable. I am not a typical case in that I've had nothing but complications. I know other people who have had the procedure in Mexico with great success. Good luck!

[utahgirll 81]

I belong to a FB page called Duodenal Switch and have been researching and considering this surgery. I can only afford Mexico, and the word in that group is the only Mexican surgeon to go with for DS is Ungson. They are a pretty supportive and amazingly intelligent group of ladies, with years of experience to share. I call the DS gals the BACON and FAT clan. Its rather amazing what they can eat or rather MUST eat to keep themselves alive. They have some 3 doctors they recommend in the states and the only one in Mexico is Ungson. The other thing they stress is the importance of the Vitamins they MUST take to stay alive. The Vitamins again, are essential to stay alive. I am talking 4x a day. AND the importance of doing a blood draw to gauge the Vitamin levels very regularly, like every 6 months. It is a very complex operation, but it really works. And I am quite amazed at the food they must eat. Kinda my dream food. lol. I am pretty sure that I would choose DS over RNY if I needed to get re-done. Good luck, and hope you find the info you need. Personally, I am looking to getting the Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB), my first WLS. I know it is not me involved here, but if i were in your shoes, I would look to doing everything possible to not have to re-do the surgery... this DS requires a kind of extreme Vitamin monitoring that I just don't know if I am capable of... also the cost of the vitamins is rather high, up to $150 per month. The weight loss is assured with it, you cannot NOT lose weight. The stateside surgeons sound pretty dang amazing.

[DSwitcher 35]

I had DS revision to the Gastric Sleeve after 4 years and regain. I would not even CONSIDER any other first time surgery than DS, if my BMI and medical clearance qualified me. The record of the DS is clearly superior to any other surgery, and the maintenance is the key to not having to have revision and regain....

[kimmorgan 31]

I am having a revision from bypass. What is the difference from bypass to switch??

[cashimere 0]

I just had my DS in Puerto Vallarta Mexico with Dr. Casteneda. I went through Medical Tpouism with Regene Ison. I am a retired RN who tried for several years to get my insurance to cover this. They would not. My research was extensive over several years. I knew that I wanted DS. It appeared to be the best for weight loss and with minimum chance of regain. I realized I would need to be diligent about taking the supplements required after surgery.

I cannot tell you how pleased I am.. I had the surgery on January 21 2014. I flew by myself to Puerto Vallarta. The hospital staff picked me up at the airport, Regene made my plane reservations and hotel reservations. I was in a beautiful hotel. The hospital staff picked me up the next morning and took me to the hospital which was immaculate and super efficient. I had 3 nurses and two aids attending to mr the minute I was in my room. 5 physicians came in to greet me along with Dr Casteneda. All was explained to me. The nurse started my IV without incident and took my labs. Surgery was done when lab results were in. Very little discomfort and I was discharged the next morning to my hotel. The staff took me there and made arrangements to pick me up for the airport the next morning. My surgery was done laproscopically so 7 small one inch incisions.

The staff made sure I was met at the airport with a wheel chair, escorted to the plane and met with a wheel chair at each step of the journey. Dr. Casteneda gave me explicit surgical reports and instructions. I was given my immediate post op medications.

After I got back home my daughter stayed with me for two weeks. I contacted local Bariatric physicians. The local Dr.s were not familiar with the DS, but hooked me up with a Dr in Flagstaff for immediate follow up and nutrition counseling. That Dr. referred me to a wonderful physician in Scotsdale who performs and treats DS patients.

I have been faithful about getting follow up labs and following up with Dr, in Scotsdale.

I did go through a period of OMG what did I do? for the first few weeks. Then the cloud lifted and I feel great. I weighed 239.9 at surgery and weighed 206.4 today. I faithfully follow the nutritional advice given to me and take my Vitamins. Total cost of surgery was $8.800. I also paid for my plane tickets and one night of hotel. Not bad considering quotes in US were $30.000plus $ 30.000 for hospital. My Blood pressure is normal. My Blood Sugar is normal, No asthma, NO MORE INCONTINENCE. No arthritis pain in my knees and back. Sciatica gone. All in past two months. Minor wound infection which was about size of pea. Resolved on its own. Couldn't be happier.

[Band07 374]

I have a sleeve and am looking to revise too, I'm pretty sure I'm going with the MGB, have you looked into it at all ?

[aprillperkins 1]

So I called Mexicali Bariatric Center and was told Dr. Ungson has accepted a wonderful government job and is no longer performing DS surgery or any surgery and they are referring patients to someone who trained under him... Dr. Tony Esquerra. I Googled him and nothing came up but a 45 sec Youtube video and his credentials on the MBC website. I am so upset I was so ready to get the DS with Dr. Ungson and now have no place to turn where I don't feel I'm gambling with my life. Does anyone else know of a reputable and competent DS surgeon in Mexico?

[Mountaingal 322]

Bariatric Pal does a lot of checking on their Drs perhaps if you contact them they can refer you to a qualified physician for this surgery.

[cashimere 0]

Dr. Casteneda in Puerto Vallarta performed the DS surgery on me. Wonderful hospital, wonderful Dr. Great outcome.

[AngieNP 2]

I'm having DS in Mexico on October 5 with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. This will actually be revision #3 for me. Lap band in 2006 (vomited all the time), sleeve in 2009, (lost a decent amt of weight but have regained about 25 pounds and have terrible reflux, no restriction anymore). I'm considered to be a lightweight and feel like I might be slightly insane for wanting DS, but we are going to go with a longer common channel since I don't have that much to lose. I've done a lot of research and DS has the best long term success rate. I also live in the Midwest. I used Dr Rodriguez for my lap band and had zero complaints.

[Band07 374]

I'm having DS in Mexico on October 5 with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. This will actually be revision #3 for me. Lap band in 2006 (vomited all the time), sleeve in 2009, (lost a decent amt of weight but have regained about 25 pounds and have terrible reflux, no restriction anymore). I'm considered to be a lightweight and feel like I might be slightly insane for wanting DS, but we are going to go with a longer common channel since I don't have that much to lose. I've done a lot of research and DS has the best long term success rate. I also live in the Midwest. I used Dr Rodriguez for my lap band and had zero complaints.

I too am a third timer ! I was a low BMI as well and went with the MGB with Dr. Rod in April . 5 months out and only 10 lbs from goal. Happy and healthy so far! Dr. Rod and Star Medica are great!!