Hi everyone, I've been lurking on and off for a long time, and now that I'm getting thisclose to pulling the trigger on have sleeve surgery (in Mexico! (gulp!)), I thought I'd better come out into the open and introduce myself. I've been considering this surgery for YEARS.

This board is kind of complicated, and it's easy to get lost in here, like a huge house with lots of different parties going on... lots of mingling.

So, here's the deal. I'm trying to decide between Dr. Kelly and Dr. Ariel Ortiz. Dr. Kelly sounds superb, so does Dr. Ortiz. The difference is about $1100, as far as I can tell (that includes Dr. Kelly fixing a hernia), with Dr. Ortiz being the higher priced surgeon. Dr. Ortiz works out of his own clinic. Dr. Kelly works out of either a hospital (Angeles for $7,000+) or out of Clinica San Juan ($4700).

The reviews for both are very good. Dr. Kelly has 17 years surgical experience plus experience in a trauma center in the US. He's done over 12,000 bariatric surgeries.

Dr. Ortiz's clinic is an "International Center for Excellence," which means they have met all this accreditation criteria set by international committee. This is a good thing as it means certain standards are always in place.

Dr. Oritz was a lap-band specialist, but has been doing sleeves for a number a years now.

Dr. Ortiz has never had a "leak."
Dr. Kelly sutures over the staples.

The staples they use are not from China.

Dr. Oritz - 1 night in clinic, 2 nights post-op in hotel.

Dr. Kelly - 2 nights in clinic, 1 night in post-op hotel

It's really hard to choose!

I'm looking to hear from those of you who have had surgery with either of these fine doctors.

Help! I'd really appreciate your input.

PS, I weigh 280, 5'9", 55 years old.

Thanks!

I am booked with dr Ortiz, what made my decision, he has 2 anesthesiaologists and 2 surgeons in the operating room, I am booked for Monday! I loved all the videos on you tube, good luck on your decision

I am curious, why do so many people go to Mexico to have gastric sleeve/lap band surgeries. I am

always reading posts about surgery in Mexico. Why not have it done in the states?

Why Mexico ?

I had mine done in New Jersey unless you live there ? Sorry I just don't get it, I don't mean to sound like I'm talking down to anyone I mean this with all do respect I'm just curious do they do something different there that's not allowed here in the states ? Please only cause I'm curious and no other reason / no hiding agenda

I beleive people go to Mexico who either have insurance that does not cover WLS and people who do not have insurance. Self pay for surgery is cheaper in Mexico versus US.

I am just curious as well, does it have anything to do with insurance or something.

Hetera - do a search and post your question in the forum specific to people who have had WLS in Mexico. You are more likely to get responses from people in the community who will actually be helpful vs. judgmental. Not saying the replies so far have been judgmental, more curious, but the responses are not addressing the questions the poster asked.

It IS very hard to navigate this website in the beginning! I'm so used to navigating the app on my phone that the desktop website throws me for a loop! Good luck with your surgery planning and whatever you end up deciding!

Edited April 8, 201511 yr by Bluesea71

Most of the people that choose to have their procedures done in Mexico are "self-pay" patience. If your insurance does not cover the procedure in the US, your only other choice would be to pre-pay, and you can get the same procedure done in Mexico for anywhere from 1/3 to 1/4 of the cost to do it here in the US. Not to mention there are very reputable facilities in Mexico.

Thanks Greeneyes ! That's what I thought but wasn't sure

Thank you for your reply, it is good that there are options for those who have to pay out of their

own pocket. I had never heard of having surgery in Mexico. If I had not been able to have the

surgery in the U.S. I would have looked for other options.

Here in Canada you have to travel to Toronto to have it done and the cost is up and over $20,000. Insurance does not cover it here as well. However the gov't does do a few free each year but it too is a 2 yr waiting list and you have to be in poor health to receive it. Mexico was my decision because from when I booked it I was scheduled 3 weeks later for the procedure.

Maybe for people that don't have insurance it might be cheaper in Mexico for them

Hello, I am 7 days post op and found this forum. My journey has taken a year from meeting the insurance requirements to the final pre approval. The surgery was on April 2, 2015. I have had a lot of nausea and pain. My doctor started me on puréed foods but it does not agree with me so I called the nurse and she had me go back to straight liquid. I feel a little better, not so nauseous. I am taking a blood thinner for 8 days so I am giving myself shots. Everything is overwhelming now but I hope it gets better.

When you have the surgery in Mexico do you have to do the pre-diet? How do they know if you are

healthy enough? I believe all of my problems were because I was in such bad health. What if

something goes wrong? Do you have to go back to Mexico?

Priley: I had the same issues as you are having, it will get better. Hang in there and give

yourself time to heal. You will be happy when all of that weight just melts away.

In my area (NYC) it costs about $25,000 to have sleeve surgery. In Tijuana, it's about $6500, tops. Believe me, if I could afford to have it here, I would. Dr. Weiner in Detroit Medical Center is very good, but he's $11,000. And guess what, I do have insurance through work, but it doesn't cover ANY bariatric surgeries. So, Mexico, it is. However, my insurance does cover any emergency situations (after I pay the deductible).

Thanks for all your help, people.

I appreciate it. I'll check try to find the Mexico boards.

Edited April 8, 201511 yr by Hetera

@@Hetera I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez at OCC 15 months ago. Unless one of them is on vacation, they both do the surgeries together and I would be confident having either one of them operate alone. I had a Wonderful experience, was well cared for by the entire staff, had no complications and a nearly pain free recovery. Currently 10 pounds below goal and maintaining easily. I chose OCC for many reasons including their fully dedicated bariatric staff, the facility (I preferred a surgical center over a hospital), and both Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez's credentials, experience and low complication rate.

I have also discovered since surgery just how great their postop followup is as well. They have a staff dietician available for consult before and after your surgery. I haven't utilized this service, but I know some other OCCers keep in constant touch with her. As for other postop communication, Dr. So and Dr. Martinez have both been great in answering any and all questions I have had. They always return emails and phone calls within 24-48 hours, even on weekends.

If you haven't already, check out the "Dr. Ortiz and OCC" thread on the Mexico and self pay subforum. Over 2000 posts from dozens of OCC patients. Or PM me if you'd like more info. Good luck with your decision!