Two weeks ago, I scheduled my surgery for June 29, with Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras. I've been all excited and nervous about the surgery for days now. I wrote his patient coordinator because I noticed that I was being charge more than others patients of his on the board. She gave me all kinds of crazy reasons that didn't seem to make sense to me, but after a few emails dropped it. Well, a few days later she drops me an email to say that my surgery has been canceled because something came up. She promised to get back to me with new dates. Well, days went by and I didn't hear from her. So I contacted another one of his patient coordinators and she tells me that they have lots of openings this month and she can get me in as soon as next week. So being totally confused as to what was going on, I contacted the doctor directly. He said he canceled my appointment because he had a speaking engagement and that we would be too busy to do my surgery this month, but that he would have his patient coordinator contact me with new dates. When more time has gone by and nothing. Not a single person has bothered with me. I was really bummed because I was really excited by the whole thing. I went out to dinner with my sister, looking rather disheveled because I've been a bit depressed. Well, wouldn't you know it. I ran into an old boyfriend who I haven't seen in 6 years, when I weighed 130 pounds! I weigh over 300 now and I looked like I just rolled out of bed. Of course, he still looks gorgeous. :faint: Good grief, what a day. Please, someone kill me now!

did you give them any money?? if not then GET AWAY ASAP. After care is one of the most important things with the band...if they treat u like shit before...imagine after when they have your money.

Ditto to what robgolin87 says.

did you give them any money?? if not then GET AWAY ASAP. After care is one of the most important things with the band...if they treat u like shit before...imagine after when they have your money.

Double Ditto from me!

How fast can you run away from that Doc? It sounds like you're being taken and it's time to say so long.

did you give them any money?? if not then GET AWAY ASAP. After care is one of the most important things with the band...if they treat u like shit before...imagine after when they have your money.

Triple Ditto, get away from that doc asap Vixie he's no good

See it from the bright side: good for you if you found out still on time that that doctor is a total jerk!!! you don't want to be in the hands of someone like that! walk away and get another doctor!

niki

Thanks all. I have not paid him. Its funny, I was planning on sending the deposit the day I recieved the email canceling my appointment. I know you are all right, but its a little tough for me. Im a self pay and the doctor only charges $6800. What I liked about him was that he was close enough that I could drive to his office to do the fills and adjustments. Whats odd is that I've seen postings raving about how great his bed side manner is. I wonder if he really has another engagment or if he's blowing me off because I question him about his price. The only other doctors that is in his price range, lives in Monterery, so I will have to fly out to see him. There is a Dr. Rodriguez who has an office in acuna, but his office looks so run down that its scary. They say he has all the latest equipment, but look at this link of his facilities Medical Facilities

Seeing my ex really "brought home" just how badly I've let myself go. Its not just the weight, its everything. When we were dating, I wouldnt have left the house without my makeup and hair done. I took a lot of pride in how I looked. Now its a pony tail and some lipstick in the car. Where oh where did the old me go. I just kept thinking, how did I let it get this far. I guess the process is so slow, that you dont even realize it.

Nile, how the heck are you shedding those pounds so quickly? Are you exercising like a mad man or its it mostly calorie control. Wow, its really motivating. I would be on cloud nine with result like that. You must feel like a new man.

Thanks all. I have not paid him. Its funny, I was planning on sending the deposit the day I recieved the email canceling my appointment. I know you are all right, but its a little tough for me. Im a self pay and the doctor only charges $6800. What I liked about him was that he was close enough that I could drive to his office to do the fills and adjustments. Whats odd is that I've seen postings raving about how great his bed side manner is. I wonder if he really has another engagment or if he's blowing me off because I question him about his price. The only other doctors that is in his price range, lives in Monterery, so I will have to fly out to see him. There is a Dr. Rodriguez who has an office in acuna, but his office looks so run down that its scary. They say he has all the latest equipment, but look at this link of his facilities Medical Facilities

Seeing my ex really "brought home" just how badly I've let myself go. Its not just the weight, its everything. When we were dating, I wouldnt have left the house without my makeup and hair done. I took a lot of pride in how I looked. Now its a pony tail and some lipstick in the car. Where oh where did the old me go. I just kept thinking, how did I let it get this far. I guess the process is so slow, that you dont even realize it.

I went to Monterrey and had mine done with Dr. Zapata. He was really great and my whole experience was great. He's with Ready4Achange.com and it cost me 6900. I am self pay too. Make sure you find a doctor in the states to do fills and after care.

LLSib, whats the email or website for your doctor. I looked him up on google that he charges $8000.

Thanks

Vixie

Bless your heart...this to shall pass....I would find another surgeon and I would get the date set-up and go for it....

I know everyone has convined you already to run fast away but remember this, his web site was for his practice and you have to be skeptical. Anyone could have been posting on there....like him for instance. Telling how great he is and his bedside manner.

LLSib, whats the email or website for your doctor. I looked him up on google that he charges $8000.

Thanks

Vixie

go to Ready4Achange.com and it gives all the info. At the time of my surgery they were doing a special to intice US patients. I wasn't concerned about the idea of inticing because Dr. Zapata was an associate of the Dr. who was insprirational in getting the lap band approved by FDA in the US. I also have a friend and another aquentience who went to Monterrey at this hospital but their surgery was by the other doctor. By the way, I was originally suppose to have my surgery by the other doctor (sorry can't remember his name) but he was shot and killed in a robbery. He was the victim not the shooter.

Just wanted to post an update. Boy were you guys right about dumping Dr. Alvarez. After what happened I started checking into Dr. Alvarez's credentials and I found out that he only graduated about 1 year ago. You would never guess since he claims to have done 1200 surgeries. Also, I could not find him in the American College of Surgeons website, despite the association being listed as a credential. I guess I should have known that something was wrong with every time I called or wrote, I was quoted a different price, ranging from $6500 to $7400.

I'll tell you another thing. I posted links to sites where readers could go and checkout the credentials of Mexican doctors. I was contacted by one of Dr. Alverez's patient and told that I should not be listing such links. She said I was in need of psychiatric help because I posted my research online. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth.

Thanks again for the advice, you guys really steard me in the right direction!

glad to help. Hope you find a good price and a good doctor. But really, a good doctor is more important than the price, if they go together then great. Because this is IN you. Whats worth more than your health. Keep us updated, cheers.