dallasmom

My husband is ready to go to Mexico for surgery. We are trying to finalize what doctor he is going to use. We have it narrowed down to 3- Dr. Kelly, Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Aceves. They all have very good reputations. Dr. Kelly is the most affordable, but we are not looking for the cheapest. Looks loike there are a few websites you can book Dr. Kelly through. Can anyone give me direct contact info. Also, it says you can stay in a recovery house after surgery for the last night. My husband would rather stay in the hotel or hospital. Please send me any infor on these doctors. Thanks, Vicki

After doing A LOT of investigating, I have learned different doctors do the sleeve (or the pouch they create) differently. For instance, I understand Dr. Rodriguez does one called the french bougie--a smaller sleeve to restrict more. Also learned the best staples are J& J and Covidian. I would have never thought to ask these kinds of questions-- Is there anything we should know or ask????? My husband & I are really trying to decide between a few doctors and this is a very hard decision. We keep going back and forth. Can anyone tell me anything to sway me between Dr. Kelly, Dr. Rodriguez and we really think Dr. Aceves or Dr. Ortiz would be awesome, but they are the most expensive:( Thanks.

We just booked flights for my husband tonight! He's going to Tijuana with Dr. Jose Rodriguez July 13th. $6800. My surgery is Aug 8th here in Dallas, TX with Dr. David Kim for free!!~!! ( I won it in a contest:)

That is helpful! It makes it sound kinda less important though. Like what size the sleeve is would only be mil. difference. They said the staples were titanium and told me the two best kinds. Flights are usually cheapest on Tues nights so even if we flip a coin, we're booking tonight:)

Lots of good info here. I have narrowed down our search to Dr. Kelly, Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Aceves (though Dr. Ortiz looks great too.) Dr. Aceves costs almost s much as we can get it done for here in Dallas, TX. ($8750) Dr. Jose Rodriguez is $6800 and Dr. Kelly $5500. I know there is a cheaper option also ($4500) , but understand the location is small and in a strip mall. Thats out for us. We narrowed our search down first by reputation and then looked at affordability. We will only consider a full service hospital able to handle emergency situations and NO group house after surgery. Hospital or nice hotel only. I connected directly through Trish (found her through Obesity Help) for Dr. Kelly and she is awesome responding to my questions by phone & email. Good luck everyone! GREAT to add this forum:)

We are excited we finally have surgery dates and are really doing this. My husband Joe is going to Tijuana to have surgery with Dr. Rodriguez in mid July. He is going through Belite and its very affordable. I am having my surgery with Dr. Kim here in Dallas, TX Aug. 8th. We are doing them like this beucause I won my surgery for free:) If anyone has gone to Tijuana, we would love to hear about your travel and experience. My husband will be traveling alone. Anyone else going to be in Tijuana the week of Aug. 18th? ANyone else having surgery with Dr. Kim??? Thanks.

You will do great. Good luck. Who is your doctor and hwere in Mexico are you? Vicki

Hey- I am from Texas too (McKInney). Who is doing your surgery?

Hi. I have not had my surgery yet (its Aug 8th) but I HAVE had my psych eval. It was silly. The lady asked me if I ever thought people were following or chasing me!!!! Then she asked if I counted things or had any repetitive behaviors. I giglled a lot and thought it was funny, which she raised her eyebrow about:) She asked me a lot of crazy questions and then we just talked about how it takes time to lose weight and I wouldnt wake up having lost 100 lbs. Anyway. I called around to make sure it was a fast appt and I didn;t have to take some 3 hour bubble test (which some have to do). They handed me letter that I was approved right there while I waited. The appt lasted about 30 minutes. Good luck!

Hey- your surgery is coming up soon! Are you on a pre-op diet now? Pls report back and tell me/us how it goes. Excited for you! Vicki

YES & YES! Thank you so much. I am so lucky and my surgery is Monday, Aug 8th. I have to do Optifast from July 12th until surgery--which I am totally scared about. My husband is going on to Mexico, so he will be finished and back in the swing of things when I have my surgery. THANKS AGAIN! I appreciate you so much.