Sleevesdropper

Update 10/25/13 I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to respond to this question, both here and personally by private message. All of your input has been helpful. I have been able to research this further. It was a real event, but I have some concerns about the way it was presented to me. I certainly extend my condolences to the family and for the WLS community when a tragedy strikes. I feel satisfied that I am in safe hands and I can now move forward confidently. I will be staying with Dr. Aceves, and I'll be sure to update everyone following surgery! Hi everybody-- I am not trying to be a fear-monger. I simply value your sober and truthful feedback and help on this difficult topic. Please refrain from contentious comments and be respectful to one another. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses and sharing your experiences. ___ I chose Dr. Aceves in Mexicali for my surgery and I'm scheduled for 11/21/13. I have felt very confident in my decision. I was chatting in a Facebook group today, and a person in the group who works in the MX bariatric industry told me an "insider" story about a recent death with Dr. Aceves. I know that complications and death are possible, and I have spent years--actually, two decades--deciding if WLS surgery is worth the risk. I know that stuff happens and it's not anybody's fault, sometimes. However, this "insider"--who had 2 surgeries with Dr. Aceves--pretty clearly stated that while the complication was clearly just "one of those things" that happen, Dr. Aceves' response caused the patient to become septic and die. The insider then very plainly said that Dr. Aceves' office "made up" (insider's words) a story about a pre-existing condition so that they wouldn't lose future patients. The insider went on to say that Dr. Aceves' care has declined in the past year or so without explanation, and "everybody" in the MX industry knows this. I researched the patient, and she did die of surgery complications, though I cannot find any further details than that. I had previously asked Dr. Aceves' office for his statistics, and here is the reply: If my math is right, assuming 1800 sleeves, that's: 3 leaks (2.88 rounded up) 1 death (.9 rounded up) Overall complications for 5,000 WLS: 40 I'm interested in hearing from you: What you have you discovered in your research on MX surgeons? Do you know of any third-party organization who can verify surgeon statistics? What has your experience with Dr. Aceves been? Are you familiar with any negative cases or reviews of Dr. Aceves? I cannot find ANY negative reviews. Again, thank you in advance for your knowledge and experience. I am grateful for your help.

Agreed, 100%.

This made me laugh out loud from joy. What a great solution! Kudos to your NUT!

So, I'm the crazy person who willingly and happily scheduled her surgery for November 21--right before Thanksgiving! My retired parents were already planning to come down to spend Thanksgiving through Christmas with us (it's a good relationship, no worries). I'll be exactly 1 week post-op on Thanksgiving, and if my post-op goes well, I should be able to have my first "solid" food on Christmas Day (though I'm not bummed if I don't make that date. More interested in healing well). My family is EXTREMELY food-centric and we definitely have food issues. Just wondering how you have handled/are planning to handle the holidays. Also, does your family feel uncomfortable eating around you? How did they adjust to your new state after surgery?

AMEN, LET'S GO!!

I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to respond to this question, both here and personally by private message. All of your input has been helpful. I have been able to research "The Insider" and know who this person works for. While this was a real event, I have some concerns about the way it was presented by The Insider. I am certainly extend my condolences to the family and for the WLS community when a tragedy strikes, but I feel satisfied that I am in safe hands and I can now move forward confidently. I will be staying with Dr. Aceves, and I'll be sure to update everyone following surgery!

Thanks for your comment, Sassy! What are your doc's complication and morbidity rates? The "bad rep" surgeon is definitely not Dr. Aceves. I'm very pleased with his stats as they are better than the average "1 in 400." Dr. Aceve's' reputation is as a caring, experienced surgeon with great surgical skill and bedside manner. Just wanted to put that out there to clear up any doubt for anyone reading!

The pre-op diet my surgeon asked me to follow is not like that at all! Actually, it's very much like how I eat normally: high protein, low carb. Not a liquid diet. I'm so sorry that you're not enjoying your pre-op diet! I'm cheering for you! It's all going to be completely worth it!

Thank you!

Uh, "earlier today."

I was just thinking about asking her earliest today. Thanks so much for reminding me!

You got it!

Vlassic garlic dills are saving my life right now!! NOM!

Thanks! My doc demands 10 days, but may as well get started, I say!

Congratulations!!

Happy Weekiversary! So glad to hear about your good progress!

Sydney is just a tad far! I have felt extremely confident and happy with my surgeon choice. I'm sure not going to panic and cancel before getting some facts, but at the same time, I definitely value the experiences and knowledge this whole group of folks on the board possesses. I'm glad you had a great experience with your surgeon!

Honestly, that deception is why I wanted to air this out. It's so difficult these days to know who is a legit source of information! I'm talking to as many sources of information as I can! Feel free to friend me--I'd love to hear about your trip!

Yes, absolutely.

I definitely don't want to make you worry, especially since this story is the only negative thing I've ever heard about Dr. A., and it's only one person that I'm hearing it from. I'll call Nina tomorrow to talk with her about it. I have not heard their side of the story yet! I've also corresponded with several folks who have had their VSG done with him in 2013, and they have all sad that the care was excellent and they've had no problems. The Insider did give me lots of details. I will PM them to you if you'd like, though I think for your peace of mind, maybe I should wait until I talk to Nina? I don't want to spread untrue details. Yikes! Rest easy and know that I'm looking for the truth and I've got your back for Nov. 4!

I'll be there on Nov. 20. I'll just miss you! Please keep me posted on your experience!

You will need a passport to get back into the US. If you don't have one, you can expedite your passport application for a fee--though I don't know what it is these days. I did read that you can get back in with proof that you've applied for a passport, but I encourage you to research that; it may no longer be valid.

I agree. I told DH, parents, and sister. I told my boss I negs to have a medical procedure. I won't be telling anyone else. I used to work at a super-safe, close-knit place, but not anymore. Nobody's business!

Me too! Which doc? I'm on the 21st.

Nah, I'm not worried. I mean, other than the normal "OMG what am I thinking?!" LOL!