gundern2015

I'm heading to Tijuana too on the 19th! Angeles Hospital with Dr Corvala Feb 19th for Sleeve. We are about the same BMI height and weight and I am also from Georgia but flying in from Savannah. So you're probably starting to get ready and a little nervous? What time are you getting into San Diego I arrive at 10:12 am on Feb 19th. What day are your returning. My return flight out of San Diego is Feb 23rd at 11:45 pm (red eye)

I am and flying in on the 19th for mine with Dr Corvala. I am also flying in from the east coast (Georgia). When is your flight home?

Does he send you home with pain meds, I know you can get over the counter meds there that are usually perscription here and for a fraction of the cost. It must be a lot of anticipation to wait so long for you...It must not be easy when you're so ready... I am too excited but nervous about some of the post-surgery issues like pain during return flight, blood clot fear on the flight home, but I'm taking the red-eye so hope to sleep most of the time. I hear I should wear compression stockings afterwards. I worry about nausea, constipation, and dehydration. The fear of dehydration is a big fear of mine and I know I'm going to worry about leakage ongoing...for sure. At one point I'll learn to trust that not happening. I heard of a story where a nurse went into pulmonary distress after surgery. But was just caused by dehydration. Now I know and will be extra careful,. I am not great at consistancy and drinking Water every 15 - 20 minutes will take getting used to.

Hey Rocky1, I am booked with Dr Corvala at Angeles! I am starting a new job so had to do this within a 2 week period and am set for surgery on Feb 19th. Do you know anyone that is going at around that time? I want to thank you for all your help. I will keep you posted. Evidently his prices is going up $500 on any new surgeries booked as of this Saturday. I am worried though about clots flying back at the 4 1/2 day point (11pm Feb 23rd (back on morning Feb 24th. What clear protein packs are your bringing along? Any other advice? I am going to start reviewing other posts of people that have published their step by step experiences with the sleeve, maybe even Dr Corvala's patients... I'm sure I'll find alot of that here. I should be prepared for what I would not expect so I am totally scared with each unexpected pain, etc...I've had surgeries before and know some of the things to expect though. Thanks again. Keep me posted on yours too.

Thank you, I have considered two surgeons Ortiz and Valenzuela who operate at Mi. Have you more understanding of the ICU and if it is run as a full service full time hospital? I am not in the know on this particular topic.

Hosp Angeles is a true service hospital like the US. Sleeve plication- Corvala did the first plication in Mexico and has lectured and published articles on it. He has trained many US surgeons on it. I asked about it and was told that he recommended the gastric sleeve for me. Ariel Ortiz is a superb FACS surgeon at a Center of Excellence and similar cost to what I will be paying. I would have no problem whatsoever having him perform the procedure but there were 2 reasons why I did not choose him: 1. Not a full service hospital. 2. They wrote me that the doctor never had a leak, PE, death, infection, etc.... This is not accurate and impossible and turned me off although the hospital issue was the primary reason. A nurse on another site wrote that MI was decent but the ICU was a small room with a crash cart which is not what we expect for an ICU at home. I do not know if MI has a real full time active ER. It seems to be more comparable to a large surgical center in the US. Not sure which certifications they have. Fortunately, we have several good choices. Other fine surgeons in Mexico are Rumbaut (Monterrey), Alvarez in Piedras Negras. Dr. rodriguez performs most of his surgery in Juarez but I personally would never go there. Ok...thank you! One more question.... I was considering Louisiana Venezuela who studied under Corvala for two years and she has preformed 2500 surgeries but only accepts 3 per day. She claims to have "no complications in 2014". I can't understand the chart but it looks like there are a few...She also operates out of Mi hospital like Elias Ortiz. . Would you happen to know how many surgeries Dr Corvala performs per day?

I am a little confused about how to reply to each here....so am replying to both Rocky1 and Patricia. I don't see a reply button on your posts Rocky1...?? Patricia, Thank you, I am so glad to have a long time nurses input since you have spent so much time in a hospital environment. Are you satisified with Mi hospital. I understand that is where Dr Elias Ortiz operates. I have not done much research on that hospital. Do you know if it has ICU, fully active staffed ER,MRI, CT scan, interventional radiology suite, etc? Rocky1, Excellent. I think I have narrowed down the list and with Corvala being at the top. I wish there were more surgeons of this level in Cancun at Galenia which is listed as JCI Accredited. I am on the East Coast and cross country travel is not what I am looking for after surgery. Its a huge trip after all is said and done. So I'm assuming Angeles in Tijuana have: fully active staffed ER, MRI, CT scan, interventional radiology suite, etc.. Why did you eliminate Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Center of Excellence facility... surgeons history? Just curious. What do you think about the Sleeve Plication. Did you choose the sleeve due to suture leaks, lack of history, or gherlin gland?

So Hospital Angeles Tijuana is not yet JCI accredited but it is becoming JCI accredited? Can you show me this information.

Thanks Rocky1. This is great information. I look forward to finding more about Dr Juan Corvala. You've definitely done your homework I appreciate your sharing it. I'm surprised I hadn't come across his name. Maybe the cost is a little more so people haven't chosen him for that reason so his name isn't out there as much? I don't mind spending more in such a case but still have a budget. If there is financing for the balance that is not in my budget I will choose the best choice at the best facility then. Can I ask you what you the cost for your sleeve including 3 hospital nights (is that their norm) and included in the fee? So they don't send you to the hotel to recuperate like most do? Are you saying the Angeles can handle PE? When is your surgery? Here are the other hospitals in Mexico that are JCI accredited: Hospital Angeles Valle Oriente Hospital CIMA Chihuahua Hospital Galenia Médica Sur S.A.B. de C.V. The American British Cowdray Medical Center IAP - Observatorio Campus The American British Cowdray Medical Center IAP - Santa Fe Ca Thansks again