I just had my DS in Puerto Vallarta Mexico with Dr. Casteneda. I went through Medical Tpouism with Regene Ison. I am a retired RN who tried for several years to get my insurance to cover this. They would not. My research was extensive over several years. I knew that I wanted DS. It appeared to be the best for weight loss and with minimum chance of regain. I realized I would need to be diligent about taking the supplements required after surgery.
I cannot tell you how pleased I am.. I had the surgery on January 21 2014. I flew by myself to Puerto Vallarta. The hospital staff picked me up at the airport, Regene made my plane reservations and hotel reservations. I was in a beautiful hotel. The hospital staff picked me up the next morning and took me to the hospital which was immaculate and super efficient. I had 3 nurses and two aids attending to mr the minute I was in my room. 5 physicians came in to greet me along with Dr Casteneda. All was explained to me. The nurse started my IV without incident and took my labs. Surgery was done when lab results were in. Very little discomfort and I was discharged the next morning to my hotel. The staff took me there and made arrangements to pick me up for the airport the next morning. My surgery was done laproscopically so 7 small one inch incisions.
The staff made sure I was met at the airport with a wheel chair, escorted to the plane and met with a wheel chair at each step of the journey. Dr. Casteneda gave me explicit surgical reports and instructions. I was given my immediate post op medications.
After I got back home my daughter stayed with me for two weeks. I contacted local Bariatric physicians. The local Dr.s were not familiar with the DS, but hooked me up with a Dr in Flagstaff for immediate follow up and nutrition counseling. That Dr. referred me to a wonderful physician in Scotsdale who performs and treats DS patients.
I have been faithful about getting follow up labs and following up with Dr, in Scotsdale.
I did go through a period of OMG what did I do? for the first few weeks. Then the cloud lifted and I feel great. I weighed 239.9 at surgery and weighed 206.4 today. I faithfully follow the nutritional advice given to me and take my Vitamins. Total cost of surgery was $8.800. I also paid for my plane tickets and one night of hotel. Not bad considering quotes in US were $30.000plus $ 30.000 for hospital. My Blood pressure is normal. My Blood Sugar is normal, No asthma, NO MORE INCONTINENCE. No arthritis pain in my knees and back. Sciatica gone. All in past two months. Minor wound infection which was about size of pea. Resolved on its own. Couldn't be happier.