Mr. Michael

I'm going alone next month. Yes, you certainly are "brave" for going alone. Despite the fact that you aren't physically alone, you don't know the people around you from Adam. Many people need to have someone with them for their emotional security and to act as an advocate. It may be easy for someone who thinks of this as old hat to say there's nothing special about traveling to a foreign country and putting your life in someone else's hands who you have never physically met before, but in all honesty that isn't a normal thing that most people contemplate. To the OP - I feel your concern. I understand exactly where you're coming from. In my case, my wife had a gastric bypass many years ago so she is familiar with the process. She is very supportive of me, and honestly that makes a huge difference. We too have two children and the way circumstances dictate, she can't come with me to Mexico so I'm doing it alone. I've traveled all over the world. I used to work for an airline and we flew for free. My concern isn't the traveling part, but being in an extremely vulnerable position with no on-site support structure that you can absolutely trust. Sure sure, don't get me wrong, I "trust" Bariatric Pal and the doctor and the support staff because this si the business they're in and I trust they'll do a good job. That isn't the same kind of trust I'm talking about. Not the same trust I have in my wife or my siblings. The bottom line is this. In my opinion before you decide to make this decision you should have a firm support system. Preferably your SO, but if not through a support group or otherwise. Dr. Altamirano has a support group on FB and I guess some others do too. Even if you travel alone, you have got to know that people are behind you and will help you reach your goals.

I wanted to let anyone know who read this thread that I too decided to go with Dr. Altamirano after doing a lot of research and visiting the support group on Facebook.

I appreciate that and I understand what you guys are saying. Thanks

I've been researching and trying to decide on a surgeon. I went to Dr. A's website and looked at the pictures. Honestly, this is where I was kind of turned off by Dr. A. There are several photos up that I think are in bad taste, and seeing these pictures of his website makes me question his maturity. Specifically I'm referring to the photos of the stomach after its has been removed. There are several photos of him holding it in his hand and dangling it next to him. There is a picture of him cradling it in his arms like a baby. There is a photos where they're holding the stomach next to a stuffed animal, and another picture where the stomach is on a table next to a (dirty looking) white iPhone. Help me out folks. Are these photos showing that Dr. A is immature, or am I just overreacting, OR a combination of both?