Dr. Kelly vs. Dr. Aceves

[TheSkinnyCow73 72]

So, I have a revision scheduled with Dr. Kelly for January but am also considering Dr. Aceves. My story is a little different being that I have an older non-adjustable band called the Molina band (I have other posts on here about that) but here is where I need your input...

I have read all your posts on the two docs (and they both sound equally awesome and competent) but am confused on the pricing difference between the two?? Dr. K is almost $5k cheaper than Dr. Aceves for a revision surgery. Does anyone happen to know why? Thoughts? My husband is questioning this mostly and asked me to post and see what everyone has to say about this.

Thanks!!!!

[bayareanan 24]

I was going to use Aceves for my. Revision but decided on Dr Ortiz for the same reason. 5k is a lot of money. Especially in Mexico

[KellyL 173]

Well you are going to get a lot of different opinions on the two Drs, and yes I agree that they are both great surgeons. I am afraid no one here is going to be able to give you an exact reason for the price difference. Many things come into play with pricing. The surgeons fee, the assistant drs, the anesthesiologist, the actual hospital. I believe there is a difference as far as looks in the hospital, but they are both full hospitals that I am aware of. The hospital Dr Aceves works out of sounds like it is fancier, but I don't have actual experience with it, just heard people mention marble floors? I have been to the Florence Hospital and it was not fancy but very clean, and they cleaned twice a day while i was there. I think someone mentioned in another post about a spinal block? Now to my knowledge Dr Kelly doesn't do this, but I had absolutely no problem with pain aside from the gas pain immediately out of surgery that was taken care of almost instantly with meds in my IV. They are both experienced and have low complication rates. They both have a good medical staff from what I can gather from my experience with Dr Kelly and what everyone posts about Dr Aceves. There are a lot of revision patients on this board who went to Dr Aceves, and are happy with their experience. I am sure you will hear from them. It is just a personal decision. I wish you lots of luck with your weight loss journey!!

[blondie1007 51]

I think it all depends on what you feel comfortable with. I went with Dr. Aceves. I personally did a year's worth of research on him before making my decision. In my opinion he is more experienced with band to sleeve revision. I myself had the lapband (which was eroded) and I wanted someone that had the most experience in that area. Also, I wanted to be in a hospital in case the absolute worst happened. Dr. Aceves and his staff were very friendly, professional and caring. I would do it over in a heartbeat. Good luck with your decision.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I heard that Time magazine is doing an article on the top bariatric surgeons in the world.

Dr. Aceves is the only Mexican surgeon or surgeon doing surgery in Mexico mentioned in that article. That speaks volumes for him.

[longer-life 139]

I heard that Time magazine is doing an article on the top bariatric surgeons in the world.

Dr. Aceves is the only Mexican surgeon or surgeon doing surgery in Mexico mentioned in that article. That speaks volumes for him.

This has been mentioned a few times but I haven't heard any proof. I am not saying it is not true, but I would take it with a grain of salt until it is published.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I know. I would love to see the article or find out when it will be out. I am sure it if it is true, somebody will post about it when it comes out or if we find out when it will be out.

Now that you mention it, I am going to email their office and get some information. I know they would not lie about it.

[Rev Me Up! 75]

I chose Dr Aceves because I was a band to sleeve revision and he was the highest recommended by far on either side of the border.

It is hard to compare since none of us went to both doctors. I know that Dr Aceves works out of a real hospital - complete with an emergency room, trauma center, other types of patients, etc. You stay all nights in the hospital rather than a house with nurses (not sure what Dr Kelly's post op set up is?). You are not discharged from the hospital until you pass all the leak tests and perform some necessary biological functions. He has had a lot of experience with the revision - that is what sold me. If I was not a revision, I may have considered someone else.

You will find that each patient is passionate about their own doctor, no matter who he/she is. We all feel like we made the right choice for us and people get a little territorial about it. All I can say for my experience is that it was better than any US surgery experience I have ever had. I felt well cared for and I have had no complications as a result of the surgery.

Good luck with your decision and surgery!

[TheSkinnyCow73 72]

Thank you all for your replies! I love reading about the good and bad of everything and understand the passion that goes with your experience too! As far as I know, Dr. Kelly's choice practice is at a hospital also. It may not be as fancy as some of the others but that is okay with me as long as it is CLEAN and equipped!

I guess my real wish would be to find those few Molina banders that have actually had the revision to sleeve and who the doc was that did it.. US or MX. I have one shot to get this gawd awful band out and get my sleeve. My insurance will cover a removal and the drs here in the US are telling me I can only be revised to the RNY from this band. Have you read the horrific life some of these RNY'ers are living. I have lived 16 years with vomitting, etc... I REFUSE TO PUT MY BODY THROUGH THAT WITH A PERMANENT SURGERY!!

I have spoke to Dr. Kelly TWICE and he laughed and assured me that a sleeve can be done. I believe him. I have faith in him! When he and I talked he reassured me that I would be in the hospital the entire time I was under his care. normally you get to go and rest at a nearby hotel but because of the complexity of this damn band, I will be under special watch. That made me feel really good too!

Again, I thank every one of you for being brave enough to share your story and experience and open up your life to me. It is very comforting and appreciated!

<3Amy

[waterlover 15]

maybe the difference in price has to do with time in the hospital? don't you spend three nights in the hospital with aceves and two with kelly? i would imagine it costs more to have that extra night in the hospital rather than a hotel.

[CRANBERRY31 8]

I had my band done by dr aceves in 2008, because my experience was excellent I plan to go to him for my sleeve next year too, am sure some other surgeons are cheaper but am going to go with tried and tested.

[SouthernSleever 228]

I loved Dr Aceves. I've heard good things about Dr Kelly too. Dr Aceves practices out of a private hospital which is very up to date and you spend 3 days there. It's right across the boarder and also your hotel the night before your surgery is paid for. I would go with Dr Aceves because of his rep but I think you will do well with either.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

I had my revision with Dr. Aceves - and never have anything but rave reviews for him, the hospital and his staff. That said, I've not come across any bad information about Dr. Kelly except one time. I've also never seen an actual account of that incidence either, it was just hearsay IMO. I KNOW for a fact based on my own personal experience that Dr. Aceves is an excellent choice.

Good luck!!

[Formerly Fluffy 5]

As cheap as I am I would gladly pay more for Aceves! It's just one of those instances where you get what you pay for.

I have the Crap-Band and have been researching VSG in Mexico. His patients always seem overwhelmingly satisfied.

Good luck!

[TheSkinnyCow73 72]

Yes, I have seen lots of happy revisioners with both docs but in no way do I feel like you get what you pay for with Dr. Kelly. He was up front and honest about his experience with my band and gave me great advice about what he felt would be best for me. (Him being $5K+ cheaper is a bonus!) My band is a little different than most being the Molina band so I have opted to have it removed here in Houston since the surgeons are experienced and insurance is going to pay for it. (yay!) This happens on 1/6/12 and crazy as this sounds, I am actually scared! I have had some sort of restriction for over 16 years and as miserable as I am with the band, I am accustomed to life this way. Therapy, here I come!

I will have my sleeve surgery with Dr. Kelly on 2/22/12 and will join the losers bench once and for all! I am counting down the days!

Good luck to all of you and Happy New Year! It is going to be!!!