Krittle 0 Posted July 2, 2012 Hi folks, I am in the infant stages of planning out how I will get my WLS. I will be self pay, getting it done in Mexico because my insurance completely excludes it...So my questions are: Alvarez or Aceves? Have any of you financed your WLS and ran into any issues when having your surgery in Mexico? Should I be worried about walking up post/ op with one of my kidneys missing and sold on the black market…LOL Any wisdom you can provide would be appreciated! Gracias! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Foxbins 625 Posted July 2, 2012 Both are good, experienced surgeons. I went to Dr. Aceves and still have all my organs minus most of my stomach. In my experience, Dr. Aceves takes care that you have no post-op pain or nausea and I was very grateful for that. Most of my post-op time I spent sleeping or feeling like I was floating in the bed. I'm sure one of Dr. Alvarez's patients will weigh in on their experiences too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
girlfriday 59 Posted July 2, 2012 I am here now. very pleasant experience so far. surgery is tomorrow and I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the facility I will be at. staying at the Marriott which is very nice. feel good about this decision. feel very safe as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
O.T.R. sleever 3,386 Posted July 2, 2012 Krittle, do you want to be across the border of Texas, or California? Really that's about all the difference we are talking about here. Personally I would choose Aceves, but that's only because he is in a nicer area. Both surgeons are known for being the best & have impeccable reputations. I think there is only about 50 difference in their rates. So I guess it's time to flip a coin or pick a state. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lil lee 46 Posted July 2, 2012 I'm here with dr aceves right now I had surgery yesterday and feel great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChristianMomma7 13 Posted July 2, 2012 I just got mine done from Dr. Alvarez... I adore him. They put you in a hotel beforehand, you stay 2 days in the hospital and after they put you in another hotel... all included. They have such a great program and it was really great. I don't know the other doctor but I'm sure he is great too. I just felt so at ease with Dr. Alvarez and his program. I'd call both doctors and get all the information and decide. Not sure if you've already done that but I'd do that and see what you think. I'm almost a week out, yay! 2 onmywaytx and Purpleswirlie reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylviaMom 83 Posted July 2, 2012 I am a fan of Aceves and his entire team. I was down there for a revision in June but since my band was eroded, I will have to wait for the sleeve. I am planning on heading down in December. When I was down there, another gal was there to support her mom during surgery. A year ago, that same gal had surgery...she looked great and trusted Aceves so much she brought her mom. I was there alone and felt very safe and well cared for. Everything was spotless and care is top notch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IMSKINNY 160 Posted July 2, 2012 I just got mine done from Dr. Alvarez... I adore him. They put you in a hotel beforehand' date=' you stay 2 days in the hospital and after they put you in another hotel... all included. They have such a great program and it was really great. I don't know the other doctor but I'm sure he is great too. I just felt so at ease with Dr. Alvarez and his program. I'd call both doctors and get all the information and decide. Not sure if you've already done that but I'd do that and see what you think. I'm almost a week out, yay![/quote'] Hey, ChristianMomma, I'm scheduled to go to Dr. Alvarez on August 30. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I had a videoconference call with Dr. Alvarez and I was very impressed with him. I also spoke with several of his patients that live in my area. One of my friends is going with me, but should her plans change, would you recommend going alone? 1 Purpleswirlie reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheNewSusie 471 Posted July 2, 2012 I'll be going to Dr. Alvarez this week. July 7) I met him in person a few months ago and my parents and I couldn't say one bad thing about him. He is amazing and I wouldn't change doctors even if insurance would pay it. He is great and always responds quickly both him and his coordinator Susan are beyond what I expected. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
emptynesterpam 13 Posted July 2, 2012 Hi folks' date=' I am in the infant stages of planning out how I will get my WLS. I will be self pay, getting it done in Mexico because my insurance completely excludes it...So my questions are: Alvarez or Aceves? Have any of you financed your WLS and ran into any issues when having your surgery in Mexico? Should I be worried about walking up post/ op with one of my kidneys missing and sold on the black market…LOL Any wisdom you can provide would be appreciated! Gracias! [/quote'] Oh before I left for Mx I had so many people make the kidney comment. Dr. Kelly is doing my surgery this afternoon. Sent from my iPad using VST Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
laura30 2 Posted July 2, 2012 Dose any body know how much is the surgery with DR. Alvarez? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IMSKINNY 160 Posted July 2, 2012 Dose any body know how much is the surgery with DR. Alvarez? The cost is 8700 if you're having the sleeve. 1000 deposit and the balance due when you arrive. My surgeon's self pay price is 14,000. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
allnewme 262 Posted July 2, 2012 I am partial to Dr. Alvarez but choose the Dr. that yuou feel most comfortable with. I did alot of research, called Dr. Aceves and spoke to his coordinator also. I chose Dr. Alvarez for lots of reasons (one of the biggies was his location). Closer to home and I felt more comfortable with that. Plus, he has great feedback, very hard to find anything negative about him. He has done several people that have YouTube videos that traveled alone and no problems at all. My hubby is my travel partner and I know he will be well cared for too. I always belive that you have to go with your gut instinct. Mine usually never fails me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChristianMomma7 13 Posted July 3, 2012 Hey, ChristianMomma, I'm scheduled to go to Dr. Alvarez on August 30. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I had a videoconference call with Dr. Alvarez and I was very impressed with him. I also spoke with several of his patients that live in my area. One of my friends is going with me, but should her plans change, would you recommend going alone? I would. I had my husband with me and that made me feel comfortable but the doctor normally does 3 sleeves a day and so there were 2 other ladies with us and now I believe we will be life long friends! I believe you will would feel comfortable if you had to go alone. You will LOVE Jessica, she helps from day 1 of you getting there. She was super sweet and I know it was because of her and those people that I wasn't nervous at all. I'm excited for you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IMSKINNY 160 Posted July 3, 2012 I would. I had my husband with me and that made me feel comfortable but the doctor normally does 3 sleeves a day and so there were 2 other ladies with us and now I believe we will be life long friends! I believe you will would feel comfortable if you had to go alone. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> You will LOVE Jessica' date=' she helps from day 1 of you getting there. She was super sweet and I know it was because of her and those people that I wasn't nervous at all. I'm excited for you![/quote'] Thanks! I'm excited for me too! It sounds like everything went well for you. How much weight have you lost? Have you had any issues/complications? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites