TAB2012 10 Posted November 27, 2012 Co-ordinators playing musical surgeons is getting really frustrating and depressing. At first I contacted A Lighter Me to go with Dr Garcia.. didn't have a good experience. Do not want to use ALM. Then I was leaning on Dr Lopez and was considering PV.. so I went through his "official" website which is actually MBC. They reply promoting other surgeons.. I reply that I'm only interested in receiving info on Dr Lopez and they don't even reply back. Ready4Achange seems a bit more professional but now they also don't book with Dr. Lopez. It seems like everyone has been switched around the last month or two. If anyone knows a co-ordinator other than these 3, please let me know. I really want to get this ball rolling!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coolmamma73 129 Posted November 27, 2012 I feel your frustration!! I am using Ready4 a change with Dr Garcia I am very impressed with alma, their coordinator and she always responds promptly! My surgery is Dec 4th and I am so confident in my decision!! Good luck in your search 1 Lifechanging<3 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coolmamma73 129 Posted November 27, 2012 I just want to add, that while the coordinators are an important part of the experience, the Dr is the one with your life in his hands and you want to feel confident in your decision. Dr Lopez and Dr Garcia are highly recommended, so I believe you're in great hands either way 1 TAB2012 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAB2012 10 Posted November 27, 2012 Yeah Alma, was definitely the most professional so far. They do have another surgeon they are working with in PV. But he's only worked with Mexicans before. So I wouldn't be able to talk to people here that have had surgery with him. So it would be a bit scary to go with a new surgeon. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to research him more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lifechanging<3 2 Posted November 27, 2012 I feel your frustration!! I am using Ready4 a change with Dr Garcia I am very impressed with alma, their coordinator and she always responds promptly! My surgery is Dec 4th and I am so confident in my decision!! Good luck in your search Hi! I am having surgery also with doctor Garcia but in February! You think you could keep in touch and tell me how it went? I am also using Ready 4 a Change with Melissa as my coordinator who also replies instantly! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coolmamma73 129 Posted November 27, 2012 Hi! I am having surgery also with doctor Garcia but in February! You think you could keep in touch and tell me how it went? I am also using Ready 4 a Change with Melissa as my coordinator who also replies instantly! Yep! I will def keep posting here as I get I MX and throughout the while process! 1 Lifechanging<3 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbamom 29 Posted November 27, 2012 I hear ya sister!! The coordinators have been interesting to say the least. The lack of professionalism across the board floors me. Makes me want to just go out and start my own Medical Tourism business because I know that I could do a WAAAAAAY better job than what I've seen so far. Now with that being said, I did decide to go with Dr. Lopez and I am using A Lighter Me. I have managed my expectations regarding A Lighter Me and know that the Dr. is the important part and the Dr. is a good one. 1 coolmamma73 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAB2012 10 Posted November 27, 2012 Yeah it's true.. the Dr has to be your first choice not the co-ordinator. It doesn't help that I'm flip flopping between Tijuana and PV either. But Dr Lopez works in both locations so that helps if I chose him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbamom 29 Posted November 27, 2012 In the end, I decided to go to Tijuana - mostly due to cheaper flights. PV looks beautiful if you can swing it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAB2012 10 Posted November 27, 2012 The flights are about the same for me. Tijuana is closer but going to PV means I can go direct from Canada and not connect through the US. Going through customs twice in one day is NOT fun on a good day, espcially not if I've just had surgery. But it's cheaper in Tijuana.. so I'm really torn! But I will make a decision this week!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
saddie 21 Posted November 27, 2012 try placidway, i had dr sariana do mine, was very happy. he is out of mexicali and no sending you to a hotel for recovery. hospital was spotless and staff very kind. you get your own private room with a couch for your companion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AmandaRaeLeo 2,146 Posted November 27, 2012 Co-ordinators playing musical surgeons is getting really frustrating and depressing. At first I contacted A Lighter Me to go with Dr Garcia.. didn't have a good experience. Do not want to use ALM. Then I was leaning on Dr Lopez and was considering PV.. so I went through his "official" website which is actually MBC. They reply promoting other surgeons.. I reply that I'm only interested in receiving info on Dr Lopez and they don't even reply back. Ready4Achange seems a bit more professional but now they also don't book with Dr. Lopez. It seems like everyone has been switched around the last month or two. If anyone knows a co-ordinator other than these 3' date=' please let me know. I really want to get this ball rolling!! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote'] Dr. Lopez books through ALM only. Highly reviewed surgeon. Dr. Garcia also books through ALM and R4C, well reviewed surgeon. dr. ponce de leon uses Trish and another coordinator in Canada. Dr. PDL is well reviewed, and a surgical teacher and everyone cannot say enuff good things about Trish. I narrowed it down to Dr. Lopez and Dr. PDL. I've decided on Dr. Lopez b/c he specializes in higher BMI and operates with a 2nd surgeon. Also, and this does matter to me to a point... He was a little less expensive. Going to have mine in March in TJ. I thought about PV but didn't want to pay extra for a vacation I wouldn't be able to enjoy vaca style. Amanda Rae Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SerendipityHappens 1,594 Posted November 27, 2012 Ya, it was VERY confusing... especially since Lopez, Carberea, and Garcia are all practicing in MiDoctor hosptal I've been working with Christy at MBC to have my surgery with the Cabrera/Valenzuela team. Although Lopez and MBC have parted ways over contractual issues, Christy at MBC still spoke very highly of his skill as a surgeon. Also, my guess would be, and this is just a guess. That as a doctor grows in popularity and experience he eventually only needs one scheduling service because he has sooooo much business he does not need it coming from two or three directions.... but when the doctor isnewer, he needs multiple coordinating services to send him business. That's my take on it anyway. 1 amytug reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAB2012 10 Posted November 27, 2012 Yeah that may be. But christy could have at least responded to me telling me they no longer work with him, instead of just ignoring my email. How much is dr ponce de leon? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Threetimesacharm 1,400 Posted November 27, 2012 The flights are about the same for me. Tijuana is closer but going to PV means I can go direct from Canada and not connect through the US. Going through customs twice in one day is NOT fun on a good day, espcially not if I've just had surgery. But it's cheaper in Tijuana.. so I'm really torn! But I will make a decision this week!! I flew from Canada to San Diego then crossed the border to Tijuana. Crossing the border is no big deal. On the way back request a wheel chair assistance and you will sail right through, no worries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites