theosmom 9 Posted February 3, 2013 All you low bmi'ers, where'd you finally go to get your surgery? I'm right at 30 and I am determined to have this surgery. The yo-yo'ing over 20 years has just drained me of self-esteem and self-belief. All the women along my mother's side have/had Type II Diabetes and I'm heading that way. So, for those who were pushing the limits of acceptable bmi, meaning 29'ish, 30 or very low <35, who did you find to do your surgery without having to compromise on quality and safety? I don't want to knock my head against the wall meeting surgeons who say "no", so any suggestions would be appreciated. I also don't want to end up in a hospital being told they won't do my surgery after being approved by the surgeon. Did anyone have a letter from their PCP to present at consult? Did that help? Thanks for any help! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zoekids 120 Posted February 3, 2013 I went dr Ariel Orriz of the OCC in Mexico. I couldn't find anyone local who would do it. Mary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happydaisy 48 Posted February 3, 2013 Dr Aceves in Mexacali, Mexico. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Facing50 21 Posted February 3, 2013 I went to dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana. Highly, highly recommend him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
funinthesun00 157 Posted February 3, 2013 Dr. Alvarez in Pedries Negras, MX (about 2 hours away from San Antonio). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms.AntiBand 2,984 Posted February 3, 2013 I went to dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana. Highly, highly recommend him. Me too.. Couldn't be happier with EVERYTHING involving Dr Ponce Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2013isit 19 Posted February 3, 2013 Dr nicholson in Dallas, and I was a 33 on surgery day. He told me that 30 and above would qualify for his self pay program. LOVE HIM! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theosmom 9 Posted February 3, 2013 I corresponded with Alvarez's coordinator and told her I'm 5'8", 192-3lbs, high risk for Type II Diabetes, depression, back/neck pain, GERD and they said no. That's just under 30 bmi. But I was as high as 202 lbs this time last year and I hate to gain 10lbs just to qualify. I mean, isn't that an unhealthy thing to do? In reality, I'm probably a 30 bmi some days and a 29+ on others. The one thing that creeps me out is not having surgery in a hospital. Does Ortiz keep you overnight? Which of the doctors you all have listed do surgery in a hospital? Thanks so much for replying and sharing. It's so helpful for us folks trying to get things lined up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theosmom 9 Posted February 3, 2013 Okay, I looked up Dr. jaime Ponce de leon online. Not to be rude, but seeing his picture and looking at his website did not give me a sense of confidence. He's unshaven, his shirt is unbuttoned and he's standing against a wall with some other guys that look like maybe they're coming from an all-night disco! LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FABby40 38 Posted February 3, 2013 Okay' date=' I looked up Dr. jaime Ponce de leon online. Not to be rude, but seeing his picture and looking at his website did not give me a sense of confidence. He's unshaven, his shirt is unbuttoned and he's standing against a wall with some other guys that look like maybe they're coming from an all-night disco! LOL[/quote'] Ha ha! I thought the same thing when I looked him up! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondie1007 51 Posted February 3, 2013 Dr. Aceves does surgery in a hospital and its cleaner than most US hospitals. Excellent hospital and surgeon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theosmom 9 Posted February 3, 2013 FABby40, I swear, delving into the waters of Mexican VSG can be a real trip! But seriously, each of us has to feel good about our decision and go with our gut as well as our head. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theosmom 9 Posted February 3, 2013 Dr. Aceves does surgery in a hospital and its cleaner than most US hospitals. Excellent hospital and surgeon. Good to know! Does he use a booking service or can you call his coordinator directly? Any language barriers with his staff? Thanks for the info! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carrie's Journey 130 Posted February 3, 2013 Dr. Cirangle in San Francisco. He's the best, but pricey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bos123 221 Posted February 3, 2013 I corresponded with Alvarez's coordinator and told her I'm 5'8"' date=' 192-3lbs, high risk for Type II Diabetes, depression, back/neck pain, GERD and they said no. That's just under 30 bmi. But I was as high as 202 lbs this time last year and I hate to gain 10lbs just to qualify. I mean, isn't that an unhealthy thing to do? In reality, I'm probably a 30 bmi some days and a 29+ on others. The one thing that creeps me out is not having surgery in a hospital. Does Ortiz keep you overnight? Which of the doctors you all have listed do surgery in a hospital? Thanks so much for replying and sharing. It's so helpful for us folks trying to get things lined up.[/quote'] Ortiz does keep you overnight. Very clean, wouldn't change a thing;) my bmi was 32 when I first applied, 30 when I had it done, no commordities. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites