Mexico was my blessing for those looking for answers as to why and where

[Granddaddy 45]

Greetings from Michael,

My story begins with research, research and more research. Like everyone I was a hound when it came to getting my gastric sleeve and wanted the best place so I checked all over the US and found out pretty quick I didn't have the time to jump through all the hoops since I was self paying. I contacted a friend who had a lap band done in Mexico with great success found out her doctor and hospital. I checked it all out had everything set to go there and something didn't set right with me. I looked again and came across Bariatric Pal put in a request and got a call almost straight back from David Lopez. He told me he could get my surgery done at less than half the 8650.00 I was going to spend. He gave me the name of a doctor they use and hospital I researched it and it wasn't for me because I wasn't comfortable made my wife the same way. I talked to David again and he said they have other doctors and hospitals they use but it would cost more ( I thought here we go ) he gave me information on Dr. Zavalza and Hospital of the Oasis ( florence Health Systems ) and a price still less than half what I was going to pay. I researched the doctor and hospital and the only negative was the Oasis was an old hospital but being updated. I cancelled with the other company and went with all David had promised pick up at the airport in San Diego, Ca., ride to their condo, accompanied to the hospital with a translator, ride back to condo for recovery, ride to the airport to leave. What my wife and I got was so much more!!!! Robert picked us up at the airport on Sunday evening took us by a store to pick up a few thing we couldn't carry on the plane and then took us across the border to the condo. I thought it looked like a compound at first but that's where we met Juan ( aka Johnny ) he got us settled in and said if we needed anything he was right next door. My wife was hungry so we asked where we could walk to get something to eat for her Juan insisted that he go with us because some places he would need to translate we went for Chinese walk out short walk to stretch our legs and bring back to the condo. Just our luck we picked the coldest time ever in Tijuana to make this trip Dec. 28, 2014 and the rest of the week I don't think it ever got above 50 in the day and was low enough to snow yes snow in Tijuana. We settled in my surgery was scheduled for the afternoon of the 29th. Next morning my wife wanted coffee so we asked Juan and he walked with us and was the best ever tour guide since he grew up in this neighborhood along with David. We walked to Starbucks got my wife her coffee then continued to walk around the neighborhood with Juan showing us some of the best views. David and Juan took my wife and I to the hospital that afternoon for my blood work and medical history where I met Dr. Jose Luna he took all my information got everything cleared for the surgery. While I was doing all this David and Juan took my wife to a late lunch and when they got back I was almost ready for the surgery when I meet Dr. Zavalza and he comes in to see if we have any questions and let my wife know he was going to take good care of me. Put her right at ease. The whole staff at Oasis made us feel so comfortable that we told Juan we didn't need him to stay we where fine. After my surgery was complete Dr. Zavalza went and told my wife everything went as planned and I would be back from recovery soon. When I got back from recovery Dr. Luna was there to check on my vitals and get me up for a short walk around the room and make sure of my comfort. He stayed telling my wife until I was sleeping well he would not leave and ended up staying till 1 am when my blood pressure was down and I was sleeping. He came back the next morning after I had already been up walking the halls ( Big Key walk, walk, walk ) helps to get rid of the gas. The Hospital of the Oasis had to be the best choice ever because the have 3 nurses each shift and the do their hand off in the room with the patient all friendly and smiling. Wednesday we went back t the condo and again went for a walk with Juan to get stuff from the market that I needed to eat and drink. Thursday we ( Juan, my wife and I ) walked to Starbucks and continued to walk because I felt comfortable came back by the market and picked up dinner for my wife and Juan I wanted to say a little thanks to him he was such a great person. Later Thursday Dr. Luna came by to check my incisions and my lungs and got on me for doing to much. We sat and talked about the protocol he had put together about the next 6 months how to progress and what to eat and when and not to try and jump steps it doesn't work. After he left us not more than an hour later Dr. Zavalza came by the condo to check on us and go over his commitment to the next 2 years following my recovery and steps to make sure all this will be a success how we will Skype and keep in contact. I never had 2 doctors that cared so much to make themselves feel like family. I really was nervous at first going out of country to have surgery but would do it again in a heartbeat if I could be promised the kind of care I received with all these people I now call friends. I want to thank David, Juan, Robert, Dr. Luna, Dr. Zavalza, and the entire staff from the front desk to all the wonderful smiling nurses. Best group ever put together !!!!!!! We are back in Memphis, Tn. now and still doing great no pain. I don't gush over many things in life but I will over Drs. Zavalza and Luna and Hospital of the Oasis if you have the chance and are looking to find great people trust in prayers like we did because we got the best !! Much love for these folks.

[HappyinHollywood 10]

Hello from South Florida!

So happy to hear you had a wonderful experience in Mexico. My niece and I had surgery in Cancun November 21st. We too had a great experience. We were impressed by team at Victoria Hospital. Dr Perez was absolutely wonderful. The hospital was beyond clean and we wanted for nothing. I don't regret my decision having the surgery in Mexico one bit. A friend of mine referred me as well as 15 others who are beyond happy.

Best of luck to the new you!

[Granddaddy 45]

I hope that someone looking for a great doctor at a more than fair price will contact Dr.Zavalza , he was the best

[Granddaddy 45]

Just finished my 3rd Dr. visit via Skype with Dr. Zavalza everything is going according to plan and our next visit will be on the 29th 1 month post op. I am feeling fantastic and wanting to do more but keep being told by wife and doctor to take this slow so I keep on track with no set backs. I am so ready to do some hot yoga have to wait till March 1st.

[Granddaddy 45]

Just had my one month from surgery and doing very well. Dr. Zavalza says I am right on schedule for me. I feel great wanting to do more but still following all the advise and walking only. sleeping on my stomach is getting much easier. I am now on some solid foods last night was tilapia and refried Beans eat slow slow slow made it all work.

[Granddaddy 45]

New update I am under 280lbs for the first time in a while and just took a photo of my self and cannot believe the changes in my face already looking forward, this will give me what I need to push on through the hard times I am having with eating to fast. I must press on to get the prize I signed up for when I decided to make this my new life style. I hope if you come on this journey you will let others know it is not always easy but it is manageable. I pray that if you are going to make this decision you will seek out Dr. Zavalza because he has been very inspirational when we visit via Skype. Also there has been and update on Facebook a new site started by one of Dr. Zavalza's patients ( Dr Zavalza and Dr Luna Mexico support group ) come on and check it out. We have been blessed by Bariatric Pal and David Lopez for getting us with the right Doctor one that has compassion and a commitment to his patients ( friends ). Remember I started this journey on Dec.15,2014 at 322lbs pre op diet all liquids till surgery Dec.29,2014 302lbs now to where I am today.

Edited February 10, 2015 by Granddaddy

[Granddaddy 45]

Todays update begins with Saturday I went for the first time since surgery to my hot yoga class and found out that it has been a long journey so far and going to be a while getting back to where I was. I made it through the class was dizzy at times but enjoyed the process of the class. I lost 3lbs. of Water during the class so I am now down to 273.2 and rehydrated and still stayed the same weight. I am smiling really big right now because this is a start to whole new experiences in weight coming off this body to get to my new one.

[kizzyfit 5]

I just paid my deposit for Dr Zavalza. I've done a Skype conversation with him a few days ago, he answered all my questions and was super nice. I'm in the Medical field myself and work for a ton of Dr's and you can tell he TRULY cares about his patients

[kizzyfit 5]

Lisa El Qarei I'm already on the Facebook page and it's WONDERFUL!

[Granddaddy 45]

By the way you ladies and gentlemen worring about leaving the kids thats understandable but your making this change in your life so you will be there for them when they get older and have kids of their own. We pray for each person as they start this journey for comfort and Gods presents in your decision because this is a full life changing event...... Go to him for comfort and ask for calm in this time...... He has already Blessed you with a humble Dr.  Zavalza with those marv...elous hands and wonderful personality. Dr. Luna with his calming influence before and after surgery. Bariatric Pal as the go between and border to border protection to make this as easy as possible.. This is your call to look at the blessings your being given with finances and personel thats been lined up for you. Then you have this group from all over some started and others in route who will love on you and answer your questions which are all valid! Please ask away if it will help you or your family get better equipped because when you get home they must become involved for this all to work. I want you all to have a group hug and give the doctors a big hug when done and kiss on the cheek they really don't mind. Smile today is going to be a FANTASTIC day............................................................................................................... If you want to see people who have and are going to Dr. Zavalza please go to Facebook and look up Dr Zavalza and Dr luna Mexico support group