Hello all! New, with questions! :-)

[CaraOC]

Hi all!

I am in a considering phase. I have been thinking about surgery for probably 5 years. Since January, I have become very focused on moving forward. I have done a great deal of research, including to talking with other WLS patients, and I plan on having a DS in May. I believe that the DS gives me the best chance at long term success.

I will be a cash pay, and DS surgeries where I live in Virginia are $22,000--$30,000. One of the people I have been talking with (I don't know why this is suddenly in italics!) went to Mexico for her surgery. Again, I have been doing a lot of research, and I am thinking about going to Mexicali Bariatric Center. I can have the surgery done there for $10,000 (plus air fare). I have confirmed that this would be a true DS (2 anastomosis), and NOT a Sadi-S. The surgeon would be Dr Antonio Esquerra, who trained for 4 years under Dr. Gilberto Ungson (who has retired from performing surgeries).

I have several questions...

1. Do any of you have experience in having surgery in Mexico? Anyone have it done at Mexicali Bariatric Center in specific?

2. Has anyone had Dr Esquerra as their surgeon? Know anything about his reputation?

3. I have been told to get a local MD to follow me post op. What is the best way to do that? Do I need a WLS surgeon, or would my GP be OK?

4. Is there anyone on the Forum who regrets their DS? Why?

Thank you so much! I look forward to getting to know you! (Oh, and if anyone knows how to get the Italics off, I would appreciate it if you'd let me know!)

Hey there and welcome. I too am a Dr Esquerra graduate. I had my DS in February of last year and am currently 110 lbs down. I have nothing for but respect and high praise for this surgeon. I am an ICU nurse here in California and I honestly believe you do not get a superior surgeon here in the USA just because you pay a million bucks more. Granted, there are some great great surgeons here too but in my opinion Dr Esquerra is a great surgeon and his whole team offer a far superior service. His Anesthesiologist Dr Gutierrez is amazing too. That's a very important part of a surgical team. Dr Campos is a highly amusing and committed member of his team too. I would not hesitate in recommending this team for your surgery. Good luck and keep us posted !!

 

[Rutb]

Hi there. I am in VA too, but will be going outside of VA for surgery. I am fortunate that I have a national PPO and the 2 surgeons I am most interested in are in network. My PCP doesn't know anything about the DS, so I printed off the PCP letter that Diane has available that explains things. He is supportive with my decision with WLS and is doing my supervised 6 month diet. I say if you like your PCP, just bring up casually you are thinking of having WLS and gauge the reaction.

Best of luck on your journey!

 

[aaa]

Hello @A Dixon.

 

[Munchkin]

Great information! Thank you!! May I ask a personal question? Did you have plastic surgery? I am 5'6" and 296. I can't imagine not having excess skin. While I would never have a perfect body, I would like to get rid of excess skin, and the pounds that that skin would weight. Do you have any insights about costs for the plastic surgery...I know that I am looking waaayy ahead of my self, but I want to know what might be down the road...Thanks again!

Sauceda, also in MX is good. But just lose the weight first. You will never be perfect but you can be better!

 

[Munchkin]

I would go to Esquerra without worrying. A lot of times the medical in other countries is better than what we have here. Promise. My H and sister had their surgery in Spain and I wish I would have done it there instead of in the US. It was cleaner and the care was better.

Regrets? I wish I would have done it sooner!

 

[TvanV]

Hi!

I just had a traditional DS with Dr. Esquerra four weeks ago today, and I'd do it again tomorrow. Everything about my experience with Mexicali Bariatric Clinic was good. Every member of staff from both MBC and the Almater Hospital were kind, professional, and responsive. The doctors were on site almost constantly, the nurses WERE there constantly, and the cleanliness was above and beyond what I've seen here in the U.S.

The hospital has a special private section for WLS patients, and when I was there there were never more than four of us at a time, all with private rooms, and with our own nursing station that we didn't have to share with any other patients. I've never had nurses so quick to respond to my every need, and all without making me feel I was ever a bother.

I chose to have my surgery there, even though I have insurance here and I can afford to self-pay here in the U.S. For me, it wasn't about the money (although the price was a welcome one!), I specifically chose to go to Dr. Esquerra based on hours and hours of research. I wanted a surgeon who had done lots of DS surgeries, not just a few a year.

As for follow-up care, you really don't ever again need to see a surgeon, unless you have surgical complications. I spoke with my PCP before going and let her know what I would be having and when. At that time I set up a follow-up appt for two weeks post-op and four weeks post-op. The two week one was just to go over with her the medical records that I brought back from Mexico with me, and the four week one is the one recommended by MBC for all your post-op lab draws and an upper GI x-ray to check that healing is going well. My four week appt is tomorrow, but I can tell you that if how I feel is any indicator, all will come out swimmingly.

If you have any more questions, I'm always happy to help, as are many others on this board. Use these resources, they are invaluable!

One last piece of advice - don't wait! Do the surgery as soon as you can. I was scheduled for June, but took advantage of a March cancellation, and I'm so glad I did!

 

[TvanV]

Thanks so much! I understand how a WLS surgeon here might not want to follow me. I had wondered about just a general surgeon though.... I just don't think my PCP knows anything about that procedure. (I'm sure he has many patients who have gone through it). Now that I read your comment about labor costs, it makes me wonder...do you tip people over there? Nurses, aides, that sort? I certainly wouldn't tip at a hospital here in the states, but what is the custom in Mexico for this type of thing? Thanks so much!!

I didn't tip, and it didn't seem like it would be appropriate. You could, perhaps, bring a few small gifts or have your companion go buy some flowers.

 

[A Dixon]

Hi!

I just had a traditional DS with Dr. Esquerra four weeks ago today, and I'd do it again tomorrow. Everything about my experience with Mexicali Bariatric Clinic was good. Every member of staff from both MBC and the Almater Hospital were kind, professional, and responsive. The doctors were on site almost constantly, the nurses WERE there constantly, and the cleanliness was above and beyond what I've seen here in the U.S.

The hospital has a special private section for WLS patients, and when I was there there were never more than four of us at a time, all with private rooms, and with our own nursing station that we didn't have to share with any other patients. I've never had nurses so quick to respond to my every need, and all without making me feel I was ever a bother.

I chose to have my surgery there, even though I have insurance here and I can afford to self-pay here in the U.S. For me, it wasn't about the money (although the price was a welcome one!), I specifically chose to go to Dr. Esquerra based on hours and hours of research. I wanted a surgeon who had done lots of DS surgeries, not just a few a year.

As for follow-up care, you really don't ever again need to see a surgeon, unless you have surgical complications. I spoke with my PCP before going and let her know what I would be having and when. At that time I set up a follow-up appt for two weeks post-op and four weeks post-op. The two week one was just to go over with her the medical records that I brought back from Mexico with me, and the four week one is the one recommended by MBC for all your post-op lab draws and an upper GI x-ray to check that healing is going well. My four week appt is tomorrow, but I can tell you that if how I feel is any indicator, all will come out swimmingly.

If you have any more questions, I'm always happy to help, as are many others on this board. Use these resources, they are invaluable!

One last piece of advice - don't wait! Do the surgery as soon as you can. I was scheduled for June, but took advantage of a March cancellation, and I'm so glad I did!

Thank you so much for you insight...it is so great that you just had it are are doing so well! I also like your idea of pre-scheduling appts with my PCP...

I hope that you continue to do well! Please keep us updated on your progress!

 

[A Dixon]

Hey there and welcome. I too am a Dr Esquerra graduate. I had my DS in February of last year and am currently 110 lbs down. I have nothing for but respect and high praise for this surgeon. I am an ICU nurse here in California and I honestly believe you do not get a superior surgeon here in the USA just because you pay a million bucks more. Granted, there are some great great surgeons here too but in my opinion Dr Esquerra is a great surgeon and his whole team offer a far superior service. His Anesthesiologist Dr Gutierrez is amazing too. That's a very important part of a surgical team. Dr Campos is a highly amusing and committed member of his team too. I would not hesitate in recommending this team for your surgery. Good luck and keep us posted !!

So great to get the insight of a medical professional! I actually am not concerned about the cleanliness, safety, etc. of going to Mexico for this...I know there will be good and bad, but for some reason, I am pretty comfortable with that aspect. I have been so reassured by everyone's comments! Thank you for your response!

 

[Clematis]

Esquerra grad here and age 63 at the time. BEST decision ever. I've lost all my weight - see BMI in my signature. I type this wearing size 2 Gap skinny jeans.

Forget about finding a PCP who knows DS. No one knows DS. WLS don't know DS for Petes sake. Just find a PCP who is open minded or malleable to order proper labs. I track my own in Excel and tell her what I'm taking vitamin wise, not the other way around. You have to manage your own care with DS.

Going for first round of plastics at end of April - LBL. Breasts and face this summer.

 

[galaxygrrl]

wow, a size 2. I can't ever image being that thin. I think I would need to be 105 pounds to be that size.

 

[galaxygrrl]

I've thought about this size 2 thing all day! So jealous! I want to be a size 2 also. At a 10/12 right now and almost 8 months out. Down from 264 to 164. I think I will be a size 2 at 105. I'm only 5'3' so I could be a 2. Just saying!

ETA: So, here is my question, your BMI started out much lower than mine. I think I was at a 47 and you were about 10 points lower. Were you ever a size 2 before surgery, like in high school. (And now a size 2 is really what a size 6 was when I was in HS.). I actually weight less now than I do for a fair bit of high school. I weighed in at 164 this morning! Yes 100 pounds and started the diet I remember in HS at 167. Got down to 125 and stayed there for well, maybe 2 weeks. lol!

 

[southernlady]

I've thought about this size 2 thing all day! So jealous! I want to be a size 2 also. At a 10/12 right now and almost 8 months out. Down from 264 to 164. I think I will be a size 2 at 105. I'm only 5'3' so I could be a 2. Just saying!

ETA: So, here is my question, your BMI started out much lower than mine. I think I was at a 47 and you were about 10 points lower. Were you ever a size 2 before surgery, like in high school. (And now a size 2 is really what a size 6 was when I was in HS.). I actually weight less now than I do for a fair bit of high school. I weighed in at 164 this morning! Yes 100 pounds and started the diet I remember in HS at 167. Got down to 125 and stayed there for well, maybe 2 weeks. lol!

I actually saw a size 2 about 18 months out. Started at a 35.2 BMI. NEVER EVER saw a size 10 much less a 2 after I hit my teens. I'll be 63 in June.

 

[marissamast]

I've thought about this size 2 thing all day! So jealous! I want to be a size 2 also. At a 10/12 right now and almost 8 months out. Down from 264 to 164. I think I will be a size 2 at 105. I'm only 5'3' so I could be a 2. Just saying!

ETA: So, here is my question, your BMI started out much lower than mine. I think I was at a 47 and you were about 10 points lower. Were you ever a size 2 before surgery, like in high school. (And now a size 2 is really what a size 6 was when I was in HS.). I actually weight less now than I do for a fair bit of high school. I weighed in at 164 this morning! Yes 100 pounds and started the diet I remember in HS at 167. Got down to 125 and stayed there for well, maybe 2 weeks. lol!

I was 58 when I had surgery and i am 5'3" and hit goal at 13 mo out. I am a size 4/6/ small in everything now at 2.5 years out. It's utterly amazing to go from a 3X to a small.

 

[Munchkin]

Your DS is not my DS. DAMMIT! That's why I tell everyone to get to their goal minus 10% while the losing is relatively easy. Just don't run out of oomph before you run out of fat!