"Dr. Perez de la Romana is a world-leading plastic surgeon, credentialled by the leading associations: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery,
Asociación Española de Cirugía Estética, American Society of American Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He comes to the United States three times yearly for continuing education. He has a passion for helping those who have lost massive amounts of weight - and is honored to be a part in the reconstruction phase of their new lives. He is kind, personable, and thoughtful on top of it all!"
"My PCP (Marnie Foley - very cool chick) initially referred me to Emma Patterson at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
My experiences with Dr. Patterson were less than positive. I have come away with a great distrust of her, and am thankful my insurance ended up NOT covering surgery. I did end up following up with Walter Lindstrom regarding my insurance - however, learned that our coverage (ODS Health Plans of Oregon) simply have an air-tight exclusion. My husband's employer also refused to eliminate the clause that excludes treatment of M.O. from their insurance product.
So, I end up a self-pay. I've done much research, and am confident that the BPD/DS and Dr. Baltasar in Spain are the right choices for me. So, what it all comes down to is the money - I'm saving my pennies, and praying for the surgery to come soon - before my health gives out.
8/10/2002: 5 weeks and 4 days ago I had my surgery with Dr. Baltasar. My first impression of him was that our meeting was something akin to running into someone you've loved and admired your whole life, but only knew from afar - yet on first meeting, I was genuinely welcomed, and made to feel as if the feeling were mutual. My impressions of Dr. Baltasar did change over time - but all only for the better. Not that I can think of a single negative thing. It's just that I grew to love and respect him more with each passing day - as I still continue to do.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to go to Spain and feel so fortunate to have Dr. Baltasar as my surgeon - and new friend. My surgery couldn't have gone smoother, and my recovery has been phenomenal. Dr. B is simply the best."
"It looks much like I might have expected a U.S. hospital to look in the 1970s. It is older, but it is very clean. I loved that there was fresh air flowing in through the windows, and I could sit out on my balcony and soak up the lovely Spanish sunshine!"
"Dr. Zelko is very informed about WLS - including the varieites offered - and has dealt with quite a number of post-op surgical needs. He is very kind, honest, supportive, educated, and detail oriented.
Overall, since having my hernia repair/abdominoplasty (5/2/03) I'm still amazed at how 'tight' my abs are, and how secure my entire gut feels - an amazing difference from the huge hernia that was resident there previously!"
"I had my hernia repair/abdominoplasty on May 20, 2003. It was a fairly extensive procedure - Dr. Zegzula was so great with aftercare, and when insurance gave me hassles he and Dr. Zelko both went totally to bat for me. I couldn't hold them in any higher esteem!"
"Dr. Foley is an excellent internist, and from day 1 of our physician/patient relationship assumed the role of advocate for me. She has been 100% supportive of me in my quest for WLS and has been one of my most enthusiastic cheerleaders with each success the path has brought my way!"
