"I first met Dr. Rumbaut the day before my surgery, shortly after I arrived in Monterrey, Mexico. He impressed me as a very caring doctor who took a genuine interest in his patients and in making them feel at ease. Even though several of his phones and pagers were buzzing (he's obviously a very busy man), he ignored all of the distractions (didn't even look at his caller ID!) and concentrated on me and answering my questions. He even provided his personal cell phone number to his patients in case they needed to ask him something for the duration of the stay in Mexico. I think the man is amazing, one of the pioneers in bariatric surgery, and would recommend him to anyone who has to pay for their surgery out of pocket.rnrnHis entire staff was friendly and very knowledgable. Everyone I spoke to, from the receptionists to the nutritionists and the other doctors on staff, was willing to answer questions and help out in any way they could. They all provided phone numbers and email addresses, and repeatedly told the patients to contact them with any questions, at any time. rnrnThe only thing I don't like about Dr. Rumbaut is that he is in Mexico, and I can't go hug him every day! This doctor could work anywhere in the world, but chose to work in Monterrey to help patients from the US and Canada who couldn't wait for their insurance to cover the surgery (and for those with no insurance). He is sincere in his desire to help as many people as he can, and he and his staff provide a TON of information on before-care and after-care. There is a structured after-care program, and his patients all have access to the nutritionalists for life. All of the risks were clearly explained, and all questions answered honestly. I have not found any of the information given to me to be false or misleading. rnrnThe only language barrier I ran into was with a couple of the overnight nurses at the hospital, but the doctor's office provides all of the patients with a list of Spanish phrases that came in very handy. The care I received at the hospital was at least equal to, if not better, than any care I've received in a US hospital. I did try to learn a bit of Spanish before I went, and that came in helpful when I went out shopping a couple of days after surgery. rnrnMy only real complaint I have about the entire experience was regarding the hotel that the patients stay in. The beds, while very comfortable the first night there (pre-surgery), were extremely high and difficult to climb up into after surgery. There were also several bus loads of children staying there that ran around the halls at all hours and would carom off of people in the hall ways and out by the pool. The hotel staff was extremely friendly though, and willing to help out as much as they could. Request a fridge in the room immediately if you're going though - it would be nice if those were automatically provided for the bariatric patients, as the doctor gives you a large box of protein drinks/Crystal Light, etc. for the couple of days after surgery you're in the hotel. Having to repeatedly get ice and keep stuff in the bathroom sink got a little frustrating, but at least it guaranteed me a walk a couple of times a day. rnrnI do know that 2 of the other women who had the RNY surgery the same day I did had a couple of problems, but I can't speak for them. I don't know if the problems stemmed from any fault of the doctor or staff, or from bad luck and the ordinary risks of having surgery and being overweight. I will encourage them to post their own experiences here. rnrnOverall, I would recommend Dr. Rumbaut and his staff to anyone. I did go by myself and was never once lonely or scared to be alone. The staff makes regualr trips to the hotel, and patients are provided with contact numbers to call at any time, day or night. Dr. Rumbaut's surgical competence is beyond expectations, and so is his bedside manner. He will remain in my prayers forever, and I just can't thank him enough. "
