"I had my BD-DS performed by Dr. Aceves on October 23, 2012. The communications before the surgery were excellent and the responsiveness to my questions after my return to the US were quick and helpful.
The transportation, the hotel stay and especially the car in the hospital were excellent. I would recommend the option to go to Mexicali to anyone. I went alone but never felt alone. There was always someone there (who spoke English) to help even with things like changing the flavor of the Gatorade! The hospital was clean and well staffed, the doctors checked in every day.
Based on what I have read about the hoops people have to leap through to get surgery in the US through insurance, I would say the process in Mexico may be on the slim side. I did a lot of research on my own, but perhaps should have had more understanding of the BD side of the surgery. It has been difficult for me to adjust to the limitations of the "sleeve." I can't fault Dr. Aceve's practice for my lack of questions on the subject, I simply mention it as the single issue I wish I had more understanding of and discussions about before the surgery.
I may not be the typical patient. I had very little pain, slept well, walked around a lot, didn't need antacids (but took them as prescribed for 3 months) was back to work in 2 weeks. I may have pushed it, though and had a set back at about 4 weeks. The doctor and staff counseled me through it and I got back on track again.
I managed to find a good doc at home with experience in bariatric medicine and he has monitored my labs and is available locally for anything I may need. So far, no need.
I have lost 140 pounds in the 14 months since my surgery. I am no longer on any medications, I still use my c-pap (but that is a genetic thing not really weight related.) I have less knee pain and don't live on Advil like I used to. Dr. Aceves still checks in with me periodically to see how I am doing.
I am grateful for the good care and the option to have this live changing surgery at a cost I could afford."
