"Well, all I can say is WOW!
My husband and I both had the VSG surgery on 8/1/2011
From the moment we walked into the center we were greeted and cared for well.
The intake staff took blood, ekg etc then led us into our rooms for the iv insertion. The nurse was one of the best nurses I have ever had in a doctor or hospital setting. I have had several major surgeries in the States and I can only say that this was a breath of fresh air.
Even with the limited English it was easy to communcate. Any time I was not understood, the person would stop what they were doing and go get a doctor or nurse who spoke English well. They were extremely patient with the language barrier.
I did not see Dr. Ortiz but once, I think. It was after surgery while I was quite looped. He asked me and my husband some questions. We were both sitting on the sofa in my husbands room. They let me go into his room anytime I wanted, me being the worry wart that I am. It was one room over.
Dr. Martinez was absolutely superior in every way. He was the surgeon I spoke with before and after the surgery. He was attentive, caring and very pleasant. I could not have asked for a better surgeon for myself and my husband.
We had to return to the clinic daily to have our drains checked and bandage changed. On the first return visit I was having some difficulties, dizzy nausea etc. I know it was the after affects of the aenestisia. I have always had this kind of reaction to certain types so I was familiar with the feeling. Dr. Martinez was very helpful in calming my fears and put be back on the IV fluids which always help. After sleeping it off in the next couple days I was fine.
When it came time to get the drains removed, mine was quite painful. Either that or I'm just one big baby these days. Either way, Dr. Martinez immediately joined the nurse who was removing the drain to assist and ease me through the proceedure. I am grateful for that. I did not expect it to hurt and of course my husband didn't feel a thing. Go figure.
When it was time for my husband to have his drain removed I had an opportunity to speak to Dr. Martinez without having a drug influence. He was very informative and filled me in on some of the latest developements in the WLS world. He seemed pretty impressed with Dr. Ortiz and told me that Dr. Ortiz would be going to Hamburg, Germany to speak with doctors there about the results of the plication process to date. He was quite a pleasure to talk to and a font of knowledge.
Dr. So (spelling?) was also a wonderful asset to the experience. He explained, answered questions and when he felt I needed more info he took the time to go and get Dr. Martinez.
All in all it was refreshing to have doctors around me that were willing to talk to me without making me feel like I was taking up their precious time or exceeding my time allotment which is how I feel EVERY time I have had surgery in the states. The doctors did not set themselves up as elitists.
They answered every one of mine and my husbands questions. Dr. So even took time during his Sunday breakfast ( He saw us at the Marriott and made it a point to stop by our table and say hi and ask us how we were doing!) to answer some additional questions my husband had.
If I was to suggest anything for improvement it would be to have a nurse ready at a designated time to check the drain and bandage. We had to wait between 45 min up to 2 hours each time. I'm not sure of the logistics in doing this but it would be nice.
Also, some reclining chairs in the rooms? Definately not a deal breaker.
I really felt safe the entire time I was in their hands.
I hope to bring my daughter there next year so she can get the proceedure done as well.
Maybe WOW wasn't all I had to say after all. :-)"
