M. Salvador Valencia Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I was very nervous about going to Mexico for surgery, but after speaking with Dr. Valencia several times I knew I had found a great doctor. I had several complications and he was still able to do the rny laparascopically. I have never met a more caring and compassionate doctor. I would go back to him for other problems in a heartbeat. My pcp is also very happy with the skill Dr. Valencia showed (he thought I had lost my mind when I told him I was going to Mexico for surgery).

To me Dr. Valencia was a lifesaver. He is a kind, caring, honest human being who puts his patient's safety first. He made me feel more like a close friend than a patient, following my ups and downs all along to this date. rnI was very afraid to go to Mexico and so I did extensive research on doctors before making my final decision. I had the Laparoscopic RNY instead of the band and I am so glad I had without a doubt one of the best surgeons on the field. rnI decided not to write any review until I was certain of my results which by now are evident. For me, the Mexico experience was one of success and I can now say that this has been the best investment of my life.rnThank you Salvador Valencia!rnrnrnrnrn

Dr. Valencia is very professional he lets you know everything up front all the risks and benefits and then lets you choose. My first response was that he was very caring and dedicated to his profession. This as not changed. His office staff is very compentant and knows what they are doing. I trust my life to them. Dr. Valencia calls or emails his patients at least once a month afterwards. In fact after my first surgery he was still calling me six months later to make sure everything was going ok. No much of a structured aftercare. He tells you what to do afterwards and emails you insturctions. He wil answer any questions you have promptly though. Dr. Valencia let me know that my case was very complicated and that certain things may happen because of this. He was very staight forward about all the risks. I rate him a 9 out of 10 as a bariatric surgeon. His surgical competence was great as was his bedside manner. He is very detail orientated in his surgery and really wants the best for his patients. He does most of his surguries laperscopic so that patients have less recovery time. He also tries to do them with only four incisions. He will not take a patient that really and truly does not need surgery unlike other mexican doctors and he will tell you this too.

My Mom & I flew into San Diego on a Sunday. We were greeted by Dr Valencia’s driver & were driven into Mexico to Ensenada. The driver was so pleasant & it felt like we were on a guided tour. He pointed out points of interest & gave us a lot of information as we drove to Ensenada. We went to the Velmar Hospital and that is where one of Dr Valencia’s staff members met with us. Dr Valencia had arranged for my Mom to stay with me in the hosipital room to make things easier for us. The Hospital was very clean & we felt at ease. Later that night Dr Valencia & his partner came to see me. This was the first time I met with Dr Valencia. He was very professional & kind. He explained the entire procedure to my Mom & I and made sure all questions were answered. He explained all the possible complications to us, & made sure we were comfortable.rnMonday morning I went into surgery. I was scared as anyone would be having a major surgery. I woke up after surgery to see Dr Valencia & his partner were in my room with me.rnFor the next 2 days DR Valencia & his partner checked on me several times throughout the day. They treated me like family. The hospital staff was wonderful; even though there was a language barrier they met all my needs. I was surprised at how well I was doing. I was up & walking 1 hour after surgery. The pain was minimal and very bearable. I was at the hospital for 3 days & was then released to go home.rnDr Valencia had his driver take my Mom & I back to the San Diego airport.rnSince my surgery which was 10 weeks ago Dr Valencia has followed up with me via the phone to see how I am doing. I have lost 54Lbs in 10 weeks & have never felt better. I have energy & feel so much better about myself. I have joined a gym & attend regularly. If I had to do it all over I would do it the same exact way. Dr Valencia is the best.rn

I spoke with Dr. Valencia on the telephone. Our conversation flowed freely and lasted over an hour. This gentleman is caring, witty, talented, humble and makes his patients feel so at ease. I am fully content with the decision I have made in selecting him to care for me.rnHe is very clear about this procedure not being a magic trick and he is not doing the surgeries for just anyone willing to travel to Mexico for the lower cost. He wants his patients to make knowledgable decisions, knowing the risks as well as the advantages about each of the available procedures available for them. I really like this man and his way of thinking. He is currently involved with most of the major surgical organizations in the US, (I can't name them all off the top of my head). Doing his fellowship at UCLA, Dr. Valencia is very serious about his profession and integrity as a highly skilled physician and surgeon. He even has a great sense of humor and laughs easily. His English is fluent, even the \"slang\". Wooo Hooo!

Dr. Valencia and his entire staff were very professional. My husband accompanied me during the entire surgical stay and he also liked Dr. Valencia very much. I had absolutely no problems with my surgery. The only thing I would comment on is I felt my pain level immediately following the surgery was a bit much and the medication was not strong enough to alleviate it.