Question on Mexico Docs

irishrose · 04-12-2006, 01:09 PM

:help: Hello everyone!

I am new to this message board and have been lurking for quite some time. I have read a TON of posts about Mexico doctors and will be going down there to have surgery done since I am self-pay. The number of docs in Mexico is amazing and I have even resorted to making an excel spreadsheet to try and pick the best one for me. Cost is a big part of it because of self-pay. I know you shouldn't pick one because of cost, but, I firmly believe that you don't have to buy a $800 purse when a $15 purse is just a good and lasts just as long! :)

What I need help with is how to narrow it down. Do all of the Mexico docs offer care for complications? Will they work on you if there are problems with no additional charge? I can find someone to do fills for me up where I live, but am worried about who pays for it if there are problems.

Also, has anyone ever USED Dr. Cantu? I found a website about him and would like to hear from someone who actually went to him and doesn't just work for him.

Any help or advice or even your experience would be helpful!

Thanks!
Amy

Dianechef · 04-12-2006, 02:23 PM

I've never heard of Dr. Cantu. Is he new??! I would be a little leary about using that one!! Just MHO. I researched lots of MX doctors before my surgery & have been around here a long time & thought I'd heard every Mexico doctor there was. Never a mention of a Dr. Cantu.

Dr. Kuri & Dr. Ortiz are two doctors you hear a lot who have great reputations. Check them out & do your research. :) GOOD LUCK!!

FunnyDuddies · 04-12-2006, 02:31 PM

I don't know about other mexico doctors. But the one I chose is Doctor Sanchez in Monterrey Mexico. He works out of an american hospital and I have been told that he will in fact take care of you if there are any complications afterwards like erosion or slippage. His cost covers the plane ticket, a few nights stay in his guest house, the surgery and a nights stay in an american owned hospital, and the surgery and band, plus all the psych and nutritional help, and free fills by him in MX.

a2zhoochie2006 · 04-12-2006, 11:55 PM

hi i wish u luck i am going to get my LAP-BAND^® on 4-23-2006 with doctor javier de la garza hospital oca in mexico have u heard of him also could u tell me your doctor web site thank u lynette

lianna · 04-13-2006, 12:08 AM

I had Dr. Sanchez!!! I heard nothing but good about either one, just chose Sanchez because I talked to 2 of his patients. When I was researching I kept seeing Dr. Rumbaut and Dr. Sanchez as top Mexico surgeons. Sanchez is a pioneer in the field though, I think he even trained Dr. Rumbaut. If you go to Monterrey they have top notch facilities, nicer than most of our hospitals. The Santa Engracia, where Sanchez operates IS American owned and the CEO is banded by Sanchez. The website for Dr. Sanchez is readyforachange.com. You can call me if you want more info.....PM and I will give you my number.

the best me · 04-13-2006, 12:24 AM

Amy, never heard of Cantu. I'm a happy Dr Kuri patient. And I think you are getting good advice so far. Research well! FYI www.beliteweight.com is Dr Kuri's web addy if you need it.

GeezerSue · 04-13-2006, 12:45 AM

Where do you live, Amy? Mexico is a pretty big place and, unless money is no object...it could make a difference.

Oh, THAT Cantú! He is someone who has sent some "marketer" (who is not MO and who does not have a band) here to hang around and be friendly and drum up business and for that reason alone, I think I'd find me another doctor.

If you want a hospital on a par with those you find stateside (and I don't mean how nice it looks, but how much state-of-the-art stuff it has and how many physicians, in how many specialties, are available in case of any problems), you will find those most of those facilities in Mexico City and in Monterrey. The border towns--Tijuana, Ciudad Acuña and Reynosa--have smaller, sometimes two-or-three-doctor hospitals, that seem to be able to handle most of what they take on...but where I would not voluntarily have surgery.

Interestingly enough...in Monterrey and Mexico City, the doctors who charge the same as those in the border towns actually POCKET less money themselves, because the hospitals are far more expensive. For example, a few years back, the hospital in Monterrey where I had my band place charged about $2000, for the whole package. A hospital in Tijuana, where I went with another banded person, charged $47/night...plus the fees for the OR. Big difference. HUGE difference...both in the cost and the facilities.

I'm all about saving money...but, for me, there are only so many corners I'm willing to cut.

Sue

irishrose · 04-13-2006, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the info. I was concerned that no one had heard of Cantu other than the person who works for him! I have heard of De La Garza and both he and Kuri sound good. I will keep reading more and see what I can find. Thanks!!

**Kat817** · 04-13-2006, 08:40 PM

My cousin, and a friend and her husband all had LAP-BAND^® surgery ( which prompted my own interest!) by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. They have all done wonderfully. My friend and her husband run their own business, and have been back at work very soon after. My sister in law and I have scheduled with him and will be banded on the 24th. After seeing his past "work" and how his patient advocates have been so attentive, I am not worried in the least. Good luck to you!!

La_madam · 04-13-2006, 09:27 PM

Never heard of Cantu..I had my surgery in MX and he was never a name I came across during my research on MX docs.

lookingout · 04-14-2006, 02:35 PM

No one in my family knows I am having it done. I don't think they would understand. I am a healthy eater, but have had some hip and knee problems and can't get my weight down! I am a little nervous, but ready...what is it like post operatively? Do you really think I can go home and resume a normal activity level within a few days?

sweety91 · 04-14-2006, 05:43 PM

[quote=irishrose]:help: Hello everyone!

I am new to this message board and have been lurking for quite some time. I have read a TON of posts about Mexico doctors and will be going down there to have surgery done since I am self-pay. The number of docs in Mexico is amazing and I have even resorted to making an excel spreadsheet to try and pick the best one for me. Cost is a big part of it because of self-pay. I know you shouldn't pick one because of cost, but, I firmly believe that you don't have to buy a $800 purse when a $15 purse is just a good and lasts just as long! :)

What I need help with is how to narrow it down. Do all of the Mexico docs offer care for complications? Will they work on you if there are problems with no additional charge? I can find someone to do fills for me up where I live, but am worried about who pays for it if there are problems.

Also, has anyone ever USED Dr. Cantu? I found a website about him and would like to hear from someone who actually went to him and doesn't just work for him.

Any help or advice or even your experience would be helpful!

Thanks!
Amy[/qu

sweety91 · 04-14-2006, 05:48 PM

Hello
well I got my surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Huacuz and the experience was great I would recommend him in a heart beat the hospital and the during and after care were very good I would even say better than here in the states . Good luck in making your choice.

lady di · 04-14-2006, 07:04 PM

Iam scheduled to go to mexico 4/21. i am using Dr.Rodriquez in Acuna. His price is7300.

coogie36 · 04-16-2006, 09:58 AM

I used Dr. Daniel Huacuz in Tijuana, Mexico. He charged me $6500, this included everthing but airfare which I got on bestfares.com for about $200 from Texas. I had about an hour long psyche eval, EKG and assessment by the internist, before and after session with the nutritionist, assessment by the anesthesiologist before the surgery, blood work and of course the doctor met with me before the surgery. He also stayed and walked with me after my surgery as well as took me the next day to have my barium swallow, took me to my hotel and visited me later that evening in my hotel as did the nutritionist. If I have a question, they are right there for me or get back with me immediately. I had esophagitis (my fault for eating the wrong things too soon) and I got calls from the patient coordinator, the nutritionist and the doctor checking on me daily. I have had the best care and cannot complain at all. I am an RN and just wish the doctors here showed as much interest, concern and most of all follow up with their patients. I can tell you, these Mexican docs will spoil you, they are so caring. I have heard good things about all the docs, so I think you'll be well taken care of whoever you choose, just do your homework, talk to some past patients and feel good with your choice. If your interested in checking our Dr. Huacuz his website is www.huacuz.com. Good luck with whoever you go with and feel free to email with any questions! I just had my surgery 2/27/06 so am still pretty much new to this but got my second fill and finally starting to lose weight and am so excited! Best wishes to you!