I Would Do It Again with No Hesitation!

I had been looking at plastic surgery for some time. In my research I found Vida Wellness. I had a consult with Dr. Castaneda that was fantastic. He was so knowledgeable as well as responsive when I emailed him with questions. As I was in this process I started questioning if I should explore Bariatrics more. I have looked at it a few times over the past few years and I was concerned if I did just plastics at this time I wouldn't be satisfied with my results. Again Dr. Castaneda was very quick to answer my questions and concerns.

Once I made that decision I reached out to the Bariatric team. I quickly heard back from Monica; Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz coordinator. She was so polite and kind and set up a consult After having a phone consult with Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz and getting the quote I decided to move forward. My surgery date was about 14 days from this date.

I flew into San Diego from Detroit on a Tuesday. The Vida driver was right where they said he would be. They also sent me a tracking link to help find him if I had any issues. He picked me up and took me across the boarder right to the clinic. Once at the clinic (which looks just like the photos online) I was taken upstairs where I met Monica. She greeted me then introduced me to the primary doctor whom completed my EKG and health history. Once that was complete I completed the necessary blood draws; which I have very deep, difficult veins and the phlebotomist did AMAZING, and met with Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz in person. She answered any questions I had and let me know when surgery would be the next day. I got back in the van and was taken to Quest Hotel. This was set up by Monica and was wonderful!

The next day when my scheduled time arrived I met the driver outside the hotel and went back to the clinic. There I changed into a gown, had my IV placed, and met with the anesthesiologist. She again confirmed my health history and went over what I should expect from her. Then it was time for surgery. The nurse walked me back into the OR and off to sleep I went. When I awoke I had a lot of air pain however Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz was quick to assist with that as I was still too "sleepy" to get up and walk to eliminate it. Once settled I was moved to a recovery room on the same floor as the OR (not at the recovery center). The nurse was very attentive and came as soon as I rang the bell bringing me water, electrolytes, and anything else I needed. The next morning Dr. Rodriguez came in and gave me a update of surgery (which was only 30 minutes) and checked my incisions. I was then taken to get the swallow test. It was gross but it is what it is right? I was there in total 30 minutes. The driver did tell me that was fast but this was no a facility owned by VIDA and many WLS patients were there. We went back to the clinic for Dr. Rodriguez to review my scan. Everything looked great! I returned to Quest where they had a Bariatric room service that was included and was wonderful. The next morning I met the driver, went back across the boarder and came home.

Since being home (20 days post op today) I have lost 21.6 lbs. While this first month is for healing and not weight loss it is nice to see the scale go in the right direction. Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz has called and checked on me as well as set me up for success sending me home with a whole book pertaining to my eating habits, recipes, ect.

All in all I am very happy with my decision with VIDA. Not only would I do this surgery with Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz again without hesitation I look forward to returning and having plastics done with Dr. Castaneda next year!