The Fountain of Youth Rediscovered in Puerto Vallarta By Jim Scherrer PVREBA | Photos by Jesus de Avila – May 2009.
Puerto Vallarta, the sleepy little Mexican fishing village that's no longer sleepy or little is located at the same latitude as Maui, Hawaii. Being at that latitude, Vallarta experiences the same perfect daily temperatures as Maui from November through May, averaging about 73°F. However Vallarta is much more hospitable for vacationing or retirement during those months because it receives an average monthly rainfall of less than 0.4 inches, whereas Maui receives anywhere from 1.7 to 2.6 inches of rain per month, depending upon your location on the island. Additionally, Vallarta is located a short two to four hours from most US cities while Maui is six to ten hours from most mainland US cities.
Now that we know that Vallarta is conveniently located south of the border, you may ask: what does this Paradise in the foothills of the Sierra Madre on the Pacific Ocean have to do with the Fountain of Youth? Well, it just so happens that thousands of North Americans who visit Vallarta every year arrive looking pale, wrinkled, obese, and/or with dental problems, and return home a week or two later looking fit, tanned, younger, thinner, and/or with clean white and straight teeth!
One might attribute these miraculous conversions during such short vacations to either visiting the Fountain of Youth or, if that explanation doesn't pass muster, to undergoing various modern medical procedures!
Today, Puerto Vallarta is home to a number of new, modern and fully-equipped hospitals, as well as clinics and dental offices which offer the very latest technological facilities. Puerto Vallarta is also proud to be home to some very competent, highly qualified and experienced gastroenterologists, bariatric surgeons, internists, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons, dental surgeons, etc., many of whom have received partial training in the US, and virtually all of whom are fluent in English.
It's common knowledge that for many years now, North Americans have headed south of the border for various cosmetic procedures. Not only are they able to have the procedures done and fully recuperate in anonymity, but they do so at a fraction of the cost of having them done in the States. Today, there are many excellent plastic surgeons in Vallarta performing liposculptures, face lifts, eyelid and nose surgeries, breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and approximately 40 other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on a daily basis.
What is not so well known is that various bariatric procedures are also being performed laparoscopically on a daily basis in Vallarta. These procedures include Roux-en-Y gastric by-passes, gastric sleeve resections, and adjustable gastric "lap" bands. One of the talented local surgeons has performed more than 1,000 such procedures; approximately 40% bypasses, 40% sleeves, and 20% lap bands. (As a side note of interest, this surgeon, with the assistance of another of these talented internists, recently laparoscopically removed the author's ruptured appendix!)
The cost of these laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures vary slightly from one patient to another but, on the average, are about 2/3 of what they would be in the States. A typical "package" would be about $10,000 US and would include all hospital and doctor charges as well as the flight and accommodations in a fine resort hotel. Yes, that's right; basically a free vacation in Paradise plus world class medical care for less than the cost back home where all your friends and neighbors can ask questions and watch you recover!
For those of you not familiar with laparoscopy, you may know someone who has had his or her gall bladder removed, had an appendectomy, or had a hernia repaired laparoscopically and was up and around in just a couple days. Thanks to both the skill of the surgeon and advances in technology, laparoscopic techniques -often referred to as minimally invasive techniques- are being applied to a growing number of procedures, and someday will likely replace open surgical procedures in many other areas.
The main advantage of this safe new technique is that there is no need for large incisions. Instead, the surgeon operates through the belly button and a couple other small openings about the size of buttonholes, while viewing the patient's internal organs on a TV monitor using an internal camera. Laparoscopy is setting new standards for patient care because it allows surgeons to perform many operations without the trauma and pain associated with a large incision. Since there are no large incisions to heal, patients have less pain and recover sooner; hence, the cost of laparoscopic procedures are usually substantially less than those with conventional entries because the hospital stays are greatly reduced.
Okay, now that you've just shed 100 pounds, had a quick tummy-tuck and perhaps a little liposculpture work, it's time for some tanning in the warm winter PV sun; after all, the flight and part of the accommodations were included in your "package"! Give yourself a week of rest and relaxation in one of Vallarta's fitness centers and perhaps then you'll be ready for a face lift, a breast augmentation, or maybe even a mouthful of straight white teeth!
There are many fine dentists in Vallarta where fillings, root canals, bonding and bleaching are commonplace. There are also a number of highly trained excellent dental surgeons that specialize in caps, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants, all at a fraction of the cost of the same in the States. Of course, the simple procedures are practiced in the many local dentists' offices whereas the more complex procedures are done in the more sophisticated clinics and hospitals where they have all of the latest in modern equipment and facilities.
The bottom line is: today's medical and dental care in Puerto Vallarta is virtually world class, and prices are a fraction of those in the US. If elective, non-insured medical procedures are in your plans, you should seriously consider the modern facilities and excellent doctors and dentists in PV. There is no better place on the planet for recuperating after surgery than in Vallarta, during the beautiful winter months of November through May. Upon returning home, your friends will be duly impressed when they see you proudly "strut your stuff", as you inform them that you rediscovered the Fountain of Youth while vacationing in Paradise! Email to a friend
Medical Specialties Directory:
• Aldo Martínez Sánchez • E. N. T.
222 Lago Tangañica Fracc. Fluvial Vallarta
Mon. to Fri. 11 AM to 2 PM •
Appointments: 225-8787 // 225 68 37
Emergencies & House Calls: 044 322 306-0311
E-mail: dr_aldo@hotmail.com
• Alfonso Rodríguez López •
General Physician
148 Lucerna Col. Versalles
Mon. to Friday 8 AM to 9 PM •
Sat. 8 AM to 2 PM
Appointments: 223-0656 •
Emergencies & House Calls: 225-5757
E-mail: arodriguez_md@hotmail.com
• Armando M. Joya Mungia • Gastric & Bariatric Surgery
148 Lucerna Col. Versalles
Mon. to Fri. 10 AM to 2 PM •
Appointments: 293-1991
Website: www.drjoya.com
Cell.: 044 322 294-1717 •
E-mail: joyaarma@hotmail.com
• Daniel Velasco Carbajal • Oncologist
170 Aldanaca Col. Versalles
Mon. to Fri. 10 AM to 7 PM
Appointments: 224-9761 / Nextel: 145-3615
E-mail: dvcdoc@yahoo.com
• Dora Ma. Muñoz V. • Orthodontist
116 Viena Col. Díaz Ordaz
Mon. to Fri. 11 AM to 2 PM & 5 to 8 PM
Appointments: 223-1870
Sat., Sun. & 24 Hrs.
Emergencies Cell.: 044 322 292-3370
E-mail: doramunozv@hotmail.com
• Erick A. Gómez Palomera • Endodontist
200 Jesús Langarica Int. 23 Col. Centro
Mon. to Fri. 9 AM to 2 PM & 4 PM to 8 PM •
Sat. 10 AM to 2PM
Appointments: 222 36-69
Emergencies Cell.: 044 322 306-0532
E-mail: dr_erick_gomez@hotmail.com
• Essaú Gutiérrez • General Practitioner
Ave. Tepic Sur (Carr. Federal 200) 1508
Local 18 & 19
Mon. to Fri. 10 A: to 5 PM •
Appointments: 297-2041
Website:www.citymedica.com
E-mail: egutierrez@travel-medicare.com
• Fco. José Garcia Pacheco •
Homeopathic Alternative
Behind the San Marino Hotel
Olas Altas Romantic Zone
Mon. to Sat. 10 AM to 1:30 PM & 4 to 8 PM
Sun. 10 AM to 2 PM • Appointments: 222-3940
24 Hrs. Cell.: 044 322 121-9878
E-mail: doctorcitochiquito@hotmail.com
• Ignacio Gómez G •
Prosthodontics & Dental Implants
322 Ignacio L. Vallarta Col. E. Zapata
Mon. to Fri. 9 AM to 8 PM • Sat. 9 to 2 PM
Appointments: 222-5359
E-mail: cdgomez@prodegy.net.mx
• Israel Martínez • Dentist
190 Guatemala Col. 5 de Diciembre
Mon. to Fri. 10 AM to 2 PM & 4 to 8 PM
Sat. 10 to 3 PM • Appointments: 223-0489
E-mail: israelmorgado@hotmail.com
• Jaime Miramontes Contreras • Oftalmólogo
1749 Fco. Villa Hospital CMQ Premiere
Col. Foviste 100
Mon. to Fri. 10 AM to 4 PM & 5 to 7:30 PM
Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM • Appointments: 223-0011
E-mail: drjmiramontes@hotmail.com
• Janet Andrea Galicia R • Esthetic and Anti-aging Medicine
105 Pavo Real Col. Aralias
Mon. to Fri. 9:30 AM to 1 PM •
Appointments: 224-5377
E-mail: an_gali@hotmail.com
• Jorge H. Preciado Mora •
Obstetrician / Gynecologist
146 Av. Los Tules Col. Díaz Ordaz
Mon. to Fri. 4 PM to 9:00 PM • Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM
Appointments: 293 60-90 / 225 64-35
Emergencies Cell.: 044 322 135-0812
E-mail: ginecova@hotmail.com
• José Manuel Corona H. •
Obstetrician / Gynecologist
116 Av. Los Tules Col. Díaz Ordaz
Mon. to Fri. 5 to 8:30 PM • Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM
Appointments: 225-3440/225-3445
E-mail: drjmchgo@hotmail.com
•Juan Eduardo Velázquez P. •
General Surgery & Laparoscopy
136-103 Av. Los Tules Col. Díaz Ordaz
Torre Médica Cornerstone 1st Floor
Mon. to Fri. 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM •
Appointments: 293-7993
E-mail: jevp73@msm.com
•Leticia Armas Tejeda.• Orthodontist
Plaza Marina Local G24 & 25 Marina Vallarta
Mon. to Fri. 9 AM to 2 PM & 4 to 8 PM
Sat. 9 AM to 2 PM • Appointments: 221-2215
Website: www.dentalofficepuertovallarta.com
E-mail: lety_armas@hotmail.com
• Lourdes Flores Cázares • Dentist 129 Aldanaca corner with Berlin Street Mon. to Fri. 10 AM to 2 PM & 5 to 8 PM Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM • Appointments: 225-8329 E-mail: dralourdesflores@hotmail.com
• Luis Suarez López •
Internal Medicine / Traveller Health
186 Francia Col. Díaz Ordáz
Mon. to Fri. 12 to 2:00 PM & 4 to 8PM
Sat. 1 PM to 5:00 PM •
Appointments: 293-7963
Website: www.healthylivinginmexico.com
E-mail: lsuarez@healthylivinginmexico.com
• Magdalena Romo B. •
Obstetrician / Gynecologist
222 Lago Tangañica Fracc. Fluvial Vallarta
Mon. to Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM
Appointments: 225-8787 / 225-6837
Emergencies Cell.: 044 322 294-1518
E-mail: magdalenar@hotmail.com
• Manuel Ceballos Godina •
Neurologist
149 Yugoslavia Col. Versalles
Mon. to Fri. 9 AM to 2 PM •
Appointments: 225-4225
Carr. San Vicente No. 45 Mezcales, Nay.
Mon. to Fri. 4 to 8 PM •
Appointments: (329) 296-6088
E-mail: neuromielina1@yahoo.com.mx
• Margarita Aceves Amaya • Radiologist (early detection of cancer) 120 Rafael Ozuna Col. Versalles Mon. to Fri. 8 AM to 10 PM • Sat. & Sun. 8 AM to 8 PM
Appointments: 22 4 0069 / 22 4 0097 /
Emergencies Cell.: 044 322 227-5025
E-mail: margaritacentral@hotmail.com
• María José Cuevas Valdez •
Oncologist - Chemotherapy
186 Francia Col. Versalles
Mon. to Fri. 9 AM to 2 PM & 5 to 8 PM •
Sat. by appointment
Appointments: 224-4101 •
E-mail: cmajose@hotmail.com
• Noel Rivas Avalos • Dentist
136 Ave. Los Tules Int. 105 Col. Díaz Ordaz
Mon. to Fri. 9 AM to 3 PM • Sat. 9 AM to 2 PM
Appointments: 224-8879 /
Cell.: 044 322 109-4568
Website: www.pvsmile.com.mx
E-mail: pvsmile@gmail.com
• Orlando R. Cruz Toraya • Obstetrician / Gynecologist
136 Ave. Los Tules Consultorio 205
Col. Díaz Ordaz
Mon. to Fri. 4 to 8 PM • Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM
Appointments: 2224-4933 /
Cell.: 044 322 135-6810
E-mail: dr.toraya@gmail.com
• Ramón Vázquez Gascon • Cardiologist
136 Los Tules Ave. Col. Díaz Ordaz
Mon. to Fri. 10 AM to 2 PM & 5 to 9 PM
Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM •
Appointments Cell.: 044 322 429-7965
E-mail: drramon@prodigy.net.mx
• Ricardo López Márquez •
Orthopaedist & Traumatologist
358 Manuel M. Dieguez Col. E. Zapata
Mon. to Fri. 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
& from 8:30 PM until the last patient left
Sat. 10:30 AM to 2 PM •
Appointments: 223-0656
E-mail: huesos_ricardo@hotmail.com
• Sergio Jaime Rendon Nava •
Family Medicine
152 Berlin Col. Versalles
Mon. to Fri. 9 AM to 1 PM & 5 to 9 PM
Appointments: 224-0069 / 224-0097
E-mail: srendonmd@hotmail.com
• Victor Cruz Coello • Dentist
Plaza Neptuno Local 19-A – 2 Marina Vallarta
Mon. to Fri. 10 AM to 2:30 PM & 5 to 8 PM
Sat. 10 to 2 PM •
Appointments: 209-0030 / 209-0032
Cell.: 044 322 101 30 83
E-mail: vccoello@hotmail.com
Puerto Vallarta, the sleepy little Mexican fishing village that's no longer sleepy or little is located at the same latitude as Maui, Hawaii. Being at that latitude, 
Today, 
For those of you not familiar with laparoscopy, you may know someone who has had his or her gall bladder removed, had an appendectomy, or had a hernia repaired laparoscopically and was up and around in just a couple days. Thanks to both the skill of the surgeon and advances in technology, laparoscopic techniques -often referred to as minimally invasive techniques- are being applied to a growing number of procedures, and someday will likely replace open surgical procedures in many other areas. 
There are many fine dentists in 