BajaMedGroup

Congratulations Elcee!! Enjoy the new you!!

This is definitely true! As a physician, I can tell you that there is great advice and good facts in this website. Statistically speaking, there will always be people who are dissatisfied with ANYTHING...including the lap band. So for those of you who are reading threads like this one...don't be discouraged!! Ask questions until you are satisfied. With so many success stories you can' t go wrong. Shoot me any questions you may have. Best, Dr. JSA

This is a great post for people who are skeptic about coming to Tijuana. Thanks for giving Tijuana the credit it deserves!!

Hi, have you considered having your surgery done in Mexico? You pay a lot less than in the states. Your hospital bill plus hotel runs you around $5,000. There are many great doctors with training in Europe and US, that perform these surgeries on a daily basis with great results. I know many of these doctors and would be happy to guide you if you wish. Best,

Hi Roudoudou! I am a physician that works directly with medica tourism in Mexico. I can tell you first hand, that very little mishaps occur in these types of procedures. If one were to happen, most hospitals and doctors work with middle/intensive care units in the city. These are well-equipped units that have everything you can imagine to ensure a patients well-being. In my case, we work in hospitals that are either equipped with state of the art ICU's, or that are in direct contact with them. The doctors that are in our network are all board certified and have extensive training in the US and Europe. I did my medical training in the US and can honestly tell you that physicians here are just as well trained. Anyone that has had their procedure done in Mexico can back me up there. It is definitely true that the US is equipped with amazing hospitals and top-notch physicians...but those who can afford it are few. Basically I am saying that having a procedure done elsewhere is SAFE. Any procedure done in ANY city in the world involves risk. Your homework should be to look into who takes less risks...go with the physician (not patient coordinator) that inspires the most confidence, and makes you feel safest. Best,

Thanks for the wonderful comments...we (the honest Tijuana citizens) strive to get better day in and day out!!

I agree with what other people have posted...many people have posted very valid points regarding Tijuana. I have lived here all my life (excluding med school) and have never had a problem. This also applies to my family. You have to remember that cities like Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, have similar situations, you just have to stick with the right people. I know SO MANY people that have retired in nearby Rosarito and also a lot of Americans that do business in Mexico. Bottom line: Some of the best surgeons in Mexico operate in Tijuana...some of the best hospitals are in Tijuana. The testimonials that patients write for me are astounding. Some patients write that they feel health care in Tijuana is "...better. The nurses and the doctors are so compassionate. In the US I don’t find that...I really don’t. They’re much more compassionate here. It’s so great" If money is an issue, or you simply want to make a 'good purchase' you should definitely consider having you surgery done over the border. My American patients thank me all the time and wonder what all the 'hype' in the news about Tijuana is about. It's really not bad at all. Best,

Do not give up on the surgery...although it is quite expensive in the states, you have a great advantage...you are minutes from the border. I actually am a physician in Tijuana and would be happy to make some recommendations. Also, remember you have financing options and some insurances kick in south of the border. If you have any questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Best,

Don't forget that Medical Tourism is always an option. Many skilled surgeons with training in the states operate in Mexico. Including travel costs...you pay less than half of what you are looking at right now. Best,

The fact that you are 100% sure you want your surgery is the #1 priority. The important thing to realize heare is that this will NOT be an easy task. Those extra pounds you put on took a long time to settle into your body, and as a result they will not magically melt away. It all boils down to input/output of calories. The surgery WILL help with this but you have to be a key element to reach your goals. Having the surgery done will be drastic change in your life. The success stories do not lie. Try to work it out with your insurance provider and don't forget that Medical Tourism is always an option. Best,

Great analogy...the cravings will be there, but for some reason people come out of surgery with more will power!! Best,

It is a bit unfortunate that you are not on the same page with your doctor. From your frustration, I imagine that you have tried to explain things a million different ways to him/her, so I will not even go there... What I do recommend is getting a second opinion. In my experience, I find that some conservative (and I hate to say it...but older) doctors are very closed-minded when it comes to any elective surgery, when the truth of the matter is, that surgeries like the 'sleeve' are very safe when performed by experienced doctors. I have to admit I learned SO MUCH from older doctors, while in med school, but a lot of the cutting-edge things I have learned in the field. So, go to a PCP that is recommended by your surgeon or consider Medical Tourism. Remember that some companies cover these procedures abroad. I hope you work this out! Best, Dr. JSA

This is an awesome image!! Would you mind telling me the source and who I have to contact in order to use it. This is a great tool to use with my patients. Thanks! Dr. JSA

This is a great post!! Having a weight-loss surgery is by no means taking the easy way out. I would even say it is quite the opposite. Take this case for instance: A patientt walks in to my office expressing the desire to have the surgery performed on her. She is filled with nerves, anxiousness, and with fear OTHER people have instilled in her. Many people, do not want others to have these types of surgeries because: 1) They don't want others to look good because of plain and simple jealousy...this is especially true in other over weight people. As a result they instill fear in others to not have the surgery done. As sick as this may sound, it is true. 2)Others simply do not trust surgeries/surgeons. 3)Some people have had bad experiences The take home message is that obesity is a multifactorial disease that in many cases can drastically be helped with a weight-loss procedure. Practically every single organ/tissue/cell in your body will benefit from losing weight. Thus, one has to evaluate the risks and benefits that present in a surgery of this sort. The reality is, that most patients resorting to this type of procedure will be HAPPY, their self confidence will increase, and they will be healthy. Who can argue with that??? Any questions you may have, I'll be happy to answer. Best, Dr. JSA

Hi...your case is similar to many nowadays. When the lapband peaked a few years back, many people jumped at the opportunity of losing large amounts of weight. The thing is, that many people were not happy with their results...either because of the technique, or the side effects. In comes the gastric sleeve... As a physician, I recommend the sleeve to many of my patients. It is a relatively safe procedure that involves minimal recuperation time, and best of all, it's 'there' for life. No constant adjustments. The only change is that your body and brain have to readjust to a smaller stomach size. We have performed many of these surgeries, and the truth is that our patients are very happy with their results. They enjoy the fact that there is minimal pain after the surgery, and that they can resume their routine activities faster than many imagine. Summing it all up...many patients want to ditch the band and switch to the sleeve. Many patients can have it during the same procedure, and others need to have it at another time. This is less than ideal for many people, but remember that your health is at stake and NO unnecessary risks should be taken...NONE! Like many people have suggested, some patients have used their tax return, while others use the many surgery-loan centers available. We perform these procedures in Mexico at a fraction of the cost, and there are also other places with great surgeons. The important thing is to do this at a place that inspires confidence and reliability. Best of luck! Dr. Jorge Serrano jorge.serrano@bajamedgroup.com www.bajamedgroup.com

Hi, these cases are more common than you would expect. When both husband and wife are overweight we usually recommend talking to other couples that have had the procedure. This usually relieves some of the anxiety that comes along with undergoing any procedure in general. In addition, counseling can also help relieve anxiety or negative thoughts your wife might have. It seems she is really concerned for you health. You should try to be objective about this. Show her statistics about the type of surgery you are undergoing. Also, explain to her that being obese is a risk factor itself for many illnesses. The vertical sleeve is a very safe procedure. We have performed hundreds of these, with a very good success rate. Up to this point we have not had a fatality and we hope to keep that streak going. Check out videos, blogs, commentaries, etc. The more information you give her the more likely she will support you, and who knows...she might want one herself. The point I try to get across any of my patients is that any surgery involves a CONTROLLED risk...just like driving to work every day. I tell them that it is perfectly normal to feel nervous and anxious. The truth of the matter is that we are all experienced physicians that want to help YOU reach your goal. You're headed down the right path my friend...stay persistent and the dividends will pay off! Best, JSA jorge.serrano@bajamedgroup.com www.bajamedgroup.com

Patients roll their eyes when we say this, but results vary from person to person. Earlier this morning, I saw a patient that was 10 months post-op. He went from a size 56 to a size 46. He started at 295lbs and is currently at 220. In the US the lap band is being pushed a lot more because it has been approved by insurance companies and because the FDA approved a 'wider' use. Something worth mentioning is that the band is cheaper than the sleeve. The patient I mentioned, had a sleeve gastrectomy. I personally feel that these procedures yield better results. But again, only your physician can decide that. Remember to have a list of questions when you have your consult. I always ask my questions if they have 'any more questions' about 4 to 5 times and I always get a new question. You're on the right path, and remember it's normal to feel some stress before your procedure. Best of luck.

Hi...although it is true that many people with will-power will in fact lose weight, the truth of the matter is that some people need that 'extra' push to lose the weight. For some people, the solution is the lap band or the gastric sleeve. I have administered the lap band and performed the vertical sleeve gastrectomy on a number of pateints, all with solid results. The difference between losing the weight this way and going on rigid diets is that typically, when patients go on atypical diets, they tend to gain the weight. It is just human nature, once you're off the diet, you will gain the weight back. Thus, if you need a 'mechanical' aid, and you have the will power to do this, then weight-loss surgery can very well be an option for you. This can only be decided by your physician. Schedule a consult...you have nothing to lose. Hope this helps!!