minnie78

From what I've come to understand, the following attributes warrant the higher fee:
1. Hospital Almater, where his group (Mexicali Bariatric Center) perform all their surgeries, is supposedly the only JCI approved facility in Baja.
2. Mexicali Bariatric Center, employs their own staff and coordinators, as opposed to contracting with a Medical Tourism service.
3. They use Ethicon staples and top of the line equipment, such as what are used in the U.S. (Some of the less expensive providers I've looked into say they do, as well.
4. They schedule a maximum of 3 cases a day, to ensure each patient gets adequate time and care. The feedback from every patient I've seen so far seems to substantiate this claim.
5. Additional procedure needs, i.e. hiatal hernia repair, are included in the fee, whereas the less expensive providers typically charge additionally for those services/needs.
6. I personally noted a marked difference in how they present themselves on social media (more in keeping with the professionalism of a medical practice in the US), as well as the quality and professionalism of the coordinator I've been dealing with.
7. They are located in Mexicali, which I understand is a safer area than Tijuana.
With all that being said, there are some things that I am still considering:
1. Your (Rocky1) point about his role prior to the death of Dr. Aceves.
2. Checks for Dr. Wilhelmy's services are to be paid to Dr. Aceves's widow. In the US, a surviving spouse could not take over and collect fees for medical care unless they were a licensed physician. But perhaps there aren't any rules against the corporate practice of medicine in Mexico?
3. Dr. Wilhelmy does not perform single incision sleeve Gastrectomies, as he feels it adds additional risk and may not result in the best work. I did some reading and the NIMH reported on a recent study that demonstrated no difference in the weight loss/effectiveness, or risk in either group. It also cited a faster and less painful recovery for the single incision patients. I really don't want the additional scars if I don't have to have them, so it's on my mind.
So those are my thoughts from the research I've done. I'll be interested to hear anything more that you learn.

I would like to take a moment and share with you from a parent's perspective my experience as related to Dr. Wilhelmy, his staff and the hospital environment supporting gastric bypass. When my daughter of 30 years approached me about her interest in this surgery, I was quite hesitant, not because her condition warranted some real action, but because of the location of the surgery, and the price which to me was too good to be true. In the states this surgery requires quite a bit of money and is equivalent to a medical maze. After researching the hospital and making the commitment to support my daughter with this necessary cause, I went with her to see it through. I have got to say that the hospital staff was absolutely wonderful with their treatment of my daughter. The hospital is clean, the rooms are spotless, and the staff is very kind. I don't speak Spanish, but the staff members answered all of my questions, concerns, and remained committed to my daughter's care. We were in the hospital a total of three days, and during that time, my daughter had the surgery, went into recovery mode, and finally we were able to leave with her in great condition. Since that time and up to this review, she has lost approximately 42 pounds. We were able to see her new stomach and watch it work upon drinking some barium. When I talk to my daughter by phone, she is happier, and she remains committed to this approach to weight loss. If you have a child, and like me...are concerned that based on their poor choices they won't be with you much longer based on their current path, take a moment and consider this option. It works! Not only are you working with Dr. Wilhelmy (an excellent surgeon), but you are working with a team of doctor's and counselors, and while this may sound a bit unusual, some of the doctors have also had this same surgery, to include the driver who drove us from San Diego to the Mexican border. If you have any questions that I might be able to help you with, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will answer to the best of my ability. My email address is rdeaster59@gmail.com. Again, this is a great team, with great doctors, a wonderful hospital, and if I had this same type of problem, this would be my ticket towards a full recovery!

Catherine, I want to thank you soooo very much, this is exactly what I have been wanting to hear....I am glad you responded to my post Its people like you that make this site so worth it...good luck on your wt loss journey~

I work in the medical field and did extensive research in the medical literature when I deciding to get my sleeve surgery. I found peer reviewed research that shows that the complication rate with gastric bands runs at about 15% (I thought that was way too high to consider banding surgery) the complications are everything from reflux to slippage to erosion and embedding of the band in the stomach. The details were enough to warn me off the gastric band and point me toward the sleeve surgery.
In my research on the sleeve, I found that the complication rate was less than 1% and that the morbidity statistics (complications so sever that it caused death) were almost negligible. So that is why I decided on the VSG surgery.
The information on sleeve revisions is spotty because there just haven't been that many second sleeves done in settings that are being reviewed for the medical journals. I'm guessing that the nurse quoted you statistics about revision of Rouen X/Y surgery, and while it is useful information, what really matters is what your surgeon thinks about your personal situation. Do you have any other chronic health issues that make having a second surgery more complicated and risky? These issues would include bleeding disorders, lung issues, allergies to anesthesia etc (your doctor can discuss all the various contraindications).
If I were in your shoes, I would have a very serious heart to heart with my doctor and ensure that the surgery is really going to improve your situation, and that you are clear on your personal risks. I also think that anyone who isn't nervous before surgery is not in touch with themselves. I had a ton of doubts the week before surgery and even after when I was in the hospital laying there feeling like crap and wondering "what did I do to myself!" But when the anxiety wears off and you are looking at losing the weight that will make your life better, and solving other health issues, I think you will be glad that you made an informed decision about your unique situation.
Good luck to you, I hope the surgery is a really positive experience for you!

Wow!! U look wonderful!! Congratulations!!

It got me so sad/mad/scared when she told me that!! Came and talked to my husband he told me to pay no attention to negative people. He's so supportive and my daughters are very supportive as well and that's all I need.
Thank you for ur words

Thank u for the advice!!. Is it normal that I'm scared of blood clots? Were u ever afraid of that too?

I think that's what I'm gonna have to start doing it drives me insane when the scale goes up 1 or 2 pounds!!!!:-/

Hi!!! I'm 3 months post op. I was just wondering when do we actually stop losing weight. I've had so many stalls it drives me crazy sometimes!!!! I try not to get on here so much because sometimes it discourages me cuz there are some that r losing the weight so fast and I've only lost 45 pds in 3 months and I follow the plan. I just want to know if I'm done losing weight or do I still have more to go :/.

Wow u look amazing!!! Congratulations!!' What was ur daily menu like? Do u exercise a lot? Sorry asking so many questions but 12 weeks out and I've only lost 38pds. I'm always on stalls and I hate when I start stressing about it.

Congrats. Glad you broke your stall they can truly be a pain in the but. Cheers to more losing

You look fabulous!!! And plz share with us how u did it!!!

Wow u look great!!!

Just wanted to share my progress. 3 months out from a size XXL 22/24 to a L 12/14.
Weight loss 45lbs still have a TON more but working on it.
Been doing 10 miles on elliptical and bike five times a week and doing zumba two times a week.
I hope everyone is well !

First let me say I feel fabulous! I've lost over 70 pounds in just over 5 months. I went from a 22 to a very comfy 12. The road has not been easy and for all you newbies...here is my list of amazing highs...and of not so sunshiny lows.
Disclaimer: This is my experience...it may not be yours.

It will be uncomfortable for a few days post op
I was not hungry for weeks after surgery
I was scared to eat or drink and I didn’t drink enough...thus Constipation and weakness
I didn't feel normal for about 6 weeks. I needed naps and I took them
The weight literally falls off...seriously I was looking for pools of fat in bed when I woke up in the morning
I hit the 4 week stall and it lasted two weeks. Expect it and don't stress
On day three, I had a massive freak out…seriously threw a four year old fit…pissed off my stomach was gone.
No one noticed for months and that irritated me.
EVERYONE notices now and it's all they want to talk about.
Don’t tell anyone you are going to Mexico to have your stomach cut off unless you trust them completely.
I threw up alot...just slime mostly...while I was learning my new tummy. It will scare you and if you are like me…it will happen a lot when you transition to solid foods.
food addiction does not magically go away...if you have a problem before..you will still have it. I think about food all the time, but I finally have a way to resist it. I am a sugar addict. I never crave carbs, but I crave sugar like a mad woman.
Going out to dinner is awkward. I hate watching people eat
Put the lotion on the skin! My skin got really dry.
I’ve lost half my hair at 4.5 months post op. Mine came out in chunks. Freaked me out! Our Golden Retriever and I are in a competition for shedding. It will be ok. Take your Vitamins and buy Nioxin. It doesn’t help my Hair loss, but I feel like I am at least doing something about it.
Don’t take a powerful laxative when you are constipated…especially before your child’s school performance. It may say “See results in 2-4 hours” but it means 30 mins and then you’re stuck on a mini toilet with both legs numb, crying to everything holy to save you.
Shopping is amazing! I still feel like people are looking at me like I don’t belong there…but that’s all in my head.
My shoes no longer fit. they are too wide now!
Your pre WLS Spanx will look huge in a couple months
Trust me…put some Granola bars in your glove box and a few packs of mixed nuts. Sometimes your hungry and there is nothing that you can eat.
Handy meals from the market or gas station when you didn’t plan ahead. Single string cheese, an apple, mixed nuts, readymade hard boiled eggs, The inside of California rolls- no rice, campbells Soup at hand or ready made Soup in a coffee cup.
Handy items at fast food places that sit ok on my tummy include: Taco Bells refried Beans or the inside of a chicken taco. Wendys chili, McDonalds oatmeal, McDonalds yogurt parfait
I feel guilty in front of my heavier friends. I always try to wear a sweatshirt so I don’t rub the weight loss in their faces.
You get drunk really fast...like a half glass of wine. Be careful...it sneaks up on you...and before you know it, you’re waiting for your hubby to pick you up...from less than a glass. Its crazy. I don't really even try anymore to drink.
I crave raw fish, cooked fish, broiled fish, grilled fish...any fish really and it feels amazing on my tummy.
I cant eat steak
I love that I have collar bones
I update my Facebook pictures and secretly love the compliments
I own a woman's North Face now
I can buy bras at Victoria's secret
I pack all my food for work in snack bags and the little tupperware containers for salad dressing.
I can still have M&M's...its just like 9...instead of the king size bags
Take heartburn medicine everyday...don’t wait until you get heartburn.
Buy stock in Maalox
You can have a full meal at Costco- samples + WLS = Cheap Date!
Food Portion jokes get really old
Fast food burgers makes me want to vomit.
At 5 months...salad is wonderful. I can eat about a cup of greens...which takes me a while and I feel a tiny bit normal.
Post-op, If you can swing it, buy a Vita-Mix blender and make your own soup. Canned soup was nasty right after surgery. Freeze them in 4oz canning jars. It will be two servings.
Quit Smoking before surgery. I waited and it slowed my healing. It also gave me terrible heartburn. I am 5 weeks smoke free
You don't have to "confess" you had WLS. It's ok to say thank you for the compliment and not feel guilty. I'm just now starting to accept that I had a little something to do with this insane loss. I tell people when they ask now how I lost the weight, that i exercise and use Portion Control.< br /> People will treat you different. Salesladies ask if I need assistance, men hold open doors and the skinny girls at work talk to me now. It's shallow and pisses me off, but it's nice to not be invisible anymore.
WLS is very difficult. For me, it’s not physical, but the mental. Sometimes I just want a cheesecake like before. It goes away very quickly, but it still comes and goes. Sometimes I get angry at my sleeve because I can’t eat something I see others eating. Most of the time I have to hide my expression when I see people shovel food in the way I used to. It’s shocking to see when you’re on the other side of WLS. I used to inhale my food like a tiny food thief was going to come in and take it away from me.
You will have to say no to your family when they all want to go to a Chinese buffet. I’m still not ready to walk in and be near a buffet.
It feels awesome to give your clothes away, however, do not offer them to your heavier friends. It’s insensitive and they won’t return your calls for a week.
Last one...I played laser tag this past weekend with a bunch of 9 year old boys. It was soooo Much fun!!!

Please feel free to add any other thoughts or tips...

Great job!!! What kind of Protein Drinks do u drink?

Congratulations Nicole!!!! I get mine done on saturday and I am super nervous, scared excited and everything else. Lol glad ur doing good.

Thank u all for y'all input!! I have been overweight for such a long time that I am totally ready for whatever comes my way. I know at the end it'll all be worth it. But I guess it's natural to get scared and start thinking about all the risks that come along with surgery plus this is my first surgery EVER!!! I think that's why everything I'm hearing is scaring me.