NothingUpMySleeve

I think he's based at the IMSS Regional Hospital in Tijuana, so maybe that's an avenue.

So, I work in a hospital but I had surgery in Mexico, and yeah, I can certainly see where corners are cut, but not always in the ways people bring up here.

Is it possible my surgeon lied about the brand of staples used? Possibly, but I really don't think so. It's more about how hospitals here in the US have tremendous costs that aren't necessarily tied to the procedure. For example, I had a complication. It was scary, but I'm fine now. Had this happened in the US, I would have had a visit from Risk, a nursing manager, some additional sort of patient advocate, so forth. There may have been an investigation involving numerous parties, legal, HR, administration, etc. These things are hugely expensive, and the documentation involved goes beyond what even a nurse or physician is aware of. I know because I see it. Does this regulation and liability due diligence add an extra layer of safety? Absolutely! Would it have been worth an extra $15,000 to me? Hard to say. Sometimes my decision to go to mexico still makes me uneasy, but other times I'm at peace with it. Regardless, I've been very pleased with my results (size 2!!!!) and anytime I've had questions, the practice has quickly gotten back to me via email. So no, I don't find it impossible for this surgery to be done for $4500, but there are differences, certainly.

I know this is a rambling response, but I see such polarized responses on this board: it's either, "Mexico has only corrupt evil doctors who use vet equipment and steal your kidneys and hit on you," or it's, "Mexican surgery is the best and even better than the US, so OMG," when in reality I think it's neither extreme. There are good and bad surgeons everywhere.

I am so excited to read this post, my stats are very similar to yours 'nothing up my sleeve'. My surgery is on the 8 of September and I am so ready to finally stop this roller coaster I have been on. I can not believe that I will lose that sort of weight...

The first little but is tough, but then you get used to a new way of eating and BAM the sizes drop. I was in a 14 for eons, then a 12 for a long time, but after that the sizes drop fast. I think I skipped 8's mostly.

I did this for my health, but the clothing is sure a good motivator to stay focused!

You can do it!

I'm 8 months post op, and I'm wearing a size 2!

I never thought I would be wearing a 2. Folding laundry is surreal--surely these tiny pants won't fit...but then they do. Everything fits, it's so easy (too easy) to find clothes. Feeling good!

I have what I need.  I 

 

 

 

 

 

Howdy. I am a long-time team illan poster, and I've referred two other people to him. For what it's worth, Omar was helpful to us, though I do think these stories are gross.

At any rate, I am concerned about the post saying that Dr. Illan cuts corners for surgery. I am not being snarky at all; I would genuinely like to know if this is true and if I should be concerned. He seemed very thorough in discussing his technique, supplies, etc., but are you aware of anything different?

 

 

You have to get down to basics.  How much does it cost the surgeon to do a surgery.  The cost of staples alone is astonishing.  The cost of the hospital, the cost of paid and trained staff.. you can't do it for $3500.  It is impossible. Surgeons that do cheap surgery tend to use black market supplies, veterinary equipment from China, etc.

 

You get what you pay for, that is the bottom line.  You want cheap surgery?  You take risks.  We are talking common sense here.

Yes, I had read about the staple expense thing, so I did ask about the brand, etc. and asked about it locally (I work in healthcare consulting.) My surgery was $4500, which yes, was cheap. My local quote was over 18k. I'm no groupie and definitely am not looking to add any more drama to the fire, I just wanted to know if you had specific examples of cut corners so that I could talk to dr illan and my pcp to see if I should be worried.

'

Now..... do you honestly believe a surgeon using veterinary supplies or black market supplies will come clean with you? Seriously?

 

I am through with this thread. I am through with this site.  I have never seen such sheer ignorance in my life.

 

I have what I need.  I *am* going to follow through with formal complaints to the proper authorities regardless of Susan's PMs to me.  I know that I have the knowledge of how to do this so I will.

 

If you go to Illan just know, you are looking for cheap surgery.  Not safe surgery.

No, I would not necessarily expect him to come clean if he was cutting corners, but it helps me ask the right questions. I'm not an unintelligent woman; my questions stem from concern not stupidity.

Howdy. I am a long-time team illan poster, and I've referred two other people to him. For what it's worth, Omar was helpful to us, though I do think these stories are gross.

At any rate, I am concerned about the post saying that Dr. Illan cuts corners for surgery. I am not being snarky at all; I would genuinely like to know if this is true and if I should be concerned. He seemed very thorough in discussing his technique, supplies, etc., but are you aware of anything different?

You have to get down to basics. How much does it cost the surgeon to do a surgery. The cost of staples alone is astonishing. The cost of the hospital, the cost of paid and trained staff.. you can't do it for $3500. It is impossible. Surgeons that do cheap surgery tend to use black market supplies, veterinary equipment from China, etc.

You get what you pay for, that is the bottom line. You want cheap surgery? You take risks. We are talking common sense here.

Yes, I had read about the staple expense thing, so I did ask about the brand, etc. and asked about it locally (I work in healthcare consulting.) My surgery was $4500, which yes, was cheap. My local quote was over 18k. I'm no groupie and definitely am not looking to add any more drama to the fire, I just wanted to know if you had specific examples of cut corners so that I could talk to dr illan and my pcp to see if I should be worried.

Howdy. I am a long-time team illan poster, and I've referred two other people to him. For what it's worth, Omar was helpful to us, though I do think these stories are gross.

At any rate, I am concerned about the post saying that Dr. Illan cuts corners for surgery. I am not being snarky at all; I would genuinely like to know if this is true and if I should be concerned. He seemed very thorough in discussing his technique, supplies, etc., but are you aware of anything different?

He has kids. Think it was 3 girls and a boy. They live in the US. Husband and I saw pics.

This post is my first and most likely my last I refuse to call myself a victim because I truly feel that term is being used very loosely. I'll call my self a complete fool! I am a female that got hooked line and sinker. I have had a real, so I thought relationship with this person for almost 3 years! (So no I didn't have surgery with Dr Illan.) He actually just called it off LAST month. He claimed that due to personal issues he just needed space. I totally understood, plus I'm currently finishing up my degree in the Fall and don't have much free time to travel to MX for my monthly weekend getaway. We continued to talk daily and one day last week he told me he was being black mailed by a couple of former patients. He didn't act concerned and we started joking around about it. I've always been well aware of how females throw themselves at him and sending him pictures that make you want to stick pencils in your eyeballs but he has always been honest about it. We would often joke about how crazy they were about him. I'm not the jealous type and I felt this was all one sided. The things these women would text or email was out there. At the time I called it stalker behavior and told him many times to be careful. Now I see why..

Reading all this I'm just like wow! I'm sick to my stomach. I really felt what we had was real. I still don't understand how he kept up with so many females at the same time. It just boggles my mind . How didn't these ladies not know he was involved with me!, Was this just a game? Did the I love you's mean nothing, all the planes we made, was I really this blind?!

As bad as it sounds at least I got my sleeve,plastics and very nice gifts out of the deal. I admit he treated me like a queen. I never had any reason to doubt him.

My heart goes out to all the women that was caught up in his path. To the other ladies that was brave enough to post your story yes you will be judged by a few and maybe even bullied but when we stand in silence they win. I'm aware that a certain person has her legal team trying to help start legal actions against the the OP, the site owner and of course any female that does post any screen shots or etc. The main goal is to keep "Team Illan" strong and safe from bad press. So I want to urge you not to let this prevent you from speaking out. The strength is in the numbers . Please feel free to private msg me and I will gladly give you my email or phone number so we can chat. I don't see myself coming back in this thread because it's full of heartache and anger. I don't have time to go tick for tac with the "fan club" I refuse to allow anyone to take the joy I do have.

Dr Illan is a great doctor so I hate to see what this does to him. My mother and sister both had

Surgery with him and couldn't be happier.

So yes it's all true, the stories are real and females got hurt. Don't be so quick to judge if you don't know the full story.

I had a good experience with the team, but I am sorry to hear your story. I'm sure this isn't fun to hear about a long-term relationship. Best wishes to you and your family.

VSGblond,

I agree totally. I think everyone has made their point and this thread has run its course for me. Like you, I am hoping to learn about hospitals, surgeons, logistics, procedures and unbiased experiences from those who have been thru Sx in Mexico. Integrity and ethics should play an important role in the decision making process.

amen.

all i care about is how much weight these former patients lost...was their sleeve surgery successful??? did their incisions heal up the way they should?

i'm not here for the other stuff. i don't care if omar broke their hearts, or if they stalk him. good grief.

I am not a key player in the Pantygate scandal, but my incisions did heal nicely and I am happy with my loss this far.

Milk duds, oh man. Yum. popcorn. Arghh, sliders.

 

Nonetheless it seemed unnecessary to post them here. It only serves to further incite hostility.

 

Yet they have no issue with publicly ousting the victims' affairs and personal life stories for their own benefit.  Huh.  Interesting.

Yeah that was unnecessary too. I don't think anyone's name needed to be given. Just seems to agitate hate.

Nonetheless it seemed unnecessary to post them here. It only serves to further incite hostility.

Are our personal names not protected here? That is really uncomfortable given the nature of the site. .

Many, many, many Americans wanted proof of WMDs prior to invasion. I mean, I know that's not really the main point of your post, but hey.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster says, "Be cautious with thine colander, lest you lose thine pasta."

If you can't find true love during a 3-day surgical trip in a Tijuana Hospital, then where the hell can you find true love?

And dang it, now I've got "lookin' for love in all the wrong places" stuck in my head.

If you can't find true love during a 3-day surgical trip in a Tijuana Hospital, then where the hell can you find true love?

Well, those compression thigh-highs are pretty enticing. And the drains really add a certain je ne sais quoi.

Another Dr Illan patient here...

Omar was very supportive and professional when I had my surgery in December. I went alone, was with Omar alone, and his behavior was completely professional.

I had a bit of a complication and the Dr and Omar were kind and helpful. I had some follow up questions that were promptly addressed.

My husband subsequently returned for a sleeve and Omar was again very helpful. In the 8 months I've been in the patient support group, I have seen one or two women who seem overly consumed with Omar. So I'm sure there are two sides to any story...

Anyway, I spent quite a bit of time with Omar on each trip and I was never uncomfortable. Just my two cents...

Amazing results, and lovely collarbones.

Wtf does "lacks nutritional insight mean"? I mean, I guess I do see some people here talking about burgers and goodies at two days out, but if you've done south beach or Atkins, you probably get the gist of lean Proteins, etc.

Could he give you any more detail? To me, the bad candidate would be one who wanted to keep on living the same, but expecting a different result. A good candidate (I guess) would be someone willing and ready to live a healthy lifestyle, but needing a little extra help from the sleeve.

You can do this!

Hurray! Congrats on a life-changing year!

I hit my six months on the 12th too. SO GLAD to be thin! Congrats to you!