NewBeginning2014

Nurse96 - I am not quite at the starting point of the 2-week pre-op (my first day will be the day of your procedure ) The pre-op requirements seem to vary by the dr. or facility, some with only a two day pre-op diet. You have done great to come all this way and only "cheat" with a piece of cheese or sesame seeds. I have tried to watch my intake since I made the decision to be sleeved, knowing as the two week mark got closer I would probably make some not so good choices...or justify my choice by thinking I am never going to eat ever again (I had a whole pint of gelato for dinner--twice last week.) It is hard to change the habits we have had for so long and with the added anxiety of an upcoming life change...don't be so hard on yourself. You are almost there...stay positive...you've got this!

If there was no sleeve procedure, MBC surgeon will perform gastric sleeve and the only charge she will be responsible is the revision part ($1400). Plus travel and related expenses, additional time off work, etc...for something that should have been done correctly the first time --and was paid for. I didn't even know a "loose sleeve" was an option...I haven't seen that term used in all of the research I have done. I will make sure I ask my Dr. about this. Mexico Bariatric Center fully paid for Debra Stienmen original surgery to Dr. Ramos Kelly. MBC has fulfilled its contractual obligations with Mrs. Steimen and deems it unnecessary to provide compensation at this time. Did Mexico Bariatric Center fully pay for Debra's surgery to Dr. Kelly with Debra's money that she paid to MBC for the surgery and additional services as contracted or did MBC fully pay for Debra's surgery as a gift to her? I understand Mexico Bariatric Center trying to defend themselves. The coordinators are not the ones performing the actual procedure and can't control the doctors actions in the OR. There is a level of professional business integrity that looks to be lacking. To say that Mexico Bariatric Center has gone "above and beyond in this case" may be a stretch. The actions of A Lighter Me, Janese and Sandy show what going above and beyond means. They were able to "clean up the mess" that Debra was in --- which should have been handled by MBC. It shows there was a way to work through the negative situation and make it right. Maybe if MBC had handled the situation differently, it would have portrayed them in a different light without a need for a rebuttal within this forum. The subject of obesity and the struggles with weight are very personal. I hope this was an isolated incident that was mishandled by a small representation of the business and doesn't reflect the core values of a company that should be customer focused.

Debra- I am so sorry to hear about your experience. As I read your story I could feel my anxiety build..."what the hell am I thinking" "that could happen to me" "am I crazy?!" When I got to the part about Janese contacting you from A Lighter Me and their genuine concern and helpfulness. From that point on, I knew I had made the right choice. It is comforting to hear that Dr. Ortiz, Sandy and Janese are truly in this to help other people. It is tough to hear the bad stories but those stories need to be told and need to be taken into consideration when making such an important decision. T-minus three weeks and I hope to be on the other side of this (with minimal issues.) I hope things are going well for you now. Take care!

April 17th Dr. Elias Ortiz in Tijuana. Arriving on the 16th and staying at the Marriott. (I haven't been too freaked out about this but as the date gets closer...I think I may be getting anxious, nervous, excited...)

My date is April 17th with Dr. Ortiz also...maybe our paths will cross