Adriane

I returned home Sunday from having my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Illan coordinated by BariatricPal TeamMX. I wanted to leave a review while everything was still fresh in my mind.
First off - if you are on the fence about booking with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal TeamMX - GET OFF THE DAMN FENCE AND BOOK ALREADY! They were amazing! It has been nothing but superb throughout the entire process.
I flew into San Diego the day prior to my surgery. Stacy (our NUT at BariatricPal TeamMX) was there to pick me up. Personal service! She answered all of my questions and put my mind at ease right away. She brought me to the hotel in Tijuana (Pueblo Amigo!), made sure I was checked in, introduced me to a Valet on their team (Juanito!) and I was set for the evening. I was on Clear liquids at this point in my pre-op and I thought I would have to make do with some hot tea or some broth from the hotel restaurant for that evenings dinner. NOPE! Almost as soon as I was settled in, Juanito arrived and offered to take me to try some delicious shrimp broth at Cabana. So off we went. He called up an Uber and $2 later, we were seated and shrimp broth was ordered. It was phenomenal!! Our whole dinner was less than $7!
Once back at the hotel, I rested and got ready for the next day. SURGERY DAY!
Henry (Office Manager at TeamMX) picked me up the next morning to escort me to the hospital. He also answered my millions of questions and talked me through each step of the next few hours. Once we arrived at Oasis Hospital, the Valets came out to greet us and I was assigned Roberto to help guide me through getting admitted and settled into my room. Norah came out and gave me a big hug and wished me happy birthday! (I had scheduled the surgery on my 43rd birthday) She got all my paperwork in order and admitted me to the hospital.
Two seconds in my room and I was snapping pics and posting them on Facebook. The hospital is the nicest one I have ever stayed in or visited! Every room is private with a bathroom en suite. And it was really roomy. So, if you choose to bring a companion, there is plenty of room for you both and a nice couch to sleep on.
I was asked to change into a hospital gown and then the tests began. Blood work, EKG, Chest X-ray etc. I.V. was put in and compression stockings were donned. I was ready for surgery.
Dr. Illan came in and talked to me for a few minutes. He was ready to answer any questions I might have had. He was a super nice man.
Then Bill (coordinator at TeamMX) arrived with a huge birthday balloon! That was just over the top! I love how far TeamMX goes to make sure everything is great for you!
A nurse came in with happy medicine. This one is sublingual. I didn't care for that much but I powered through to get to a happy place. HA!
They wheeled me to the operating room and asked me to get on the operating table. That's about all I remember about that.
The day after surgery you are scheduled for a leak test. I passed and was brought my first tray! YAY! LIQUIDS! LOL
I was also allowed to take a shower and change out of my gown.
The next day I was released after Breakfast. Juanito arrived to take me to the hotel. Once I got settled in and unpacked, he whisked me off to Cafe Especial in order to sample some world famous (well at least in my TeamMX Facebook group) bean broth. It was all I could ever hope for. Then he had to walk me. Since it was raining, we walked the Walmart. Super Fun Times!
Back to the hotel and I was beat. Time to rest.
Got to say right here....I have not had ANY PAIN! I was sure that this surgery would be painful. I was prepared for it. I just cant believe it so far! I have had no need for pain meds since I left the hospital.
Day two in the Hotel we get to go experience Caesars! This is the restaurant that created the Caesar Salad! They prepare a fantastic french onion broth for us. And it made me cry it was so good! Then we walked Revolution avenue to shop and gawk at treasures like Zonkey's in Serapes and Dancing Cartoon Pharmacists!
Transportation was provided the next day to get me back across the border and to the airport.
Everything went as smooth as silk!
Dr. Illan is a MASTER at what he does and BariatricPal TeamMX truly care about you and your well being. I would not hesitate to do it all again if I had to.

I was sleeved in January with Dr. Illan. HE IS AMAZING!
Anyways, I told very few until the day before I left. I just didn't want their opinions. Since I returned, I tell anyone who will listen. LOL!

I went back to work the Monday after my return from Mexico (on Sunday at 11 pm).
I have had no issues at all. I only took a week's vacation and didn't tell anyone at work until the day before I left.

I went back to work the Monday after my return from Mexico (on Sunday at 11 pm).
I have had no issues at all. I only took a week's vacation and didn't tell anyone at work until the day before I left.

I went back to work the Monday after my return from Mexico (on Sunday at 11 pm).
I have had no issues at all. I only took a week's vacation and didn't tell anyone at work until the day before I left.

The support given by Dr. Illan and the BariatricPal Team MX is beyond amazing. The hospital rooms are large and private and have the most glorious shower (lol). The nursing staff and Doctors that assist Dr. Illan are the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met. And the Hospital Staff (admissions and the director) are phenomenal. In my opinion, you cannot ask for a better surgeon than Dr. Illan.

The support given by Dr. Illan and the BariatricPal Team MX is beyond amazing. The hospital rooms are large and private and have the most glorious shower (lol). The nursing staff and Doctors that assist Dr. Illan are the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met. And the Hospital Staff (admissions and the director) are phenomenal. In my opinion, you cannot ask for a better surgeon than Dr. Illan.

The support given by Dr. Illan and the BariatricPal Team MX is beyond amazing. The hospital rooms are large and private and have the most glorious shower (lol). The nursing staff and Doctors that assist Dr. Illan are the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met. And the Hospital Staff (admissions and the director) are phenomenal. In my opinion, you cannot ask for a better surgeon than Dr. Illan.

The support given by Dr. Illan and the BariatricPal Team MX is beyond amazing. The hospital rooms are large and private and have the most glorious shower (lol). The nursing staff and Doctors that assist Dr. Illan are the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met. And the Hospital Staff (admissions and the director) are phenomenal. In my opinion, you cannot ask for a better surgeon than Dr. Illan.

The support given by Dr. Illan and the BariatricPal Team MX is beyond amazing. The hospital rooms are large and private and have the most glorious shower (lol). The nursing staff and Doctors that assist Dr. Illan are the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met. And the Hospital Staff (admissions and the director) are phenomenal. In my opinion, you cannot ask for a better surgeon than Dr. Illan.

I returned home Sunday from having my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Illan coordinated by BariatricPal TeamMX. I wanted to leave a review while everything was still fresh in my mind.
First off - if you are on the fence about booking with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal TeamMX - GET OFF THE DAMN FENCE AND BOOK ALREADY! They were amazing! It has been nothing but superb throughout the entire process.
I flew into San Diego the day prior to my surgery. Stacy (our NUT at BariatricPal TeamMX) was there to pick me up. Personal service! She answered all of my questions and put my mind at ease right away. She brought me to the hotel in Tijuana (Pueblo Amigo!), made sure I was checked in, introduced me to a Valet on their team (Juanito!) and I was set for the evening. I was on Clear liquids at this point in my pre-op and I thought I would have to make do with some hot tea or some broth from the hotel restaurant for that evenings dinner. NOPE! Almost as soon as I was settled in, Juanito arrived and offered to take me to try some delicious shrimp broth at Cabana. So off we went. He called up an Uber and $2 later, we were seated and shrimp broth was ordered. It was phenomenal!! Our whole dinner was less than $7!
Once back at the hotel, I rested and got ready for the next day. SURGERY DAY!
Henry (Office Manager at TeamMX) picked me up the next morning to escort me to the hospital. He also answered my millions of questions and talked me through each step of the next few hours. Once we arrived at Oasis Hospital, the Valets came out to greet us and I was assigned Roberto to help guide me through getting admitted and settled into my room. Norah came out and gave me a big hug and wished me happy birthday! (I had scheduled the surgery on my 43rd birthday) She got all my paperwork in order and admitted me to the hospital.
Two seconds in my room and I was snapping pics and posting them on Facebook. The hospital is the nicest one I have ever stayed in or visited! Every room is private with a bathroom en suite. And it was really roomy. So, if you choose to bring a companion, there is plenty of room for you both and a nice couch to sleep on.
I was asked to change into a hospital gown and then the tests began. Blood work, EKG, Chest X-ray etc. I.V. was put in and compression stockings were donned. I was ready for surgery.
Dr. Illan came in and talked to me for a few minutes. He was ready to answer any questions I might have had. He was a super nice man.
Then Bill (coordinator at TeamMX) arrived with a huge birthday balloon! That was just over the top! I love how far TeamMX goes to make sure everything is great for you!
A nurse came in with happy medicine. This one is sublingual. I didn't care for that much but I powered through to get to a happy place. HA!
They wheeled me to the operating room and asked me to get on the operating table. That's about all I remember about that.
The day after surgery you are scheduled for a leak test. I passed and was brought my first tray! YAY! LIQUIDS! LOL
I was also allowed to take a shower and change out of my gown.
The next day I was released after Breakfast. Juanito arrived to take me to the hotel. Once I got settled in and unpacked, he whisked me off to Cafe Especial in order to sample some world famous (well at least in my TeamMX Facebook group) bean broth. It was all I could ever hope for. Then he had to walk me. Since it was raining, we walked the Walmart. Super Fun Times!
Back to the hotel and I was beat. Time to rest.
Got to say right here....I have not had ANY PAIN! I was sure that this surgery would be painful. I was prepared for it. I just cant believe it so far! I have had no need for pain meds since I left the hospital.
Day two in the Hotel we get to go experience Caesars! This is the restaurant that created the Caesar Salad! They prepare a fantastic french onion broth for us. And it made me cry it was so good! Then we walked Revolution avenue to shop and gawk at treasures like Zonkey's in Serapes and Dancing Cartoon Pharmacists!
Transportation was provided the next day to get me back across the border and to the airport.
Everything went as smooth as silk!
Dr. Illan is a MASTER at what he does and BariatricPal TeamMX truly care about you and your well being. I would not hesitate to do it all again if I had to.

I recently had a revision of a gastric sleeve from a Lap band January 16th with the Bariatric Pal team. OH MY GOSH what an awesome experience. I live in Missouri and it was pretty hard to get the right flight in to fit the time schedule but they were amazing to work with me and helped me get a hotel to stay the night before. The surgery was very easy and Dr. Illian was so kind and sweet and listened to any fear and concerns I had about getting revision surgery, about the scar tissue, about not losing as well, about the size of my tummy all of it.. he was amazing and smelled good too!!! LOL I felt NO PAIN at all. I can’t say that will happen to everyone but the nurses were on top of it and I never felt once ounce of pain.. NO gas either.. Sure I was sore and I still am a little but it was amazing how little pain I have felt from MAJOR surgery. I was walking all over the places chatting with other patients and staff. So I was supposed to stay 2 days in hospital and two in the hotel but I only stayed in the hotel one day and they let me go home early due to a health issue with my mother. They were accomodating and so caring and kind.



I was treated very well and having so many doctors to come check on me every day besides the nurses and the valet was always close by. Honestly, I got better care then in any regular US hospital. The hospital was as good as any hospital in US and the staff were very professional and treated me well. I loved my own room too.. that was a blessing and the Shower heads were great.. LOL...

The hotel is beautiful.. the staff accomodating and the entire experience there was fabulous.... the shower there was great too! LOL



I done self pay and it was well worth the price to ensure my health... Thank you Bariatric Pal Team- all of you for giving me my life back.. I will forever be grateful and in debt to you for saving my life.

My first interaction with BariatricPal Team MX was with Bill. He was very helpful and prompt in his replies. I originally wanted Single Incision Gastric Sleeve but Dr. Illan advised against it after reviewing my health questionnaire. I had consulted with, and been approved for Single Incision Sleeve with the two other surgeons, both of whom had the same information Dr. Illan had. I felt compelled to go with the doctor who took my health and recovery into consideration even if it meant booking me for a less expensive procedure. Decision made, I booked my surgery and was on my way to Tijuana less than 2 weeks later!
Day 1. Stacy (also the nutritionist) picked us up at the San Diego airport the day of surgery and took us directly to the Oasis Hospital. After some quick introductions, my sleeve sister and I immediately began our admittance paperwork and testing. We were brought to our spacious private rooms where our bags were already waiting. The hospital staff and doctors came in and introduced themselves, and answered any questions I had. After all testing was complete, my husband and I passed the time until my surgery watching NFL playoffs on our iPad using the hospital supplied wifi. Yay for wifi!
Surgery was quick and recovery for the most part was painless. The pains from the gas were a little uncomfortable but the staff has you walking as soon as you are able which helps to alleviate that discomfort. The nurses were very professional, attentive, and thorough in their care. The valets took great care of my husband and myself. They made sure he had food to eat and was comfortable. One even brought in a bag of coffee grounds so he could make my hubby the plain old black coffee he had requested in the middle of the night, seriously the valets are awesome.
Day 2. The leak test was performed onsite which was a pleasant surprise as the other TJ surgeon I was considering took his patients to an alternate location to have that test performed. Stacy brought me a care package containing the Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve, the meal plan, and all the goodies needed for successful eating while at the hotel. Such a relief to not have to worry about what I should be eating or where to get it, although the valets would have made sure I had what I needed.
Day 3. I was discharged from the hospital with all the necessary medications and transported to the Pueblo Amigo Hotel and Casino. The hotel suites are very nice and roomy, nicer and roomier than some of the boutique hotels I’ve stayed at in the states. There is a spa on site if you are interested in scheduling a facial or other spa services. The hotel staff is very customer oriented, we had a problem with our room that was QUICKLY handled by hotel maintenance. About an hour after checking in we met up with our valet for the day and another sleever for an afternoon of walking and shopping. We visited Revolution Avenue then caught a taxi to lunch, since we were both feeling pretty good we walked the 1.5 miles back to the hotel from the restaurant. It felt good to be out and about.
We opted to leave a day earlier than planned. Bill was amazingly helpful working to change our transportation so we could return to San Diego immediately after the Doctor had visited me at the hotel and cleared me to go home. Henry was waiting to take us to the airport.
I'm two weeks post-op and down 13 lbs. Dr. Illan, Bill, and Stacy have all been wonderfully responsive to the questions I’ve had regarding diet, aftercare, and medications. The private Facebook groups have proven to be extremely helpful and a quick way to get questions answered and connect with other patients of Dr. Illan.
I’m very happy I chose Dr. Illan and BariatricPal Team MX for my gastric sleeve surgery. Dr. Illan is a caring, competent surgeon with a great team who are there to support you at every step of your weight loss journey!

I agree 100%. We could not have picked anyone better.

I returned home Sunday from having my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Illan coordinated by BariatricPal TeamMX. I wanted to leave a review while everything was still fresh in my mind.
First off - if you are on the fence about booking with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal TeamMX - GET OFF THE DAMN FENCE AND BOOK ALREADY! They were amazing! It has been nothing but superb throughout the entire process.
I flew into San Diego the day prior to my surgery. Stacy (our NUT at BariatricPal TeamMX) was there to pick me up. Personal service! She answered all of my questions and put my mind at ease right away. She brought me to the hotel in Tijuana (Pueblo Amigo!), made sure I was checked in, introduced me to a Valet on their team (Juanito!) and I was set for the evening. I was on Clear liquids at this point in my pre-op and I thought I would have to make do with some hot tea or some broth from the hotel restaurant for that evenings dinner. NOPE! Almost as soon as I was settled in, Juanito arrived and offered to take me to try some delicious shrimp broth at Cabana. So off we went. He called up an Uber and $2 later, we were seated and shrimp broth was ordered. It was phenomenal!! Our whole dinner was less than $7!
Once back at the hotel, I rested and got ready for the next day. SURGERY DAY!
Henry (Office Manager at TeamMX) picked me up the next morning to escort me to the hospital. He also answered my millions of questions and talked me through each step of the next few hours. Once we arrived at Oasis Hospital, the Valets came out to greet us and I was assigned Roberto to help guide me through getting admitted and settled into my room. Norah came out and gave me a big hug and wished me happy birthday! (I had scheduled the surgery on my 43rd birthday) She got all my paperwork in order and admitted me to the hospital.
Two seconds in my room and I was snapping pics and posting them on Facebook. The hospital is the nicest one I have ever stayed in or visited! Every room is private with a bathroom en suite. And it was really roomy. So, if you choose to bring a companion, there is plenty of room for you both and a nice couch to sleep on.
I was asked to change into a hospital gown and then the tests began. Blood work, EKG, Chest X-ray etc. I.V. was put in and compression stockings were donned. I was ready for surgery.
Dr. Illan came in and talked to me for a few minutes. He was ready to answer any questions I might have had. He was a super nice man.
Then Bill (coordinator at TeamMX) arrived with a huge birthday balloon! That was just over the top! I love how far TeamMX goes to make sure everything is great for you!
A nurse came in with happy medicine. This one is sublingual. I didn't care for that much but I powered through to get to a happy place. HA!
They wheeled me to the operating room and asked me to get on the operating table. That's about all I remember about that.
The day after surgery you are scheduled for a leak test. I passed and was brought my first tray! YAY! LIQUIDS! LOL
I was also allowed to take a shower and change out of my gown.
The next day I was released after Breakfast. Juanito arrived to take me to the hotel. Once I got settled in and unpacked, he whisked me off to Cafe Especial in order to sample some world famous (well at least in my TeamMX Facebook group) bean broth. It was all I could ever hope for. Then he had to walk me. Since it was raining, we walked the Walmart. Super Fun Times!
Back to the hotel and I was beat. Time to rest.
Got to say right here....I have not had ANY PAIN! I was sure that this surgery would be painful. I was prepared for it. I just cant believe it so far! I have had no need for pain meds since I left the hospital.
Day two in the Hotel we get to go experience Caesars! This is the restaurant that created the Caesar Salad! They prepare a fantastic french onion broth for us. And it made me cry it was so good! Then we walked Revolution avenue to shop and gawk at treasures like Zonkey's in Serapes and Dancing Cartoon Pharmacists!
Transportation was provided the next day to get me back across the border and to the airport.
Everything went as smooth as silk!
Dr. Illan is a MASTER at what he does and BariatricPal TeamMX truly care about you and your well being. I would not hesitate to do it all again if I had to.

On January 5th, I had gastric sleeve done at Oasis of Hope Hospital in Mexico with Dr. Illan. The entire process was an amazing experience. I have had 5 surgeries before this in the last 10 years and this was the easiest of all. All of the staff involved really care about you and are there for you every step of the way. I would recommend this to anyone. Don't wait another minute if you are questioning doing this. It was like a mini vacation and I would do it over again in a heartbeat. It is now January 26th and I am down 30 pounds already. My only regret is not learning about Dr. Illan and the Oasis of Hope Hospital sooner.

I had decided I wanted this procedure done, and when I heard my insurance didn't cover it, set out to looking for somewhere affordable, and of course someplace that I could trust. I had read reviews of several places - there were a few that were MUCH more expensive, and also a few that were cheaper. I emailed Bill a few questions, and was pleasantly surprised when he responded almost immediately. I filled out the health questionairre, then called Bill to discuss scheduling. I was really impressed with how organized they were - I went and watched the video of the Oasis of Hope hospital, and started reading everything I could find on Dr. Illan. After I got my surgery date, Stacey sent me the pre-op diet. I had a couple of questions for her, and also, got very quick responses.
The day of the surgery, my wife and I flew to San Diego. Memo, a driver for BP MX, picked us up at the airport. He was awesome -put us at ease, told us all about the area - got my mind off the surgery.
When we arrived at the hospital I was very impressed. I met several staff members, filled out some paperwork, and got ready for the pre-op tests. Somewhere along the way, Dr. Illan came in. He is nothing less than awesome. I had tons of questions, and he was so patient, answering everyone of them. Even my wife was impressed when he said he considers every patient a member of his family, and treats them as such. I pretty much lost any fear I had after that point.
Surgery went well - the nurses were awesome, as were the other doctors I worked with. The valets treated my wife like a queen - walking with her to Starbucks, taking her out to dinner - she was well taken care of.
The hotel at the casino is very nice. The rooms are very spacious and the people there were very friendly. We met our valet Juan, and he was incredible. He showed us the town and also showed me how to live with my new sleeve in the real world - this really turned out to be more like a vacation than a medical journey!
I need to mention this site too - if you ever have questions or concerns, Bill, Stacey, even Dr.Illan! are right there to respond - you will never feel like you're in this on your own!
I would recommend, without hesitation, Dr Illan, Bill, Stacey, and BP MX - I'm excited to be on this journey - and glad I picked BP MX to help me!

Thank you for this! Mine is scheduled for February 22 and I'm starting to get nervous, but this has relaxed me completely. Thank you again!

@@Adriane @@mamasasuperhero thank you for sharing your experiences, i have my surgery date on March 1st and i cant wait. please keep in touch best of luck ladies
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Reading these reviews gets me more and more excited!
Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

So awesome! Stay in touch, it is awesome on the other side!

@@Adriane thank you for this review, i will also do the same after my surgery March 1st. Im glad everything went well for you
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I returned home Sunday from having my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Illan coordinated by BariatricPal TeamMX. I wanted to leave a review while everything was still fresh in my mind.
First off - if you are on the fence about booking with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal TeamMX - GET OFF THE DAMN FENCE AND BOOK ALREADY! They were amazing! It has been nothing but superb throughout the entire process.
I flew into San Diego the day prior to my surgery. Stacy (our NUT at BariatricPal TeamMX) was there to pick me up. Personal service! She answered all of my questions and put my mind at ease right away. She brought me to the hotel in Tijuana (Pueblo Amigo!), made sure I was checked in, introduced me to a Valet on their team (Juanito!) and I was set for the evening. I was on Clear liquids at this point in my pre-op and I thought I would have to make do with some hot tea or some broth from the hotel restaurant for that evenings dinner. NOPE! Almost as soon as I was settled in, Juanito arrived and offered to take me to try some delicious shrimp broth at Cabana. So off we went. He called up an Uber and $2 later, we were seated and shrimp broth was ordered. It was phenomenal!! Our whole dinner was less than $7!
Once back at the hotel, I rested and got ready for the next day. SURGERY DAY!
Henry (Office Manager at TeamMX) picked me up the next morning to escort me to the hospital. He also answered my millions of questions and talked me through each step of the next few hours. Once we arrived at Oasis Hospital, the Valets came out to greet us and I was assigned Roberto to help guide me through getting admitted and settled into my room. Norah came out and gave me a big hug and wished me happy birthday! (I had scheduled the surgery on my 43rd birthday) She got all my paperwork in order and admitted me to the hospital.
Two seconds in my room and I was snapping pics and posting them on Facebook. The hospital is the nicest one I have ever stayed in or visited! Every room is private with a bathroom en suite. And it was really roomy. So, if you choose to bring a companion, there is plenty of room for you both and a nice couch to sleep on.
I was asked to change into a hospital gown and then the tests began. Blood work, EKG, Chest X-ray etc. I.V. was put in and compression stockings were donned. I was ready for surgery.
Dr. Illan came in and talked to me for a few minutes. He was ready to answer any questions I might have had. He was a super nice man.
Then Bill (coordinator at TeamMX) arrived with a huge birthday balloon! That was just over the top! I love how far TeamMX goes to make sure everything is great for you!
A nurse came in with happy medicine. This one is sublingual. I didn't care for that much but I powered through to get to a happy place. HA!
They wheeled me to the operating room and asked me to get on the operating table. That's about all I remember about that.
The day after surgery you are scheduled for a leak test. I passed and was brought my first tray! YAY! LIQUIDS! LOL
I was also allowed to take a shower and change out of my gown.
The next day I was released after Breakfast. Juanito arrived to take me to the hotel. Once I got settled in and unpacked, he whisked me off to Cafe Especial in order to sample some world famous (well at least in my TeamMX Facebook group) bean broth. It was all I could ever hope for. Then he had to walk me. Since it was raining, we walked the Walmart. Super Fun Times!
Back to the hotel and I was beat. Time to rest.
Got to say right here....I have not had ANY PAIN! I was sure that this surgery would be painful. I was prepared for it. I just cant believe it so far! I have had no need for pain meds since I left the hospital.
Day two in the Hotel we get to go experience Caesars! This is the restaurant that created the Caesar Salad! They prepare a fantastic french onion broth for us. And it made me cry it was so good! Then we walked Revolution avenue to shop and gawk at treasures like Zonkey's in Serapes and Dancing Cartoon Pharmacists!
Transportation was provided the next day to get me back across the border and to the airport.
Everything went as smooth as silk!
Dr. Illan is a MASTER at what he does and BariatricPal TeamMX truly care about you and your well being. I would not hesitate to do it all again if I had to.

I returned home Sunday from having my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Illan coordinated by BariatricPal TeamMX. I wanted to leave a review while everything was still fresh in my mind.
First off - if you are on the fence about booking with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal TeamMX - GET OFF THE DAMN FENCE AND BOOK ALREADY! They were amazing! It has been nothing but superb throughout the entire process.
I flew into San Diego the day prior to my surgery. Stacy (our NUT at BariatricPal TeamMX) was there to pick me up. Personal service! She answered all of my questions and put my mind at ease right away. She brought me to the hotel in Tijuana (Pueblo Amigo!), made sure I was checked in, introduced me to a Valet on their team (Juanito!) and I was set for the evening. I was on Clear liquids at this point in my pre-op and I thought I would have to make do with some hot tea or some broth from the hotel restaurant for that evenings dinner. NOPE! Almost as soon as I was settled in, Juanito arrived and offered to take me to try some delicious shrimp broth at Cabana. So off we went. He called up an Uber and $2 later, we were seated and shrimp broth was ordered. It was phenomenal!! Our whole dinner was less than $7!
Once back at the hotel, I rested and got ready for the next day. SURGERY DAY!
Henry (Office Manager at TeamMX) picked me up the next morning to escort me to the hospital. He also answered my millions of questions and talked me through each step of the next few hours. Once we arrived at Oasis Hospital, the Valets came out to greet us and I was assigned Roberto to help guide me through getting admitted and settled into my room. Norah came out and gave me a big hug and wished me happy birthday! (I had scheduled the surgery on my 43rd birthday) She got all my paperwork in order and admitted me to the hospital.
Two seconds in my room and I was snapping pics and posting them on Facebook. The hospital is the nicest one I have ever stayed in or visited! Every room is private with a bathroom en suite. And it was really roomy. So, if you choose to bring a companion, there is plenty of room for you both and a nice couch to sleep on.
I was asked to change into a hospital gown and then the tests began. Blood work, EKG, Chest X-ray etc. I.V. was put in and compression stockings were donned. I was ready for surgery.
Dr. Illan came in and talked to me for a few minutes. He was ready to answer any questions I might have had. He was a super nice man.
Then Bill (coordinator at TeamMX) arrived with a huge birthday balloon! That was just over the top! I love how far TeamMX goes to make sure everything is great for you!
A nurse came in with happy medicine. This one is sublingual. I didn't care for that much but I powered through to get to a happy place. HA!
They wheeled me to the operating room and asked me to get on the operating table. That's about all I remember about that.
The day after surgery you are scheduled for a leak test. I passed and was brought my first tray! YAY! LIQUIDS! LOL
I was also allowed to take a shower and change out of my gown.
The next day I was released after Breakfast. Juanito arrived to take me to the hotel. Once I got settled in and unpacked, he whisked me off to Cafe Especial in order to sample some world famous (well at least in my TeamMX Facebook group) bean broth. It was all I could ever hope for. Then he had to walk me. Since it was raining, we walked the Walmart. Super Fun Times!
Back to the hotel and I was beat. Time to rest.
Got to say right here....I have not had ANY PAIN! I was sure that this surgery would be painful. I was prepared for it. I just cant believe it so far! I have had no need for pain meds since I left the hospital.
Day two in the Hotel we get to go experience Caesars! This is the restaurant that created the Caesar Salad! They prepare a fantastic french onion broth for us. And it made me cry it was so good! Then we walked Revolution avenue to shop and gawk at treasures like Zonkey's in Serapes and Dancing Cartoon Pharmacists!
Transportation was provided the next day to get me back across the border and to the airport.
Everything went as smooth as silk!
Dr. Illan is a MASTER at what he does and BariatricPal TeamMX truly care about you and your well being. I would not hesitate to do it all again if I had to.

I just returned from having my VSG with Dr. Illan. He Is AMAZING! I have tiny little incisions and I have had no pain.
You can't go wrong by choosing the BariatricPal MX Team to coordinate for you. They took such great care of us.