Many of you on here know me well, I have been a part of these message boards for years. I love our members and I want only the best for them. Therefore, I can not in good conscience keep this to myself any longer.

Dr. Illan is a wonderful surgeon. In fact, when I used to coordinate, for a while I actually referred patients to him. His coordinator, Omar, has a very, very faithful following. So much so, I fully expect and am prepared for the "verbal beating" I am going to get for going public with what I know. But, if I prevent just one woman from experiencing what I am about to share with you, then it will all be worth it.

As I said, Omar is very well loved among the patients, especially the ladies. He goes out of his way to ensure everyone has a great experience while there. He provides for the patient's every need, transports them around town, runs errands for them, sits by their bedside and so much more. He is very charming and charismatic. There will be many, many members who will respond to this thread stating just that. In fact, when the first patient, one that I had referred to them, approached me about what happened to her, I did her a horrible disservice by not really believing what she told me, because Omar did such a good job of convincing me otherwise. But now, after six woman, some of whom I referred to Dr. Illan, some not, have contacted me regarding what happened to them, I know now that first patient was telling me the truth, she did not misinterpret anything and I must speak out.

So, what is it that I am speaking off? I am talking about taking advantage of woman who have traveled to a foreign country by themselves, most likely have low self-esteem due to their weight issues, they are scared and they are lonely. Then, along comes Omar. He is by their side throughout their stay. He is, as I said before, charming and charismatic. They very quickly find themselves falling victim to him, and he takes advantage of them in several different ways. He either is sexually suggestive to them, sexually inappropriate, or convinces these woman he truly cares for/loves them and begins a romantic relationship with them. Because of how vulnerable they are, they believe he really does care about them, and they allow themselves to be wooed by him and have a romantic and/or sexual relationship with him. Then, shortly after, he basically dumps them. He quits responding to their calls, texts, etc. He leaves these woman feeling broken and foolish for falling for him. They feel like they have done something wrong, when in fact, they are merely the victim of a heartless man taking extreme advantage of his position and their vulnerability. Understand, I am not saying this happens with every patient, but it does happen and it shows an extreme lack of professionalism and moral character.

I have attempted to contact Dr. Illan to speak with him personally about this. Unfortunately, Omar makes that nearly impossible. All calls, emails, etc. are intercepted by him. And, here is the saddest part of all, Dr. Illan already knows what is going on. So, I am doubtful my talking to him would make a difference. Dr. Illan knows Omar has a strong fan base, and therefore, brings him a great deal of business. So, he turns a blind eye to what is happening. Which, is why I have no guilt in publicly coming out and sharing what I know. I will be honest, my goal here is to have Omar removed from his position as coordinator with Baja Bariatrics and Dr. Illan, and to see that he does not work in this field or any other field where he can take advantage of woman again. And, if Dr. Illan goes down as a result, well, shame on him for allowing it to happen in the first place.

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.

Chelcey, I don't claim they go to Mexico to save bucks, I KNOW they go to Mexico to save bucks and hurrah for that!  I just told my daughter about it.   I waited til I got Medicare to have surgery because I did not have the bucks.  I had no idea people went to Mexico until my surgeon's staff recommended Bariatric Pal.  I would go to Mexico under the right surgeon - no problem with that.  So what is your beef with me?  Are you keeping score here or what?  I am for anyone doing whatever they need to do, I just do not agree with a doctor in Mexico using a man like Omar for bait.  

 

Shall we discuss affiliations?  Board certification means someone passed a test in their field of specialty.  I find it nothing less than amusing that nobody has brought of the fact that Mexico has board certification in bariatrics and is Dr. Illan board certified?  Why no, he is not.  If your Mexican surgeon is not board certified in bariatrics, do not go to him.  It's really basic common sense.  Something that is clearly lacking in this thread.  Who would want to be a bariatric surgeon and not board certified?  I'll tell you who.  Someone who has yet been able to pass the darn test!

 

 

Board certified is the exception to the rule.

 

 

 

 

To "preform" surgery?  No.  to "preform" safe surgery, yes.

Thank you for giving your opinion on the matter but I was looking for fact. I checked the surgeons through the Kaiser website and all only listed MD behind their name. So in "my" opinion those letter are either not needed or not as important as some may think. I do understand the need for surgeons to set themselves apart from the competition which is not a concern for most Kaiser Dr. However you raised an important issue regarding surgeons being Board Certified.

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.

I'm confused.

then you might as well "go after" all the other surgeons in that price range in Tijuana....funny how it's only Dr. Illan you're after

My doc up here have fixed many a mexican patient. Good luck to all.

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.

This is flat out ridiculous.

Edited July 25, 201412 yr by LipstickLady

then you might as well "go after" all the other surgeons in that price range in Tijuana....funny how it's only Dr. Illan you're after

 

Honey, I have gone toe to toe with MANY TJ surgeons.  Know what you speak of before you open your mouth.

 

How the heck to I close this account???

yeah, that's why they are all still practicing....

thought you were done with this thread?

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.

And ya'll thought I was the crazy one!!!

yeah, that's why they are all still practicing....

 

thought you were done with this thread?

 

Dr. Kuri has been arrested by the federales.  Dr. Huacuz has been RE-arrested (the first time it was for a botched plastic surgery he did, this time it is for his bariatric lack of skills.)  And a 3rd surgeon, a plastic surgeon has been arrested.

 

Dr. Almanza had 2 recovery homes shut down by the federales due to a fatality and illegal drugs.

 

You really need to open a fogging book, do a google search, know what you speak of before typing or you continue to show your agenda and lack of basic knowledge.

 

As soon as I figure out how to close this account, I will stop posting, I assure you.

And ya'll thought I was the crazy one!!!

I was beginning to think I had lost what little mind I had left.  SMH.

 

yeah, that's why they are all still practicing....

 

thought you were done with this thread?

Dr. Kuri has been arrested by the federales.  Dr. Huacuz has been RE-arrested (the first time it was for a botched plastic surgery he did, this time it is for his bariatric lack of skills.)  And a 3rd surgeon, a plastic surgeon has been arrested.

 

Dr. Almanza had 2 recovery homes shut down by the federales due to a fatality and illegal drugs.

 

You really need to open a fogging book, do a google search, know what you speak of before typing or you continue to show your agenda and lack of basic knowledge.

 

As soon as I figure out how to close this account, I will stop posting, I assure you.

i know of Dr. Kuri and Dr. Almanza's arrests....thanks though! Good luck with what you are trying to do. I just don't think it will amount to anything....correct me if I'm wrong, they are still practicing no...anyway, whatever...I have no agenda....I'm done!