Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Where do I begin?

My daughter received the procedure last week - January 2017. After thoroughly researching the procedure and doctors, we settled on Weightloss Agents due to cost. Plus, I was encouraged after seeing a special segment on ABC featuring the doctor's office in Tijuana. They didn't mention the facility's name, but I assumed it was the same office as Weightloss agents. Here's a summary of our experience:

1. The pre-op instructions were only available on the website. They have a nice website, but after I paid my balance in full I had no need to check it every day. As such, I totally missed the pre-op instructions which gave important information as to my daughter's diet before the procedure. Not following the diet not only complicated her recovery but prolonged the recovery period.

2. The staff at the hospital in Tijuana spoke very little English. Only one of the nurses was bilingual but she left after her shift ended. Imagine watching your daughter do through discomfort and pain and not being able to communicate with anyone in English. To make matters worse, they seemed to have forgotten that my daughter, not I, had the procedure. After 8 hours, I was starving. The neighborhood where the clinic is located appeared unsafe. And their cafeteria did not accept cash or credit cards. Needless to say, this did not improve my mood.

3. Worst of all - My daughter was discharged after being given NO paperwork and NO prescriptions. Again, I thought this was normal since it was a nonsurgical procedure. But when my daughter arrived home, she experienced extreme nausea and vomiting. I contacted Weightloss agents and was basically told that they couldn't prescribe anything because the doctor was outside the US. The only recommendation was for over-the-counter meds which didn't work. As a result, my daughter had to go to the emergency room where she was given an IV. They prescribed to her nausea medication which worked. All of this could have been prevented if they'd give her the medication before leaving.

5. I tried calling the doctor in Tijuana and left a message. And I never received a returned call. Basically, the follow-up from this procedure is non-existent. You're on your own.

5. The post-op instructions they send are not specific to the gastric balloon - they are main for the sleeve. I had to go on the Obera website to get more thorough information.

So would I recommend this place? NO. I am still positive about the procedure itself, but I cannot recommend this company due to my negative experience. If I had the chance to do it again, it would definitely be with a local doctor in the US. I get that it's cheaper here, but it was not worth the unnecessary pain and frustration experienced by myself and my daughter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Was your daughter's surgeon Dr. Mario Almanza? If yes, she is truly lucky to be alive. Please see:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hate that this happened to you all. Unfortunately, that's a risk you take when getting surgery done outside of the states. The cost may have been great, but look at all the hiccups that occurred prior to even getting surgery. Maybe try and find a Dr here in the states to help her post Surgery for follow ups etc.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920AZ using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Cherlyn

I can understand all of these things you posted. Now I had my RNY in Coos Bay, Oregon July 2, 2013. I had a pretty easy time. But I started having trouble with Strictures right away. I ended up having 5 endoscopes with 3 dialations with my Suregon, but he treated me like I was a "PROBLEM". He even called me and my Husband "PROBLEM CHILDREN". I changed to a different Bariatric Center for my last one. That was Jan of 2015. Now for my hubby's story. He had the Lap Band for 13tyears and lost 100#'s but he still had a lot of weight to lose. His Band malfunctioned, so he went to the same Dr as I did. When they went in to remove the Band and revise him to the RNY. His Band had eroded into his liver so they were unable to do the revision. So fast forward to him seeing another Dr in Portland Oregon. (that is where I transfred to) they wanted him to lose 25#'s before his RNY surgery, which isn't bad except he is diabetic and they wanted his A1C down to a 7 along with his weight loss. He couldn't do both it was lose the weight and then his BS would be out of control again. In the mean time we find out that he has Cancer on his kidney. It could not be taken care of because of his size. So we went to Juraez Mexico. Thru BELITE WEIGHT LOSS GROUP. We had bad care there. The language barrier, the nurses didn't wash their hands only one nurse used hand Santizior. He ended up not getting the RNY because of scar tissue from the 1st surgery. ( I also forgot an important side of this, he got infections from his 1st botched revision and almost died. he was so sick and ended up with a wound vac for 4 months all in all he was sick for 9 months and 3 months he don't remember) So due to him having a different surgery

Edited by shedo82773

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I ask for his information and was told it is basical all the same. Which I know isn't true. I'm sorry iuf this isn't making sense. My Computer keeps doing this werird stuff. The nurses didn't wash their hands at all. Even when they removed his IV. The Dr did lots of WLS that day. When I contacted BELITE for his new guide since he didn't have the RNY, they said they are the same. Which isn't true I had the RNY and I have lots more restriction than he does even after 3 and 1/2 years. It was a night mare for sure but I don't have anything on you and your daughter. I WOULD NOT recommend Mexico at all. Now I have heard good things about these Surgeon's. And also other places in Mexico. I really don't think we would use Mexico again for any surgeries at all. Thank God he is ok. But losing very slow. I got to my goal weight in 6 months so there is a big difference in the surgeries. I'm so sorry that you both went thru that nightmare and I hope your daughter is getting along great. Take care. Just know there are many reasons people opt to go to Mexico. Noone has the right to judge us for our choices. Times are hard and our health is in the makes. Hang strong

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Was your daughter's surgeon Dr. Mario Almanza? If yes, she is truly lucky to be alive. Please see:

OMG, YES!!! In fact, he took a picture with my daughter in the waiting room. He said that he wanted before/after pictures and went around the room and took pictures with everyone there. Upon seeing this video, I feel sick. I WISH I would have seen this before. I would have left right then and there, regardless of paying. And I would have shared this with those poor women in the waiting room. Most of whom were getting the sleeve. The only consolation is that my daughter got the balloon which is nonsurgical. But now I fear if she has caught an infection. I am definitely following up with a specialist here and ask them to do a full exam. This video confirms my belief that this place is a complete scam. Thanks so much for sharing!

Edited by Cherlyn Robinson

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I ask for his information and was told it is basical all the same. Which I know isn't true. I'm sorry iuf this isn't making sense. My Computer keeps doing this werird stuff. The nurses didn't wash their hands at all. Even when they removed his IV. The Dr did lots of WLS that day. When I contacted BELITE for his new guide since he didn't have the RNY, they said they are the same. Which isn't true I had the RNY and I have lots more restriction than he does even after 3 and 1/2 years. It was a night mare for sure but I don't have anything on you and your daughter. I WOULD NOT recommend Mexico at all. Now I have heard good things about these Surgeon's. And also other places in Mexico. I really don't think we would use Mexico again for any surgeries at all. Thank God he is ok. But losing very slow. I got to my goal weight in 6 months so there is a big difference in the surgeries. I'm so sorry that you both went thru that nightmare and I hope your daughter is getting along great. Take care. Just know there are many reasons people opt to go to Mexico. Noone has the right to judge us for our choices. Times are hard and our health is in the makes. Hang strong

Thanks for sharing. I didn't understand some of what you said, but it seems that everything turned out okay. I didn't mean to imply that people shouldn't go to Mexico. I understand that for many, this is the last resort as it relates to their health. But if you must go, PLEASE don't choose this place!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I ask for his information and was told it is basical all the same. Which I know isn't true. I'm sorry iuf this isn't making sense. My Computer keeps doing this werird stuff. The nurses didn't wash their hands at all. Even when they removed his IV. The Dr did lots of WLS that day. When I contacted BELITE for his new guide since he didn't have the RNY, they said they are the same. Which isn't true I had the RNY and I have lots more restriction than he does even after 3 and 1/2 years. It was a night mare for sure but I don't have anything on you and your daughter. I WOULD NOT recommend Mexico at all. Now I have heard good things about these Surgeon's. And also other places in Mexico. I really don't think we would use Mexico again for any surgeries at all. Thank God he is ok. But losing very slow. I got to my goal weight in 6 months so there is a big difference in the surgeries. I'm so sorry that you both went thru that nightmare and I hope your daughter is getting along great. Take care. Just know there are many reasons people opt to go to Mexico. Noone has the right to judge us for our choices. Times are hard and our health is in the makes. Hang strong

There are terrible surgeons in every country. There are some amazing surgeons that are world renowned that practice out of Mexico. Research, research, research! That's what everyone needs to do before undergoing surgery, anywhere.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×