How can a patient expect to feel comfortable going to another country for major surgery when their own patient coordinator is no where to be found. Been calling and emailing with no success. I was scheduled to have surgery with Dr.Illan august 18. Now I dont think I feel comfortable depending on them to help me if I have any issue with my stay or complication after surgery. I hope they change their ways.

I admit I didn't get the best vibe from his patient coordinator either. I was set on Dr. Illan until I spoke with him and am now considering paying the extra $2000 for Dr. Ortiz. I'm sure the guy is quite busy, but he rushed me off the phone, made me feel like a dollar sign, and gave me pretty blatant misinformation about the mini bypass. I know he's not a surgeon but he is Dr. Illan's partner and should be more informed (or he was intentionally misleading, which I would hate to think). Makes me very reluctant to schedule.

As a patient of Dr. Illan, I'm very glad I went to him. I had other 1st had experience from a couple coworkers.

Obviously, you can go to whomever you want. My concern was having the best doctor and hospital care. All the valets were super helpful, staff all spoke English and I had better care than in the good ol' USA. I have no regrets!

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@mbuczkowski Thanks for sharing your experience. Maybe he was having a busy/bad day.

How can a patient expect to feel comfortable going to another country for major surgery when their own patient coordinator is no where to be found. Been calling and emailing with no success. I was scheduled to have surgery with Dr.Illan august 18. Now I dont think I feel comfortable depending on them to help me if I have any issue with my stay or complication after surgery. I hope they change their ways.

I'm going to J.L.Prado. It's through a slimmer me clinic. The coordinator Anette is wonderful! Everyone is related. It's like a family run business. Check them out. It's only $3199 right now for the basic sleeve package.

Update: I booked my surgery today with Dr. Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center. So far I have found his staff to be really personable, informed, and encouraging. His credentials are impeccable and their surgery center appears to be top notch. The only thing I don't like is that you spend one less night in the hospital vs. Dr. Illan (at the hotel instead). But I feel good that they will take good care of me and provide good follow up care. I tried several times to reach Dr. Illan's patient coordinator with NO success - after I was approved for surgery! I even called the number on their website again. Maybe they have gotten busier than they can keep up with, maybe it's lack of give-a-darn, but that kind of situation is NOT for me. God forbid I have an issue after surgery and couldn't reach anyone. That coupled with the conversation I had initially with the patient coordinator made me realize that the extra $2000 or so was worth it. That's just bad business and lack of care. Disappointed, but excited about Dr. Ortiz!

Do you mind if I ask how much it cost in total with Dr Ortiz ? I just researching Dr's and cost for surgery.

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Depends on what procedure you are getting. Call them tomorrow. https://obesitycontrolcenter.com/weight-loss-surgery-options/

I am sorry you had the issues with Dr. Illan's team. Were you reaching out theough BariatricPal and Bill Yanez? My communication was fast, as well as acceptance and booking.

Anyhow, good luck!

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@mbuczkowski I was avoiding naming names, but I attempted to contact the patient coordinator directly several times via personal email and cellphone after our initial conversation with no success. They were not interested in my business nor in answering my questions.

Edited August 9, 20179 yr by OperaMom

Good for you for going with your gut.

Personally, I had a great experience with Dr Ramos Kelly and his staff in Tijuana. I've had no complications and my weight loss is going great. I booked directly with them; no middleman. The doc also visited me at my hotel daily after being released from the hospital. And his credentials are top notch.