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

DR Mayortena or Dr Pablo Fok Russell?



Recommended Posts

Any experience or reviews on either Dr Mayortena or Dr Pablo Fok Russell appreciated— I have narrowed it down to these two doctors in tJ and would love any feedback. Looking at gastric sleeve- BMI 37.

Thank you!

Edited by Sigh

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't heard of them, but I just googled them and also checked realself. Not much on Dr. Pablo Fok Russell. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean anything negative - but...there's just not much on him. Tons of comments/reviews on Dr. Mayortena. They look pretty good to me!

Edited by catwoman7

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for reply- I had the same issue—found lots of good things about Maytorena, nothing about other. I looked at years of practice and type of surgery they are expertise in, and have decided on Maytorena. Appreciate the support!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am going to Dr Pablo Fok Russell March 13th.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi. I was wondering if you could offer some assistance.

I see where you are scheduling your surgery with Dr. Fok

I am currently debating on whether to use this facility. I have not found any Info about this Dr anywhere online and I found it a bit strange, there are no comments on any of their social media accounts. Strange not one former patient or anyone for that matter, has not left any comments.

Anyway, if you did indeed use them, I just want to make sure this is definitely a real place. Could you tell me your experience you had.

Pros..cons

.

Thank u so much

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I saw Dr Pablo Fok Russell.

I was very particular about where I went and it took me a very long time to decide.

I do not have one negative comment at all. .. .NONE.

When researching for a clinic to get gastric sleeve I looked on Tik Tok, and online. I knew what I did not want. I did not want to go to a facility that only did weight loss surgery. I did not want to go to a "factory". I think at larger facilities that only do one thing, like weight loss surgery, you get complacent in how you work. And can become only about profit. I wanted a physician whose main concern was my health. When I came across Dr. Pablo Fok Russel what impressed me the most was his career was not only bariatric surgery. He is well versed and knowledgeable in all areas of anti aging, weight loss, hormone therapies, Hair loss, stem cell therapy, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, addiction medicine, etc. I was intentionally seeking a talented and intelligent doctor and I felt that I found one.
I contacted the facility and had many emails with someone asking a multitude of questions. I never once felt pressured. i never once was told I had to put a deposit down to get answers. At other facilities I was told both. At other agencies I was pressured to put money down in order to speak to them. Money that was non refundable.
Before I paid any money I was able to have the date I needed guaranteed. That was important to me also.
I made my deposit, scheduled my date and prepared.
When I arrived to San Diego my driver had contacted me the day prior with his picture and car information. He was waiting outside the airport for me. I was able to get off the plane, walk straight to him and was waiting at the car, I was inside the car in less than 5 minutes. It was effortless.
We drove straight across the border, we were not stopped. We drove straight to the clinic. I was met by a woman with a big smile who opened my door and welcomed me by name. I was very impressed by this. I desired a personalized friendly environment and I was receiving it. Once inside to my pleasant surprise things were done quickly. I was given an EKG, blood work, x-rays, etc. The lab results from my blood test were back in less the 2 hours. Maybe even less. The anesthesiologist read them to me and I was impressed that they were received that quickly and accurate. In my first two hours, I meet the internal medicine physician, anesthesioligist, the X Ray technician, the nurses, and maybe more, because things moved quickly. I was SO happy that I was not just sitting around.
I was in surgery that day.
That evening was my most discomfort. I had two nurses that were very compassionate and kind to me. I was up all night long and they both were with me helping me. Helping me stand, walk, use the bathroom, etc. I was always with someone when I needed someone.
The rest was very easy. I had an assortment of different nurses. Everyone responds different to surgery. I was tired and slept. My nurse Deigo would wake me to remind me to walk. It was not intrusive, and i was grateful. He was kind, polite and showed me compassion, his english was great. I was very thankful for him. All my nurses were good. Some stood out more then others. I liked Deigo because without him I would of slept all day and not done the things I needed to do. My night time nurses the first night, they deserved medals. Brenda and Clio were amazing. There was another, but I dont know his name. He was awesome! All were amazing!!!
I have worked closely with Doctors in my profession. I am in behavioral health and I admire an intelligent, compassionate doctor with a good work ethic. And I found one. He was amazing. I am so impressed with his knowledge. And grateful that he shared some with me.
In the United States as a patient, I do not get attention from Doctors. I only got their time as a co worker, never as a patient. Dr. Russel gave me attention as a patient and it was appreciated. And I learned a lot from him .
I could not give a high enough rating and I am extremely impressed.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I apologize for not taking a lot of pictures at the facility, I was recovering and I slept alot. I did take videos for my family. I do have those. I posted pics of my hotel room after. And one of my room at the facility. It looks like a modern hospital room, smaller because it is a single and quieter. I just uploaded pics of my room at the facility, and hotel room. I can upload videos, but I need to listen to them first, I sent them to my family, so I dont know what I am saying on them.. I could be saying personal things or saying nothing important. I dont know :)

IMG_0508.jpeg

IMG_0547.jpeg

IMG_0559.jpeg

70066365469__C6B24833-289D-49BF-934F-9A83C5A864F5.jpeg

IMG_0509.jpeg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks. This makes me feel a bit better. I was initially looking into dr ortiz, but was turned off reading the rude posts/comments from his two people running their FB support page.

So far, the process here with Dr. Fok's facility seems well maintained and professional.

I'm still a bit concerned about lack of information available online for this doctor and the lack of comments on their social media accounts. It does seem strange that there are literally no comments. Maybe I am over reacting or looking into things too much.

I appreciate all the information you have provided so far.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I work closely with Dr's and attorneys. Every day. I'm a counselor/social worker. The ones who need $ or clients advertise. It's exactly what I didn't want. I didn't want a fat farm. I wanted a Dr.


The BEST do not advertise. They don't need to, and they have time to.

Have you ever been to Mexico? Medical fields completely different. How we have malls, they have indoor "malls" with multiple businesses. I saw Elias Ortiz while I was walking. He's inside the same building. I saw his facility.

so I googled his name. I wanted a good Dr. Youll find his credentials and where hes worked. After talking to him I found out he trained in WA state. He's very intelligent and skilled.

look for him away from wls. Youll find information.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Nolafleurdelis said:

Thanks. This makes me feel a bit better. I was initially looking into dr ortiz, but was turned off reading the rude posts/comments from his two people running their FB support page.

So far, the process here with Dr. Fok's facility seems well maintained and professional.

I'm still a bit concerned about lack of information available online for this doctor and the lack of comments on their social media accounts. It does seem strange that there are literally no comments. Maybe I am over reacting or looking into things too much.

I appreciate all the information you have provided so far.

I know theres comments- cause i left them. On Google & better business bureau.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went with Mayortena vs Fok because he specialized- I like specialist that focused on one type of surgery, vs a variety of different surgeries (ie hair loss), so I think its personal based on your perspective. If my heart is having issues, I’m going to a heart specialist. Decide what you are comfortable with.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

True. Open heart surgery I want a specialist.

For me I did not want a surgeon who performs multiple surgeries a day. There's A LOT of that. I never heard of yours, which means nothing, I never heard of most of the doctors I read about on here.

How was your experience? How are you now? I am certain I am overeating but I have no negative side effects.

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

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • 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

    ×