My sleeve is scheduled for Monday the 13th. And after the recent kidnapping and murder my family is freaking out.

I am getting my sleeve done by Medical Mex, Dr. Pablo Fok Russell. I am sure it is the same set up as others, they pick me up from the airport, take me across the border to the hospital, surgery, recovery, then back to the airport. I am going without a companion. And I wanted to go alone.

My family is freaking out and I am a little anxious but not as bad as they are.

Anyone recently go? Or have the same concerns?

I don't watch the news, so haven't heard about the kidnapping. Was it from a bariatric surgery center?

It was someone who drove to Mexico for a tummy tuck. There was a group of them, they were kidnapped and some murdered.

Oh my gosh... That's awful! I'd probably be a bit apprehensive, too...

I mean, I understand where you're coming from & the ultimately the final decision is up to you. However, I'd never shop at any Walmart again if I based all of my decisions based on what I see on the news lol

If you truly do not feel comfortable going anymore, I would look for a facility in the US. Chances are you WILL be fine, but the news only amplifies anxiety more.

Edited March 8, 20233 yr by qtdoll

4 minutes ago, Blossoming1 said:

5 minutes ago, Blossoming1 said:

My sleeve is scheduled for Monday the 13th. And after the recent kidnapping and murder my family is freaking out.

I am getting my sleeve done by Medical Mex, Dr. Pablo Fok Russell. I am sure it is the same set up as others, they pick me up from the airport, take me across the border to the hospital, surgery, recovery, then back to the airport. I am going without a companion. And I wanted to go alone.

My family is freaking out and I am a little anxious but not as bad as they are.

Anyone recently go? Or have the same concerns?

My surgery was in Mexico on 3/3/23 and I just returned to the States on Sunday. I had no issues but I think your safety is greatly dependent on where you are crossing the border. I had my surgery with Dr. Alvarez at EndoHospital (endobariatric.com). The hospital is blocks from the USA border crossing at Eagle Pass, TX which is a main crossing point immigrants are being smuggled by the cartels. The cartels use certain points of entry to draw the US Border Agents there so they can carry out illegal activity along other areas of the border. There was a lot of police presence on both sides of this border crossing (Eagle Pass, TX/Piedras Negras, MX)

I am flying into San Diego and the facility is in Tijuana.

3 minutes ago, qtdoll said:

the news only amplifies anxiety more.

Which is why I don't watch it.

My son told me about it. My family is very upset. I had to look it up.

yes I've been thinking about people who go down there for bariatric surgery, too, and yes - some of those border towns can be dangerous, but they believe the cartel mistook them for Haitian drug smugglers. If you're in a car with a driver from the bariatric center - and esp if he or she is from the area, you're probably safer. Plus I don't really hear about tourists getting murdered there - it seems to be mostly tourists getting robbed (that is, when it happens at all). I think a lot of the more violent crimes are between competing drug smugglers and cartels. Although yes - after hearing that story, I was a little freaked out, too.

P.S. I know you're not a tourist, but you're an American - so people will probably assume you're a tourist.

P.P.S. the state they went to is also listed on the US State Dept's Web site with a DO NOT TRAVEL warning. Tijuana is in a different state. It definitely has a dicey feel to it, and there are only certain areas of Tijuana that are safe for tourists, but also, you'll be with someone from the bariatric center, so they'll know what areas to avoid.

I do understand your concern, though. I think i'd be feeling the exact same way after hearing that story.

Edited March 8, 20233 yr by catwoman7

That incident is quite frightening, and things like that are the reason we no longer venture down to Baja, even though we live in San Diego. BUT, that being said, it's in a different part of Mexico, and where they were was a level 4 travel advisory. You will be picked up from the airport, and personally escorted to the medical center. Are there risks? Sure, but you could also slip in the bathtub and die of a head injury. Would you never ride a ride at an amusement park because someone else died on one at a differerent park? Ok, that might be stretching it, but you can't bubble wrap yourself. Take reasonable risks, and you will be rewarded once you've had this surgery! I get a little nervous traveling, and a lot nervous before this surgery, so yes, I was scared just traveling to LA for mine! So happy and relieved it's over and I've started on this journey. Good luck to you, whatever you decide!

I think the fact that the one passenger was going for a tummy tuck was entirely coincidental in this situation. It was reported that they were not targeted for that, but because they were believed to be involved in the drug trade. I vacation in Mexico often, and if I stopped going because of every news story about cartel activity I would be missing out big time. I understand the concern, but I think the recent kidnappings/murder incident is not related to travel to Mexico for bariatric care, etc. so you should still feel safe to follow your planned trip/surgery.

I have been to Hospital los Angeles in Tijuana and felt entirely safe during the entire trip, including at the hospital, aftercare hotel and walking around the vicinity of the hospital/hotel. I hope we have helped you feel comfortable with your decision and you don't worry while on your journey.

I feel more comfortable. My family is nervous. I am ok.

With regard to the recent kidnappings/murders, I've heard that Americans, especially tourists, are targeted for ransom or cash. People who regularly travel to Mexico for medicine and procedures will register their car with the Mexican state so they can swap license plates once over the border. The fact that the hospital is driving to get you and bring you back is very helpful and adds a bit of safety, since their vehicles and driver will be local. I've also heard that some of these medical facilities have an unspoken "understanding" not to mess with their patients, but that could all be here-say. Whatever you decide, I'm wishing you the best!

My surgery is also on 3/13, but here in the US, so feel free to message me if you'd like to support/track one another. Take care!

Just my personal opinion here... I think that group may have been targeted because they drove their own car over the border with US plates. On top of that they were lost so who knows how bad the area was they ended up in. Someone who knows where they are going and what they are doing will pick you up and be driving you. I feel that alone makes you much safer. Also now that this has happened I feel like the police presence may be increased.

That is also my thoughts. I have traveled to Mexico before but for vacation and never had a negative experience.