OCSlim

Hi JerryLynn...I'm so glad to hear about how well things are going for you. I'm hoping to have a similar experience. Can you share with me what the surgical scars are like? I know it may sound silly, but I'm really concerned about it. Thank you!

Please share your experience, impressions, and progress. Thank you!

From what I've come to understand, the following attributes warrant the higher fee: 1. Hospital Almater, where his group (Mexicali Bariatric Center) perform all their surgeries, is supposedly the only JCI approved facility in Baja. 2. Mexicali Bariatric Center, employs their own staff and coordinators, as opposed to contracting with a medical tourism service. 3. They use Ethicon staples and top of the line equipment, such as what are used in the U.S. (Some of the less expensive providers I've looked into say they do, as well. 4. They schedule a maximum of 3 cases a day, to ensure each patient gets adequate time and care. The feedback from every patient I've seen so far seems to substantiate this claim. 5. Additional procedure needs, i.e. hiatal hernia repair, are included in the fee, whereas the less expensive providers typically charge additionally for those services/needs. 6. I personally noted a marked difference in how they present themselves on social media (more in keeping with the professionalism of a medical practice in the US), as well as the quality and professionalism of the coordinator I've been dealing with. 7. They are located in Mexicali, which I understand is a safer area than Tijuana. With all that being said, there are some things that I am still considering: 1. Your (Rocky1) point about his role prior to the death of Dr. Aceves. 2. Checks for Dr. Wilhelmy's services are to be paid to Dr. Aceves's widow. In the US, a surviving spouse could not take over and collect fees for medical care unless they were a licensed physician. But perhaps there aren't any rules against the corporate practice of medicine in Mexico? 3. Dr. Wilhelmy does not perform single incision sleeve Gastrectomies, as he feels it adds additional risk and may not result in the best work. I did some reading and the NIMH reported on a recent study that demonstrated no difference in the weight loss/effectiveness, or risk in either group. It also cited a faster and less painful recovery for the single incision patients. I really don't want the additional scars if I don't have to have them, so it's on my mind. So those are my thoughts from the research I've done. I'll be interested to hear anything more that you learn.

...or with any other self pay surgeons in Mexico.

Rocky1, That is a very good question that has been running at the back of my mind lately, as well. His published CV indicates impressive credentials and experience, but i haven't been able to find much else.

I'm sure it will all go well, and hope you'll report back on your experience. By the way...is Dr. Lopez performing the single incision technique on you?

You look amazing...so happy for you!

I'm very interested to hear how it goes, as I need to do the same. Please let us know what you find out.

Well then that makes you my Cosmo twin, Roells7!

You mean like the fact that I know my surgery is in 81 days? LOL!

Hi Bellabill, Remember that if you are weighing unclothed and first thing in the morning at home, your body likely picks up a pound or two as the day goes on and you eat hydrate and are exposed to heat, move about, etc. additionally, your clothes will add a little weight, too.

Cody's Mom, I'm so happy to hear about your (mostly) good experience, and wonderful recovery. The real excitement is now to come...when you share your life changing results!!!

Best wishes, Priscilla! It will all go great, and you'll be looking and feeling like a million bucks in no time!

There certainly are many things that need to be factored in besides just your weight.

Good luck, Gary! I can't think of a better birthday present you could give yourself. Come to think of it, my surgery will take place two weeks before my birthday!

I am scheduled for mid-December in Mexicali, Mexico with Dr. Rodolfo Wilhelmy. I feel no hesitation, at all. Can't wait to go and get to this stage of my life!

Angel and Anna, Thank you so much for sharing. I'm having surgery with Dr. Wilhelmy in December and am feeling so very confident in my choice, as I here continuously wonderful reports by so many patients. Congratulations on your progress, and please provide updates!

Jake, Make sure you give us your story! I'm sure it's going to go great and you'll have wonderful success!

Ed, Thank you for sharing your progress, as well as your impressions about this team. It is very affirming, as I too have done a laborious amount of due diligence. Please keep us informed of your progress as you go along. I know they recommend 10 days of a clear liquid diet followed by 10 days of thick liquids before progressing to soft foods. How is all that coming for you, and what foods/shakes/supplements do you recommend? I feel like a little kid with a million questions, but am so grateful for this information. Thanks again!

I know how you feel, JerryLynn, waiting until December is so hard! Please post about your experience and progress. I'm so excited for you!

Will do, Patsy!

That is so incredible! You both must be so incredibly excited to be on your way! I am anticipating that the clear liquid diet phase will be a challenge, as well, and while better, the thick liquid stage won't be a picnic either! But it's all worth it. I so appreciate hearing about your progress, and hope you will post from time to time as you go along this journey. I am scheduled for December. Thank you!

Thank you for your reassuring responses and impressions. Everything I have read and heard about this group seems outstanding on every level, so I'm not surprised to hear your positive remarks. How are you doing on your weight loss, and overall condition since your surgeries?

I'm wagering that your PCP was not informed of the latest tends in WLS, specifically, Sleeve Gastrectomy. The procedure was only approved in 2013 in the US, and many physicians are just not up to speed on it yet, and may be biased by negative experiences, as well as the risks and side effects of other procedures. Perhaps you could provide her with your research from Bariatric Surgeons here and in Mexico, and ask to see the data that she is citing, if she doesn't change her tune. She, as well as other doctors need to get educated about this if they are going to be responsibly advising patients. Good luck!