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

Help! Everyones Telling Me Not To Go To Mexico, That Its Too Dangerous!



Recommended Posts

Lots of people say Tijuana is too dangerous, can someone help me with this !!!! anyone else been to Dr almanza in tijuana!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi!

I just got back from surgery with Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez, MX (this is supposed to be the scariest/deadliest place in all Mexico due to the drug cartel war) and everything was better than awesome. We even went walking around at night the first night we were there. My husband walked to the mall and to eat at various restaurants while we were there.

I have never heard of anything bad happening to any of the WLS patients. I get so aggravated hearing people say that Mexico is dangerous!! Yes, if you are going there to do things you shouldnt be doing, it could be dangerous but that can happen in any state or country in this world. Those of us that are going for WLS and to come home do just fine. The Mexican people were very, very nice and accommodating and couldnt do enough to make sure that both me and my husband were happy.

If someone is telling you that THEY PERSONALLY KNOW a WLS patient that was hurt or killed while getting WLS surgery, I would have concern but would still check out all their references. If they are making a general statement about Mexico, tell them to go to any city in the US and they will find areas that are not so safe too.

Do what is right for you AFTER you have researched, researched, researched! The decision to have this surgery is not something to take lightly and being informed is the best way to keep yourself safe.

Good luck!!! :smile1:

p.s.- check out the forum for Mexico Self Pay Patients and type in Almanza, Kelly, or Garcia in the search box. You will find lots of info there too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Simply put, Tijuana is dangerous. But so is New Orleans, LA and Baltimore, MD.

I didn't go to Dr. Almanza, but I did go to Tijuana for my surgery. The area in which my hospital was located was considered to be in an upper class and safe area.

If you are using a coordinator's service, the drivers and the coordinators are aware of upheavals and conscious of how to approach different situations.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I live near Detroit. If I go where I'm not supposed to, and I have no business going, yes, it is dangerous. Mexico is the same way. I'm headed to Tijuana in March for surgery with Dr. Rodriguez and I have no qualms. Like anything, just stay in the touristy areas and at the hospital and hotel and you'll be fine. Ive gotten alot of flack about MX myself, but upon researching things, it sounds like I'm likely to recieve better care there, and be safer, than I was at a Detroit hospital not so long ago. Sooo... take it with a grain of salt. How much do these people really know, when they tell you these things? Are they reacting over something they read in sensationalist news coverage?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Dr's in Tijuana and most other places in MX drive you everywhere you go. I just wouldn't suggest going off by yourself anywhere, because you wouldn't know the most dangerous areas. But I felt completely safe and I saw no signs whatsoever of violence. I did see a run down area driving to the other hospital and hotel, but if I went to a lot of downtown areas, even here in Alabama, I would find rough areas too.

But if you are talking about your friends, family, and co-workers telling you not to go, then yes, I am sure it sounds like the craziest thing in the world. But there is a huge Medical Tourism business and they WANT to keep us safe, they want our money. So yes, be careful if you go, but thousands and thousands of people go there every yr for WLS and other medical and dental care and do just fine.

:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't had my surgery in Mexico but all I hear about Dr Almanza and Dr Alvarez is great things. I haven't hear people having problems going over there.

Everything will be just fine… Good luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Education is the key. Most people just repeat what they hear the media say and we all know how reliable that is. The fact is there are about 17 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Tijuana. This is less, a lot less than many of our major cities here in the states. Remember, there are several million people in Tijuana. There are good and bad areas to go in, just like here in the states. I get so tired hearing about drug cartels. Guess what we call our drug cartels here in the states? We call them gangs, guess how they get their money, DRUGS! They shoot each other just like they do here. I have tried to attach the 2010 crime stats for our major U.S. cities but having issues. PM me with your email and I can send them to you. You will be just fine going to Tijuana as long as you are not doing something you should not be doing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd like to know what makes them think Tijuana is dangerous?? I found it to be quite safe and relaxing. I was there less than 3 weeks ago.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was there on Feb 4th. I had better care there than ever here in the States. Also, I would recommend finding a coordinator that is located IN MEXICO, if you are that concerned. Like others have said before me when using a coordinator you don't have to deal with the fear for someone is carrying you through . I would of felt the same way if I did not have someone to walk me through. PM me and I will share the details and my personal experience with my coordinator.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was there on Feb 4th. I had better care there than ever here in the States. Also, I would recommend finding a coordinator that is located IN Mexico, if you are that concerned. Like others have said before me when using a coordinator you don't have to deal with the fear for someone is carrying you through . I would of felt the same way if I did not have someone to walk me through. PM me and I will share the details and my personal experience with my coordinator.

I had a lovely coordinator here in the US that totally surprised me and flew in and was there for my surgery! :)

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

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 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

    ×