My Gastric Sleeve Surgery Review with Dr. Illan and BariatricPal TeamMX

[Adriane 63]

I returned home Sunday from having my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Illan coordinated by BariatricPal TeamMX. I wanted to leave a review while everything was still fresh in my mind.

First off - if you are on the fence about booking with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal TeamMX - GET OFF THE DAMN FENCE AND BOOK ALREADY! They were amazing! It has been nothing but superb throughout the entire process.

I flew into San Diego the day prior to my surgery. Stacy (our NUT at BariatricPal TeamMX) was there to pick me up. Personal service! She answered all of my questions and put my mind at ease right away. She brought me to the hotel in Tijuana (Pueblo Amigo!), made sure I was checked in, introduced me to a Valet on their team (Juanito!) and I was set for the evening. I was on Clear liquids at this point in my pre-op and I thought I would have to make do with some hot tea or some broth from the hotel restaurant for that evenings dinner. NOPE! Almost as soon as I was settled in, Juanito arrived and offered to take me to try some delicious shrimp broth at Cabana. So off we went. He called up an Uber and $2 later, we were seated and shrimp broth was ordered. It was phenomenal!! Our whole dinner was less than $7!

Once back at the hotel, I rested and got ready for the next day. SURGERY DAY!

Henry (Office Manager at TeamMX) picked me up the next morning to escort me to the hospital. He also answered my millions of questions and talked me through each step of the next few hours. Once we arrived at Oasis Hospital, the Valets came out to greet us and I was assigned Roberto to help guide me through getting admitted and settled into my room. Norah came out and gave me a big hug and wished me happy birthday! (I had scheduled the surgery on my 43rd birthday) She got all my paperwork in order and admitted me to the hospital.

Two seconds in my room and I was snapping pics and posting them on Facebook. The hospital is the nicest one I have ever stayed in or visited! Every room is private with a bathroom en suite. And it was really roomy. So, if you choose to bring a companion, there is plenty of room for you both and a nice couch to sleep on.

I was asked to change into a hospital gown and then the tests began. Blood work, EKG, Chest X-ray etc. I.V. was put in and compression stockings were donned. I was ready for surgery.

Dr. Illan came in and talked to me for a few minutes. He was ready to answer any questions I might have had. He was a super nice man.

Then Bill (coordinator at TeamMX) arrived with a huge birthday balloon! That was just over the top! I love how far TeamMX goes to make sure everything is great for you!

A nurse came in with happy medicine. This one is sublingual. I didn't care for that much but I powered through to get to a happy place. HA!

They wheeled me to the operating room and asked me to get on the operating table. That's about all I remember about that.

The day after surgery you are scheduled for a leak test. I passed and was brought my first tray! YAY! LIQUIDS! LOL

I was also allowed to take a shower and change out of my gown.

The next day I was released after Breakfast. Juanito arrived to take me to the hotel. Once I got settled in and unpacked, he whisked me off to Cafe Especial in order to sample some world famous (well at least in my TeamMX Facebook group) bean broth. It was all I could ever hope for. Then he had to walk me. Since it was raining, we walked the Walmart. Super Fun Times!

Back to the hotel and I was beat. Time to rest.

Got to say right here....I have not had ANY PAIN! I was sure that this surgery would be painful. I was prepared for it. I just cant believe it so far! I have had no need for pain meds since I left the hospital.

Day two in the Hotel we get to go experience Caesars! This is the restaurant that created the Caesar Salad! They prepare a fantastic french onion broth for us. And it made me cry it was so good! Then we walked Revolution avenue to shop and gawk at treasures like Zonkey's in Serapes and Dancing Cartoon Pharmacists!

Transportation was provided the next day to get me back across the border and to the airport.

Everything went as smooth as silk!

Dr. Illan is a MASTER at what he does and BariatricPal TeamMX truly care about you and your well being. I would not hesitate to do it all again if I had to.

[shedo82773 1,236]

I am super duper Happy for you!! If only my hubby would have went thru Bariatric Pal!! Our experience was even half as great as I have heard about these people. Lesson learned the hard way. It isn't true all the time that you get what you pay for. LOL He went with a more expensive Group. Again, it is totally awesome that they treat you and others the way they do!! Good Luck I look forward to following your journey!!

[Guest]

Thank you for the kind words, glad to be part of your journey!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[snogueda 43]

@@Adriane thank you for this review, i will also do the same after my surgery March 1st. Im glad everything went well for you

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[*Pickles* 2]

Thank you for this! Mine is scheduled for February 22 and I'm starting to get nervous, but this has relaxed me completely. Thank you again!