My Mexico/Cosmed Esperience
Many of you know about my experience with my PS these past couple weeks, in terms of the complications, my aftercare home being shut down, etc.
I want to share just a little about my experience with Cosmed, and how they handled this entire situation. I'll try my best to keep this brief, because I want it read by anyone considering coming to Cosmed for their ps. I'm not trying to talk anyone into going there, or not going there. It's just that I know that there is always the scare of going out of the country for PS, and when people hear "Tijuana," they get very leary, and I understand that. But, I can honestly tell you that I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that Cosmed was not to blame at all for my complications that arose....I lost almost no blood in surgery...it wasn't until about 7 hours later that the internal bleeding started.
When my complications first arose, Dr Q was on it so quick....he wasted no time at all with taking care of me. He even at one point had another surgeon working with him to take care of me....I had the best (Dr Q, Dr Gonzales their bariatric surgeon, and Dr Weizer the anesthesiologit, who is head of anesthesiology, and also an internal medicine dr), and though I was so scared, I knew that I was in good hands.
When Elenas place closed down, Cosmed wasted no time in getting an attorney to allow them access to get my belongings, and they got them that night. Then, they put me up in a room at Hotel Lucerna, with a round the clock nurse for 3 days, and an overnight nurse until I went home 4 days after that. Dr Q came to see me every morning while at Lucerna, and sometimes in the evening. Even Dr Weizer, the anesthesiologist, came to see me, as well as Joyce, who came twice. Cosmed even paid for all my meals that I ordered from the hotel........everything covered.
As you know, our PS aftercare is our own financial responsibility. But, Dr Q and Joyce felt a responsibility to me, and the other 2 gals who were staying at Elenas. They felt that they should take care of us. Never, even once did I feel that I was being a burden to any of them, even though my care, etc for that extra week was costing them literally thousands of dollars. I was treated with professionalism and respect the entire time. Dr Q could have released me to go home, that would have saved him money of course, but he would not let me go home until he felt I was ready. Believe you me, I tried to talk him into letting me go home, but he said no. I wanted to be with my family......he wanted me healthy and strong. As a result of staying longer and getting stronger, the 10 hour drive home was literally a breeze. I took pain meds every 4-5 hours and felt just fine..........on the side, at one point, I told my friend she was driving too fast..she said to me, "oh take a few pain pills and shut up!!" lol! It was so good to be back with my loved ones!!
I am getting stronger every day. I have friends and family who are pretty much with me all the time. The only real help I need is pulling up the leg portion of this recliner I have. It's super comfy but a bear to get into a reclining position. Once I get free from these drains (I call them my "Mucho Huevos!) getting around will be so much easier.
Anyway, I have just felt this burden in my heart to share a little of my experience with Cosmed, and tell you that I honestly believe that they are the best. It is so clear that they love their job, and Dr Q stands behind his work and takes pride in what he does.....I just love that man, and not because he is just pleasing to the eye!!!
Ok, back to the recliner!!!
I want to share just a little about my experience with Cosmed, and how they handled this entire situation. I'll try my best to keep this brief, because I want it read by anyone considering coming to Cosmed for their ps. I'm not trying to talk anyone into going there, or not going there. It's just that I know that there is always the scare of going out of the country for PS, and when people hear "Tijuana," they get very leary, and I understand that. But, I can honestly tell you that I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that Cosmed was not to blame at all for my complications that arose....I lost almost no blood in surgery...it wasn't until about 7 hours later that the internal bleeding started.
When my complications first arose, Dr Q was on it so quick....he wasted no time at all with taking care of me. He even at one point had another surgeon working with him to take care of me....I had the best (Dr Q, Dr Gonzales their bariatric surgeon, and Dr Weizer the anesthesiologit, who is head of anesthesiology, and also an internal medicine dr), and though I was so scared, I knew that I was in good hands.
When Elenas place closed down, Cosmed wasted no time in getting an attorney to allow them access to get my belongings, and they got them that night. Then, they put me up in a room at Hotel Lucerna, with a round the clock nurse for 3 days, and an overnight nurse until I went home 4 days after that. Dr Q came to see me every morning while at Lucerna, and sometimes in the evening. Even Dr Weizer, the anesthesiologist, came to see me, as well as Joyce, who came twice. Cosmed even paid for all my meals that I ordered from the hotel........everything covered.
As you know, our PS aftercare is our own financial responsibility. But, Dr Q and Joyce felt a responsibility to me, and the other 2 gals who were staying at Elenas. They felt that they should take care of us. Never, even once did I feel that I was being a burden to any of them, even though my care, etc for that extra week was costing them literally thousands of dollars. I was treated with professionalism and respect the entire time. Dr Q could have released me to go home, that would have saved him money of course, but he would not let me go home until he felt I was ready. Believe you me, I tried to talk him into letting me go home, but he said no. I wanted to be with my family......he wanted me healthy and strong. As a result of staying longer and getting stronger, the 10 hour drive home was literally a breeze. I took pain meds every 4-5 hours and felt just fine..........on the side, at one point, I told my friend she was driving too fast..she said to me, "oh take a few pain pills and shut up!!" lol! It was so good to be back with my loved ones!!
I am getting stronger every day. I have friends and family who are pretty much with me all the time. The only real help I need is pulling up the leg portion of this recliner I have. It's super comfy but a bear to get into a reclining position. Once I get free from these drains (I call them my "Mucho Huevos!) getting around will be so much easier.
Anyway, I have just felt this burden in my heart to share a little of my experience with Cosmed, and tell you that I honestly believe that they are the best. It is so clear that they love their job, and Dr Q stands behind his work and takes pride in what he does.....I just love that man, and not because he is just pleasing to the eye!!!
Ok, back to the recliner!!!
Janel

Janel, so glad that you were well taken care of. It's too bad that Elena's was shut down, for whatever reason. You're doctors and nurses sound like awesome people. Glad you had such a good experience despite all you went through.

~Katt~ Obesity Help Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/abetterclassoflosers/
Sexy isn't a look, it's a state of mind. ~Me~
How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. ~Dr. Wayne Dyer~
You are quite welcome darlin'... =)

~Katt~ Obesity Help Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/abetterclassoflosers/
Sexy isn't a look, it's a state of mind. ~Me~
How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. ~Dr. Wayne Dyer~
Hi all and Hi Janel!
I'm one of the other two that was supposed to stay at Elena's during that time. We're not really sure what happened...she had just moved into a new place about a month ago and maybe she didn't have all her paperwork in order? But it still doesn't make sense because it appears she basically skipped town - nobody can reach her.
But I will attest to Janel's recount of the experience. I fortunately didn't have any complications but Dr. Q came to see me every morning in the hotel and the nursing staff were all great. Janel is right that aftercare is our responsibility financially and Dr. Q didn't have to do what he did for us - but he did it anyway and took excellent care of us. The only thing extra I ended up paying for was the driver to take us from the hotel to the SD airport but that I expected to pay for anyway.
Obviously you have to do your research before you decide on a plastic surgeon whether it is in the US or outside the US - but I would highly recommend Dr. Quiroz and CosMed. My experience was great and so far I love my results.
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions that Janel hasn't already answered.
Bekah
I'm one of the other two that was supposed to stay at Elena's during that time. We're not really sure what happened...she had just moved into a new place about a month ago and maybe she didn't have all her paperwork in order? But it still doesn't make sense because it appears she basically skipped town - nobody can reach her.
But I will attest to Janel's recount of the experience. I fortunately didn't have any complications but Dr. Q came to see me every morning in the hotel and the nursing staff were all great. Janel is right that aftercare is our responsibility financially and Dr. Q didn't have to do what he did for us - but he did it anyway and took excellent care of us. The only thing extra I ended up paying for was the driver to take us from the hotel to the SD airport but that I expected to pay for anyway.
Obviously you have to do your research before you decide on a plastic surgeon whether it is in the US or outside the US - but I would highly recommend Dr. Quiroz and CosMed. My experience was great and so far I love my results.
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions that Janel hasn't already answered.
Bekah
Lap RNY 6/7/07 (Consult -196 / Current - 111.2)
LBL/BA 8/13/08
Coccygectomy 3/09
Yes, Bekah was lying in the bed right next to mine at Cosmed when we were told about Elena's being shut down.........we just looked at each other like, "What the hell is happening?"
Bekah, there is a post on the psjourneys board about Elena's NOT being shut down now, and I replied to it. I am very skeptical as to what actually happened and what she claims happened, I feel like I am done with that chapter of this experience, you know? But like you, I'm just thankful that we had Cosmed taking care of us.
PS - I saw your pics, and you look great! I too am happy thus far, and am excited for the swelling to go down so I can see my new shape!!
Bekah, there is a post on the psjourneys board about Elena's NOT being shut down now, and I replied to it. I am very skeptical as to what actually happened and what she claims happened, I feel like I am done with that chapter of this experience, you know? But like you, I'm just thankful that we had Cosmed taking care of us.
PS - I saw your pics, and you look great! I too am happy thus far, and am excited for the swelling to go down so I can see my new shape!!
Janel

Glad to see you post this! I told you before you left that Dr. Q would take great care of you! He is simply the greatest! I just love him too! :-)
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