Just had Sleeve Surgery with Dr. Umbach in MexiCali

designak
on 6/17/09 7:10 am
I just wanted to post on my wonderful experience in Mexicali with Dr. Thomas Umbach and Surgery Advisors.  Dr Umbach is an American doctor with a bariatric clinic in Henderson, NV, but he also does performs surgery in Mexico part time.  I was a bit apprehensive at first to have this procedure done in Mexico by a doctor that I had never met, but it couldn't have gone better.  Surgery Advisors worked side by side with me the whole way to make sure everything was taken care of and that all of my questions were answered.  The care and attention that I received was amazing. 

  I live in Alaska, and was super impressed with how Dr Umbach was so accommodating and available to help me prepare for this weight loss journey.  We had regular phone check-ins where he gave me a list of tasks to accomplish to prepare for my procedure.   I flew into San Diego where my personal surgery coordinators from Surgery Advisors picked me up and personally escorted me to Mexicali where I met up with Dr. Umbach.  They stayed with me during my recovery time and then drove me back to San Diego to catch my plane home.

The surgery and recovery went perfectly and I have nothing but rave reviews to give this surgeon. I felt like I was on VIP status with how I was treated during my whole stay.  I would recommend this team to ANYONE who is considering a bariatric procedure.  They exceeded my expectations in every way!!!! 
wannabhealthy45
on 6/17/09 2:01 pm - Canada
That is so great!!!  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  I'm curious to know...why did you chose the sleeve?  If you don't mind my asking.  I'm thinking about a revision and I'm trying to get as many opinions and as much info as possible :)

Would you mind me asking what you paid for your sleeve? 

Thank you so much for any info you can provide and again, I'm sooo very happy for your decision and how well everything went for you!!! :)

 

 

Band 7/13/08-419.5 lbs  VSG 9/3/09-346 lbs  DS 3/7/11 - 315 lbs   CW: 197

(deactivated member)
on 7/11/09 11:55 pm - AZ
On June 17, 2009 at 9:01 PM Pacific Time, wannabhealthy45 wrote:
That is so great!!!  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  I'm curious to know...why did you chose the sleeve?  If you don't mind my asking.  I'm thinking about a revision and I'm trying to get as many opinions and as much info as possible :)

Would you mind me asking what you paid for your sleeve? 

Thank you so much for any info you can provide and again, I'm sooo very happy for your decision and how well everything went for you!!! :)

Revisions usually cost more than a plain sleeve.

Dr. Umbach has only done 3 sleeves, if you are banded you need a revision surgeon.

Sleeves ROCK~  I can't tell you how much easier it is than a band.  You get your life back.

(deactivated member)
on 6/18/09 8:43 am
Hi and Congratulations on your surgery.....!!!
Would you mind sharing how much he charges...???
Thanks...
cyndy

nu.me
on 6/20/09 11:52 am - CA
Do tell designak! What made you choose the sleeve and how much did you pay? I'm considering having WLS in Mexico and want to hear about other people's experience.
lvphoto
on 6/23/09 5:47 am
Congratulations!  I was actually Dr. Umbach's first patient to go to Mexico and I cannot say enough good about the experience.  Honestly the surgery Advisors made the whole trip such a breeze, and took care of all of our needs, and concerns.  Any apprehension we had with going to Mexico, was washed away by the awesome surgical support team at Surgery Advisors.  I know I am sounding like an advertisement, but that's only because my wife and I were thrilled by the experience we had.

I am very fortunate because Dr. Umbach's practice is literally a 1/2 mile from my residence,  Due to my insurance not being as accommodating as I think insurance companies should be for this corrective surgery, I needed to pay out of pocket and doing that locally in Las Vegas would have been unattainable for me at this time.  Dr. Umbach is always looking for ways to shave off surgical costs and never let the medical care suffer in the process.  Hence the reason for doing these surgeries in Mexico.  I laterally saved $8,000 by going to Mexico.

Regarding surgery in Mexico... Whether it be arrogance or ignorance on the part of us Americans, the conditions are nothing like you would expect.  The hospital is like a hotel, completely modern, beautiful, and honestly.... The care you get from the staff literally puts American hospitals to shame.
designak
on 6/25/09 3:21 am
I couldn't agree more with what  lvphoto just posted.  That was spot on with my experience as well.  I kept thinking about how if I had done this in the states I'd just be another number or patient for somebody, but in Mexicali I truly felt VIP.  From the beautiful hotel to the gorgeous hospital and very professional hospital staff I was continually amazed at the level of care I recieved.  My family was nervous about the idea of me going to mexico, but I couldn't be happier and they are thrilled as well.  I would reccommend this team to ANYONE considering a bariatric proceedure. 

My insurance wouldn't cover any obesity related costs and I'm so appreciative of Dr Umbach and Surgery Advisors for making this proceedure possible for me.  If you're considering going down this route and would like the peace of mind of having an American Surgeon who can and will provide follow up, but at a substantially lower price than you'll find anywehre in the US- please call Gen or David at Surgery Advisors 1-866-929-2122.

I am two days away from my one month mark and am down 22lbs and loving life! 
designak
on 6/25/09 4:10 am
In response to a few of the questions above:

I chose the sleeve because it is a blend, it seems to have the best features of the lap band and the full bypass.  It gives you the benefit of having the super small stomach, without having to deal with the maintenance of fills and band adjustments of the band, or the risks of mal-absorption and dumping that comes from rerouting the intestines.

Ultimately I was just looking for a way to shrink my stomach and help me control how much I can eat.  I liked the idea of it not being quite as drastic as the full bypass, but still being able to enjoy similar results. 
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