Safety being anywhere in Mexico
Ok so I talked to my mom today and for the first time told her about my decision for wls in mexico. She was really upset and scared. My mom is a great woman and is straightfoward and honest with me and I really take her opinion into consideration. Here is what she emailed me about having surgery in mexico.
Jenny, Since 2006, they have killed 22,600 people from the drug lords. They have people disapearing off the streets. People who I speak to in my business, that are living in Tijuana, are moving back over here, because they pick out people just walking along the sidewalk, and put them into a car, and they disapear. You are a walking target, Jenny. Didnt you read about the guy they kidnapped, and decapitated, and sewed his face on a volleyball, and put it in front of his families house in San Diego, because they wouldnt pay a ransom? It is all about money. Mexico is very dangerous, now even Tijuana. Pay the extra, Jenny, it is so worth it. Mom
I love my mom to death and she would never tell me not to do something for no reason.She thinks I should wait for however long it takes to save the money and have surgery in the us, that would take years for me. I want to know from people not by who their surgeon was, but anybody who has been in Mexico for surgery anywhere did you ever feel unsafe and worry about things like this. Maybe I shouldnt have said anything but I did and it worries me. My mom is scared now and worries something is going to happen to me. I talked to her over the phone after and she let me know if anything happens it wont only effect me but my children and her and our family. Any experiences would be great so I can show her posts and help ease her mind but if you didnt feel safe I would also like to know that. Thank you.
Jenny, Since 2006, they have killed 22,600 people from the drug lords. They have people disapearing off the streets. People who I speak to in my business, that are living in Tijuana, are moving back over here, because they pick out people just walking along the sidewalk, and put them into a car, and they disapear. You are a walking target, Jenny. Didnt you read about the guy they kidnapped, and decapitated, and sewed his face on a volleyball, and put it in front of his families house in San Diego, because they wouldnt pay a ransom? It is all about money. Mexico is very dangerous, now even Tijuana. Pay the extra, Jenny, it is so worth it. Mom
I love my mom to death and she would never tell me not to do something for no reason.She thinks I should wait for however long it takes to save the money and have surgery in the us, that would take years for me. I want to know from people not by who their surgeon was, but anybody who has been in Mexico for surgery anywhere did you ever feel unsafe and worry about things like this. Maybe I shouldnt have said anything but I did and it worries me. My mom is scared now and worries something is going to happen to me. I talked to her over the phone after and she let me know if anything happens it wont only effect me but my children and her and our family. Any experiences would be great so I can show her posts and help ease her mind but if you didnt feel safe I would also like to know that. Thank you.
Jeanette 
Jenny,
First of all, breath!!! Second, My original surgery was scheduled in Juarez, and I switched to Tijuana because it is 10 times safer than Juarez, which is where most of the violence is really. Tijuana has more "petty crime" like pick-pocketing, etc.
My family had the same reaction and my only response was, "You're saying this because you have health insurance coverage and you have no idea what it's like to be in my shoes." WLS in Mexico isn't something out parents would consider because it is "outside the box". It's the unknown that's bothering your mom more than anything. You are going to be picked up by the hospital, taken over the border, brought to the hospital, taken to the recovery house, and then back to the border. That's it. Those driver's know the in's and out's of what roads to travel and which ones not to. Just to give you an idea of the Americans that have got in trouble down there, most were out way past dark, in bars (strip clubs, and trying to score drugs. They put themselves in unsafe situations. You won't be anywhere near to that.
You need to do what makes you feel comfortable, but I feel confident that you, like so many of our friends here on OH, will come back in one piece (well, minus part of your stomach LOL)
First of all, breath!!! Second, My original surgery was scheduled in Juarez, and I switched to Tijuana because it is 10 times safer than Juarez, which is where most of the violence is really. Tijuana has more "petty crime" like pick-pocketing, etc.
My family had the same reaction and my only response was, "You're saying this because you have health insurance coverage and you have no idea what it's like to be in my shoes." WLS in Mexico isn't something out parents would consider because it is "outside the box". It's the unknown that's bothering your mom more than anything. You are going to be picked up by the hospital, taken over the border, brought to the hospital, taken to the recovery house, and then back to the border. That's it. Those driver's know the in's and out's of what roads to travel and which ones not to. Just to give you an idea of the Americans that have got in trouble down there, most were out way past dark, in bars (strip clubs, and trying to score drugs. They put themselves in unsafe situations. You won't be anywhere near to that.
You need to do what makes you feel comfortable, but I feel confident that you, like so many of our friends here on OH, will come back in one piece (well, minus part of your stomach LOL)
Good morning Jenni!
Believe or not, I had the same worries and so did my family and remember I was born in Mexico but raised in the U.S.
As you know, I just got back but had had such a crazy week that I haven't had much time to post in the forums. I got your message and somehow my phone reset it and lost numbers and messages, so please call me again.
When I was there, I notice that the panhandling was not as bad as other borders. The only violence I experienced was someone throwing 2 rocks at our van while we were waiting inside the lab.
We went shopping on Sunday and I didn't notice anything. I was also surprised on how clean the city is. You'll never be on your own as your will go from the clinic to the recovery house. The clinic is always locked, so someone has to push the button for someone to come in or go out. The recovery house is in a gated community, so again, it'll be hard for anythying to happen.
The violence has really moved North...it is bad now but more in the Monterrey area where cartels have taken over.
My family had the same concerns and that's one of the main reasons my sister went with me. She along with my other sister are now planning their surgeries.
I just got back and still early in my recovery so I wouldn't have no reason to lie to you. Things in the news can sometimes be exagerating. Not unless you're planning on taking off on your own, you will be safe.
Liz
Believe or not, I had the same worries and so did my family and remember I was born in Mexico but raised in the U.S.
As you know, I just got back but had had such a crazy week that I haven't had much time to post in the forums. I got your message and somehow my phone reset it and lost numbers and messages, so please call me again.
When I was there, I notice that the panhandling was not as bad as other borders. The only violence I experienced was someone throwing 2 rocks at our van while we were waiting inside the lab.
We went shopping on Sunday and I didn't notice anything. I was also surprised on how clean the city is. You'll never be on your own as your will go from the clinic to the recovery house. The clinic is always locked, so someone has to push the button for someone to come in or go out. The recovery house is in a gated community, so again, it'll be hard for anythying to happen.
The violence has really moved North...it is bad now but more in the Monterrey area where cartels have taken over.
My family had the same concerns and that's one of the main reasons my sister went with me. She along with my other sister are now planning their surgeries.
I just got back and still early in my recovery so I wouldn't have no reason to lie to you. Things in the news can sometimes be exagerating. Not unless you're planning on taking off on your own, you will be safe.
Liz
Hi Jenni:
I spoke to my driver while I was down there and he said during the day it is very safe. It is only at night that the drug lords come out and do their thing. I felt very safe while I was down there. If your mom is so worried, she should go down with you. Does she honestly think they are gonna drop you off in the middle of nowhere to go wandering? You are with a driver firstoff who takes you to the designated tests, hospital, recovery house which I might add is in a gated community. You have NOTHING to worry about and neither does your mother. Blessings
Tracey
I spoke to my driver while I was down there and he said during the day it is very safe. It is only at night that the drug lords come out and do their thing. I felt very safe while I was down there. If your mom is so worried, she should go down with you. Does she honestly think they are gonna drop you off in the middle of nowhere to go wandering? You are with a driver firstoff who takes you to the designated tests, hospital, recovery house which I might add is in a gated community. You have NOTHING to worry about and neither does your mother. Blessings
Tracey
Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your
liberties; write its precepts on your hearts and
practice them in your lives. To the influence of
this Book we are indebted for the progress made,
and to this we must look as our guide in the
future.
- Ulysses S. Grant
liberties; write its precepts on your hearts and
practice them in your lives. To the influence of
this Book we are indebted for the progress made,
and to this we must look as our guide in the
future.
- Ulysses S. Grant
Thank you ladies so much. Your posts helped ease my mind alot. My mom has her heart in the right place she just dosent understand. I have seen posts from alot of people who have gone down there and be fine but when I talked to her it made me worried. Lizzie, I will call you again tomorrow very happy to hear your doing so good. Im just going to have my surgery and then let my mom know afterwards im fine. Thanks again.
Jeanette
Wow....!!! I think we MUST have the SAME MOTHER!!!! lol... that's why I'm NOT even telling my mother what i am doing. I'm going to tijuana to have my surger on april 30th... my husband is going with me... i have read article after article and talked to person after person and I feel confident that as long as we stay in our hotel and only go out during the day to the clinic where i'm having surgery...all will be fine....
(deactivated member)
on 4/17/10 6:36 am
on 4/17/10 6:36 am
Hi Jenny,
Your mom is trying to give you yet another side of the story, which is great because it does get you to re-consider other alternatives. It doesn't mean you have to change your mind, but it's good to go through it all again.
I've been to TJ 3 times, once 30 years ago, once 20 years ago, and once this past January. Every time I've been there, whether with a group, my ex or alone, there have been stories in print and otherwise, about the dangers of being there. The stories change with the times. Some have happened, some "sorta did" and others did not. I believe that if you get in with the wrong crowd anywhere, you can get yourself into serious trouble. Unless you plan on doing other things as well as get surgery, I don't see how you can be in any danger.
Another thing I've noticed is that many Mexicans think some of us "gringos and gringas" are well, not very intelligent and not very nice. Those gringas and gringos to whom I refer are the people who cross the border and try take advantage of the Mexicans and or they are prejudiced against Mexicans and they are not at all quiet about it. I think there is only so much any person can take.
When I was at the recovery house, there was a companion who was obviously a bigot and prejudiced. She thought that because some of the caregivers at the house couldn't speak English that they all couldn't understand English. Every time that woman spoke, some age-old, derogatory thing came out of her mouth, such as: "They think I don't know how to bargain, I can get them down so far it will be like stealing". Or, "Where are those stupid drivers? Can't Mexicans tell time"? And, she also had the nerve to demand "maid" services from the house caregivers. The bottom line was that everyone who had to deal with her, bit their tongues. They sucked it up and they were nice to her. I tell you, after listening to her for 2 days, she was in more danger from me than from any one associated with the clinic.
What I can't understand from what I've read on OH lately, is why patients expect the clinic to drive them around to appointments with specialists not associated with the clinic. If it's a dentist, get her or him to pick you up for your appointment and take you back. I also think some companions can strain the system to the detriment of the patient, from raiding refrigerators to making demands of staff; not for the patient but for themselves. This clinic and I would venture any other establishment, do not have infinite resources and there are only so many to go around.
IMO There is a very high level of "aiming to accommodate" by the clinic that I think is OTT when it affects patients negatively and puts unwarranted pressure on the staff and the system, itself.
It dawns on me now, that these incidents relate to aspects of safety I had not thought of before. If I was one of the caregivers being mistreated, I think it would affect me, even though I can and do project a very high level of professionalism. I can see how I'd not remember something. If I had a driver take me way and hell gone to some appointment that didn't pay his salary but meant that he had to work late, I shouldn't be surprised that the ride might be a little faster and bumpier, which would impact comfort and could impact safety.
As to the clinic itself and surgery at the clinic, I did not feel unsafe. I did worry about my laptop, cell phone and the cash I brought but I locked all of it in my suitcase. I was more concerned about other patients and companions, perhaps, perhaps, taking my stuff because they come and go. The employees, on the other hand, are there "forever". In my estimation, they simply can't afford to lose their jobs by even being associated with such things.
My post-op day was fine because there were a lot of people in the clinic who always checked in on me. However, the post-op night was much less comfortable because: a) I couldn't get 2 telephones to work; b) the night nurse would not telephone anyone to show him how to restart my IV; and c) my cell phone didn't work either. As I say in my blog, that night nurse did not do me any favours.
While you are at the recovery house, you are in a gated community that is well away from downtown. In the 6 days and 5 nights I was there for surgery and recovery, not once did I feel unsafe or unattended.
As an analogy, I am used to 4 and 5 star hotels in North America. I would rate the recovery house as a 4 star bed and breakfast, with security.
You will never be on your own. I entered TJ with the driver, in a well marked, late model SVU that was clean. While I was there, we traveled in groups of 4-5, including the driver. Where ever I was told we were going, we went -- no detours. On my return trip to the San Diego Airport, it was only the driver and me and I had no worries, at all. Actually, we had a great conversation about things in general, his family and TJ. He was very tired and he said he'd be off work right after he dropped me at the airport. He didn't speed; we had no close calls, traffic wise. The roads are filled with potholes. The driver would swerve to miss one big one on the right, but hit two small ones on the left. But, whatever would have happened to me, also would have happened to him.
Yikes, you'll probably notice that I don't reply to many posts. But, when I do wow! it's a doozey, isn't it?
That's all I can think of for now (thank goodness, right? :)
I wish you the very best, Jenny.
Take care,
Cheryl
Your mom is trying to give you yet another side of the story, which is great because it does get you to re-consider other alternatives. It doesn't mean you have to change your mind, but it's good to go through it all again.
I've been to TJ 3 times, once 30 years ago, once 20 years ago, and once this past January. Every time I've been there, whether with a group, my ex or alone, there have been stories in print and otherwise, about the dangers of being there. The stories change with the times. Some have happened, some "sorta did" and others did not. I believe that if you get in with the wrong crowd anywhere, you can get yourself into serious trouble. Unless you plan on doing other things as well as get surgery, I don't see how you can be in any danger.
Another thing I've noticed is that many Mexicans think some of us "gringos and gringas" are well, not very intelligent and not very nice. Those gringas and gringos to whom I refer are the people who cross the border and try take advantage of the Mexicans and or they are prejudiced against Mexicans and they are not at all quiet about it. I think there is only so much any person can take.
When I was at the recovery house, there was a companion who was obviously a bigot and prejudiced. She thought that because some of the caregivers at the house couldn't speak English that they all couldn't understand English. Every time that woman spoke, some age-old, derogatory thing came out of her mouth, such as: "They think I don't know how to bargain, I can get them down so far it will be like stealing". Or, "Where are those stupid drivers? Can't Mexicans tell time"? And, she also had the nerve to demand "maid" services from the house caregivers. The bottom line was that everyone who had to deal with her, bit their tongues. They sucked it up and they were nice to her. I tell you, after listening to her for 2 days, she was in more danger from me than from any one associated with the clinic.
What I can't understand from what I've read on OH lately, is why patients expect the clinic to drive them around to appointments with specialists not associated with the clinic. If it's a dentist, get her or him to pick you up for your appointment and take you back. I also think some companions can strain the system to the detriment of the patient, from raiding refrigerators to making demands of staff; not for the patient but for themselves. This clinic and I would venture any other establishment, do not have infinite resources and there are only so many to go around.
IMO There is a very high level of "aiming to accommodate" by the clinic that I think is OTT when it affects patients negatively and puts unwarranted pressure on the staff and the system, itself.
It dawns on me now, that these incidents relate to aspects of safety I had not thought of before. If I was one of the caregivers being mistreated, I think it would affect me, even though I can and do project a very high level of professionalism. I can see how I'd not remember something. If I had a driver take me way and hell gone to some appointment that didn't pay his salary but meant that he had to work late, I shouldn't be surprised that the ride might be a little faster and bumpier, which would impact comfort and could impact safety.
As to the clinic itself and surgery at the clinic, I did not feel unsafe. I did worry about my laptop, cell phone and the cash I brought but I locked all of it in my suitcase. I was more concerned about other patients and companions, perhaps, perhaps, taking my stuff because they come and go. The employees, on the other hand, are there "forever". In my estimation, they simply can't afford to lose their jobs by even being associated with such things.
My post-op day was fine because there were a lot of people in the clinic who always checked in on me. However, the post-op night was much less comfortable because: a) I couldn't get 2 telephones to work; b) the night nurse would not telephone anyone to show him how to restart my IV; and c) my cell phone didn't work either. As I say in my blog, that night nurse did not do me any favours.
While you are at the recovery house, you are in a gated community that is well away from downtown. In the 6 days and 5 nights I was there for surgery and recovery, not once did I feel unsafe or unattended.
As an analogy, I am used to 4 and 5 star hotels in North America. I would rate the recovery house as a 4 star bed and breakfast, with security.
You will never be on your own. I entered TJ with the driver, in a well marked, late model SVU that was clean. While I was there, we traveled in groups of 4-5, including the driver. Where ever I was told we were going, we went -- no detours. On my return trip to the San Diego Airport, it was only the driver and me and I had no worries, at all. Actually, we had a great conversation about things in general, his family and TJ. He was very tired and he said he'd be off work right after he dropped me at the airport. He didn't speed; we had no close calls, traffic wise. The roads are filled with potholes. The driver would swerve to miss one big one on the right, but hit two small ones on the left. But, whatever would have happened to me, also would have happened to him.
Yikes, you'll probably notice that I don't reply to many posts. But, when I do wow! it's a doozey, isn't it?
That's all I can think of for now (thank goodness, right? :)
I wish you the very best, Jenny.
Take care,
Cheryl
Very well said Cheryl!
One more thing...employees there are on a salary and from what I heard from one of the nurses they get paid very well in comparison to other clinics...that's why they go out of their way to make you feel welcomed, cared for and comfortable.
Another suggestion...I speak Spanish which makes it easy but it would be a good idea to look up common spanish phrases to use when you are there. Remember, you are in Mexico and even though most at the clinic and recovery home speak great Engli**** would be to your advantage to learn a few phrases just in case.
Liz
One more thing...employees there are on a salary and from what I heard from one of the nurses they get paid very well in comparison to other clinics...that's why they go out of their way to make you feel welcomed, cared for and comfortable.
Another suggestion...I speak Spanish which makes it easy but it would be a good idea to look up common spanish phrases to use when you are there. Remember, you are in Mexico and even though most at the clinic and recovery home speak great Engli**** would be to your advantage to learn a few phrases just in case.
Liz
(deactivated member)
on 4/17/10 8:19 am
on 4/17/10 8:19 am
Thanks Lizzie.
That's what one of the staff told me as well. That's also why I don't think they would jeopardize their jobs.
On being able to speak Spanish, yes it could help. At least, trying to speak Spanish would be respectful.
Are you feeling well? I hope so.
Cheryl
That's what one of the staff told me as well. That's also why I don't think they would jeopardize their jobs.
On being able to speak Spanish, yes it could help. At least, trying to speak Spanish would be respectful.
Are you feeling well? I hope so.
Cheryl
I felt safe while I was in Mexico. I had an excellent recovery as well. That said, there have been a number of posts from people who did not do well at all with Dr. Almanza. I just read a heartbreaking post from Stoongal. Dr. Pleatman and Dr. Borland both do sleeves in the US under 11,000 dollars. If that is an option for you, it may be worth considering. Best to you whatever you decide.
Wendy Vanosdell 
Most Active
Recent Topics
