International Metabolic Bariatric Center

Bariatric Center
Rating: 4.77777777778 out of 5 with 140 ratings

International Metabolic Bariatric Center Bariatric Center

Jaime Ricardo Ramos Kelly Profile Pic
Jaime Ricardo Ramos Kelly
MD, FACS, FASMBS
Marie Hernandez Profile Pic
Marie Hernandez
Coordinator
Heath Townson Profile Pic
Heath Townson
Patient Coordinator
Cecy Ayala Kelly Profile Pic
Cecy Ayala Kelly
Certified Nurse
Gabby Vargas Profile Pic
Gabby Vargas
Manager

140 Reviews for International Metabolic Bariatric Center
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So it is now three months later and the follow up care by Dr. Kelly and Trish was excellent. They checked on me at home in Canada. All is well. i am down 40 pounds and eating what I am supposed to eat. Sometimes I try to eat more but it is just not worth it. I wish my brain would catch up with my new figure. Sometimes you just want that huge plate of pasta and a glass of wine. But to no avail. Dr. kelly was right that this would change my life for the better.

I do not regret choosing Dr. Kelly and would reccomend him 100% to anyone that asks. My number is 780-634-1361 if you have any questions. I will answer all of them and if I don't know the answer I will tell you that. Have a wonderful day and good luck in your future.........................Pamela

5 people found this helpful

Overall

1 previous review. « hide

Okay, I had my surgery on January 3,2011. I was nervous as you can imagine and wondering how on earth I ended up in Mexico having a life changing surgery by myself. When I landed the driver picked me up and took me to Tijuana. In my head I am thinking that I am nuts because I just got into a strangers vehicle and we are now headed to Mexico.

I arrived at the Florence hospital and Trish was there to meet me. They introduced me to the staff who would be taking care of me. I was settled and prepped for surgery.

I met Dr. kelly and we chatted about the surgery and he aswered all my questions. The Cardiac surgeon questioned me next, I was taken for X-rays, they did my blood work and then I was ready.

After the surgery when i woke up I was not in any pain (thank You Drugs). Dr. kelly checked on me and then trish checked on me. The staff mostly spoke english, we had no trouble communicating. The hospital was very clean and well maintained.

When I was scheduled to move to the hotel. I cried and said I didn"t want to go. Trish and Dr. Kelly were so sweet, they said "I didn't have to leave". They came back and checked on me hours later and asked again and I went. I am glad I did as I was much more comfortable at the Lucerna Hotel. the hotel upgrade was worth the extra money.

I was checked on at the hotel by Dr. kelly and Trish daily. I thought my incision may be infected and Dr. kelly came to see me right away. He was on his way to the gym. How nice is that. The incision was fine and all is well.

They introduced me to the other ladies and now I have life long friends who are going through the same thing I am. I am part of their family and my life is changed forever by knowing Dr. kelly and Trish.

Dr. Kelly brings his passion for surgery to each patient & when you meet him, you just know that his expertise and professionalism have put you in good hands. Choosing Dr. kelly was the best decision I have ever made.

15 people found this helpful

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I am extremely happy with my decision to hhave surgery with Dr. Kelly. He is not only very kind and caring, and spends all the time you need explaining things prior to the surgery, I feel that he did the best work possible on me. I had very little pain after the first day, all my woulds are almost totally healed a week later, and I really don't even feel like I had anything done except...I'm not hungry! His staff are very talented and professional, and went out of their way to make me comfortable. Even after I left the hospital, His assistant (Trish) was great, and one of the other doctors came by to check on me. I f anyone asked me, I'd tell them not to bother even talking to anyone else. Dr Kelly is one of the more affordable WLS surgeons in Mexico that I found on the internet, but don't let that scare you. the whole experience was wonderful.

After reading the next long review under me, I have to edit to add that I really have trouble believing most of it. I had none of the problems described, DID have jello and gatorade brought to me when I asked, and went out with Trish and had no problem. I also don't find small cars uncomfortable, and seriously, how can you expect anyone to buy a huge vehicle when they are VOLUNTEERING to take you places. She is NOT required to do so, she uses her pesonal car, and you are NOT required to let anyone even visit you at the hotel! Once you leave the hospital you're on your own, if you want to be, and you have been released from care. There were plenty of taxis available at the hotel as well that you could ride -well, all over creation, for less than $10. So seems to me you would cut the FREE shopping trip short if you didn't like it, go eat by yourself if it was making you feel ripped off to have someone with you. Sounds to me like someone got all peevy about some little thing and blew it all out of proportion, in m my opinion.

4 people found this helpful

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Couldn't be more happier with a doctor. Nicest personality, and made me feel very comfortable about the surgery. His staff was great also. Speaks very good english.

2 people found this helpful

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I had surgery with Dr.Ramos Kelly on 2-18-2011 at Florance Hospital in TJ Mexico. I booked my surgery with Sandy at a lighter me and her driver picked me up at Midnight the morning of surgery and took me to the hospital where Trish was waiting to meet me. I had all my testing early the next morning and went in for surgery at around 12;45 pm and everything went fine woke up in my room at around 3;00pm.I was in pain but not bad I just went back to sleep. I woke up later though and was in great pain and when I told the nurse she replied "didnt you know having surgery would hurt ?"and gave me NOTHING ! I was told she got in trouble because the 2 other girls there had the same problem with her and we all complained. I liked or should I say LOVED all the rest of the nurses and they all spoke English .
I have heard everyone talk about how Trish was always right there and so wonderfull ,but that was not the case with me. I saw her and Dr.Kelly the day of surgery and didnt see him again till Monday. When it was time to go get a leak test and have our drains removed she was very very late and Dr,Kelly's son just never showed up at all to remove the drains so the Dr on call did it. When his son did show up he was rude rude rude and Trish used the excuse he didnt speek english but that was a lie we heard him. After the leak test we were taken shopping but only to 2 stores where it was clear Trish had some under the table agreement with the shop keepers because my guest and me both understand spanish. She wouldnt take us anywhere but the places she wanted to go and I ask for a seperate ticket at every meal and never got it we somehow always had to pay through Trish and I know I got ripped off. I had also been told gatoraid,broth and jello would be provided but that wasnt true I had to walk to the store and get my own. Trish never showed up when she said or did what she promised . I cant say Trish was rude or mean because she wasnt she just couldnt seem to do what she was supposed to.
The last night there Trish and Dr.Kelly came to my room and we all sat down and chatted and that was nice and the upgraded hotel was so beautiful. I could not beleive Trish drove a VW bug and her job requires her to take overweight people to and from it was so uncomfortable.
Would I go and do it again ? Yes ! Would I change anything ? Yes! I ask in advance if I should pack myself things to eat and drink and was told no but now I know I should have. Maybe this was not the normal but it was my experience .

3 of 4 people found this helpful

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Dr. Kelly is amazing. He is very professional and really knows his stuff. I am completely happy with my choice to use him as a surgeon.

1 person found this helpful

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My surgery was on February 3rd, 2011.

Any anxiety that I had immediately went away as soon as Trish and Dr Kelly walked up. Trish offers up hugs and a kiss on the cheek and you feel like you've known her all your life. My impression of them both just got better, every time I saw them again. Trish is very spiritual and is like an angel. I hope she doesn't get burnt out as she is so busy with patients and making sure everyone is taken care of. There is nothing I didn't like about Dr Kelly or Trish. You are given aftercare procedures while talking to him and then you are given a discharge package with instructions and a diet regimen to follow. The risks of surgery were explained and there was also a preop questionnaire that you had to fill out and initial and write out a couple of sentences after each section so he knows that you read it. I would rate him 10/10 overall. I think that surgical competence and bedside manner are equally important. Surgical competence is obvious but to have a caring person standing beside you and holding your hand before you go under is priceless. Especially since most of the patients are coming from another country, maybe by themselves and away from their families. People are scared and apprehensive and to have that type of treatment really makes a competent surgeon an amazing surgeon. He even walked in to my room the day after my surgery to check on me, and I was on Skype with my family. He wanted to meet them and say hi and they were happy they got to meet Dr Kelly also.

I have absolutely nothing negative to say. My experience was awesome! Thank you Dr Kelly for changing my life.

3 people found this helpful

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I left Minnesota for Tijuana Mx on Jan 5th to have VSG with Dr Ramos Kelly on Jan 6th. I arrived safely in San Diego and just like Trish ( Dr Kellys patient coordinator) said the driver was waiting for me with my name on a sign.

The driver took me directly to the Hotel Lucerna where Trish had already booked me and was waiting to take me to my room. For those using Dr Kelly - this hotel is very nice - has a nice gym (which I did not use but my sleeve sister Pam did), a beautiful pool area and 3 dining options.

Trish got me situated and I tried to relax while I waited for my Sleeve Sister Davida (who I met online) to arrive. In the mean time Trish went back to the hospital to pick up Pam (PtheG) to take her for her final leak test and bring her to the hotel. Trish wanted me to meet Pam so I could hear from her about her VSG which took place 2 days prior.

Pam arrived and I was amazed at how she said she felt little pain, no hunger and was pretty relaxed. She loved Dr Kelly and Trish and the new hospital that Dr Kelly is using. It really relaxed me talking to Pam!

Dr Kelly came to the hotel to meet me and just introduce himself and to find if I had any remaining questions. (What US surgeon would meet you at your hotel (or home) the evening before surgery to go over questions??? None! Around 9:30 Davida arrived!!!! We had been exchanging phone calls, emails and texts for over a month and now we finally got to meet! She had brought her mother with her - Mom agreed to adopt me for the next 4 days. These ladies made this experience so much easier! I was blessed that they were there with me. We all settled into bed after 11:00 - the next day was surgery day!

8:00 A.M. Trish arrived to take Davida, Mom and I to the hospital: Florance Health Care/Oasis Hospital. I had at least 3 doctors visit me (Cardiologist, Anesthesiologist and Hospital Unit Doctor) before I was rolled to the OR for surgery. All I remember is being on the table and then next thing I knew - I woke up and I am back in my room. Had I just really had surgery?? Mom was there rubbing my hand and saying a prayer and told me - it was all over.

AFTER SURGERY:
Day 1 & 2 - No one could have properly prepared me for the pain/medication/gas etc. Remember everyone is different - but I thought childbirth was much easier than this surgery! I do not like pain meds - I feel nausea from just about everything and the nurses where right there on a schedule giving me pain med, antibiotic, nausea meds etc. Never had so many meds! The hospital staff was amazing! They were there within seconds of me pushing the beeper! All except one could speak perfect English so that was never an issue. They were so kind and attentive. They got me up and walking and helped me shower. After a shower you feel so much better!

Day 3 , Dr Kelly removed our drains and Davida and I were discharged and headed for our final leak test (3 total for me). After the leak test, which is very interesting to watch, we headed back to Hotel Lucerna. Every day Dr Kelly and Trish would come by no less than 3 times to check on us, bring us Gatorade, jello and our take home drugs. Pam was still at the hotel when we returned
because she chose to extend her stay and take additional time to heal before returning to Canada. (no complications or issues - just her personal choice).

It happened to be Pam's birthday so Dr Kelly and Trish bought her a beautiful flower display ! That evening we all gathered to share one bowl of chicken broth (Mom got to eat a yummy meal). It was hard to believe that 3 of us split a bowl of broth! lol.

Day 4: Trish and Sam (Dr Kelly's son) took all of us shopping and out for dinner. It really blows my mind how quickly you feel better after this surgery! We each had a bowel of Tortilla Soup (after Dr Kelly was called for approval) the soup was strained and there were no tortillas but it tasted perfect! Then we returned to the hotel and prepared to leave the next morning. Later that evening Dr Kelly came to the hotel to check on us one last time and to say our goodbyes! I arrived back in cold Minnesota at 8:00 pm. That part of my journey is complete!

Thoughts:
Dr Kelly - I cannot even begin to explain the kindness and care he provided to each of us. I have never received this type of treatment before and possibley never will again. He explained in detail what he was going to do during surgery and then after surgery he talked about how my surgery went and what he found inside me (my blood was thin and he had a harder time getting me to stop bleeding). He is very professional, thorough and patient!

Trish - This woman works more hours than I can imagine. She is so organized and also so comforting. She made this trip so much easier for me!

Hospital - The new facility was very nice - better than any hospital room I have ever been in. My room was clean and had the following: Hospital bed, dresser TV, comfy recliner and an extra full sized regular bed for patients who may have guests. The room had a very large bathroom and a nice window that let in the light. I think that 2 levels of the hospital are called Florence Health Care and the remainder is dedicated to Oasis of Hope an alternative cancer treatment center. There were lots of US patients in the cancer center. Now get this - your guest can eat in the hospital cafeteria the entire time for free!!

To sum it up - I would do the exact same thing over in a heart beat! I weighted 217 on surgery day and today weigh 201 so I am down 16 pounds. I am working hard to get my water and fluids in. Dr Kelly gave us a detailed take home diet to follow and I plan to stay as close to that as possible! Thank you for all of your prayers and messages while I was gone. I appreciate continued prayer during the next few recovery week.s. For anyone considering Dr Kelly send me a message if you have questions!

Kim

17 people found this helpful

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Dr Kelly is a professional surgeon with a significant amount of experience and excellent credentials. What is most surprizing is how much time he spends with each patient. He is well prepared, thoughtful and thorough. His coordinator, Trish is what completes the package. She is professional, caring, extremely busy and never complains or hints that she doesn't have all the time in the world for you. My experience was superb from deciding to go to Dr Kelly in Mexico to post op follow up. I had a drug reaction and both Dr Kelly and Trish contacted me and checked up on me several times to ensure that I was ok. I have followed everything Dr Kelly and his team have advised and not had any issues whatsoever. This was a very positive experience and one I am grateful I had such a wonderful surgeon and coordinator.

4 people found this helpful

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Hi! I had the Gastric Sleeve done on Nov 18th 2010. Best decision I have made in a long time. My sister and I decided to go with Dr. Ramos-Kelly. He met us at the hotel the night we got in and talked to us for about an hour. But before we even got to Mexico, he called us and we talked for about 30 minutes about the surgery. He was very kind! His assistant Trish is great too! She was always there to answer any questions that we had. And believe me, we had many!! Of course we were nervous the morning of the surgery, but once Dr Kelly came to our room, our nerves were calmed. He went over everything with us. Our stay at the hospital was fabulous. The staff there was amazing. Even though the language barrier was hard with some of the nursing staff, they were still very professional and friendly. I never had to ask for pain medication. They were on top of everything. I would do this surgery again in a heart beat. I have already lost 25lbs and I feel wonderful. Can't wait to see how I feel when I reach my goal weight! Thank you Dr. Kelly for being so kind and for doing such a great job!! We love you!!!

3 people found this helpful

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Of course our first contact is with the patient coordinator.
Trish was the very first one I have spoken with and immediately scheduled a phone consult with Dr. kelly for me.
I immediately felt at ease with him. It felt like I was speaking with a person versus the arrogant surgeons I have dealt with in the past. (and there are quit a few!!) At the same time he seemed very knowledgeable and experienced. Answered all my questions without any hesitation.
Over the course of a month or two I spoke with Trish several times and she is absolutely fabulous. Very patient as well since I just could not make up my mind.
My surgery was on October 18 and every thing went very well
The hospital (INT) was great with excellent patient care. Private rooms with WiFi and TV with American channels.
There must have been at least 3 or 4 nurses on duty at the same time. Since there are only 10 rooms I think that is allot. The rooms were constantly cleaned as well as the hallways. Impeccable I have to say!!! Dr.Kelly checked-in at least 3 times after my surgery and also once in the hotel.
All in all I felt completely safe and very well taken care of. I am so glad I choose doctor kelly for my bariatric surgery. Also thanks to Trish this was a fantastic experience. She even took me to see a plastic surgeon for a Botox and IPL treatment. The next day to Channel at Sears for a make over. Pamper pamper!!!

2 people found this helpful

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