International Metabolic Bariatric Center Bariatric Center
I am a very recent patient of Dr. Kelly. My husband and I both took off time to go to Mexico so i could have the gastric sleeve done and he would care for me. The first day we arrived, we went to The hospital there and did preop stuff where we were told at some time we would meet doctor Kelly. That never happened. After The hospital, we got dropped off at hotel, where once again we were told doctor would come meet us later. He never did. I did not meet him until I was an hour away from surgery. The hotel is very beautiful, and very luxurious. Although any employee who helps you do anything there expects a tip. They try to fight to be the first person to open a door for you, or grab your bags.
The clinic was ok. When I first went in it seems more like a doctor's office until they put me on the patient room floor. My room was very simple, basic needs, very clean and small t.v. with like 1 or 2 English stations. The bed was a slightly uncomfortable after spending so many hours in it. I was extremely sore on my butt are and my upper back from the bed. My husband said the same thing about his chair that he slept in, and was in a lot of pain. The nurses were very nice, I'm am VERY thankful my husband was there who spoke Spanish, or I would have been very uncomfortable due to the fact that most do not speak fluent English. Doctor kelly at one point came to check on me while one nurse was taking my temperature and he notoced that i was lying flat, (the only way i was comfortable being my butt and upper back was killing me from the bed) he started yelling at her in spanish and never came back to check on me. When we were discharged from the clinic we got dropped off at the hotel, and was told our room was not ready. Since doctor told me I need to walk, we walked a few blocks and found a good sitting area. I didn't want to hang out in the hotel lobby because I felt like all the employees were watching to see when we would get up to help us to anything for a tip. Apparently during the time we were not in the hotel (because our room wasn't ready) doctor came looking for us to do leak test. We didn't get a call, or notice of a time, so because we weren't there, it got postponed until the morning of departure. When the hotel finally called and told us our room was ready we hurried back because I all i wanted was a comfy bed. They walked us up to our room and opened the door and the room smelt of drugs so bad I couldn't breathe. My husband got me a chair and I had to sit outside on the balcony. The man went downstairs to get a fan, which he came back with. It didn't help at all, so they let us stay in the room next door. That room smelled better. The next day, leak test then home. Once we were home, we realized that we forgot to have the doctor fill out another document to get paid time off work which is offered here in the US. A lady named Ceci did one document and put 4 weeks off work. I called every day trying to get them to do the other document, but they would not. They did however sign one for 2 weeks, but being they were both different dates, it would not work. After 2 weeks of emails and calls I still have not received the paperwork I need. Ceci called my husband and told him very rudly she would not help him and blamed us of trying to lie. She would not stop yelling at him in Spanish long enough for him to tell her that all we need is for the dates to match. Ceci has been extremely rude, and unprofessional. I recommend anyone thinking about this surgery to bring A lot of pillows, and to bring all documents needed and have then do it before they collect your money!
4 of 6 people found this helpful
Dr. Ramos Kelly and his staff were absolutely wonderful. I chose Oasis of Hope Hospital for surgery / recovery and they too were simply the best. From start to finish, I had all of my questions answered, I was never left feeling "alone" or scared in Mexico for the surgery. The entire process is above board, professional, and streamlined.
I have had ZERO complications since surgery. I had a hiatal hernia repair, too, and have no pain or side effects. Dr. Ramos Kelly visited me daily to ensure I was in good health - including two visits at my hotel (like a home visit!), and the nurses checked on me round the clock in the hospital. I pre-op'd my diet two months in advance to shrink my liver, dropping 27 pounds by the day of surgery, and two weeks post-op, I am down another 13 pounds. That's 40 pounds total so far!!! For the first time - in a long time - I have been able to walk up and down a staircase without my knees on fire or feeling like I was going to fall over.
Without reservation, I encourage others seeking this surgery to contact Dr. Ramos Kelly. Take the time to do your homework, ask for referrals, and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS you are given. I feel like I have a new life in front of me and I am so grateful for the part Dr. Ramos Kelly and his team played to assist me.
5 people found this helpful
Because I was asked to write a review, I am doing this. I had Bariatric surgery, Gastric Bypass February 22, 2016 with Dr. Ramos Kelly in Mexico in the hospital in Tijuana as suggested by him. I am 64, with no health complications and was then 226 pounds at 5'3". (I am now 162 pounds). I sustained a leak after the first surgery and so another surgery to repair this leak was suggested within 48 hours. It was a full abdominal surgery. I had a very difficult time coming out of this surgery and did so after 2 days and came close to not making it. No leak showed up and after one costly week in the hospital, I flew back to Canada and immediately went to the emergency ward. Within a few days, another leak showed up and this time I was septic with two large abscesses which necessitated one month in the hospital with three months also of no food or drink through my mouth(pic line and enteral system for food and water). I had a stent put in to help hole repair. After six months from surgery I am past the worst and have lost 60 pounds and have one more year of recovery ahead of me to stabilize a now very delicate system ( I vomit frequently and can barely eat normal food). I now have an incisional hernia that means another surgery after another year of recovery. My specialist, who was rated number one in Gastric Intestinal care, said he does about 15 repairs a year and my age was not the main factor...he did a 30 year old the month before me that needed a repair. I had an excellent ICU doctor in Mexico, Dr. Michels. Dr. Ramos did his best he said. I have questions of him rushing the surgeries as he was scheduled to do seven in one day on the day I had surgery. My daughter was scheduled as the last of seven and refused to be operated on so late in the evening, at the risk of losing her position. She was in tears. We incurred a lot of stress and difficulty working within the system in Mexico. We also found the lack of English speaking nurses for my special needs, very challenging and in one instance extremely alarming as disagreement over an intravenous arose. (Dr. Ramos Kelly had discharged me and had all intravenous removed and a nurse was going to put it back it! We insisted she call him and she refused). There are no answers forthcoming from Dr. Ramos Kelly for the blotched surgeries. We have received much kind care in Canada. A very very difficult journey. I was not able to work for six months and am greatly thankful for the many prayers and love from my family and spiritual family. I honestly know I came close to dying and had an experience with Jesus visiting me and breaking off of me destruction and death. The magnitude of this, could have robbed me of my marriage had we not such a strong foundation plus financial savings as my husband had to give to me incredibly for months. I was completely isolated for three months while I had my nose tube and had to regain a lot of muscle through walking. I am slowly relearning to eat. This is not exaggerated.
5 of 9 people found this helpful
I had surgery on June 11th 2015 with Dr. Kelly.
We were treated very well. The accomodations at Hospital & Hotel were better then I expected. Better even then the states. The staff were friendly and accommodating and we felt secure and taken care of. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Best decision!
3 of 4 people found this helpful
I went to Tijuana alone. Dr. Kelly and his staff took great care of me and I had no issues during my time in Tijuana or since I have been home. I have called Dr. Kelly and e-mailed him and he has always responded. Two months out from surgery and I have lost 45 pounds. My only regret was not going and doing this 4-5 years ago.
The clinic where the surgery was performed had marble floors, class doors and was nicer than 99% of hospitals in the USA. The nurses were terrific and very caring.
I would recommend Dr. Kelly and his staff to anyone. FYI...Dr. Kelly speaks perfect English. He also came by my hotel room twice while I was recovering. What doctor in the USA does that? Thank you Dr. Kelly and team!
5 people found this helpful
Hello! I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Ramos Kelly. I had a revision from a lap-band to a gastric sleeve. I flew to Tijuana on may 22, 2015. Jorge, Dr. Kelly's driver, picked me up and took me to a small alternative clinic to get a blood test, xrays, and an urine test. Then, I was taken to the Clinica San Juan (CSJ) to meet Dr. Kelly, Cecilia, and Dr. Gutierrez (the anesthesiologist). Dr. Kelly talked to me about the procedure, my health history, answered my questions, etc. Cecilia collected payment for the doctor and for the clinic then we were taken to Hotel Lucerna. The hotel was beautiful and very close to the border and to the clinic. The next day, Jorge picked us up early in the morning, took us to CSJ and check us in. There were 2 more girls getting surgery that day, so I was the second to go in. The nurses were extremely nice and helpful. Have to say language might be a barrier if you don't speak Spanish, but a language app or a pre-made phrase list might be helpful. So, when the time came, 2 nurses came to get me, took me upstairs to the OR, the anesthesiologist, Dr. Vaquez-Bailon, Cecilia, and the rest of the team were there. I remember feeling drowsing and then fell asleep. Next thing I know, I woke up in my room getting transferred to my bed. I stayed 2 days in the hospital and 2 days in the hotel. Have to say i was never in pain but it feels more like being in discomfort. I guess I was lucky since I did not have any nausea or pain. My stayed in the hospital was very pleasant, it was extremely clean and bright with a TV (just a couple of English channels so bring DVDs) and a big private bathroom. I had an IV the whole time. The nurses came very often to administer more glucose and medicine and to check on me. Dr. Kelly came to visit me everyday (sometimes 2x) during my stay in the hospital and in the hotel, he gave me his cell phone number and was extremely nice and helpful during the whole process. On the last day, Jorge took us back to the airport without a problem. It took me about a week to fully recover. I would say it took me about 2 wks to feel like my old normal. I would recommend Dr. Kelly to everybody. He is an amazing and helpful doctor. The whole experience was very positive and I am so happy I took this step towards a new life. Don't be afraid to go to Tijuana! I felt very safe and the people are very nice. Posted on June 3, 2015, 1:09 p.m.
6 people found this helpful
If your thinking about wls in Mexico Dr.Kelly is the only Dr you should be using.
3 of 5 people found this helpful
I had VSG surgery with Dr. Ramos-Kelly on May 5th 2015. I left for TJ fromSeattle WA on 5/3 Jorge Dr. Kelly's driver was there about 20mins after we landed to pick us up. He was great! He even dropped us at the mall after we checked in at the Lucerna. On Monday 5/4 Jorge picked us up at the hotel to have my labs done all of those went well. They were even able to draw my blood on the first try! We did the tourist stuff for the rest of the day on Monday.
We also stopped by the Clinica San Juan and filled out all my paper work and paid the clinic their $950 fee. On Tuesday morning Jorge picked us up and took us to the Clinic for surgery. They prepped me right away with vitals, hospital gown and an IV.
The cardiologist came in and ran his EKG and about an hour later I was wheeled into the OR for surgery. The anesthesiologist then had me lie down and he put a cocktail in my IV which knocked me
out and I woke up with my husband back in my room waiting for me. He told me I was done and I was okay. Dr Kelly came by several times to check on me while I was in the clinic. I did my walking to relieve the gas pressure. I also found my heating pad to help a lot as well. I only stayed at the clinic a day and a half due to some scheduling conflicts, so the 2nd day their I went for my swallow test in the afternoon. CeCe and Dr Kelly were both there. My swallow test went well and Jorge took me back to the Lucerna for my last night there. My kids and husband spent time at the pool while I walked and rested. I had some broth at the hotel which was great too. That evening Dr Kelly , CeCe and their son Richard came by to give me my post op instructions and medications. Jorge came by at noon on 5/7 to take us to the airport. The border didn't take long at all and we were at the airport in more then enough time for our flight. All in all it was a great experience. I'm looking forward to starting my new sleeved life and very greatful to Dr. Kelly and all his staff. My husband was impressed enoug to be going down to have surgery with Dr. Kelly and he will be getting sleeved in 6/1. I would definitely recommend Dr.Kelly to anyone looking to have WLS in Mexico! I wouldn't choose anyone else.
Michelle
C.
5 people found this helpful
I recently had surgery with Dr. Kelly, my friend who is a nurse did all the leg work in finding him. A fellow nurse went ahead of me and did the test run. After everything checked out I joined the FB page and made my decision shortly after that. Everything went smoothly they run a really tight operation. I was never afraid, I felt safe, and it all went well. Your in good hands with Dr. Kelly and his team.
3 people found this helpful
I recently had surgery with Dr. Kelly, my friend who is a nurse did all the leg work in finding him. A fellow nurse went ahead of me and did the test run. After everything checked out I joined the FB page and made my decision shortly after that. Everything went smoothly they run a really tight operation. I was never afraid, I felt safe, and it all went well. Your in good hands with Dr. Kelly and his team.
3 people found this helpful
I am sitting on a flight heading home with my husband that just received the sleeve from Dr. Kelly. I myself was sleeved about 5 yrs ago in the US. The experience and care my husband received was far beyond anything you would receive back home in the states..take it from me as I had this first hand!! From the moment you are picked up at the airport by his driver Jorge, your nerves are calmed. What a nice man, that takes the time to explain everything and really be your liaison for everything that is needed during your stay. Also with the language barrier Dr. Kelly's team of Heath and Tresia can be reached at any time...I text them a question and in a matter of moments, answer received. (especially Tresia...what a God sent). Onto Dr. Kelly....I have never seen a man work so hard and spend so much time with his patients. During our stay at the Clinic and my husbands recovery I would make jokes that I was jealous of his surgery experience compared to mine! Please consider Dr. Kelly went making the choice to change your life. He cares about his patients and quality of his work. You are in good hands!! Not only that, Dr. Kelly was nice enough to even test my sleeve when I was there for my husbands surgery and I am going back to get a revision!! All thanks to the US doctors not making the sleeve small enough!! Gained almost 40pds back!! Their is hope for a new life and this Dr will give it to you!
3 people found this helpful