Mexicali Bariatric Center Bariatric Center

In 2008 I had lab band surgery at Mexicali Bariatric. I was having issues with not losing all my weight and having severe acid reflux. After a wonderful helpful consultation with the staff at Mexicali Bariatric they advised having revision surgery! November 18, 2019 I had surgery with Dr. Wilhelmy to remove the lap band and get a gastric sleeve! Now I've lost 20 lbs and within 7 pounds of my goal weight of 125 lbs and most of all I feel great and haven't had a bit of acid reflux! My daughter is saving up to have the same procedure done next year.

My surgery was 1/24/20 and I’m already down 20lbs. My only regret was that I didn’t do the procedure sooner. Dr. Wilhelmy and staff were incredible and I was extremely impressed. I cannot wait to see what my results will be in the next upcoming months.

Had a DS with Dr Wilhelmy on Dec 18, 2018. Dr Beltran was the hopitalist (ie the guy that makes sure you don't die while the Weight Loss Surgeon works his magic). All 3 docs (Drs Wilhelmy, Campos and Beltran) were great, but Dr Beltran had best bedside manner by far. He was a great listener, very friendly and cheerful, and I remember he always cheered me up each visit,

Had a DS with Dr Wilhelmy at Mexicali Bariatric Center (Almater hospital) on December 18, 2018. Dr wilhelmy, Beltran, and Campos checked on me every day after my Surgery. I have had no surgical complications and am, as of this writing (July 31, 2019) down 100 pounds. Dr wilhelmy was friendly and willing to answer questions. The staff at Almater hospital were almost universally wonderful.

It’s been exactly 1 year and 2 days since my Duodenal Switch surgery with Dr. Esquerra and Mexicali Bariatric Center (MBC). My surgery was 5\23\18. I have purposefully put off writing this review until now in order to give a totally objective response about my experience with Dr. Esquerra and MBC. Too many reviews are written just after surgery when emotions are running extremely high or extremely low, which skews the review. Now who wants to trust that kind of review? Not me.

Before choosing MBC I did a lot of research on them, their doctors, and Hospital Almater. To be honest, for MBC, I just read the reviews here and over on Realself. For me, I was more concerned with the ability of the surgeon, and the actual hospital. In doing my research, I enlisted the help of a very close friend of mine, who has an extensive medical background. She was a neuro-thoracic\orthopedic surgical nurse who retired from the US NAVY after commanding an entire US Naval Hospital in Puerto Rico. After her retirement, she went on to work and teach for the CDC in Atlanta. She is now retired from the CDC, but still keeps her certificates and training updated. She also asked to come with me so she could “take care of me”. Lol She’s is such a Mom to me!!! Oh, my sister also came with me.

Anyway, so this is what I learned in my research. Dr. Esquerra works out of 2 private hospitals: Hospital Almater in Mexicali and CIMA Hospital Hermosillo in Sonora, Mexico, a Joint Commissioned International hospital( https://cimahermosillo.com/es/acerca-de.html https://cimahermosillo.com/es/personal-medico/category/cirugia-bariatrica.html ) and He teaches bariatric and laparoscopic at CIMA Hospital (http://www.mexicalibariatric.com/dr-antonio-esquerra/ ) and was a trauma surgeon before becoming a bariatric surgeon (https://www.obesityhelp.com/profiles/bariatric-surgeon/antonio-esquerra/ ). What this told me of his ability is that if he works and teaches bariatric surgery in a JCI accredited hospital (even though Hospital Almater isn’t JCI but still holds to the same standards as JCI per the Mexican government) he must know what he is doing… And the fact that he was a trauma surgeon before becoming a bariatric surgeon told me that he would know what to do if problems arose while on the operating table.

As for Hospital Almater, I learned that it has its own trauma/emergency center, ICU, and its own private blood bank (though when just looking at the website again today it is no longer listed, but I actually saw it while I was there) ( http://www.almaterhospital.com/our-facilities/ ).

Unfortunately, I did not research the credentials of the anesthesiologist. I know that I should have. I forgot and just assumed that he was legit since MBC, Dr. Esquerra, and Hospital Almater all were. Turns out that, yes, he was legit.

Now on to my actual experience... Was it perfect? No. But is anything ever totally perfect? Was it beyond excellent over all? Absolutely YES!

From the moment I contacted MBC by email, Nina, the coordinator, was totally on the ball. Everything I needed or questions I had, she provided and did so promptly. Their system of pre-op preparations were spot on.

Ernesto, the driver, picked us up in San Diego at our hotel and drove us to Mexicali. It took about an hour and a half, and most of the trip was through California. The desert was pretty cool and the rock formations were incredible. Ernesto is also a weight loss patient and he is happy to share it with you. He was also a wealth of random information… Not that he talked our heads off, but he would interject really cool facts about the landscape, the border situation, and just other really cool information. He is an all around nice man and drives very well. He is paid by MBC and we didn’t know if we needed to tip him, but we did. We didn’t know how much was appropriate but we paid him $20 total for both ways. Ernesto, if we tipped you too much…enjoy…if we short changed you….. sorry… we just didn’t know better and it wasn’t a reflection on your service.

When we arrived at Hospital Almater I was quickly whisked away to the potty for a urine sample (which was great as I really had to go) and then for blood work and an EKG. The nurse who drew my blood was incredible and it actually didn’t hurt much, if any. All the while my friend is watching and taking mental notes. She said the EKG machine was a little outdated from what is used in the States by about 10-20 years, BUT that it didn’t matter in its purpose and was just as reliable. After the pre-op stuff, I met with Dr. Campos and he answered a lot of my questions. He was very kind and easy going and such a cutie-pa-tootie (though not nearly as handsome as my own hubby… sorry Doc. C). The pic on the MBC website is outdated and really doesn’t do him justice… just sayin’… Oh, and he, too, is a weight loss patient.
After the pre-op stuff, we were taken back to the hotel. It was a really nice place. That afternoon we ate at one of its 3 restaurants. The food was a little pricey, but I will say, the ribeye steak I shared with my sister was the best I’ve ever had anywhere. I don’t know if it was because it was the first solid thing I’d had in several days or that is was just that good. All I know is that for my ‘last meal’ it was the bomb. So, I bet you are reading and thinking, ‘huh’? Yes, Dr. C let me have a small, reasonable, last meal…. It was a total surprise to me, too.
The morning of surgery, Ernesto came and picked us up... like really early (6 or 7ish). When I arrived at the hospital they did the typical check in stuff and I met the anesthesiologist. And then I waited… and waited… and waited… and then waited even more. I was the only patient Dr. Esquerra had so I didn’t understand why the delay. First, I was told it would be around 9am, and then it was noon. Okay, I can handle that. Maybe he had an emergency of some kind? Then when I asked what the delay was they told me it would be after 3pm as Dr. Esquerra was flying in. I was a little frustrated with this lack of communication. (OK, I was really frustrated.) I would have been fine if they had just told me all this early that morning. The unknown-to-me delays caused me a ton of anxiety of when I’d finally be going back. My sister and friend also were hungry and wanted to go get something to eat but didn’t feel comfortable in leaving me in case they came to get me while they were gone. So, between 3-4pm, I met with DR. Esquerra, who by the way was also very nice and kind and then they wheeled me back. I was parked just outside the OR and could hear the doctors and nurses all talking and scrubbing in. I could also smell the bleach they used for cleaning whatever they cleaned. The next thing I know, I was getting on the table and the nurse was wrapping my legs in ace bandages. Then, I remember waking up in my hospital bed and it was all over. I’m sure I woke up in recovery, I just don’t remember it. Lol
My care in the hospital was excellent in every way. Every worker from the cleaning ladies to the doctors all seemed to love their job and they did it with pride. I will also say that Hospital Almater is the cleanest hospital I have EVER been in…ever!!! The nurses didn’t come in and probe me every hour or so like they do in the States, which made recovering so much better. Yet, when I needed them, they always came right away. Most of them spoke English and for the ones who didn’t, I used my Spanish (I speak it as a 2nd language). Even if you don’t speak Spanish, though, they tend to understand what you need. They were wonderful! Dr. Campos also came in once or twice a day to check in on me and so did Dr. Esquerra and even some of the other surgeons and staff from MBC. All of them were so wonderful. Remember my friend who came with me? With all her expertise and experience, she was very impressed with MBC, the hospital, and the doctors.

Upon returning to the States, I’ve had no complications and when I’ve had questions, I’ve emailed Nina and she has answered them. I’ve had blood work drawn a couple of times to check my vitamin levels and Dr. Campos has worked with me on getting them back on track. Nothing major.

Here are some random thoughts:

The pillows at the hospital are lumpy. Bring your own. There is a mall and a Wal-mart-ish kind of store nearby and your support person can use Uber to take them there to get one or just shop. And the mattress isn’t that comfortable, just deal with it. Lol. Prepare your support person that you will have a Smurf blue mouth when you get out of surgery (from the leak test while on the OR table) and you will look like death warmed over…. Freaked my sister out, but my friend totally expected it and really comforted my sister. Lol. Also, you will pee Smurf blue the first few times. That was pretty cool. Oh, and when you have your first dye leak test while conscience, you will never want to drink apple juice again (not telling you why, lol, be knowingly surprised). The last leak test with the Barium, is nothing compared to the dye test… much easier. Lol. The food in the hospital café is incredible from what my sister and friend told me. Walk walk walk after surgery, breathe breathe breathe, and sip sip sip like they tell you. You will be glad you did. And one of the biggest things, be amazed at the differences in the way things are done there (the healthcare philosophy) and how cost effective the hospital is. I found it wonderful that ‘old school’ was still popular…ie, when cleaning the iv port or skin before giving a pain shot, they used a simple cotton ball and alcohol (in the States, I find the prepackaged alcohol wipes such a waste of money.) or the IV pole… it was a simple pole that didn’t have that annoying ‘beeping’ machine on it (my friend noticed that as she also liked it better). Enjoy your relaxing recovery time in the hospital as you won’t get as great of care or length of care in the States. And know that you are in great hands!!!!

Over all, my experience was amazing and I now have my life back. My highest weight was on April 22, 2018 at 247.5LBS. On May 23, 2018, the date of my surgery I weighed 228.0 LBS. At 5ft 2in, my personal goal weight was 125LBS and I made my goal on 4/3/2019. Today, I’m holding steady at around 122.5LBS to about 124.0LBS. I pray that this review helps anyone on their journey. May God bless each of you. XOXOXOXOXO!

All the staff was very friendly and the doctor was amazing. I am so glad that I chose to get this surgery done. It has been 3 months and I have lost 90 lbs and I'm excited to lose the last 110 lbs. I'm not embarrassed that I needed help and the surgery has definitely been the tool that helped me turn my weight around.

Mexicali Bariatric is Amazing!

I had a full virgin DS 6/27/18. I am a 44 year old medical professional. I have been researching and trying to make this happen for a decade and am in close contact with several long term DS vets in my medical field so I had very specific and rather high expectations of how I wanted my surgery to be performed.

From the moment I contacted them (months earlier) I had a wonderful experience. From the moment I was picked up at the airport until I was dropped back at the airport to go home I was completely taken care of. Felt absolutely safe, secure and cared for. I have had more dealing with US docs and medical facilities than I care to think about. I can say, without a doubt, this was the best medical experience of my life.

All the Docs and staff were on top of all my needs. Post Op I had an IV drip with some meds in it for two days. I was never so medicated that I wasn't completely clear in the head yet I had no pain other than feeling like I'd done a bunch of sit ups and my stomach muscles were a bit sore. When they removed the IV I only had an Ibuprophine type product the first day(which I probably could have gone without but it was available so I took it). Removing the drain before I left was painless. I've had no pain meds since.

I am now 22 days out from surgery and have NO pain or discomfort at all. My incisions are healing beautifully and are very petite. My CD of the post op images have been reviewed and pronounced beautiful by a second DS surgeon of 20+ years who has no affiliation with MBC.

I am so very pleased. I have no problem recommending MBC to anyone. I researched several other bariatric groups in Mexico and none of them even communicated well with me during the time when I was trying to decide where to go. I had been told by one that their surgeon would answer some technical questions for me about how he performs the DS and he never answered my emails at all - even with repeat requests. I finally chased him down on his personal Facebook and he was rather general and dismissive. That was NOT for me.

MBC was a completely different and positive experience. Every question I had was answered. Each thing I needed to do was clearly laid out in writing and easy to follow.

The hospital Almater is beautiful and pristine. I've not seen a US hospital so well taken care of. There were always people cleaning. All the equipment is up to date. The staff was wonderful, extremely warm, friendly and most spoke English - at least well enough to get me by. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. There was none of the "understaffed and too busy to get to you" business I've had in the US. Any time I needed something it was taken care of in moments.

There may be a couple facilities out there that are slightly less in cost but I can promise you, that little bit extra is nothing when you get an experience like this. I look forward to returning when I am ready for plastics.

Feel free to email if you have questions.
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WS

I had a duodenal switch with Dr Rodolpho Wilhelmy on July 10th, 2017. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, from the driver who shuttled us to and from the San Diego airport, to the hotel, and hospital etc. Pre-admission testing was done really quickly and efficiently: urinalysis, blood work, official pre-surgery weigh-in, and EKG. Easiest, most pain-free blood draw and IV placement (the following day) ever. These people know what they are doing.
Because we were picked up early from the airport, and the pre-admission tests went so quickly, we had all afternoon to swim and enjoy the beautiful hotel.
The morning of the surgery went equally as smoothly. Before I knew it I was on the way to surgery. I wasn’t at all nervous, because at this point I had met everyone, and knew I was in good hands.
Although I woke up in recovery in a lot of pain, the nurses got the doctor on it right away. Once I had the IV meds flowing, I was much more comfortable.
I was up and walking and feeling really good the following day, leak tests all came back fine. The hospital broth is super yummy and now I have the recipe :-)
The hospital is super clean and has modern equipment. It’s a real hospital with everything you would expect (ER, intensive care etc), which was reassuring, even though I didn’t need anything like that.
Recovery has been smooth thus far. For that I am very grateful and feel very blessed to have had such a good experience with such awesome care. The people there, all the medical staff, the MBC patient coordinators, EVERYONE! has been amazing at what they do, and has been super friendly and approachable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place to anyone. In fact, I have a friend as well as a family member who I hope to convince to go as well; and if/when they decide they are ready to go, I would love to go back to accompany them. My husband said the couch he slept on was comfy and the food in the hospital cafeteria was really good.

Had a wonderful experience with Dr. Wilhemy and his staff. We had tons of questions and they never hesitated to answer any of them. My surgery was on May 1, 2018 and although I had a rough start, it was the best decision I could have made!

I received excellent care from Dr. Wilhelmy and his staff when I had my gastric sleeve surgery on March 20, 2018. The post-op eating instructions were specific and easy to follow. Any questions that I had were immediately answered via email after I returned home. I just passed my three-month mark and am down 42 pounds (22 to go). Having this surgery was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I feel so much better, and shopping is actually fun again.