Mexicali Bariatric Center

Bariatric Center
Rating: 4.95884773663 out of 5 with 464 ratings

Mexicali Bariatric Center Bariatric Center

Rodolfo Wilhelmy Profile Pic
Rodolfo Wilhelmy
MD, FACS
Edgar Campos Profile Pic
Edgar Campos
Clinical Bariatric Doctor and Nutritionist
David Beltran Profile Pic
David Beltran
Bariatric Surgeon
Alberto Aceves Profile Pic
Alberto Aceves
M.D., F.A.C.S.

464 Reviews for Mexicali Bariatric Center
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Ok, first things first....Thanks to all of my OH family for your support, prayers and thoughts during before and after my surgery. Now for my journey story.

My husband was very apprehensive about going to Mexico for my procedure. Now not for the reasons you might think, he was fine with the hospital and surgeon. He was more worried about being shot in a drive by, by the Mexican drug cartel. LOL, we didn't see any gun weilding bandits while we were there. We were picked up at the airport and driven to the hospital (Almater) by Ernesto for preop testing, chest xray and initial paperwork. Then taken to a 5 star hotel where we had a fantastic last dinner experience with my sleeve mate Zach and his wife Christina. Then next day we were taken back to the hospital and 3 doctors came in to see us each for about 30-60minutes. The anestiologist spent a ton of time explaining every step of what he would do to keep me comfortable and even agreed to take pictures of my removed stomach and some of the procedure (gross huh, but I am a Nurse Practitioner so I think that it is kinda cool). The Internal medicine doctor (Dr Campos) came in and did a physical examination and cleared me for surgery and then Dr Aceves came in a counseled on surgery expectations, post op instructions, diet and answered any last minute questions.

I was the first to go back was moved to the OR and my IV was started and I truely do not remember another thing until I was waking up in the recovery room. The first 36-48 hours after surgery, the nurses gave routine injections of antinausea medication and pain medication whether I ask for it or not ( I think this went along way in my being completely pain free) after this time I was given oral medications as I asked for them. I have not required anything stronger than liquid tylenol since 4 days after surgery. The facility was so clean that you could have eaten off of the floors. The doctors made rounds 3-4 times a day and spent time making sure that all of your questions were answered and that you were being well cared for.

3 days after surgery we were taken back to San Diego to catch a plane home to Montana. We left Mexicali at 7am and we arrived in Montana at 1130pm no trouble with travel at all. Never required a wheel chair. The next day we spent all day shopping and I was a bit sore but nothing that tylenol wouldn't handle. Finding appropriate first foods for stage one liquids is a pain when traveling so be sure to take crystal light packets and some sort of broth packets/bullion cubes.

Some unexpected surprises- 1. I got a shot of Lovenox (blood thinner) prior to surgery to help to prevent blood clots. Very important. What I didn't really think about, is that if you are still having periods between the stress of surgery and the Lovenox you will likely start and let me tell you if was the mother of all periods. 2. I am amazed that I am not in the least bit hungry. Not even a little bit.

I am home now and am so very thankful to my Lord Jesus that I have had such an uneventful surgery procedure and recovery. I am also thankful for all of the support and friends that I have made on OH.

For anyone who is considering going to Mexico for surgery I would highly recommend Dr Aceves and the Mexicali Bariatric Clinic. I am a Nurse Practitioner and have practiced in many US hospitals during my career and can tell you that I got as good (if not better care) in Mexicali as I would have gotten in any US facility.

Sharon

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If anyone who is going to Mexicali to have surgery performed by Dr. Aceves, you will find his staff and his professional care impecible. I was highly impressed how he came to visit every day, even on Sunday, his day off. Dr. Campos, the nutritionist, was highly knowledgable given that he also had this surgery done. I will recommend them 1000% over and over again. Even though I don't see any results yet, I would do it again, with Dr. Aceves.


See my blog on my Mexicali experience at:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jmackdo/blog/2010/11/20/my-date-wih-dr--aceves-in-mexicali--mexico/

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(see Nov 10/10 update at end.)
(also see Oct 5/11 update at end)

Dr. Ungson and his team are outstanding in every way. I'm 5 days postop recovering from a VSG by Dr. Ungson and Dr. Romero and anesthetist Dr. Sota. I was going to have a DS, but part way through the surgery, my lungs went into spasm. Dr. Ungson and his team made the decision not to proceed with the full DS, and to stop at the VSG and gallbladder removal. I feel that their combined expertise and concern for my wellbeing in making that decision, very possibly saved my life. THANK YOU Doctors! I'm confident I will do well with the VSG.

After surgery, I was in ICU for 24 hours, and then in hospital for the next 2 days. Throughout my entire experience, I have been extremely impressed with the level of care. Felt that I had an army of experts looking after me every minute.

Dr. Monjardin (Internist on Dr. Ungson's), Dr. Ungson, and Dr. Romero were by to see me every day to see how I was feeling and answer any questions. They are all very kind and pleasant. The nursing staff was excellent. Never had to buz for them once, they stayed on top of all my needs. Honestly, I felt that I was their only patient. I work in a hospital in Canada, and I know that this level of care and attention just does not exist in Canada (not due to lack of skill or caring, but due to lack of funding, also would have had to wait 2 to 3 years for WLS).

And then there's Luz (Dr. Ungson's assistant) and Lordes (private nurse for the team). I just can't say enough about these caring, understanding, generous AND lovely ladies. They looked after EVERYTHING for us. Luz looked after all the paperwork, scheduling, driving us around, making sure everything was perfect at the hotel, etc., etc. We had none of the hassles that usually go along with travelling, let alone a hospital stay. Thanks Luz! Lordes is simply an angel. She is still coming to see me at the hotel every day to make sure everything's okay. She spent at least an hour with me each day at the hospital helping me to get moving, changing dressings, and generally keeping my spirits high. What a sweetheart!

The hotel has been great. They have a special extra-comfy room for post-op patients, and are extremely attentive to every need and request.

If you are considering Dr. Ungson and his team for your WLS, do not hesitate for a second. You will be in very good hands.

Sorry, I just can't think of any negatives. Feel free to message me if you want any more info.

UPDATE: Nov 10/10

Was back in to see the surgeons yesterday at their gorgeous office (hope to post pictures of it that I will take later today when I go back to have stitches removed). Now that I'm out of the anesthesia fog, I had lots of questions about my surgery, the lung complications, etc. Dr. Romero spent about 45 minutes with us answering all our questions in detail. Dr. Ungson stopped in to say hello and give me a big hug :)

Then I spent about 45 minutes with their nutrionist, Jacobo Ceniceros, going over the post op diet and longer term eating plan. He himself is a living example of eating properly, so its easy to take his advice.

Luz drove us back to our hotel after taking us on a little tour of the downtown area, even tho I know she had many other things to look after that day.

Further to our stay at the Colonial Hotel, here are a few examples of how they've been looking after us. Shortly after getting here from the hospital, I had to go to the lobby to drop of some paperwork (hubby was out with Luz grabbing some groceries, etc.). I think they could tell that I was a little wobbly. On my way back to my room, I noticed that one of the Bell Boys was following a few feet behind me just to make sure I got back to my room okay. Wow.

Yesterday, my husband was in the laundry room at the hotel doing a load of laundry. He had a bit of a coughing spell....a few seconds later, one of the maintenance/ground keeper employees stepped into the laundry room and offered my husband a cold bottle of water.

Right now I'm sitting by the pool updating OH on my PC. Unfortunately, I can't reach any of the plugs, so my time out here is limited (have to work online). Last night the manager of the Colonial, Jurandir, let us know that they would be installing an electrical outlet within the next day or two that would reach the pool (within a safe distance, that is).

We're here until Friday.....we'll probably be updating again before then.

UPDATE 11 MONTHS POST OP - Oct 5, 2011

One pound to go 'til goal! Down 95 pounds! Wearing size 6! It has been a great year. I've had no troubles at all with my VSG. I can eat anything.....just not too much of it ;). My blood pressure is now about 95/50 (used to be around 200/100). No more CPAP. No more laryngospasm. I'll be posting pics soon.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Dr. Ungson and your amazing team!!!!!

Barb Turner
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

2 of 3 people found this helpful

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Dr Aceves was very professional. I highly recommend him and his staff. Before surgery he went over all the details of our surgeries, including risks, and gave us each time to ask last minute questions. We were each given very clear post op instructions. He was very caring and compassionate. He made rounds twice each day, and was available after hours also. He gives you all your records to take with you when you leave Mexicali. He also follows up on you after you leave. He is available by phone or email for any questions or problems that may arise. I feel I was in very good hands and I am glad I picked Dr Aceves for my VSG.

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I can honestly say that the care that I was given by Dr Aceves and his team was above and beyond what I expected. I have never had such good care in a US hospital and would recommend Dr A to everyone!

1 person found this helpful

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Dr Aceves was very kind. He did a great job on the surgery, and really explained how the surgery is just a tool to be used in the weight loss process. His staff has been great - very responsive and friendly. We met with the anesthesiologist and they explained the anesthesia process and answered all our questions. Then, we also met with the IM doc to get the results of our pre-op testing. Then before surgery, Dr Aceves spent about 30 minutes going over the procedure and making sure all our questions were answered. He and the other doctors were around alot during our hospitalization. I'm only 3 weeks post-op, and his staff has been in contact with me a couple of times so far.

I feel like my experience with Dr Aceves and his staff has been better than most experiences I've had with doctors here in the States.

Because he is in Mexico, there is no structured after program, so I have found a local program for support.

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I am very happy with my care with Dr. Aceves and his team. The hospital was extremely clean and well run. They went over everything in detail as to what exactly the VSG entails and didn't sugarcoat anything. My surgery and recovery went smoothly and my care while at the hospital was great. As others had stated the night nurses didn't speak much English but it wasn't hard to get my needs across. My care was great and I would recommend Dr. Aceves to family and friends without hesitation!

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I have returned from Mexico after having the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Any apprehension is understood about having the procedure but after the care you will receive you will have forgotten why you were apprehensive at all. The staff is impeccable and strictly professional. The hospital environment is SPOTLESS. The atmosphere will make you feel cocooned in care and privacy. You will forget you are even in Mexico once you have been there a whole day. The doctors care and bedside manner will only make you wish you could get care like that from doctors in the States. There is simply not one thing negative to say.

1 person found this helpful

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I just got back from RNY bypass and Dr. Aceves is outstanding. He is a wonderful, caring doctor and he really puts you at ease. I have nothing negative to say about him. The level of care I received in any hospital state side is NOTHING compared to the level of care are Almeter Hospital. Dr. Aceves checked on me several times a day. He has a fantastic bedside manner and that is really important when you are going through this process. For anyone who has reservations about going to Mexico, set your mind at ease. I can assure you that they are a great bunch there in Mexico and I can actually say that the only thing I did not like about going to Mexico was not having my family nearby. Other than that, I would change nothing!

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Everything, in my experience with Dr. Aceves and his team was first class. I highly recommend them and the facilities. I went by myself. I was in horrible back pain and could hardly make it through the pre-op questions. They decided to do a spinal block because of my history of over 1 year pain despite contant doctor care. I woke in recovery humming and tapping my toes. I amazed all of them over the 3 days. Just being out of back pain without drugs was such a relief. I flew across the country and I hate to fly for this. But it was all worth it. I can contact the doctor and get advise anytime. I normally just e-mail them my progress. The night staff had limited English and my Spanish is worse but I had no trouble getting what I needed. He does emphasize that this is just a tool. It is up to me to choose what kind of weight I will have in a year or two. This tool can be abused.

Our group did come up with a few ideas that were not included in his handouts. He did want to hear anything we had to say about the care. I could not take my sinus medicine. It would have been good to have Breathe Right Strips as an alternative. Chewable Dramamine on the flight home worked well. I did not find out about the heating pad or fan available until after the first night. I slept with a fan on just to block the noise of someone in the hall. Mylanta and chewable Gas-X is great to have. The drugs he recommended are not available without a prescription in America. So we each spent $200 dollars in a 6 month supply of pills at the pharmacy around the corner. No problem with a credit card, but some do not have that as an option, so I mention it here. One last thing, they never weigh me or ask what size I was or what size I wanted to be. I was 220+ pounds and I needed help. They provided it, nuff said!

1 person found this helpful

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