Gilberto Ungson Bariatric Surgeon MD

I met Ernesto, our driver at the San Diego airport on Friday morning and was taken to Mexicali. The drive from San Diego to Mexicali is beautiful. Upon arrival at the hospital we were met by Yolanda and Carla who started doing all my tests. We were really impresssed ,everything worked like a well oiled machine. I later met with Dr. Campos, who is a bariatric nutritionist and a wls patient himself. After about 3 hours we were taken to Lucene Hotel, very nice place. That evening we went to the pool for a while. I was on a liquid diet so I could not try a margarita but my wife seemed to enjoy it.

The following morning I met Dr Ungson and the entire team of doctors who would be taking care of me. Dr. Beltran his assistant surgeon, Dr Gutierrez anesthesiologist and Dr Lomeli, internal dr. I was really impressed again by their professionalism. You just know that you are in good hands and they know exactly what they are doing. Dr Ungson and Dr. Beltran answered all my questions and explained what was to be done. My band was to be removed and they would do the DS. The x ray done the previous day showed no problems that would throw them off the plan. We were nervous but knew we had the best men for the job.

What can I say about the hospital? After 6 days there it felt like home. If it were not for the hospital bed that was not the most comfortable, I would have stayed there for another week! Nurses were very attentive and helpful, language was not a problem at all. I saw Dr Ungson a couple more times but most of my follow up, was done Dr. Beltran and Dr. Campos, I saw them 3-4 times a day. I passed the 3 leak tests with flying colors and focused on recovering the rest of the week. I followed instructions to the T , did my breathing exercises, walked constantly and did everything on my part to ensure proper healing.

I have been home for 2 weeks and everything is perfect. Communication has been excellent, I had en email from Gabby waiting for me when I got home, my questions have been answered promptly each and every time.

Thank you Dr Ungson and all the team at Mexicali Bariatric Center for such an outstanding service!

I decided that the DS was the best surgery for me and that I was going to have it done in Mexico. I only had 2 REAL options for DS in Mexico in my mind, Dr. Aceves and Dr. Ungson. I was hoping to have both of them as my surgeon as I knew they sometimes worked together. I had surgery with Dr Ungson in Mexicali . He removed my band and did my DS in one procedure. I have not had any problems and find the DS a better choice of surgery. I really cannot say enough good things about Dr Ungson, he is a very skilled surgeon. From start to finish my experience was a very good one, I have only but positive things to say about the entire team that took care of me in Mexicali. The staff warm and helpful, Dr. Campos, Yolanda, Karla, Dr Beltran, everyone was helpful and attentive. If you are self pay like I was go with the best!

I had a VSG with Dr Ungson and found him to be a very caring and nice man. I highly recommend him for anyone considering weight loss surgery.
I had a lap band for 3 years, was not very successful with it and started having problems until I had to have it removed last year. The surgery went perfectly fine , he is an excellent surgeon and I know I will succeed with new tool! I immediately knew I had made the right choice of surgeon , so knowledgeable and patient with all my questions, the hospital was spotless and really the entire staff at Mexicali Bariatric Center far exceeded my expectations!

Dr. Ungson and his team were absolutely wonderful and gave me more personalized attention and information that any Dr. in the US. I had excellent care while in the hospital, personalized visits from his private nurse at home after surgery and Dr. Ungson emails me from time to time to find out how I am doing.

In 2009 I had Lap Band surgery in Tucson. I lost 16 pounds in the first two weeks because I was eating only broth. After that, I gained it all back and never lost another pound. That Dr. and his 'team' never even cared to call to find out how I was doing and if I had reached my goal.

When I tried to get the Lap Band removed, after several tests, Doctors in Tucson, AZ told me they couldn't remove it with insurance paying because there was 'nothing wrong' with it.

When Dr. Ungson in Mexico did my Gastric Bypass surgery, he found the Lap Band that I had since 2009 was causing damage and my surgery ended up lasting four and a half hours to repair such damage.

I am so grateful I was able to find such a great team that really cares for their patients and their weight loss goals. I would highly recommend Dr. Ungson and his team in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. They are top notch.

I had my DS surgery on June 17, 2004. It was the best decision I ever made.

Looking at the web site, I see many of the physicians that took care of me. In addition to Dr. Ungson, Dr. Soto and Dr. Monjardin have been working as a team for many years. That is an extremely important factor in considering surgery. Operating on obese patients is tough and difficult which is the reason that you want a team that has been working together for a long time.

I was 290 lbs before surgery. I had been a diabetic for nearly 30 years. I had trouble breathing, had kidney damage and several surgeries to retain eye site. Also, had high blood pressure. It took me eight months to lose the weight. I have been weighing in at 187 to 195 lbs for six years now. I am not exactly thin but I fit into nice clothes, I do water aerobics, and I have manageable issues with vitamin absorption. My diabetes is gone, my kidney function is better than it has been for years.

Since the surgery I finished college and got an MBA. Life is good, not perfect, but very good.

June 17, 2013 Update

It's been exactly nine years since I have the surgery. I don't have a single regret, I would do it again in a "New York minute". My full recovery took a while, but three months after the surgery I went to Turkey for a week. Couldn't have done it, at my biggest weight.

I am still at 187 lbs. which means that I maintain a loss of 100 lbs. I don't have Diabetes. My Hemoglobin A1C ranges between 4.8 and 5%. My eye site is terrific, my kidney function has improved, my ankles are not swollen always, my feet don't ache all the time, and I can reach my toes easily. Altogether I am in better health now than I was when I was 30 years old. I am 58. My malabsorption problems are manageable.

Since the surgery, I finished college, and got an MBA. I traveled to many parts of the world. As I said earlier, life has not been perfect, but it has been very good. Most of my difficulties are due to chronic depression, which is also well managed.

(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

I was impressed with Dr. Ungson from the start. His coordinator Luz, who normally deals with his patients, just had a baby boy so when I started emailing with questions, he answered all of them promptly. He basically organized everything for me from his end. I got my date quickly, sent in my deposit and in less than two weeks I was off to Hermosillo MX.

His two beautiful daughters met me at the airport and quickly got me settled in at the Colonial Hotel. Dr. Ungson and Luz stayed in contact with me on the phone, giving me all the instructions I needed. I was supposed to have labs drawn the day I arrived but because I hadn't fasted, I had to wait until the next day which was the day of my surgery. Early the next morning, I checked into CIMA Hospital and I was set up for surgery. The hospital is beautiful, spotless and there are very few patients, atleast when I was there. It's a fully equipt private facility, (not a clinic!)

Anyhoo, Dr. Ungson and his team individually introduced themselves to me, telling me what their role would be in the surgery. I was excited and scared to death at the same time! He could tell that I was nervous and in turn, he was very fatherly and reassuring. He explained, once again, how my revision was going to be performed and insisted that they'd all take good care of me. I was impressed that a world class surgeon could be so warm and nurturing.

I think the worst experience was when the surgical nurses were trying to start my IV. My veins are naughty and roll normally but I was a bit dehydrated, so it took seven sticks to get it going! They took all my labs and shortly after that, I was fitted with surgical stockings, given a shot of pure relaxation then I was wheeled into the operating room. 3 hours later, I had my sleeve converted to a brand new lap duodenal switch!

That first day was rough. I felt like death warmed over, but Dr. Ungson's nurse, Lourdes, came and took care of me like a mama. She walked with me, massaged my legs, changed my dressing, brought in a recliner for me to sleep in (because it's much more comfortable and easier to get in and out of), she even wiped my behind! Once she was ready to leave, she got my pain meds in order and tucked me in. She came each day to take personal care of me, just wonderful!

Dr. Ungson and his surgical assistant Dr. Ramero also came to see me each day to explain aftercare and patiently answer all my questions. I was also visited daily by Dr. Monjardin, head of CIMA's surgical unit as well as the hospital administrator.

My leak tests were just fine and three days later, Lourdes took me back to the hotel to continue recooperating. She's continued to visit me daily to check on me. The day before leaving I visited the office to have Dr. Ramero remove my stitches and drain. I received all my nutritional information as well.

Dr. Ungson's daughter, Marianna, was even nice enough to take me shopping for souvenirs after the appt. I must say, Dr. Ungson combines amazing competency with a personal touch; I'd recommend him and his team in a heartbeat.

My pre op was handled quickly via email. I was very happy with my research of Ungson and the communication with Luz. I was so very happy with my experience in Mexico. You not only get Ungson's experience but you get the assistant surgeon Romano and the internist Alfonso. All the surgeons came and saw me in the hospital daily. The private hospital and nurse Lourdes was great. All the hospital nurses spoke English except one. Never a problem, never even had to call a nurse, they were always in and out of the room. Hotel was great. Had the BEST broth and jello. A lot of the waiters spoke english but we got along pretty well. Hotel staff could call Luz, the doctors, or the pharmacy at any time. We walked to the movies and had a great time!! Thanks to all the staff! Emily

I have communicated with Dr. Ungson via email & he responded within 24 hours. I have spoken to his assistant, Luz, numerous times. Both speak English very well. Luz is very nice & competent. In my research on deciding a surgeon, I found that many people had many positive things to say about Dr. Ungson, his staff, and the hospital.

Dr. Ungson did a great job. I originally was scheduled to have a Duodenal Switch, but ended up having a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy due to my having (unknown to me) Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver.rnrnHe even did a liver biopsy for me, which he did not have to do (and which my doctor back home states is the mark of an excellent surgeon).rnrnAlso, my doctor exclaims every single time that he sees my scar (I had an open surgery instead of lap) that Dr. Ungson did beautiful work sewing me back up.rnrnI felt that Dr. Ungson genuinely cared about me, but he did seem a bit \"hurried.\" I only met with him for a minute before surgery, and I saw him a few times in the hospital and at his clinic just before I flew home (where the drain tube and stitches were removed).rnrnHe speaks very good English. His assistant surgeon, Dr. Salas, is very warm and radiates compassion and empathy and has excellent English.rnrnHis assistant/office manager is Luz, and she also has almost flawless English and was the one who picked us up and dropped us off at the airport, and took us to and from the hospital. When I was discharged from the hospital, she even drove my boyfriend to a nearby WalMart so he could stock up on some food items, etc, that we might need for a few days.rnrnDr. Ungson has a private nurse, whose name is Lourdes, and she came to the hospital every day as well as the hotel after I was discharged. She is a beautiful person, inside and out, and an integral part of Dr. Ungson's team and my recovery.rnrnI will say that not all of the nurses and staff at the hospital can speak English, but this wasn't a problem for us because we brought along a laptop and would use Google Translator any time we needed to convey something. The nurses came to rely on it as well, coming into the room and making pantomimes with their fingers of typing. It made communicating much, much easier and much more effective.rnrnI do not hesitate to recommend Dr. Ungson and his team to anyone looking to have the DS or VSG.