Just got back from a Mexican Chop Shop and I don't recommend it.

[AllieGator]

Carla3- the thread encourages you to share YOUR journey, which is exactly what I did. If you read my post more closely, you will see that I never maligned the skills of the surgeon and never mentioned the surgeon or facility by name....because the negative I experienced was not (up to this point anyway) a problem with the skills of my surgeon.....it was just that I was made to feel like I was a pig in a factory. I went through with it because at the point I was not feeling good about what was happening (4 people quickly taking me in and poking and prodding me)....I had just travelled 12 hours to get there, I had read about my surgeon and spoken to at least one person who was a positive reference and because I had already invested hope, emotion and four figures of un-refundable money. I said to myself "just because they have no sensitivity or customer service skills doesn't mean this surgeon is going to do a bad job." Things like watching air bubbles going into my veins were experienced AFTER the surgery had already been performed. The whole experience was NOT what I expected and I simply shared MY experience....and it that scares someone into thinking twice or checking twice or getting more references and/or having THAT facility change their ways to make the next patients feel more comfortable....then GREAT. I hope your surgery experience does not mirror mine at all. I'm a little surprised that you would criticize me in a forum that is entitled SHARE YOUR JOURNEY. Good luck on YOUR JOURNEY and I hope it goes just as you expect it to.

[Joe Poppa]

AllieGator, you will find that some people in this forum will take offense to negative (but true) experiences with a surgeon or facility they used (or plan to use). I have read some vicious remarks to people who had serious complications -talk about adding insult to injury.
They didn't have any issues and have their life restored through WLS and do not want to accept anything but positive remarks for their surgeon.

There have been accusations that some of the posters work for a coordinator (positive remarks for their surgeon and negative remarks for the competition).

[jaimaroo]

Allison
I welcome reading your story. It was obvious to me that you were afraid and looking for some support. Your journey is your own, and I just hope that the experience can be put behind you and you can focus on success. I hope you visit a local doctor so you can get some piece of mind about everything. This is a hard journey, and it is hard emotionally too. I feel like my brain is changing more than my body....keep going! You've got this.

[SoReady4Change]

"I can't believe people still go to Mexico to be butchered"???????????????????

Really? I guess people said I want to go be butchered so let me go to Mexico. By the way, do you know that people get butchered in the US?

Ignorant

[Brandonf150]

Here are 2 people who shared their bad experiences having WLS in Mexico. They know what they went through just like you know what they went through.

Is this forum just for RA RA stories about having WLS In Mexico?

I find it hard to call people racists, prejudiced, or ignorant when they have their story that they went through. I value the opinions of those who do that a lot less, as you can't dispute somebody else's experience just like they can't dispute yours.

[AllieGator]

Thanks for pointing that out Scott....I can't believe all the HATERS questioning me or what I have written! They are CRAZY behind anonymous faces. Luckily, I am a strong enough woman, that I can call them out on it, if I feel the need to do so. Congrats on your amazing weight loss success....I'm one week after surgery eating about 200-250 calories a day and wanting a banana creme pie! Head hungry....and probably a little body hungry too with so little food. Can't wait to incorporate some things that are not LIQUID.

[AllieGator]

I completely agree with you....HATERS for my sharing the experience I went through! THanks for your post!

[SunnySDk]

Your story is yours to tell and thank you for sharing. Best of luck to you

[cowgirljane]

Regardless of where your surgery was many of us felt crappy the first few weeks post op. I think it was closer to 12weeks before I felt human. I am years out now and so far,so good.

Hang in there, you will feel better sooN.

I've had surgery in 3 countries -USA, Mexico and Germany. None of them were strip mall assembly line experiences. I think it is good to share the story so others can learn from it.

[AllieGator]

I'm 4.5 months out now, 36 lbs down...feels good to be in size 10 clothes and everyone is telling me I look "amazing."
This is still a challenge....but I'm getting used to my "new normal" and am finally getting to a point, where I am GLAD I got my gastric sleeve done.
I still have concerns that I'll gain it all back....but hopefully not....I'm not being a glutton. Love this forum for support and questions.

[azladyrider]

I know this is old but I am permanently disfigured and scarred and have had a total of 16 surgeries as a result from a US doctor born and raised in Illinois - supposedly a top surgeon (breast recon after a mastectomy) who was actaully found dead at age 44 by her janitorial staff with liposuction canules stuck in her own thigh and stomach. I had the sleeve in TJ and while I doubt I would have gone to Almanza today it turned out great. Strip mall yes, little clinic, yes, but I knew that going there. I lost the weight and kept it off so that's what mattered

Racist....LOL! The last place I thought I'd see the race card played is on a gastric surgery forum. Especially in such a moronic way. You voted for Obama, didn't you? In case you didn't know, Hispanic origin is NOT a race, it's an ethnic category. Hispanics are Caucasians, just like me, but don't let that stop you from throwing out ridiculous accusations.

Please point out where I said that ALL Mexican surgeons were butchers?

[Karen86]

AllieGator, I was wondering how fast the weight came off. I think I went to the same place. Dr Verboonen. Im only 1 week post op and I have only lost 12lbs from the time I started the pre op diet. Im starting to get discourage...

[MegannsMom]

Karen86, can you tell me if your experience was better two years later than Allie's? Also, please tell me if the clinic is ASlimmerMe?

[Karen86]

My surgeon was Dr. Verboonen with the Obesity Goodbye Clinic, but the way she describe the layout seemed to be the same place. Maybe they changed names. It was almost the exact experience I had (rushed) BUT everyone was very nice. It isn't any different then when I go to the doctor in the states, they are in a hurry. After the surgery the doctor came in for awhile and asked how I was doing and if I had any questions. He seemed very nice. The nurses were on top of everything and also pleasant.

[MegannsMom]

Karen, THANK YOU so much! That puts my mind at ease. I've known several that have went to Tijuana for surgery and had decent experiences this year.