Testimonies

Thanks for my life back,
April (from Georgia)

March 2, 2004

On Thursday 3-1-2004 I arrived in T.J for my prep ops.  Finally I put a face to Marlon my contact for the weeks leading up.  Everyone was so nice.  Once I finish my pre ops I went to the Grand Hotel "of course not until I did a little shopping". 

The next morning I went to the clinic for my surgery.  I wasn't the biggest place but it was clean and I had full attention.  The nurses were very nice and willing to help.  Once my surgery was over I had a some pain in the 4 small incision area.  The nurses keep me well medicated and I was up and walking in no time.

Like any one else I was not to sure about going to T.J Mexico.  Let me tell you I have 6 kids from American Hospitals and never had as great of experice as I did in Mexico.

April 3, 204

Today my best friend had lap-band  surgery by Dr. Ponce De Leon.  I had my first fill.  Everything went great.  I've meet several different people from all over today.  There were five different people getting fills with great stories to tell.  Can't wait until next time.

Just wanted to take a minute to tell the whole staff thank you so much. 

Rebecca Flores

Rebecca_flores_31@hotmail.com

In particular, my husband is a dentist in the states and he has seen very poor dentistry from patients that went to Mexico to save some money. He was VERY concerned. I asked the same questions you are asking. I got a nice email from this woman named Shelly (I will try to cut and paste it in for you to read). But I will tell you my story. I live in New Mexico. I am 5' 7.5" tall. For the last ten years, I have been working on losing weight with no results. I have weighed between 177 and 205 during that time. At the time of surgery, I weighed 200 (my BMI was 31). As you know, in the USA, you have to have a BMI of 35 or higher. So, the USA was not an option for me. I picked Obesity Goodbye from the ObesityHelp.com web site. Obesity Goodbye had done more surgeries than any other practice.

(Remember also, I am not sure how that web site is maintained or updated.) I think that it is independent from any particular practice.

I left early this past Thursday to arrive in time for my pre-op testing.

There was a slight snag on my pick up, but that was quickly resolved with a phone call to the clinic. (You might want to bring a cell phone to avoid similar problems.) The young man, Tony, could not have been nicer. He was SURPRISINGLY, well informed for a driver. I asked him lots of questions and he knew all the answers. Tony gave me a special radio (kind of like a walkie-talkie) to contact any of the staff, at any time of night or day. Tony drove me and another patient to the pre-op clinic.

On the way to the clinic in TJ, I found out that the other patient had been fasting since the night before (I had just eaten a Cinnabon thinking that it would be my last chance for an indulgence). I did not like that I had not been told before hand. AND the other patient had stopped her hormone and anti-inflammatory medications for the past week (Again, I had not been informed to do the same). I will say that the other patient was much heavier than I was and we were not in the same health category. That may account for the different instructions.

The pre-op clinic was not much to look at. But it was fully functional and well staffed. I asked about the building choice and they said that Obesity Goodbye paid a premium price to be so close to the border to make it easier for patients to get across the border as quickly as possible. Obesity Goodbye said that they had considered a nicer looking building, with cheaper rent, but farther from the border and had chosen to be as close as possible for the fill patients, etc.

At the pre-op clinic, I spoke to a nutritionist, an internal medicine doctor and the gastro-surgeon. They were all completely open to any and all questions. I felt like I had all the time in the world to ask questions or express my concerns. My patient coordinator, served as my interpreter for my discussions with all the staff and doctors. At the pre- op clinic I had some blood drawn, a chest x-ray, an EKG test and a brief physical exam by the internal medicine doctor.

After all that testing, Marlon took me and the other patient out to lunch at his favorite restaurant within walking distance of the pre-op clinic. The restaurant was right in the middle of the tourist section of TJ. If you want to buy trinkets, this is the place. (Just a note, the lady at the table next to us at lunch had her pocketbook stolen from the back of her chair. She was sitting right next to us, right before our eyes and still we did not see a thing. Keep you wallet close to your body.)

After lunch we were dropped off at the TJ Grand Hotel. It was GREAT. Nice views of the golf course and the hillsides of TJ. It was very nice. That evening I asked the other patient to join me in the luxury dining room at the hotel for our "last supper". Marlon had been so nice to treat us to lunch but it wasn't the final meal that I really wanted. The other patient and I had a great dinner with piano music for only about $20 each. Later that evening, my husband was picked up in San Diego and brought to the hotel. He also liked the hotel and LOVED the view. He plays golf! That was Thursday.

The next morning, we were taken to a hospital. It was different from what I think of as a hospital in the USA. It was more like a floor in an office building. But it was "squeaky-clean" as you asked. It reminded me of the modern birthing rooms in most hospitals today. For example the sheets and blankets were more lush and softer that most hospitals. My hubby and had a big recliner to relax in. I gave my husband the radio to communicate with the staff.

My surgery was scheduled for two. But the patient ahead of me in the OR (not an Obesity Goodbye patient) had some complications with a totally different type of surgery-not gastro related. So my surgery was delayed. That gave me a lot of time to ponder, “Did I really want to do this?” I answered yes, I am tired of being overweight and anxious to look and feel pretty again. What is that worth to you?

We met the anesthetist. He gave us his card and told us about his 24 years of experience. He promised me a safe and easy “round trip”. That’s all that I remember. My husband watched the surgery through the window in the OR. He was impressed with the speed and accuracy the surgery team possessed. My husband said that we were moved into a larger room for recovery. It was thought to be better than our first room. It was bigger, but there was a SHORT love seat instead of a recliner. It was NOT an upgrade as far as sleeping for my husband. He said that I complained through out the night about pain. I do not have any recollection of that. That was Friday. Saturday, I woke in the morning to a tight sensation between my ribs. I felt a sharp pain when I tried to inhale deeply. It did not affect my breathing but it had my attention. I also had something like slight heartburn or maybe the pressure you feel before burping. Definitely, it was not as bad as I expected. The nurse checked me over several times during the morning. I left the hospital ~ 1. The driver, George, took us to the market. My husband bought me some juices and Jell-O for the two days. We went back to the hotel and I slept. My husband went for several walks in and around the hotel. He just kept checking in on me every few minutes. I just slept. My husband used the radio to contact George. Right away, George drove him up to the golf course. My husband hits some balls on the driving range. When he came back, I was still sleeping. I did doze in and out of sleep. I got up and did go to the bathroom. I did turn the TV on and off a couple of times and drank a couple sips of juice. But I didn’t DO anything the following day. I just wanted to rest and that is what I did.

On Sundays, there can be a big delay getting back to the states at the border. So Obesity Goodbye trys to get you across the border as early as possible. We were picked up at 9 at the hotel. We arrived at the airport at about 10:15. If I had known, I would have got us an earlier flight. But, I did not know, our flight left at about 2:00. It was a very boring wait. (Be sure to keep the early departure times in mind. But then again, you are probably driving-right?)

That is the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Dr. Verboonen displayed all 3 bands that he would use according to what I wanted. He showed me a couple of things about the filling procedure and how this one would push the needle back out, the other was rigid and the third was soft, supple, less associated complications and being the newer of all three with the largest fill capacity.

I didn't get to see Dr. Verboonen after the surgery, but the rest of the staff was super! Everyone was so pleasant and a true joy to be around. If one member didn't understand me, another would explain what I was trying to say.

I had my first fill on February 27th and it was such a chore. With the port turned at such an angle the first attempt was bad at best because Dr. Ponce couldn't get the needle to pierce the fill area of the port. Everyone involved was so patient, kind, caring, supportive and quick on their feet. I say quick on their feet cause I had to sit down a number of times and threw up, but thru it all I couldn't have been more pleased, impressed and actually surprised with the professionalism and determination that I would get a GOOD fill and not be rushed or denied like I know I would have been in the states.

I am so glad I had the surgery done with Dr. Verboonen and his staff. And because of the first difficult fill process, I will continue to get them with Dr. Ponce cause I know I won't have unnecessary surgery reccommended to me as doctors in the states would do so it wouldn't be as difficult on them to perform a fill.

If anyone wants to know how the second fill goes, get in touch with Marlon and he has my permission to forward your e-mails to me so I can answer them. Don't be afraid and know that you are in good hands all the way thru.

Good day Dr. Ponce , Marlon & staff,

Just a short note to let you know I traveled home in 12 ½ hours only because I did stop and rest a few times. Still hard to believe that I drove myself there and back with such ease. I feel great. I was only sore a couple of days. Suffered from the gas more than the operation. I went back to work that following Monday putting in 14 hour days and have not slowed down since.

I wanted to thank you for the great service you offer. Your staff is very organized and thoughtful. The operation was painless. I work up feeling great with no pain and not nauseated like I have been in the pass with previously operations. The hospital was more than thoughtful in my treatment. Your nurse was so attentive I felt guilty every time I got up because she would be right there. She seems to know when I need anything and took care of it before the pain started. Nothing like the states where you buzz and wait 30 minutes and then you have to talk them into it.

My hesitation to go to Mexico for medical treatment is completely resolved. I would recommend Obesitygoodbye to everyone.

Kay

Just wanted to say hi and thank you again for all your patience and help during my recent trip. You made it less boring for Penelope also. Hope everything is going well for you and all your dreams come true.

Paulette

Oh no! 275 pounds! Gasp, sniff, sob. I'll never make Dr. Ousterhout's weight limit at this rate!

A month's intensive search later and I'm speaking with the openly gay patient coordinator for a Tijuana weight-loss surgeon group. I mention being "queer" and my concern for sensitive and safe treatment in Tijuana. He reassures me. I press him a little more... "Are you sure it's OK? I'm an obviously feminine looking man you know, I've been on Estrogen". Long pause. "It's OK, really it's OK, really." he says. I heave a great sigh of relief that he "gets it" and we start talking about payment arrangements. Finally he says "You will do really well you know, we guys lose weight so much quicker than the women." Damn! He doesn’t get it at all; I was a fool to think he did. But, unlike Stateside, there is no need for any psychological test, so that clinches it for me (I suffered severe psychiatric abuse in my childhood) and arrangements are soon made.

Come the day, I’m up at 4:30 a.m. to catch the first flight from San Francisco to San Diego, I decline the breakfast as I am to have surgery today. Andres meets me at San Diego airport and drives me across the border to the doctors’ clinic in Tijuana at #670 on the famous Avenida Revolucion with its gay bars, drag shows, etc., none of which will I get to see. There is a whirlwind of having my blood drawn, an X-ray, EKG, questionnaire, introductions, interviews, weight and height measurement and by 1:00 p.m. I'm in the hospital where they measure my weight and height again (just in case they changed during the ten-minute drive over.) The usual pre-op workup, plus an interview with the cardiologist, then I’m into the OR and at the tender mercies of the anesthesiologist. Before I know it I come to with an Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) inside me. They tell me the procedure took 20 minutes, and I was unconscious for less than an hour. It is also obvious by this time that everyone has read me as transsexual (which is kind of obvious when I'm naked) and no one has a problem with it. None of the nurses even speak a word of English and my schoolboy Castilian Spanish has 40 years of rust on it but amazingly "Quiero agua por beber" is understood.

AGB is a less risky and less invasive form of weight-loss surgery than the gastric bypass operations previously favored. AGB is fairly new to the USA but has been used for about eight years in Mexico and longer than that in Europe. It’s still surgery.

I spend the first night post-op in the hospital on an IV drip and the next day I meet with the Nutritionist and then I'm discharged and driven over to the Five Star Camino Real hotel. The hotel is beautiful, I really didn't care because I was there alone recovering from surgery, if I had had a loved one with me that would have been different. Andres and one of the nurses explain the painkiller and antibiotic drugs, give me some Gatorade and bottled water and I spend two nights in the hotel recuperating. The package price includes all food, but of course I can’t eat any food!

For most patients that would be the end of the story, after two nights in the hotel and a quick checkup at the clinic they would be driven back to San Diego airport and on the flight back home.

Lucky me, I was the one in 1000 who has complications, my surgical team has performed this procedure over 700 times and I was the first to require post-op surgical intervention. Surgery is always a risk and everyone should know that, even though the risks associated with AGB are really small. All I can say is that Doctors Verboonen and Ponce de Leon and their team went to great trouble and expense to put things right and in the end all is well that ends well. I flew home three days behind schedule. I was greatly relieved that my painstaking research and careful choice of surgical group paid off in that even after things went wrong the doctors went to great lengths, including a second operation of well over an hour with no surgical fees to me, to make it all right.

I'm actually looking forward to my next trip to Tijuana, in a few months' time, for a checkup and adjustment of the AGB. I'm a "Bandster" now, and expect massive weight loss in the next year. For anyone interested, Dr. Verboonen’s office is best reached through his website www.obesitygoodbye.com Holly can be reached at holly@tgforum.com

12/16 08:19 AM
I had my surgery with Dr. Verboonen in Aug. I would find it difficult to say anything bad about the whole procedure. Everything was taken care of for me. I was told that the only thing I would have to do would be to get to the airport and get on the plane. My mother, sister-in-law and brother-in-law all went with me. My B-I-L and mom both required additional assistance for a wheel chair, oxygen tanks and a motorized scooter chair. We were met at the border in San Ysidro and then taken to the hotel. The next morning we were picked up and taken to the clinic for my blood work and then to a lovely outdoor restaurant for breakfast. It was my mother's birthday, so I was having my surgery the next day. Marlon- the patient coordinator hired a mariachi band to come over and sing a birthday song to my mom. We went back to the clinic to review the tests and see the doctor and the driver - Enrique - took my mom and the others shopping and to find some nice silver jewelry.

I had a heart attack several years ago, so Dr. Partida (Dr. V's wife) insisted that I see a cardiologist to make sure I could have the procedure. They set it up for me and took me to his office. He was wonderful and spoke very good English. He gave me a stress test and a check up and gave me the go ahead. He said it would be a good idea to have the surgery as losing the weight would help my heart. I did have to pay $300 extra for the testing from him, but considering the circumstances, it was well worth it. I met with Dr. Verboonen and found him to be extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He does all 3 bands, but I believe he prefers the Midband. He shows all of them to you and lets you decide which one you want. I had already decided on the Midband, and after seeing and touching them, I stayed with my decision. It is much softer than the others and I had heard there is less chance of slippage or erosion with them than the lapband or the Swedish band. I am sure that others will disagree, but it was my personal choice. Then Marlon and Enrique took us to a mall where we ate and shopped a little more. The next morning I was picked up and taken to the hospital. After I was prepped, Dr. Verboonen came in and chatted with me for awhile. The next thing I knew, it was the next day. I slept all day and night after the surgery, but was up the next morning and ready to go back to the hotel. I was a little sore and slept off and on that day also. Marlon came by with my medications and to see if I was all right. The next day I felt great. I was supposed to stay one more night, but I asked if I could leave a day early. Marlon brought Dr. Anna over and she checked my incisions and changed my bandages. She said I was doing extremely well and they asked Dr. Verboonen to release me. We had to wait a couple of hours for the driver, as he was in San Diego picking some one up from the airport, but then we were picked up and taken back to our cars. Dr. V called us in the van to apologize for not seeing me before I left and to make sure I was okay. I drove to LA and spent the night at my sister-in-law's. The next day I drove my mom back to Las Vegas and stayed there a couple of days and then flew home to NJ. I had my surgery on Tues. and was back at work on Monday. I did find that it helped to wrap a large ace bandage around my middle. It seemed to help when I was walking around. I wish I had had it right after the surgery, as it helps with the feeling of pressure against your incision.

I have been back for a fill with fluro. I met with the nutritionist for some dietary instructions. It was $150 for the fill. That was in late Sept. I think that some people expect to find the same facilities in Mexico as in the states. Things are different in other countries. The buildings are older, but they are clean. The cardiologist's office was in a building that was more like a converted house, but so is my dentist's office in Millville. They are all friendly and caring. When I returned for my fill, I stopped at the clinic and all the nurses remembered me and seemed genuinely happy to see me again. I have no regrets and would do it again. Anyone that has to make this journey alone, should feel quite safe. I had my mother and some family members with me, and we had a mini vacation before the surgery. I see now that it is over, that I would have been fine if I were alone. Everything is taken care of for you and you have free time to go shopping or exploring if you desire. You can also just stay at the hotel. The hotel is very modern and nice and most of the television stations are in English. There is a small gift shop/newspaper stand in the lobby, a nice restaurant and if you want to stay in, room service was extremely reasonable and the food was very good. I heard there is a place to access the internet also, but I didn't take advantage of that particular facility.

If anyone wishes to ask me more about my experience, please feel free to email me. I'm more than happy to answer questions about this positive, life changing experience. -- J Hinds

01/16 08:31 AM
I have to take this opportunity to thank Dr Verboonen and Dr. Ponce de Leon. I went to get a fill here in the states. It was to be done without fluoroscopy. It was before the holidays and I couldn't get away to go to Mexico. The doctor found the port, but couldn't find the area that the needle goes into. He set up an appointment to have a fill with fluoro. I went back and the surgeon tried very hard to get to the port. He said that it was twisted and that he could do a same day surgery to untwist it and stitch it in place. I am not in any way displeased with these doctors. They are very kind and I appreciate every thing they did to try to do my adjustment and the fact that they were even willing to take me on as a patient when they didn't even do my surgery. However, I decided to email Marlon and see if that was the normal procedure that Dr. V. follows. They told me to come down, and they managed to fit me in right after the holiday. Drs. V and P were waiting at the radiology lab. Sure enough, my port was twisted. They numbed the area around my port with a local and manipulated the port around and untwisted it without having to do any additional surgery. I also got my second fill. This fill is working quite well, and I am now down almost 50lbs. I feel great and have had to buy some new clothes. I am down about 2 sizes so far. Thanks again Best regards Janice -- J Hinds

Hi!! My name is Alison and I had the lap band surgery about 7 weeks ago and I´ve lost about 19 pounds and I feel great!!!. My surgeon and his staff are GREAT.. they really take care of you and all of your needs. They book your flights, they pick you up at the airport and take you to the hospital and the hotel. At the end of the procedure they take you back to the airport.

My insurance didn´t cover the surgery, but Dr. Verboonen in his web page (which is www.obesitygoodbye.com) has a link to a financial institution which can help you pay for the procedure. They also have a nutritionist that gives you a meal plan that you can follow to maximize your weight loss. Plus for me this was a great option because I can´t last on any diet for more than 3 weeks and I LOVE TO EAT!!! I really recommend Dr. Verboonen and his staff .. they´re highly cualified and they helped me take the first step to a new life!!!!

My first impression of Dr. Verboonen was that he was very much a professional. His demeanor was what I would expect of a focused surgeon on a day when he had several operations scheduled. (I am so glad that I chose him as my surgeon. I had a quick surgery, and easy recovery.) Before I was released I was checked throughly and had an appointment with a nutritionist. I discovered when I went in for my first fill that when he is not having a "surgery day" Dr. V is very open and generous with his time and expertise. My fill was neatly done and painless. Dr. V always uses fluro, something I find very reassuring. I liked being able to see my band and how it is working. I can't say enough nice things about his office staff. They were warm and patient, helpful over and above anything I have experienced here in California. I was impressed with Dr. V's associates as well. I can honestly reccomend Dr. Verboonen without reservation.

Liane

I had the band put in 3 weeks ago to the date and am very glad I had it done.  I believe it to be so much better than the GB, recovery was a lot faster and you can eat anything you want except in very small quantities.  

It's great and am very glad I had it done.

What else can I tell ya?  I'm not sure how much I've lost because I haven't gone down to Obesity Goodbye and gotten weighted.  But I can definitely tell the difference in my clothes.  

Anything else I can help you with or any questions I can answer please feel free.

Have a great day!!

Dinorah

Twila Wages

At this point, I would like to thank all of you at Obesity Goodbye for the kind and caring attention you have given me.  Everyone - Doctors, helpers, lab technicians, receptionists, drivers/customer relations - all were highly professional and cared about my wellbeing.  A BIG THANK YOU to all.  I am really happy I came and had my surgery there!

I will e-mail you again in a week's time to let you know how I'm doing and how much I have lost.  Meanwhile, please give my best regards and sincere thanks to all the team at the Obesity Goodbye Clinic. 

Thinner and better every day,

Diane

Suzi Martin <lochlomond.scottishfolds@verizon.net>


Hi everyone

I just returned from being banded by Dr. Sergio Verboonen in Tijuana, Mexico. What a great experience that was. For anyone having any doubts about the Mexican doctors and the banding experience, please read on.

Since I had no family to go with me, Dr. Verboonen's coordinator, Andres Betancourt and partner Luis, picked me up from my home near Temecula, CA, and took me to the doctor's office on Saturday morning for pre op tests. Then off to a private hospital for surgery that afternoon. The hospital was on the sixth floor of a medical building overlooking a golf course. The place was all white. The floor was white tile and was so spotless you could feed a baby cheerios off of it. My private room overlooked the golf course and had a spectacular view of the city. The operating room was equally spotless. The equipment was new and the surgical team was extremely competent. Surgery was easy with no complications. My recovery that night was attended by a doctor who was there every time there was a rustle of bedsheets. Prior to being discharged to the hotel, a doctor/nutritionist came to explain and customize a diet that I was to follow for the next eight weeks. He made sure I understood every aspect of what was expected of me as far as my diet was concerned. The next day I was transferred by Andres and Luis to the Camino Real Hotel. My room was on the top floor and was first class all the way. My bathroom was solid marble. TV with English speaking channels including two HBO channels and Cinemax. Down the hall were computers with internet access anytime I felt like using one. What looked like a wonderful breakfast was available every morning for those of us with rooms on the top floor. I didn't go there until this morning when I had fresh carrot juice and yogurt. I had been drinking only apple, cranberry juice and water until then. Every day Andres, Luis, Dr. Verbonnen and the surgical nurse, Cessi, came to see me. They took care of everything. It was truly amazing. Before Andres and Luis drove me home they took me shopping. We had a wonderful time. I cannot recommend these people enough. It truly was a treat and I was babied all the way. By the way, I feel great. Just went to the supermarket for juices and soups. No pain.

If anyone researching getting the band would like to ask any questions please feel free to email me.

Suzi-Canyon Lake, CA
Banded by Dr. Sergio Verboonen on March 22, 2003
266/150

Peggy L. Unruh ( Dawn's mom )

I used Dr. Verboonen. $8500 for everything including air fare. They pick you up at the airport and stay with you the entire time. My experience was great ! I live in NC and was banded on 3/10/03. I have lost about 15 lbs now.

Judy
3/10/03 Dr. Verboonen
220/150 goal