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Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Q: I have heard news about violence in Mexico, is it safe for me to go to Mexicali? 

A: Yes, it is safe for you to travel to Mexicali. While it is true that some cities were experiencing violence issues not too long ago it was not in the entire country. Mexicali was not one of the cities that the US government was advising not to travel to. In the 14 years + we have been doing weight loss surgery we have not had a single incident of violence. Normal precautions are to be taken like in any city in the US and the world.

Q: Will I lose weight? I have failed long term at everything else. I have lost weight at times but regained all weight I have lost and then some. 

A: Yes! You will lose weight and keep it off. This is the beauty of surgery; it will help you keep it off long term. 90% of  Mexicali Bariatric Center’s patients are keeping weight off with the help of the sleeve for example. You just need to follow a few simple rules to help you maintain your weight loss permanently. You will have your “weight loss tool” forever. , If you are ready we can help you be part of the 90% success group.

Q: Are standards at the hospital the same as in the US? Infection rate? 

A:Yes! While we cannot speak of all hospitals or medical centers in Mexico,  we can assure you that at Almater Hospital standards are up to par with US and Canadian hospitals. Daily lab tests are taken at the ORs for quality control, as well as government health department inspections. Our hospitals have been granted the “ SAFE BUSINESS”  certification from the government. Larger Hospitals and specially private hospitals, such as Almater Hospital, are under close supervision to ensure safety to patients. This is not the case in smaller clinics or medical centers unfortunately.

Q: Can I really trust the doctor to do a good job? 

A: Yes! Dr. Dr Wilhelmy and Dr Esquerra are one of the best bariatric surgeons world wide.  Peers have recognized their work and most importantly patients recommend them  constantly. In fact they  redo many surgeries that were not done correctly elsewhere, even some done in the US!

Q: Will I have complications? 

A:While we cannot guarantee that no one will have a complication, no doctor in any field can, really we can tell you that  complication rate  at Mexicali Bariatric Center is well under the worldwide averages. We are  at about half the complication rate published in the US.

Q: OK, but what happens if I get home and a few weeks out have a complication? 

A: Whenever you are not sure of a symptom, we ask that you call us so we can point you in the right direction. Some symptoms may be normal but just new to you. We take many steps to prevent complications. Although a late serious complication is very rare, there is a small possibility. If you were one of these few you would need to go to the emergency room in your city, there really is not time to come back. Following post op instructions, all of them, like taking medication, doing breathing exercises, getting all your liquids in daily and following your post op healing diet strictly will help you continue to heal normally and avoid complications. The doctor will do his part at the time of surgery but following post op instructions is key for proper healing. But do not worry, this is not so difficult to do, patients know it is important and do their part.

Q: How do I know if this is real? I have never been out of the country for a medical procedure.

A: Traveling for medical services out of the country has become very common. You can be sure of the seriousness of our practice by checking out both the hospital’s accreditations as well as the doctors credentials both in the US and Mexico. These are easily verifiable online. We also have hundreds of patients recommending us online, including doctors that have either had the procedure themselves or brought a family member to see the surgeons at Mexicali Bariatric Center  for surgery.

Q: Do I need to keep coming back for follow up? 

A: No, there is nothing to do in regards to your sleeve or bypass or DS. Outer sutures will dissolve on their own. . The doctor will ask that you have blood work done routinely during that first year after surgery to make sure you are getting proper nutrition from the small quantities of food you are eating and from your supplements. Supplements may or may not need to be adjusted. For Ds and bypass patients lab work needs to be done beyond the first year but this can be done locally with your own doctor.

Q: Why do I need to pay more to go to Mexicali Bariatric Center when I can go to other doctors in Mexico for about half the price? 

A: We understand that money is a concern for most people contacting us and this being so is precisely why you should get the best surgeon possible to help you. If you have a surgery properly done the first time this can really be the last thing you do for weight loss! Do not waste your money on less experienced surgeons, that may or may not do a good job; do not increase your surgery risks! Starting out with a complication can be a real nightmare, down time, missed work, etc. For quality medical care you need to spend a bit more! When you pay less you sacrifice quality of medical care. When you are sacrificing quality, what you really are doing is increasing your surgery risks and results. Why do this? You do not want to be where you are now a few years from now because your surgeon did not do a good job! It can not only be frustrating to lose money spent but disappointing and depressing to not have good results like so many are having. Invest wisely in your health it WILL BE WORTH IT for you and your family.

Q: What can I do to help ensure I do not regain weight? 

A: In our 14+ years of experience here are the 5 things we know will help you keep your weight off permanently.

– Plan your meals and snacks.

– Eat every 4 hours, meal or snack, do not skip meals

– Avoid liquid calories

– Do not drink with your meals.

– Stay accountable; join a WLS support group, online if not one available in your city. .