"My experience with Mexicali Bariatric Center was reassuring from the start. I was researching many places and ended up feeling pressured by various scheduling agencies. This was not the case with Mexicali Bariatric. I had two helpful and insightful conversations with Nina, patient coordinator. I felt no pressure at all. All the informative you tube videos she posted were also helpful. I felt that this was an educated environment that encouraged patients to do their own critical thinking. I had my sleeve done on the 17th of March, 2016. The day before I was picked up at the airport in San Diego and driven to the hospital. I will admit by this time my nerves were about to get the best of me. I was terrified I made a mistake. I was met by Carla and Yolanda. They were professional, kind and kept me moving through the process which helped me not completely break down! What was very reassuring was the lab tech was able to take my blood without hurting me. This is rare. It almost never happens. I had an x-ray, an EKG and provided a urine sample. After that, the driver brought me to my hotel. The hotel was secure and safe, the room was lovely and I ate meal which was fantastic after fasting all day. I was given an antibiotic and thankfully an anti anxiety medication that did wonders for my anxiety ridden mind! I slept well, so well I overslept and the driver was waiting for me while I was still sleeping! Fortunately I was organized and was out the door in five minutes. At the hospital I met with the internist who let me know all my tests were fine, I met with Dr. Wilhelmy who is very cheerful and confident! I think at this point I was just in a daze, nerves were back. I called home to let my husband know I was about to go in for surgery, when Dr. Campos came in. He was so kind.Very reassuring to my addled nerves. Before I knew it I was off to surgery! The surgery techs and nurses were quick, professional and very kind. I was out of surgery and back in my room feeling little pain. Dr. Wilhelmy checked on my a few hours later, as did Dr. Beltran and Dr. Campos, the nurses were in and out often, but were always there with a smile. I started recovery with slow walks and many naps. I will admit that there was pain, there was still some fear of my transformed stomach, but due to the constant reassurance and care of the staff, it lessened each day. By the time I was ready to go I was confidently drinking broth, tea and gatorade. My pain was very tolerable. After 3 days at home, the pain was gone. I know Dr. Wilhelmy has done a wonderful job. I have had no nausea, my incisions are healing wonderfully, they are tiny. I will say though, to anyone considering this procedure, my experience is that there is still the mental food addiction. I cannot partake, I want to be successful, I am following the detailed eating plan to the last detail. Yet, I think about food and I miss it. I think that this may be part of the healing process as well. Apparently I did not make healthy food choices in the past and this is a relationship that has to change. That has been the hardest part of my recovery. I don't know when it will get easier. The weight is coming off at about a pound a day. I sleep well, and my energy is better than before. It is worth it, and it will be a better future as a whole. "
