Rodolfo Wilhelmy Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS

It was about 5 years aso when I had done some research on the gastric sleeve. I was at my highest weight ever of 193 lbs, at only 5'4 tall. I went to a place in Tijuana that I dont remember the name to be honest. I went down to 135 lbs and then I regained and stayed 160 pounds. After my second baby I noticed that I was gaining more and more weight. So decided to see if my sleeve could be re-done. I found about 3 different doctors in Tijuana, but only one stood out: Mexicali Bariatric Center (MBC) NOT TO BE CONFUSED with Mexico Bariatric Center. I was a little worried because it was in Mexicali which is about 2 hours from San Diego airport, not near Tijuana. (I was a little worried about this) but once we got there Dr Campos went right to business and went into x-ray room where they did a Bariatric swallow test. There he showed me that the original gastric sleeve done in Tijuana was not done correctly. From the moment I stepped into that hospital I saw how diffferently things were done from the first time I had the sleeve. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Wilhelm, Dr Campos and the anesthesiologist. I spoke to all 3 doctors before the surgery and they all put me at ease. After surgery they showed me how my new stomach looked like, and was very interesting to see the before and after of my stomach. My sister who also had the gastric sleeve done in Tijuana (not at the same place I had my first sleeve) decided that she would pay $150 just to see how her sleeve was done (Sleeve done in 2015) and it turned out that her sleeve was not done right either her stomach was bigger than mine. I wish I had found this place from the beginning. the hospital w

I had the VSG surgery done by Dr. Wilhelmy on January 19, 2016. I had an amazing experience and feel like a walking, talking advertisement for the Mexicali Bariatric Centre and Dr. Wilhelmy! If you have any concerns at all about getting this done - DON'T! It has changed my life. I have lost about 50 lbs in 4 months and have never felt better. I brought a friend with me and were picked up at the San Diego airport by Carla. She was wonderful and so very helpful. Carla was always around even at the hospital. My friend wanted a souvenir for her husband back in Canada and Carla went out of her way to make sure she got it. When we arrived at the hospital after approximately a 2 hour drive, we were greeted by Yolanda, who was just like my mom! I instantly relaxed and cannot say enough wonderful things about Yolanda. I LOVE her!! Prior to my surgery, I was visited by the anesthetist, Dr. Compos and Dr. Wilhelmy. All of them were open to questions and just made me feel so at ease before going in for the surgery. After the surgery, Dr. Compos also made many visits to my room to check on me. He is friendly, informative, compassionate and also very good looking!! Please, Please do not waste another day thinking about whether you should go or not!! I had tried every diet on earth and nothing has been as successful as this surgery. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions about the wonderful Dr. Wilhelmy and Mexicali Bariatric Centre!

If I could give more than 5 stars I would! I was a bit apprehensive at first as many are researching surgery in another country but I had the opportunity to speak with former patients that were family friends and ultimately wound up knowing nearly a dozen people that had been down to have the surgery at Mexicali Bariatric. Not only were they years out having great experiences but some were weeks out and doing fantastic. I had never left the country before but after researching the facility and talking with close family friends I filled out my application and Yolanda responded shortly thereafter. I had picked a random date about 3 weeks out and it was actually available so I jumped at the opportunity and began the process of getting my passport and everything setup for my trip. It was a great trip and I was welcomed on Sunday afternoon by Yolanda who wasted no time getting me to x-ray and to get my blood drawn. She went over everything then I received a visit from the anesthesiologist which blew my mind that he came in on a Sunday to explain the procedure to me and walk me through exactly what was going to happen. My dad and I then went to the hotel they had set up which was lovely and got ready for the next day. I was greeted promptly at 6am on my way into the hospital and the process began. I was wheeled into the operating room and saw my fantastic anesthesiologist as promised then I went to sleep. The surgery went very well and I was very shocked to hear most surgeries in the US are outpatient or 1 night only in the hospital. I was there for 3 nights which wasn't necessary but I would HIGHLY recommend it. The IV fluids were a lifesaver as were the round the clock nurses that were so kind in addition to the twice daily doctors visits (Dr. Campos is phenomenal). I was up and walking the day of surgery and kept it up for the rest of the week which really helped with the gas and on Thursday I headed home. My friends were ambitious and had said they ran errands the following week, I was not as ambitious but did return to work at about half strength that week but if you can I would recommend taking an additional week off because getting on a "food" schedule is tricky enough without adding the stress of work on top. That was incredibly long winded but I cannot say enough great things about Mexicali Bariatric; the hospital was spotless and everyone was so kind! I recommend it to anyone I talk to considering the surgery especially after all the hoops I jumped through in the US only to be denied but I am glad I was :)

My daughter and I both had the Gastric Sleeve done with Dr. Wilhelmy on January 20, 2017 and as a member of the healthcare system in the United States I can tell you I have worked in some outstanding facilities with some outstanding medical professionals and Dr. Wilhelmy and his team rate top notch in my opinion! The hospital is small in comparison to even many rural type hospitals in the US, but it's clean and adequate. Prior to surgery my daughter was experiencing severe anxiety about the decision she had made, but I really feel that few moments with Dr. Wilhelmy prior to surgery really put her mind (and mine as her mother and as well as the next patient) at ease! His bedside mannerism far exceeded many physicians I have worked with. My husband asked Dr. Wilhelmy to "take care of them during surgery" and Dr. Wilhelmy replied "like family" and that is exactly how we felt! The whole experience is top notch and if you are considering weight loss surgery this is the team you want! From Nina and Karla for pre-op instructions, to Ernesto at the airport, to surgery and post-op with Dr. Beltran and Dr. Campos this team is First Class A++++!! Don't hesitate any longer, make the best decision for your health today and choose this Team! Oh did I mention I am down 30 pounds since begin pre-op diet and surgery...GO ME! I will be forever grateful to Dr. Wilhelmy and his great Team of professionals for making this weight loss tool safe, affordable, and such a positive experience! Thank you all!!

I had the vsg done on May 5th by Dr. Welhelmy. I had no problems. Never had gas pain or really any pain. My recover has been so great.

Everyone at Mexicali Bariatric Center was wonderful, including Dr. Wilhelmy, and the language barrier was never an issue. When we arrived on 4/13/16, Ernesto picked us up at the airport and on the ride to Mexicali told us his experience with the VSG and answered a lot of my questions about maintenance. When we arrived Karla showed us around the hospital so we felt comfortable and then I went to have blood drawn, and an EKG, the hospital was extremely clean and well maintained. The hotel we stayed in that night, Hotel Lucerna, was clean and comfy with delicious restaurants on-site. My husband and I met Dr. Wilhelmy the morning of surgery, 4/14/16, and he was very kind, explaining what was going to happen and asking if I had any questions. The anesthesiologist was very thorough in explaining how I would be put under, which put my mind at rest. For the 3 days I was at Hospital Almater Dr. Wilhelmy, Dr. Campos and Dr. Beltran came everyday to explain what the day would entail and answering any questions I had. Day 1: Had VSG done that morning, was encouraged to walk as soon as possible, but I slept most of the afternoon. No gas pains, some soreness at night, but the nurses were quick to respond and give medication as needed. Day 2: Nothing by mouth, but I really didn't want anything. I was very tired, but my husband, the Doctors and nurses really encouraged mw to walk, walk, walk and do my spirometer exercises. Day 3: Methylene Blue dye test. It wasn't pleasant tasting and I vomited a few times while drinking it. All the Doctors and Nurses that came in that morning encouraged me to sip it as often as possible. Finally in the late afternoon I finished it, no blue dye was in my drain bag (but I did pee blue for a few times after), so Dr. Campos removed it (feels weird, but doesn't hurt). And I was brought a tray of delicious chicken broth, Gatorade and chamomile tea for lunch and dinner. Day 4: Barium swallow done. The barium contrast didn't taste terrible, just chalky. I would prefer it over the blue dye any day. Got to see my new tiny stomach. Passed all my leak tests and Karla carried us back to the airport for the trip home, with all my post -op instructions, information for my primary care Doctor back home and a CD of the barium swallow study.
At 2 weeks post of as I write this, my recovery up until this point has been uneventful. I focus mainly on water first and then on my protein intake and follow the post-op diet closely. Over the past 2 weeks I have lost 10.5 pounds, which I never could've done in a month on my own before surgery and I am ecstatic to see what the future holds.
If you have any apprehensions about going to a foreign country for surgery, just look at all Dr. Wilhelmy's great reviews and go for it. I would recommend Dr. Wilhelmy and Mexicali Bariatric Center to anyone who wants a caring staff, Doctors and Nurses, a clean hospital and wonderful care and would most definitely refer and friends and family interested in the procedure to them as well.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, I would love to answer them.

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.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Wilhelmy and his staff. On February 28, 2018, I had revision surgery from a lap band to a gastric sleeve and at that time, he also repaired a hiatal hernia. I received wonderful care from Dr. Wilhelmy in a top-notch facility. He and his team are all very professional and very caring. I received much follow-up during my recovery and I have had zero complications. My gastric sleeve is a fantastic success and I am quickly on my way to a much healthier and happier life. I have recommended Dr. Wilhelmy to my own family members and friends because I am so confident in his abilities.

I had lapband done with Dr. Asceves about 10 years ago. I loved Dr. Asceves however I had issues with the band so wanted a sleeve. I decided to go to Dr. Wilhelmy and I am so glad I did. I only wish I would have done this instead of lapband. I love the hospital. They have the best soup in the world. Private rooms. So clean. I have not had any problems at all. Everything was easy and I would recommend everyone go see him. I would give 10 stars if I could.

I had my surgery about 5 1/2 weeks ago in Mexicali, with Dr. Wilhelmy. I traveled alone from Reno, Nevada. The entire process from being picked up at the airport by Ernesto was a great experience. It's a bit of a drive from San Diego, but Ernesto is funny and full of information about the area. He made it comfortable and enjoyable.
Everyone I came into contact with greeted me with open arms at the hospital and quickly got me through the pre op process. Ernesto then took me to my hotel, which was very nice and picked me up the next morning for my surgery.
Dr. Wilhelmy and his team of surgeons/staff were wonderful. I felt completely at ease going in to surgery with this team! A lot of them have had the procedure done themselves, which is comforting as well and they all look GREAT!
Easy, Easy surgery! Besides a little bit of gas pressure post op, I had little to no discomfort. My sleeve was checked 3 times to ensure no leakage and all was good! I did not have any complications and if I had to do it all over again, I would most definitely choose Dr Wilhelmy and his team! Highly recommended!
I had surgery with a low bmi of 32.3, I have lost 22 lbs as of today, well on my way to my goal. I couldn't be more happy that I chose this procedure and this surgeon!