"I am a senior in high school and have battled my weight since about intermediate school. We're not sure why, but my metabolism seems to be low and I just have a difficult time losing weight. As you can imagine, my self esteem is very low. I can no longer do many things that I love to do. My pediatrician is actually the person who suggested bariatric surgery for me. My parents' insurance would not cover me for surgery until after I turned 18, which would be after I start college. And then I would have to go through a program and it would probably be not this summer but next summer before I could have surgery. I couldn't stand thinking I had to wait that long any more. I did not want to start college as the "fat kid." My parents began researching options and we heard about Mexicali Bariatric Center from another family member. He had the sleeve done there many years ago and is doing great. My parents researched several doctors and after studying reviews we decided on MBC. One thing that especially impressed my Mom was that if our insurance would have approved me, I would have had to had a bypass because that is all they pay for. However, after completing all the forms and examining my health history, the doctor, Dr. Wilhelmy, wanted me to consider the sleeve instead. He said he felt that it would be the best option for me, especially due to my age and noted the pros and cons of both. My Mom really liked that he was concerned more about what was best for me than trying to hurry up and schedule a surgery. After some more questions and discussion, we set up my surgery for Dec. 19 over Christmas break. The whole trip went like clockwork. Our driver picked us up and brought us to the hospital so I could have my lab work and tests done and then took us to a very nice hotel to stay the night. The next morning we were transported to the hospital for my surgery. Dr. Wilhelmy and his team, Dr. Beltran and Dr. Campos, and the anesthesiologist were all very thorough and explained directly to me and my parents the whole process. Everything went great! The whole staff is super nice and took really good care of me. The doctors also checked on me every day while I was there, actually they came in several times a day to check me over and just to talk and see how I was doing. And even though now that I am home, my parents do have direct contact with MBC and the staff at MBC checks on me a lot to see how I am recovering. If you are thinking about having surgery and are searching for a doctor, I would like to recommend Dr. Wilhelmy and the staff at MBC. My parents said they were very professional and experienced and I think they took great care of me! Yesterday was my 3 week anniversary and I have lost 28 lbs. since then, not to mention what I lost on the pre-op diet before my surgery. I feel like I have a great start on a healthier future, thank you Dr. Wilhelmy and the staff at MBC!
Brooke"
