Testimonials
Ginette V.I had my gastric sleeve exactly one week ago yesterday and I already lost over 10lbs. I can't tell you how happy I am to see the pounds coming off . Now this is coming from somebody whom had a personal trainer and a registered dietician working with me for a year all I ask was to lose one pound a week. I gave my self a whole year to lose 50 pounds never saw a pound came off. I was in that Gym every single day working hard and doing all that were asked of me and more. I am not saying that does not work I just know it did not work for me. now to see one or two pound"s" coming off every day that is wonderful. I can't tell you how wonderful the whole staff is. It feels to me that they are there just for you they will go above and beyond to meet all your needs.
This is coming from somebody who works in the medical field and I was very impressed of the care I received I wish I could have all my medical needs taken care by this wonderful group of Drs, Nurses, coordinators, drivers, yes drivers you get driven around sight seeings, shopping, and everything else you want to do when was the last time you went to a hospital in the States for whatever procedures and get treated this way. I can't stop talking about them and the price is unbelievable and the service magnificent. I am now taking my husband there. That is how they can afford to stay in business because after this kind of treatment you just want to keep going back for more since I can't have it done again my husband is now going to do it. I have even went as far as telling another couple I met at the airport coming from having the lap band from another group. I gave them the group number in case they decided to have the sleeve in the future. They told me the reason they decided to have the lap band instead of the sleeve because they could not afford to pay for both of their sleeve and I told them they could have had the sleeve for less than they had the lap band.
All I have to say now DRS Betancourt and Almanza keep up the good work and don't ever change well you can always improve of course but don't lose your wway don't ever forget the reason you entered this field was to help people and you are doing really well. thank you. I am normally a private person I don't put my stuff on line because you never know where it might end up, but I feel so strongly about the care I received it's just fair to let other people know it too. Feel free to share my Email with your future patients who are thinking about the sleeve and someone else whom have had it input you can feel free to share my contact information privately of course if they need to talk to someone. I will try to drop an Email every now and then to let you know How I am progressing. Good luck with everything and the very best to all of you. And a good morning to you!
I live in Meridian, Idaho. I did have the lapband surgery four days ago on Monday late afternoon. I was not nervous in the least as I used to live in San Diego a couple of years ago and had heard about the terrific doctors and procedures they perform in Tiajuana from San Diego and Tiajuana locals. I have also had the gastric bypass in '03 (though in the states - my insurance paid for it ;), which had to be reversed in April due to an ulcer I had developed where they attached the intestine to the stomach (not a very pleasing result). I was sooooooo depressed and got up to 220, and I knew dieting didn't work for me. So I decided to "nip it in the bud".
I decided about four days earlier than I had surgery to do it and was able to work everything out (thank God for the hospital and doctors and coordinators and my partner). They do everything for you that you need, and there are ALWAYS staff drivers around to get you from and to the airport so you don't have to worry about being late for your flight.
The experience was wonderful. Everyone that works there is loving and generous and many have had bariatric surgery so they know exactly what the issues are before and after surgery.
I'm feeling much better than I did after my American surgery, though what usually takes about 20 minutes or so (the lapband) took 6.5 hours for me because I had soooooooooo much scar tissue from previous surgeries (hysterectomy, gall bladder-ectomy, gastric bypass (I also got a rather serious staph infection from the bypass), gastric bypass reversal (to repair the hernia and ulcer that I got from the American surgery), tummy tuck, and webbing material in place in my abdomen put in during my colostomy for Crohn's Disease (and all the other surgeries). So I am a little uncomfortable because of the dodging of scar tissue they had to do, but nothing even nearly serious.
They are also very cooperative about other medical needs. For instance, I had a killer headache for two days there (when I get them at home I have to go to the emergency room for a shot, and they kept me feeling better in the head in Tiajuana). If anything they give you isn't working as well as you would like, just talk to them about it.
Break a leg, bud!!!
Suz Dr. Mario Alberto Almanza-Reyes and Emmanuel Medical Center
Dr. Almanza and his staff are wonderful. I had prepared myself with a lot of research before going to Mexico and felt pretty comfortable when I started this weight loss journey.
From the time I first came into contact with Emmanuel personnel at the San Diego airport, professionalism was exhibited. At the airport I was met by two chaperones from Emmanuel Medical Center who were very courteous. Our first stop was the lab where they drew blood then on to the clinic. When we arrived at the clinic the cardiologist was waiting to run a 12-lead EKG. Vital signs were taken, forms signed and they prepped me for surgery.
I have been a certified Paramedic since 1982 and am aware of American health standards. When I saw the clinic it is small in size when compared to most US facilities but very well appointed with updated medical equipment. The operating room is state of the art with an American facility. Emmanuel was clean to a tee. The staff was wonderful and focused on me as a patient. The nurses were not stressed having to divide their attention among several patients, at the time I was there it was another lady who had also received a VSG and myself. The nursing care was FABULOUS.
The surgery went without a hitch and I spent two nights at the clinic with around the clock nursing care. When they released me from the clinic they took me to lunch (yum, chicken broth!) and out for a little shopping. Very little because after about 20 minutes I wanted off of my feet!
The residence house for the next two nights was great. Emmanuel Medical used to put patients at a hotel for two nights but recently (we were the first to stay there) opened a four-bedroom condo in a gated community. Dr. Betancourt literally lives on the other side of the road in case of emergencies. The residence house was beautiful, I got to interact with other patients and felt perfectly safe and sound. It even came with a houseman who waited on us hand and foot.
After two nights at the residence house, the chaperones drove me back to San Diego to catch my flight home. I arrived home yesterday and had already scheduled a follow up appointment for today with my personal physician. I relayed everything to her, she looked me over and said I looked great. She understood the whole insurance won't pay thing and can't afford it in the US issue. To date I am almost 19 weeks post surgery, have lost 47 pounds and feel great. I am healthier (no more high blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose), feel great and have a better self-esteem. Was the standard of care comparable to American standards-ABSOLUTELY!
Would I go again-You betcha’! Thank you Dr. Almanza and Emmanuel Medical Center.
Nancy Herndon I had Lap-band surgery on the 10th of July in TJ with Dr. Almanza.
I got picked up very quickly from the airport (they must have been waiting for me) by two drivers, one who spoke very good English, the other fair English, but he had a good vibe to him. The drivers were kind and answered the million questions I had about the surgery and about TJ in general.
First I went to the lab to get some bloodwork. The tech that took my blood was nice, she missed my vein once, I’ve had this problem in America before (that’s what I get for selling plasma and blood all through college) so it was no surprise, but I was really impressed by her skill.
From there I was taken to the clinic. I ended up waiting for about an hour in the waiting room because the EKG doctor was late (stuck in traffic or something). There were a few people in the waiting room in various stages of surgery, post op, pre op, and we talked a little bit about the difference between the band and sleeve. I still wanted to stick with my decision to get the band because I wanted something “reversible”, so I decided to go ahead with that. In retrospect the sleeve probably would have been a fine choice, but I was 1.) nervous about the surgery and 2.) nervous about surgery in Mexico, so given the circumstances I am very happy with my choice.
At this point I had a quick checkup from the nurse (all the standard nurse stuff), in which the driver translated everything. I remember I was so nervous the whole time, I think the nurse could tell so she gave me a hug. I started crying. I don’t remember her name but I will always remember her sweet, kind face.
The EKG doctor came and gave me the go ahead for surgery from a heart health standpoint. I met with Dr. Almanza who had decent English, and everything else the driver translated. He seemed very competent, a typical surgeon who took pride in his appearance and his work. I met the owner of the hospital Dr. Betancourt. He was very funny and reassuring.
I walked into surgery and laid down on the table. The anesthesiologist asked me many questions about my general health and allergies while the nurses and techs prepared for surgery. I know this seems like a minor thing to remember, but I recall the anesthesiologist put his gloved hands on my head and shoulder while he asked me questions. It was a small gesture, but it really reassured me that everything was going to be fine.
From there I woke up very confused and disoriented. I got up and walked back to my bed and slept for a few hours, before I was taken back to the recovery house. The driver really did a good job explaining everything that I should expect in the next few days. I spent the next day recovering. Dr. Betancourt came by personally (he lives right next door I think) to check up on all of us. I remember I ate about 20 icee pops those first few days, my stomach was so sore.
I am definitely a satisfied customer, and I would recommend Emmanuel Medical/Dr. Almanza & Betancourt to anybody who needs help with significant weight loss. It has been almost a month and I have lost 32 lbs and hope to lose another 70 in the next year to get to my target weight. I am glad that there was an option to have an affordable surgery performed, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
John Raven
fishmalty@yahoo.com I had my "gastric sleeve" at Emmanual Medical
I just want to take a minute to let you know how I am doing since I had my "gastric sleeve" at Emmanual Medical in Tijuana, Mexico last month.
- I have lost 50 pounds so far and have had absolutely no complications.
- Dr. Bettencourt, Dr. Almanza and their staff did such a terrific job of taking care of my medical and personal needs during my trip.
- I would recommend that anyone who is considering "weight loss" surgery to seriously consider using your facility.
- Thanks so much for your assistance so far.
- I will keep you posted as my weight continues to drop. My goal is to lost 160 pounds by next summer.
Please give my best to Dr. Bettencourt and his great team.
Regards,
Dennis Ward
dennis@ddwassociates.com Life-changing!
I have lost 54 pounds in the last 4 months, without overdoing the exercise. I felt like I was "the invisible woman" walking around 100 lbs overweight, and miserable. My healthcare (Kaiser Insurance) said I didn't qualify for them to cover the surgery here in LA because I wasn't sick, diabetic or in some kind of physical pain. So I researched and talked to plenty of places for about 1year and liked Shirley's information, and wisdom (being a patient herself). You will be in the best hands possible, and they all know what they are doing. I was uneasy, skeptical, but ready when I went, and to this day I feel like everyone at the hospital, and Shirley are extended family. I followed all instructions, and I have not had any complications or nothing. I also recently found some things to rid me of my surgery scars, so not only will I be smaller, but the "evidence" of incision will be gone as well! My mother went with me, and she needs the surgery herself, and insists that this is the only place she will go. I have to lose about 47 more pounds and I see that it is totally possible now.
I attached a before an after. The first picture is when I was at the hotel 3 days after surgery, the second was last week when I was in Jamaica. I'm loving life again!
Good luck, and keep me posted.
Kindest Regards,
Erica (38 years old)
Surgery Date 4/27/09
258 lbs
204 lbs current
boochee6@msn.com
To: Louise Johnson / Emmanuel Medical Center
22 September 2009
Dear Folks,
A short note to share my recent experience with the Emmanuel Medical Center, Ms. Louise Johnson their coordinator extraordinaire, my “guide and protector” Eduardo, and everyone else we dealt with last month.
I have been a Doctor since 1961, now retired (75 yrs old). I had multiple offices with many Docs working for us and many assistants. We built large practices with no advertising and all referral patients. My secret was a strict quality control through the caring, concern, patient advocate attitudes, dedication, and the refinement of the consistent professionalism of assistants as well as Doctors.
I was researching information about Lap Band Surgery and thinking about it for months, including lectures, videos, talking to patients that experienced it.
When we decided to go ahead with it, it was obvious it would be best to travel outside the United States. Studied the choices; finally decided that in spite of the Tijuana that we had seen in Mexico, it would be worth looking into.
We contacted them and spoke with Louise Johnson. I got the necessary paper work and then had our Doctor in Phoenix do a thorough exam and workup on me, mostly so I wouldn’t get to Mexico and then be turned down.
Everything fine, appointment made. Although Emmanuel would pick us up at the San Diego Airport, we preferred to drive. We parked in a 24/7 guarded parking lot on the U.S. side and walked through the border. The van met us with the driver and Eduardo, took us directly to the Center. Eduardo introduced us to the receptionist and walked us through each stage.
At this point perhaps I should make the point again, that I would be very observant and critical as a long time “virgo” professional.
From the beginning, everyone, Shirley, Eduardo, the receptionist, the lab tech taking my blood, the Doctor, who did a most thorough pre-surgical examination, the nurses, the Anesthesiologist, the Surgeon, later at the town house that was provided, everyone was all I could have wanted in my own company representing me and my standards.
Dr. Mario Almanza, thank you for such excellent work.
I can highly recommend you, your colleagues, and staff to anyone that needs top caring, down to earth professionals in every sense of the word. Mexico and Tijuana should appreciate your facility. Anyone going there for you will be happy they did no matter from where they traveled.
This entire letter or parts of it may be used as you wish, just only use my initials and town, please.
Shirley, you may have anyone call me if they want. I am so happy with this experience for beginning to now.
Sincerely,
Dr. AGR, Phoenix, AZ Lap-Band at Emmanuel Medical
I had my lap band surgery on May 11th 2009. I am so happy with the results so far. I am down 65lbs!!!! I had one "fill" and am doing fabulous! Thank you all so much. I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you all have done for me.
Thanks for making weight loss surgery affordable to us.I would have never been able to get it done here (in the US).I will be back to Mexico to have some flabby skin remove in a year or so. If you can, please tell Eduardo hi from me and Erica.
Kathie
kderring@yahoo.com Official unsolicited testimonial from Kim Dixon
I’ve been researching WLS, particularly Vertical Sleeve Mastectomy (VSG) since July. My boyfriend had a successful surgery in April and loss >100 pounds within 6 months. I didn’t have health insurance and once I seen the self pay prices for the procedure in the US, I became discouraged. One night I decided to Google affordable VSG surgery. The results were plentiful, however they were Mexican surgeons. I was very skeptical about having surgery in Mexico. I continued to do more research and after viewing several WLS blogs and vlogs, I decided that having the surgery in Mexico would contain the same risk as having it in the States. I didn’t have any underlying medical issues such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other weight related issues. I found what I believed to be a doctor I was comfortable with and proceeded to make an appointment, I was given a surgery date of October 6. I was placed on the liquid diet and anxious for October 6th to come. Once again, I was reading different posts on ObesityHelp.com and verticlesleevetalk.com and I seen an interesting advertisement that caught my eye. It advertised the gastric Sleeve for a drastically reduced price for a limited time. I immediately replied via email to the ad and shortly thereafter I received a phone call from a sweet woman named Shirley. Shirley went over the package information and procedure with me and was very helpful and attentive. I advised her of my pending appointment and she said that if I decided to go with Dr. Almanza, I could keep the same date and save a few thousand dollars. I immediately canceled the other appointment and booked Dr. Almanza. Shirley handled the financing switching and sent me the appropriate forms to complete. Upon completion of all the steps, Shirley kept in contact with me daily and was there for me literally 24 hours a day. I admit I called her with the most mundane questions and she answered them regardless of how silly they were.
The morning of my surgery 2 escorts, Tony and Ricardo picked my boyfriend, Harvey and I up from the San Diego airport. First Impressions are everything and they made a great first impression. They were professionally dressed and acted in a professional manner. I forgot to pick up the GasX before I flew in and Tony, the driver took me to CVS to purchase it. Ricardo engaged us in conversation and made us feel at ease once we crossed the border into Mexico. I was so anxious, however Harvey was nervous. He expressed many concerns about having surgery in Mexico, but he agreed to support me in the decision I made. Our first stop in Tijuana was the guest house. The guest house is absolutely beautiful and again a great first impression. Once inside I met Dr. Bentacourt. He is very personable and began to explain the procedure. He introduced me to a young lady who was there after having the lapband. She was ready to go home only after 1 day and she looked great. Edgar the nurse gave us a tour of the guest home and showed us our room. After we placed our luggage we were given a key to the room, letting us know that everything was secure. Once we returned downstairs, Dr. Bentacourt advised me that I would be heading over to the surgical center and was open to answer any last minute questions I had. Riding through Tijuana, Harvey was still skeptical, but once we arrived at the surgical center, his mind was put at ease. The escorts introduced us to the staff, who were all very pleasant and geared toward excellent customer service. The cardiologist helped me relax as he did his testing and I was elated when he said everything was fine. Shortly thereafter, the doctor’s arrived. Dr. Almanza came in and introduced himself and explained the procedure in depth, he also introduced the anesthesiologist and he explained in detail his role in the operating room. Dr. Andres’ Bentacourt also came in and introduced himself again, making Harvey and myself feel more at ease. The nurse came in to do the IV and blood work, and that was stressful. I have the world’s worst veins, and I didn’t put that into perspective when I made the appointment. Even in the States, it’s difficult to get into my veins, it’s usually done under x-ray. Finally they were able to draw blood after about an hour of trying, but the IV still had to be placed. Throughout this process they were gentle and caring. They were concerned that they were hurting me with the poking, but I assured them that I was okay. Finally the anesthesiologist states he will put in the IV in the operating room. I gave Harvey a long tight hug and Kiss and off to the operating room I went. The OR was clean and sterile, mimicking any OR in the states. Again I was at ease. I laid down on the table as the anesthesiologist and his wife (his nurse) attempted to get a good vein. Fortunately he was successful because I remember him putting it in and his wife stroking my forehead in a consoling manner as I dose off…
I awaken to Harvey smiling over me, and I remember pointing to my throat indicating my throat was sore (from the intubation). I also remembered saying “Am I skinny yet?” in a joking manner and quickly went back to sleep. Once I was removed from the recovery room into the patient room, I met Sandy. Sandy was sleeved the day before me and looked great to be 1 day PostOp. I was still very tired. I wasn’t in any sever pain, just a little sore. The escorts came back and took Harvey back to the guest house. I remained at the hospital getting rested. The nurse’s were great. Every time I pushed the call button they were in the room immediately and dressed any concerns I had. I woke up the next day, still a little sore, but was able to walk around as the nurse instructed me and took a shower with her assistance. She changed the bandages on the incisions and showed me how to care for the drain. Sandy had to drink the blue yuck juice, do the lung exercises and was preparing to go to x-ray and back to guest house. Sandy advised me as everyday went by, she was feeling better and better. My second night in the hospital I had the room to myself. I pretty much watched TV (there’s plenty of English speaking channels) did the lung exercises, and walked around the hospital. On the morning of day 3, the Dr. instructed the nurse she could remove my IV. I was given the blue yuck juice to drink and proceeded to take a shower and get dressed. Harvey, Ricardo and Tony came to pick me up to take me to get the x-ray. The imaging place were I had to do the barium swallow was nice and pleasant and everything was done fast. No leakes..hoooray!! I was happy that everything was so far was excellent. We then left heading for the guest house, once inside, I was greeted by Dr. Bentacourt and the house staff. It is a family like atmosphere. They didn’t make us feel like a foreigner but like a family member. Music was playing and everyone was laughing, joking and being sociable. Sandy was sitting at the table eating soup and the Dr. Bentacourt announced that we were going to Ensenada for the day to see the geyser and do a little shopping. Harvey and I was amazed. Not only were we going sightseeing, we’re going with the Doctor!!! That’ll never happen in the States. The ride to Ensenada was fun and I snapped plenty of pictures. Once there the Doctor acted as our tour guide and we were able to see 1 of only 2 geysers in the world.
We did a little shopping and ended up at Habana Banana. That’s a cool theme restaurant/bar. Sandy and I ate chicken broth soup and split a virgin Margarita, while the boys ate the most delicious looking tray of nachos I ever seen (lol) and drank cold ones. Once we left there, we had another scenic ride back t the guest house, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Tony, Ricardo, Edgar, Sandy, Harvey and I definitely bonded during our car ride to and fro. Once back at the house, I was getting ready to go to sleep and Dr. Bentacourt came up to my room to insure I was taking my meds correctly and explain to me what was planed for the next day..more shopping this time in Tijuana!!! He sent the nurse to give me a sleeping pill which I appreciated so much. We brought movies to watch on the DVD player in the room, but the satellite provided much in room entertainment.
When I awoke the next morning, my back was sore from the bed. I’m guessing from different blogs I’ve read that the beds are more firm in Mexico. Other than that I felt great. I was old that the drain would be removed and again I became anxious.
Once I was dressed and went downstairs, again the family atmosphere was back. There was a young couple on the couch from Texas, the young lady was there to get the lap band, and Sandy and I were sharing our experiences with her. She was surprised that we were walking around laughing and anticipating our shopping excursion. She then decided to get sleeved as well…The cook gave me a small bowl of yogurt as per my request and cooked Harvey breakfast. Dr. Bentacourt was there, looking fabulous as expected and he was engaged in conversation with a few reps from his new skin care line. I purchased a set which included lipo-sculpting gel, a scrub and moisturizing lotion (perfecto). I was the first sale, we took pictures to celebrate, again Dr. Bentacourt being very fun, open and sociable….Then came time to get the drain removed. I thought this would be a simple pain free “procedure”, however Sandy and Harvey both advised me to go to my happy place.
OMG! Getting a drained removed does not feel good at all, OUCH.. I’m queezy just thinking about it. Once it was done, I was instructed to lay down for 10 minutes, I dozed off, but quickly woke up to the laughter down below, scared I was missing the party, I went back down stairs, feeling 110% better than the previous day partly due to the removal of the drain. Dr. Bentacourt announced that they were barbequing in the evening and while he went shopping for the food, Ricardo would take us to Revolution. Revolution is a shopping strip in Tijuana. Once we were done on the strip we went to one of the malls…Very impressive! Harvey and Ricardo got some take out, and we headed back to the house. I immediately went to sleep for the night, so I’m not sure if I missed the bbq or not. (lol) Saturday was the sad day. Sad because the I and the people that I’ve grown so fond of in a short period of time will be separated by many miles. Sandy had an earlier flight so she was the first to leave. I was able to catch her before she went out the door, we exchanged emails and hugs and gratitude for being able to go through this together. Harvey and I took another nap to get geared for our late flight. I decided to write Dr. Bentacourt a letter expressing gratitude and blessing him and his staff. Before we left he invited Harvey and I over to his home, where we chatted.
Ricardo took us to the airport and even though we were at the border for over a hour, he maintained his professionalism and was pleasant to the end. This indeed was a great experience, and I will recommend Dr. Almanza and Emmanuel Medical to anyone who is contemplating having bariatric surgery in Mexico. I decided to write this rather lengthy testimonial because if there’s someone who’s curious or on the fence about Mexico, they can see from my detailed log that their in safe hands with this particular Doctor. Everyday was a positive experience, and I’m so glad I went through with it. I can’t wait to go back as a tourist so that I can try some authentic Mexican cuisine, and as Dr. Bentacourt says “get my plastics done”…. I have plenty of pictures of my journey on my site www.myquest2lose.com. On this site I will blog my weight loss and hopefully would be an inspiration to someone desiring to lose weight.
Special thanks to Shirley, Tony, Ricardo, Dr. Bentacourt, Dr. Almanza, The Nurses, The Cardiologist, the Anesthesiologist, The cook, Edgar, Sandy and please forgive me If I didn’t remember your name, I remembered your impact on my life. Lastly I like to thank the love of my life, Harvey. Thank you for supporting me through this and being there when I needed you the most. I love you.
K. Dixon, Buffalo NY, Sleeved October 6, 2009
Patient Liaison
Louise JohnsonAvailable 24/7 for your convenience !
- Toll Free:+1 866 806 4286
- Direct #:+1 727 423 5662
- FAX:+1 772 324 8336
- E-mail:info@hospitaljerusalem.com.mx