I accompanied a patient, stayed overnight after the surgery and stayed the second night at the recovery house. The surgery went well, the recovery has been faster than expected. She's losing weight but it is far too early to predict final outcome, but so far so good. She's happy. Everything I experienced indicated a first class medical facility and staff, and would have no reservations about recommending or using it. Now other stuff, kind of travel guide stuff, for persons not having surgery. I travel regularly to Mexico and drove, although everyone else with whom I spoke was picked up at San Diego airport by a clinic arranged transfer. GPS apps for "Obesity Goodbye" gave me a 4100 address, which doesn't exist, but the Yelp address and map position is correct. You're not far from the border so you celular phone may have problems because it's receiving both US and Mexican cell towers. Turn it off and back on as kind of a reset. Street parking most hours requires a paid ticket with license plate number displayed on the dash - the machine is across the street by Carl's Junior. Jesus at the office took care of it for me. (also gave me a good tip on an auto detail place). The staff parks inside and they kindly offered to park my car inside as well. Nice people, very accommodating. They will bring you take out food from local places, great Mexican street tacos. There is a 'starbucks' like coffee place about 2 blocks called 'D'Volada" - same types of coffee drinks, food items and smoothies. Calimax is the local supermarket chain- and has a small store nearby. DO take a walk down "La Revo" as Revolucion street is popularly called, it's like 15 blocks to the border, where you see the big arch. Cuban Cigars at La Casa del Habana and the restaurant that created the cesar salad (yes, the most famous Mexican food in the US is the cesar's salad - see my Yelp reviews) Restaurante Cesar, are 5-6 blocks - about halfway to the border. Mexican pharmacies have many medicines cheaper than the US and have a doctor available for consultations who will write prescriptions for a small fee. Take advantage. Shoeshines and haircuts are also much less. Oh , and score points, or at least, don't get demerits with the locals by pronouncing the name correctly , it's TI juana, NOT Tia Juana. Enjoy. read more

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Dr. Verboonen and his team at Obesity Goodbye Center are topnotch. I had gastric sleeve weight loss surgery in Cancun in September 2017. I am 5'3" and weighed 240 at my highest. Sheri Burke is part of the team and coordinated the flights and hotel and airport pick up- everything was streamlined and easy. Sheri is a certified nutritionist and is outstanding at her job. When I arrived at the clinic, I was helped right away by the staff. I was apprehensive like most people are before surgery. Dr. Verboonen was reassuring and the research I had done on the Center and on Dr. Verboonen's record and expertise was confirmed. I am now almost at goal weight - 148 pounds. Sometimes I still can't believe it. In addition, the Center provides follow up care and nutrition advice once you get back home. The post-op diet was easy to follow and Sheri was there to help as I transitioned to a new way of eating - much healthier and I don't miss the junk I used to eat. Most of all, I feel like a new person. I never thought I would be this weight again. I feel better, I have more energy, and I am so grateful to Dr. Verboonen, the other doctors who assisted in my surgery, Sheri and the entire staff. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You cannot go wrong with choosing Obesity Goodbye Center. I just wish I would have done this 10 years ago. read more

Great experience with Dr. S. Verboonen and his team, at Hospital International Tijuana. Everything went with ease; from dealing with JC, patient coordinator, Carlos, transportation etc. If you're skeptical and or hesitant, don't be. Make your deposit with the coordinator to secure your spot. Get a money order for remaining balance and take it with you to Mexico. Take the required cash amount for your post-op meds; Boom, easy as 1-2-3! I flew in to San Diego from Atlanta. I was picked up on time, believe it or not, by the transportation team. Short drive from San Diego to Tijuana. Crossed through the border into Mexico. Took tour of the City of Tijuana before going to my hotel. Nice hotel, 5star, clean, pools, fitness center, golf course etc; beautiful view of the City and greens(golf course). I'm outgoing, so I made contact with several staff members at the hotel, as well as other individuals preparing to have the procedure. I was treated with the up most respect and courtesy by staff members at Hotel International Tijuana. I could go on and on but I'm about to cut it short. Highly recommend having your gastric sleeve or whatever procedure you choose, with Dr. S. Verboonen. I was sleeved 2/29/16. My SW was 357lbs. My CW is 215. I fluctuate between 210-215lbs. My highest weight was 408lbs. I went from a size 54/56 pant to size 38. I can almost fit 36 pants now. The procedure, pre-op testing, recovery and post-op testing, all went well. The only, and I mean the only issue that I had was with the recovery room nurse. I and a female patient were waking up from the anesthesia. My body is not a fan of anesthesia. The few surgeries I've had, have always had the same effect when I wake up from the anesthesia wearing off; I feel sick, nauseous etc. Well I and the other lady next to me in recovery were coming around. We both were salivating, with feelings of vomiting. The recovery room nurse appeared to be frustrated, telling us both, not to spit, in Spanish. With frustration she grabbed some paper towels and wiped our mouths and bedding. Personally I think she was frustrated because she was by herself with two recovery patients. Other than that, everything was great!! My male nurse took me back to my private room after the anesthesia wore off. I slept like a baby. No pain from the procedure. Just a little discomfort from gas, that's it. Within hours after the procedure, I was up walking around, up and down the hallways at the hospital. Very clean hospital with friendly staff members. Very professional and trustworthy. Dr. V followed up with me the day after surgery. He snuck up on me while I was out making my daily walking rounds, down past the nurses station, trying to get gas out, lol. My last day in Tijuana, I got my post-op meds, had fluid test for leaks etc. I got my post-op instructions and meal plan. The transportation team drove me back to San Diego. Going through San Isidro border en la frontera fue fácil. Quick and fast; lines at the border are super long, however not too bad for patient's going back home. To this day I can say that I've had no complications from the procedure; nada de nada; no complicaciones. Do your own research, I did. I would definitely recommend and use Dr. V for any other procedure; tummy tuck next. He's an awesome individual. He cares about his patient's. He follows up and checks on me still today. Dr V and his team are a great group of individuals. Get sleeved with Dr. Sergio Verboonen at Hospital International Tijuana. You won't be disappointed. Follow the plan, instructions etc, and you'll be good. You're in good hands with Dr. V. Saludos y bendiciones desde Atlanta. read more

I apologize in advance for the long post, but I need to get the word out: I have some advice for anyone who is considering Bariatric Surgery with Dr. Verboonen: BE PREPARED! I had my surgery in March of 2016 and everything seemed to go off without a hitch. I had done my research on my surgeon and knew SEVERAL people who had theirs done by this surgeon and not one of them had any issues. For the first 18 months I did great, for the most part. I had reached my goal weight and started adding in healthy carbs and whole grains, yet I still kept losing weight. I got down to 113 lbs (goal was 150-160) from a starting weight of 341 lbs. on my 5'2" frame. I looked like a skeleton and was not happy because I FELT lousy all the time and just felt weak. Not to mention losing almost ALL of my hair and having being diagnosed with malnutrition and protein deficiency. I was also getting to the point where I would be pooping 12-15 times per day. So, hoping that it wasn't my surgery that was causing my problems, I started what turned out to be a year-long search to figure what was wrong. After seeing a gastroenterologist, an internist, a general surgeon, an Allergist and a Bariatric Surgeon and running test after test to rule out every other conditions, we were finally able to conclude that I had "short gut" syndrome caused by the usable bit of bowel being too short to absorb any nutrients. The only cure for this was to have revision surgery to move the connection up the intestines to allow for more absorption. Now, the reason I chose to go to Mexico in the first place was that I couldn't afford the $30,000 and my insurance wouldn't cover it at all. So, I refinanced my home to get the money to go down to Mexico and have it done for right around $7000. Now, I am 2 1/2 years post op and just had to have revision surgery two days ago here, in Idaho for $48,000, not including all of the specialists visits or multiple scans and tests. And, just to add insult to injury, I went to Mexico for a full gastric bypass, but was apparently given a mini bypass that is kind of a cross between a gastric bypass and the sleeve. He also had reattached my bowel too far down the line so that I wasn't absorbing nutrients. Now, I am lying in a hospital bed trying to deal with the pain after my bariatric surgeon had to basically undo what the Dr. Verboonen did and put me where a gastric bypass should have been in the first place. Also, not only did I pay the doctor in Mexico almost $7000, I am now left with a bill from a second surgery of somewhere around $50,000 (probably more because of there being complications and staying 2 extra days in the hospital). read more

Outstanding!! I had VSG surgery done 3/15/19. I was beyond pleased by the patient care, the staff, the cleanliness of the facility! Ricardo made the entire process wonderful from the time I called for info to weeks after checking in! He showed my 2 friends that came along just how nice Tijuana can be! As we were all a little nervous. Dr. Verboonen did amazing my incisions have healed perfectly and the weight is coming off! The Facility was cleaner than some hospitals I have been to here in FL! I highly recommend Dr. Verboonen and his amazing staff to anyone! read more

Dr Sergio Verboonen brought my life back to me. Thank you for the best care at your facility as well at the hospital. Everyone is so kind and helpful. I would highly recommend having your gastric sleeve done by him and his team. I flew down with my daughter who was going to look after me. And we felt welcomed and safe and never once did I worry about being in Tijuana. Thank you dr Verboonen for bringing me back to my former self. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. read more

Dr. Sergio Verboonen - April 2017 after surgery. Thank you Dr Verboonen - Surgeons Near Me - San Diego, California

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When my husband and I left the facility to go home, we felt like we were leaving family. When we came into the building, I was beautiful. Carlos at the reception desk was so thorough and clear on everything that was going to take place. He was an angel. Then they made sure my husband had everything he needed and would have someone get his food. Dr. Vega explained a lot to me too. He and Dr. Verboonen were very friendly and easy to speak to. Checking in on you throughout your stay. All the nurses are super sweet. We used Google Translator for somethings they didn't understand. Facility is super clean, modern and extremely cold. Prepare yourself for that.i could not have been happier. Dr. V is giving me a chance at a healthy life. My surgery was on 2/18/19. With pre-op diet and surgery, I am down 20.5 lbs .Thank you and your staff. read more

People who work here are very decent and prompt. I have had serious interactions, and have nothing but great experience. In today's medicine it may not be that cumbersome to become a great doctor if one tirelessly improves, is up to date of newest research, does not save money and time to keep everything in place. read more

I had a colonoscopy done with Dr Verboonen, at the obesity clinic, and after he showed me the images tells me he found some polips but if I wanted to have them removed he would charge and additional 2.000 . At first the exam cost me 750. So and additional 2000 to remove what he should have done in the first exam. It's a scam, I had it done at Kaiser for 1700. I think he lacks transparency , I don't think he's honest, should of reported him to medical board in Tijuana. Just be aware I believe he lacks medical ethics. You would believe that a Dr. With nineteen yrs of practice should have more reviews, check the pictures there mostly the same person? read more

Such a wonderful experience! I am at home in Texas, only 3 days out from surgery and I feel great! The doctors and nurses, along with Ricardo and Consuelo are amazing! Dr. Verboonen is terrific! He made several visits to my room, to check in on me and see how I was feeling! I felt 100 percent confident in Dr. V and can't wait to see the results! Thank you all for a terrific experience! read more

Absolutely wonderful!! I am two years post op and I am so happy I chose Dr. V!! I have been back three times with others who also had surgery each one successful and the last one was my son in law who is down 175 pounds!! I would highly recommend my Dr Sergio Verboonen and would answer any questions anyone has!! My email bobkat1065@aol.com!!! read more

If you are considering Bariatric Surgery don't look any further! Dr Sergio Verboonen and his team are the best, dedicated and caring professionals you will find and it will cost you much less of what we are being asked to pay in the States. I suffered a heart attack at age 47 and eight months ago my cardiologist suggested Bariatric Surgery as an option I needed to consider to beat a border line diabetes and lack of mobility due to knee pain. My insurance excluded the surgery so I was on my own looking for options until a relative suggested Dr Verboonen in Tijuana. I know what you are thinking, it crossed my mind too and the first thing I asked the coordinator was how soon can I be rushed to an American hospital if needed, our clinic is located 10 minutes away from the border. Dr Verboonen was very open, I asked all sort of questions and he explained all so well that made me feel I was in good hands as in fact I am. Dr Verboonen is the kind of Doctor we don't see very often now days, he connects with his patients, he promises and he delivers and I value that. The surgery and the logistics arrangements they did for me were great, I walked the same evening of the surgery and left the clinic the following morning, I loved the hotel so much that I even extended my stay a few days to make sure I was ready for the trip back to Miami. The follow up of Dr Verboonen is impecable, despite being so busy he is on top and that is something I can attest, three months later after my surgery, I feel great with 43 pounds lighter, no knee pain and able to walk and wear heels again. My cardiologist is also happy to see all the changes that even reduced my pills and daily dosages. Every day we delay on taking the right decision is a day of your new life you are missing. I simply cannot ask for more. Thank you Dr Verboonen read more

One year ago on April 19th 2017 Dr. Sergio Verboonen saved my life! And I mean SAVED MY LIFE!! I was so depressed and so disappointed in myself I had lost all my reality! I had gained so much weight and was embarrassed to even participate in life any longer! I went to my local bariatric doctor for help. Took all the classes and my insurance would not help pay for it! It was going to cost $37,000 and I was going to pay it!! I met with the doctor and he then told me I wasn't heavy enough for the surgery! So I TOLD HIM, "I'll be back in a month!" schedule my surgery! He then told I couldn't have the sleeve surgery because my thinking was wrong! I went home crushed!! I called my friend crying and she said she knew someone that knew someone that went to Mexico to get this surgery done! We tracked that person down that night and heard her story and called Dr. Verboonen the next morning! They scheduled my surgery for two weeks later! I was so defeated I didn't care where my surgery was I just needed help and I needed it now! I can not say enough about how wonderful Dr. Verboonen and his staff have been for me! They have all worked really hard to make me feel welcomed and important! Dr. Verboonen was there before surgery to talk with me and answer any questions I had, and I had many! he walked me through what he was going to do until I felt ok. That was huge for me! Being post surgery I have lost 72 lbs and 44 inches! I have NEVER felt better and I have regained my life back!! Since my surgery I have helped 33 people with their weightloss journey. I believe in Dr. Verboonen THAT MUCH!! read more

Dr Verboonen is your surgeon if you are looking to have weight loss surgery. I had the gastric sleeve done in May of 2016. Seriously the best decision I have made! The staff was awesome, the rooms were clean and comfortable and Dr Verboonen was awesome. I have had absolutely no complications, have lost 75 lbs and been able to maintain right where I want. If asked if I would do it all over again the answer would be HECK YEAH!!! read more

I am always pleased with my experience with Dr. V. It's not only good to be treated with professionalism and care but he also treats you like family. He always makes me feel that I am in safe hands and makes sure that I am 100% satisfied when I leave. He checks on me and responds immediately when I need him. He is truly the best. I have been seeing him for the past 13 years, so what does that tell you. A big thank you to him and his team. read more

I had a great experience! Very professional. Can't beat the price. I've lost 40lbs. And don't need to lose anymore!

Dr Verboonen and his staff were amazing!, both times!! I had the gastric sleeve first due to my size and have since had the gastric bypass. I have lost and kept off 150lbs to date...the surgery was first class. The pre-surgery visits were thoroughly clarified, and I went into surgery in an otherwise unfamiliar environment with absolute confidence that I was in good hands. The after care I received was excellent and a learn-as-you-go experience, unless you're a pro at having personal surgeries, LOL! My health has continued to improve, blood pressure, blood lab work, and all parameters of measurement have improved since my surgery. I recommend Dr Verboonen and his staff highly for your weight loss needs or goals. read more