Happy Mexico Independence Day!

Hello all,

We're here in Tijuana this week and today is Mexico's Independence Day....

Here's some photos:

Dr. Reyes, all scrubbed up for surgery.

Dr. Sanchez & JoAnne

Dr. Sanchez

Dr. Solis ... we all think she always has the cutiest scrub hats...

Dr. Sanchez & Jamie

August 2011: BeliteWeight Weighs in on Mexico Day 1

Some of the BeliteWeight team made the annual monthly visit to the INT Hospital in Mexico last week. JoAnne brought Melissa, who is managing the public relations of BeliteWeight, on her first trip to Tijuana and sisters Ishi and Joyce came for a night! JoAnne's sister, Teri joined in on the fun later on as well. We met some amazing new people! We even had one of our old patients, Hilda bring one of her co-workers to get a surgery done. We love it when old patients bring their friends to help them live a more healthy and fulfilling life, so if you have any friends who are possibly interested in the procedures, let us know! We would love to give them more information.

Ishi and Joyce waiting to see the Doctor Elmo and Rodriguez

JoAnne with Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Juan Sanchez.. As you can tell Juan loves getting his picture taken.

Beautiful Ishi as she gets a fluoroscopic x-ray.

Ishi and Melissa. Melissa was learning how fluoroscopic x-rays are done.

Ishi getting ready while Dr. Elmo is preparing the fluids.

Joyce watching her sister Ishi.

One of our old patients Hilda came with her co-worker and to show how successful her weight loss has been and looks GORGEOUS! 

Regina and her step-mother waiting for her surgery.

Dr. Rodriguez and Regina's step mother meet before Cindy goes into surgery.

Regina and Dr. Rodriguez

Dr. Rodriguez and Gabby the day after her surgery.

Gabby and her boyfriend the day after her surgery. What a good boyfriend to come out and support her!

JoAnne and the anesthesiologist Doctora

Doctora, the anesthesiologist with Regina as she gets ready for surgery.

BeliteTeam: Joyce, JoAnne, Ishi and Melissa

Hilda with her co-worker/friend Erica the day after her surgery! They both look fabulous!

Melissa, who is in charge of the public relations with Hilda. 

Erin, Melissa, and Hilda.

Everyone in our van with their water, ready to go back to the United States.

JoAnne and Dr. Rodriguez

Gastric Band Patient Donna (came to get her last fill) and Dr. Rod.

 

Gastric Band patient Donna came to get her last fill. She looks so beautiful! We are so proud!

We had an amazing first day on our Mexico trip. As you can tell, we are all a close community at BeliteWeight. When you choose us, you are apart of our family. We always love to know how you are doing and will never leave you in the dark. Don't Wait, BeliteWeight!

She Thought We Needed Some Excitement (TJ July 2011 Part 2)

On Tuesday JoAnne and Jamie headed back down to TJ to assist the rest of the patients. It wasn't as busy as last week and the patients from Monday and Tuesday were doing very well.

Here's Nicole having her leak test / band position checkup on Wednesday morning with Dr. Reyes & Dr. Elmo while her mom observed. It's actually very interesting to watch the live X-ray of the liquid contrast drink flowing down through the new stomach.

Getting in position.

Dr. Elmo setting up the machine.

Dr. Reyes mixing up the drink.

Nicole with her mom watching as Dr. Elmo explains more about the fill port of the Lap Band.

Dr. Reyes looking on and shots of the Lap Band position on the screens.

Screen shots

Bottoms up! Yum...

She didn't like the taste at all.

Dr. Elmo talking more about diet and importance of not drinking with meals.

Nicole, ready to head home!

Nicole's mom saying goodbye to Dr. Rod.

Now, because JoAnne felt that a little excitement was needed, she dislocated her shoulder while sleeping at the hotel on Tuesday night.

We woke up Dr. Elmo at the hotel at 3:30 AM then he and Jamie loaded her up in the car and took her over to the hospital. Dr. Reyes was already called and so he arrived shortly after and had already called a specialist to come over and put it back in place. She then rested the rest of the night at the hospital. Here she is the next morning feeling much better. Thank you Dr. Elmo & Dr. Reyes for being there to help in the middle of the night!

Dr. Rod, JoAnne and Dr. Reyes

Dr. Rod & JoAnne all wrapped up!

Practically Perfect Patients

JoAnne & Jamie went to Tijuana on Thursday, Friday & Saturday last week to assist the patients and doctors for their weight loss surgeries. Although we were there for "work," we had a great time with this group of patients! 

Here are some photos of the trip:

JoAnne & Dr. Rodriguez chatting about business during morning coffee time...

JoAnne & Dr. Rod

Dr. Juan Sanchez takes care of patients once they are back in their rooms.

Kathy waiting for her turn in surgery...

Surgeon Elmo Aramburo... we just call him Dr. Elmo

Robin came to Mexico for a Lap Band to Sleeve Revision surgery, as a veteran of having weight loss surgery in Mexico, she comforted patients of any anxiety they may have. Thanks Robin!

This is Dr. Elmo's mom the morning after her surgery. JoAnne & Jamie were amazed on her quick recovery when we came to the hospital, she told us she was "muy bien," which means "very good" in English.

Dr. Rod & Kathy the morning after her surgery. She was enjoying her ice chips like they were a fine wine!

Dr. Rod with Robin & her son, Josh, the morning after their surgery.

JoAnne, Robin, Dr. Rod & Josh the morning after surgery.

A family surgery fest!  Robin and her two sons, Patrick & Josh with Dr. Rod the morning after all their surgeries. They all had a great recovery.

Joe during his barium swallow test.

Joe & Dr. Rod.

Everything's "Thumbs up" for Joe's test & recovery..

Dr. Reyes, Dr. Elmo, Joe, Dr. Rod & Dr. Sanchez

Sally getting prepped for surgery while talking to JoAnne.

Sally, Nurse & JoAnne

Nancy (Surgical Tech), Dr. Rod & Dr. Elmo relaxing before starting surgery in the morning. 

Nancy & Dr. Rod

A few of the nurses from the floor

Jamie & Alberto in our "office" with Bibi in the background.

The doctors giving a report.

BeliteWeight Group - Bibi, Jamie & JoAnne

Dr. Rod ready for surgery

Joe, ready to head home & JoAnne

Jamie & Joe

Kathy walking "the track" with her IV pole.

Joe with the Hospital Staff Doctor & two of his nurses.

Dr. Reyes & Jamie after he fixed up her toe.

Jamie & Dr. Sanchez (he was tired after helping Dr. Reyes with Jamie's toe just to let everyone know, one of his favorite snacks are Cracker Jacks!)

Dr. Reyes & JoAnne

Alberto & Joe having a laugh as they were leaving to take Joe back to the airport.

Alberto & Joe

Wendy getting on those stockings for her surgery.

Wendy getting all fixed up.

One last phone call to her grand daughter.

Wendy resting right before they took her back to the operating room.

Dr. Sanchez & a nurse getting her situated.

Wendy on her way to the operating room.

Dr. Sanchez

This is called "passing the patient," where they go through the door and pass the patient to the surgical staff in the sterile area.

We had a wonderful time with this group of patients, they were fabulous! Everyone here at BeliteWeight is so excited to follow and guide them through their weight loss journey! No matter where you live we want to help you. If you are interested in these procedures in a safe, fun, loving environment don't hesitate to call today! 1-800-215-6497.