Mom’s journey to Mexico for discount skin-tightening surgery turned into a horrifying experience. Kimberly McCormick, a 65-year-old woman, is sharing her cautionary tale about the risks of medical tourism and the importance of thorough research when considering procedures abroad.
Kimberly had previous success with weight-loss surgery in Mexico six years ago. Encouraged by her positive experience, she returned to the same clinic for a procedure to remove excess skin after losing an incredible 150 pounds. The allure of low costs, with the surgery priced at $13,000 in Mexico compared to an estimated $50,000 in the US, seemed hard to resist. Little did she know that this decision would lead to a nightmare.
Upon waking up from the surgery, Kimberly was shocked to find breast implants and a Brazilian butt lift, procedures she never wanted. Distressed and confused, she immediately called her daughter to share her anguish. She described waking up with “huge breasts, which I never would have wanted, not in a million years.”
To make matters worse, Kimberly discovered that one of her lungs had partially collapsed during the surgery, putting her life at risk. The markings before the surgery indicated that she was supposed to have a leg lift, arm lift, breast lift, and tummy tuck. She couldn’t understand how she ended up with completely different surgeries.
Kimberly’s daughter, Misty Ann McCormick, who accompanied her mother, also had a distressing experience. Initially prevented from visiting her mother after the botched surgery, Misty Ann was horrified when she finally saw Kimberly. Her lips were blue, her nose was grey, and her oxygen tank was disconnected. The lack of urgency and inadequate medical attention added to their anguish.
Their ordeal took an even darker turn when Misty Ann was forcibly removed from the hospital by armed men who subjected her to physical violence. She was beaten and thrown out of the hospital, encountering unhelpful police officers outside. To add insult to injury, the hospital demanded an additional $2,500 for extended recovery, coercing Kimberly into signing a form stating she wanted the unauthorized surgeries. The threat of arrest loomed over them.
Back in the United States, Kimberly sought treatment for a severe infection acquired from unsanitary conditions at the Mexican hospital. However, their troubles continued as American authorities provided little assistance. Misty Ann’s encounter with San Diego police, who directed her to call the Tijuana police, the same officers who mistreated her, only added to their frustration.
Kimberly’s story highlights the potential dangers of medical tourism, especially in countries with different healthcare standards and regulations. Lower costs can entice patients, but it is essential to weigh the risks before making any decisions about medical procedures abroad.
The Mexico Bariatric Center, where Kimberly sought treatment, is known for its medical tourism offerings in bariatric surgery. While cost savings can be substantial, patients must carefully consider the risks involved in seeking procedures abroad. Kimberly’s experience underscores the importance of researching medical facilities and consulting trusted healthcare professionals.
As Kimberly faces physical, emotional, and financial challenges with an estimated $75,000 hospital bill to rectify the damage caused by the unauthorized surgeries, it is crucial to increase awareness and vigilance in the realm of medical tourism. Pursuing beauty and wellness should never compromise one’s safety and well-being.
