The clinic at the center of a series of severe allegations says that neither guns or armed guards were involved in a patient’s plastic surgery tourism trip, and that the patient’s “express written consent” was given for all procedures performed, which included a Brazilian butt lift and breast augmentation surgery.
Kimberly McCormick, 65, of Seattle, Washington, recounted a harrowing series of events she says she endured while in Mexico. Fox 13 Seattle exclusively obtained and published that story, November 10.
The claims were severe, the clinic unidentified.
NewsNation reported additional exclusive details, including for the first time, allegations that machine guns were involved, on November 18.
The clinic remained unidentified in both reports, and neither outlet reported having reached out to the clinic for comment.
McCormick and her daughter, Misty-Ann, variously alleged that McCormick was given a Brazilian butt lift and breast implants, despite agreeing to neither procedure, and that they were held at gun point, and pushed down a flight of marble stairs.
Data suggests that several hours before NewsNation aired the McCormick’s machine gun claims, MistyAnn McCormick launched a GoFundMe, seeking $150,000 in donations.
Two donors had given $70.00 as of Wednesday evening, November 22.
“I was beaten with a machine gun, kicked and pushed down 3 stories of marble stairs. however I would not leave my mother there. there told me if we did not pay them they would put us in Mexican Prison and we would die. Please help my mother and I get the treatment and therapy we need. after being held hostage and surgically mutilated, and sexually assaulted.”
MistyAnn McCormick, GoFundMe, seeking $150,000 USD for “Emergency Reconstruction of a Botched Surgery”
The clinic allegedly involved in this incident was identified on November 15 as the Mexico Bariatric Center by @TJBotched, an Instagram account devoted to medical tourism:
The Daily Mail reported the same on November 20, relying only on past reports from Fox 13 and NewsNation, neither of which noted what clinic was involved.
Clinic Statement: Mexico Bariatric Center
The Mexico Bariatric Center provided the Times the following statement Wednesday afternoon:
“In light of Ms. McCormick’s medical privacy, we are limited in what we can now say about her concerns. We have verified, however, that the hospital received Ms. McCormick’s express written consent to all the procedures performed on her.
“We also have verified that Ms. McCormick’s daughter was asked to leave the hospital. But that request was not made by armed security. Furthermore, that request was necessitated after Ms. McCormick’s daughter entered the hospital with a dog and insisted that she be allowed to bring it into her post-operative mother’s hospital room. For understandable reasons, the hospital does not allow animals in areas hosting post-operative patients.
“We strive for 100% client satisfaction and do everything within our means to ensure we reach that goal. We will continue to investigate Ms. McCormick’s claims and, to the extent any are true, will take whatever action necessary to correct and prevent any similar situation in the future.“
The McCormick’s did not respond to requests for comment sent since last Saturday.
The Times acknowledges its limited ability in verifying the claims of either party.