light_lady

Definitely waking up from the anesthesia, hands down. I went to Tijuana alone and was terrified and disoriented when I woke up... no fun. Thankfully, that part of recovery is over in no time! I'm only 12 days post-op though... Oh, spontaneous hiccups are a little embarrassing when in public

Congratulations on scheduling your surgery! I can't speak to aftercare with Dr. Kelly, Dr. Garcia Govea was my surgeon, but my husband had second thoughts, and third thoughts, and fourth thoughts.... so I know a little bit of what you're going through now. As far as aftercare for Mexico sleeve patients, in general, there are tons of us on here who have had amazing experiences with a variety of south-of-the-border surgeons. Of course she's just worried because she loves you bunches, I'm sure, but maybe it might put her mind at ease a bit to read some of the success stories from the My Story section on this sight? I let my husband poke around on the sight for a few hours and it went a long way to easing his mind. Best wishes!

Anyone else going to be at Florence/ the TJ Marriott between the 13th and the 18th? I'm getting sleeved with Dr. Garcia on the morning of the 14th and am going without a "support person", so it would be great to know someone else who will be there. -Q

I'm 24 and was sleeved on Friday! So far 15 lbs down, including 1 week pre-op diet Nice I meet all of you. Any San Francisco folks in this bunch? It would be cool to find some young sleevers to have tea with once a month in the city, or something!

It looks like I will be leaving tonight as soon as Samuel drops you off, but best of luck to you in your surgery! I'm sure you'll do great I'll try to be downstairs when you get here so I can at least say hi!

Wish I'd seen this last night! Have you left yet?

Cool, I'll just be hanging out in my room if you want to stop by

HazelEyes, so sorry I missed you!

Olivia23, what time will you get to the hotel tomorrow? I'm in room 409 if you want to stop by when you get in!

Olivia23, he uses staples and Dr. Luna will come to the hotel to remove them before you leave! Everything went really well and I feel great! Can't wait to go home though, I'm a little homesick... being here by myself has been a little lonely, but all of the nurses and Drs have been so kind and attentive. Let me know if you have any more questions at all! I would be happy to answer them So glad I did this for myself! Best decision ever.

Anyone have to have a rectal exam before surgery with Dr. Garcia? I was just reading over my medical forms and was a little startled when I saw "genital and rectal exam" on the Dr. forms! Help!

Oh my goodness! Irene and Dr. Luna just came by and WOW, the other ladies seriously weren't kidding when they said he was attractive.... Of course here I am in my leggings and oversized sweatshirt! What a pretty, pretty man!

I'm arriving on the 12th, having surgery on the 14th! Maybe we can meet up one you are discharged from the hospital after your second night

@Hazel Eyes, I'm so glad you will be there too! I come down on the night of the 12th and will be there till the 18th. I can't wait to meet you as your mom! @Olivia23, I'll be able to see you before your surgery, which is awesome I'll make sure to take notes so I can tell you exactly what to expect!

Thanks KittyLouSou I can't wait!

I have surgery scheduled for June 14th with Dr. Garcia and am staying at the Marriott! I will make sure to let everyone know exactly how it goes

Have any of you applied for a loan through surgeryloan.com? If so, how long did it take for them to get back to you? I've tried calling customer service to check on the status of my application, but it seems impossible to get through!

Hi Everyone, This is my first time posting! I have been visiting the site for a few years and finally decided that it was time to ask this hugely supportive and inspirational group of people for some advice regarding my situation.... I am 24, live in San Francisco, and am desperately trying to find a way to pay for my surgery. I have numerous weight related health problems but, because my BMI is 34.5 (not 35) I have been denied coverage by Premera Blue Cross. I have appealed their decision twice, with no luck, and am instead taking the self-pay route. I have been saving for 6 months because I know what a difference the band will make in my life, but Dr. Cirangle has quoted me $17,000 for the surgery (all inclusive) and I have no where near that much saved..... So, this brings me to my question! I'm looking for advice regarding financing, specifically Care Credit as I believe that is the only company Dr. Ciranlge works with. Which companies have you worked with? Would you recommend them? Do any of you have experience financing your surgery with a low credit score? Any idea what the score requirements are for various companies? Most sites use descriptors like "excellent, good, fair, poor, bad", which doesn't really tell me much. My fiancee has a score of 700 and is willing to apply for a loan for my surgery, he knows I've wanted this for a long time, but we are worried about being denied and having his score take a hit from applying for too many lines of credit. It would be wonderful to hear your stories and get as much information as possible! My 2nd consultation appointment is on April 2nd and I am very much hoping to have my surgery before May...... Thanks, in advance, for any information you have! I am so inspired by all of your stories <3 light_lady

forensic6, I actually completely agree with your logic; what is 5 extra lbs, when your health and your future are on the line? Then again, I firmly believe that insurance companies should look at bariatric patients holistically. Just because you don't quite have a BMI of 35, doesn't mean you won't benefit immensely from the surgery... Its a shame that so many people who need the band aren't given the chance because they fall just a little bit short.

Looks like my surgery will be the first week of May! Gigglypug, I'm in Northern California.... But we're in the same state! Where are you going for your surgery?

Thanks everyone, for the advice! Looks like my fiancé and I will have the best luck by taking out a loan against one of our cars... We are going to start the process tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes!

No flex spending, sadly, and my insurance company requires that you have had a BMI of 35-40 for more than a year..... if they didn't, yeah I would totally just gain the 10lbs it would take for me to be approved.