I just had a sleeve operation done at the Toronto Western Hospital in March/13. I am about 3 weeks post-op. I was slated for an RnY operation but I spoke to the surgeons and asked for a sleeev instead. They told me that that was not a problem, and in fact when they go in, if they encounter any difficulties doing an RnY, they default to a sleeve anyways.
The pre-op time with Optifast was an absolute breeze. Nerver hungry at all, and the weight just fell off. Big key... use crushed ice with optifast. I MUST be drank cold.
Post op, easy as well. Tender for the first while, but up and walking does wonders. Weight still coming off quickly.
For tinkerbell,... I was all set to head for Mexico as well. But just before making the appointment I went to my family doctor to get his take on it. He told me about our provincial plan and got me an app't. He explained that we have a very extensive support program here and it is very important to have that. I didn't want to just loose a bunch of weight only to regain that, and more down the road.
So I went with the OHIP plan. It took longer but I think it was well worth it, and i cost nothing. Bonus. I really wasn't worried about the money, I just had had enough of being "the fat guy over there". When I spoke to the surgeon about having the sleeve so that I could still take my arthritis medicine, they said no problem. I would suggest that you speak to them because the follow-up and support here is really important I feel.
Just my take on things, but good luck both of you.