North_Chicky

I would have to recommend Dr. Illan as well. My experience is also posted on these forums if you want to check it out. My experience was great. I don't know if Dr. Garcia has an on site co-ordinator, but Dr. Illan has Omar. He is great. Omar makes sure you are comfortable throughout your TJ experience. He also will take you out for the best broth ever and pick up some gatoraid and water for you to enjoy at the hotel.

You both look red carpet ready! Way to go!

Hi Annie, I wish I had some pages to direct you and your husband to. I was in a similar situation. I really felt that VSG was for me. Mexico was my only option. My Husband wasn't supportive at all. We had a number of arguments about it. As time progressed, he realized how important it was to me. He said that it was ultimately my choice and although he hoped I would change my mind, he would stand by me. I booked with Dr. Illan through mysurgeryoptions. My surgery was scheduled for July 20th at florence. I arrived for same day surgery, had the preop testing and was brought in to surgery. My experience at Florence was fantastic. Omar was with me to guide me through all the testing and paperwork, he was there when I woke up from surgery. He called my Husband to let him know that surgery went well, before I woke up. The care at Florence was second to none. The nursing staff was sweet and attentive. Upon check-out, Omar took me to Angeles (beautiful hospital) for my leak test. Omar took a video of it and emailed it to me, before he took me for a drive around TJ. Such a beautiful city. We stopped at a restaurant for the best broth that I've ever tasted!! We picked up some gateraid, juice and Jello and checked into Lucerna. During the 2 days at the hotel I had a headache. I was in regular contact with Omar and I had a visit from Dr. Raina (sp) on the first day and Dr. Illan on day two. Dr. Illan called on the first night when he heard that I had a headache. He said that if it continued he would change one of my medications. I'm very prone to headaches, especially when the air pressure changes. So it wasn't a big concern to me, however it was nice to know that Dr. Illan was concerned and was prepaired to offer a solution. I made sure that I was in regular contact with my Husband. Following surgery Omar made sure to remind me to call home ASAP to let my husband hear my voice to make him feel better. I know that you were hoping for hard facts and I'm sorry that I can't provide that. I've heard that you can have a skype chat with Dr. Illan. Maybe having a chance to speak with the Dr, will help your husband feel better. Best of luck.

I went will Dr. Illan. My BMI was around 35ish. No issues.

I had the Mirena in place during my sleeve surgery in July. It wasn't an issue. My only complaint and it's super minor. I've actually had 2 periods since my surgery!!! I haven't had a period in over a year with the Mirena. To be fair, by period I am speaking of heavy spotting for 2-3 days! Each month.

I agree with Gamergirl on her suggestion. I had an old school pen/pad chart. Dr. Illan is who I was sleeved by. I'm in Canada and flew out of Toronto. I couldn't be happier with my experience. I was sleeved on Saturday, July 20, 2013. My recovery has been far easier than I could have imagined. Best of luck with your journey.

Glad you are on the mend Chickadee. I hope the rest of your recovery is easy peasy I had my surgery at florence. My bathroom was in much better condition. Hopefully they take care of the tile issue in that room soon. The nursing staff did seem youngish. I never had concerns with the care though. They were very sweet and caring.

My husband has gout issues. He is very sensitive to fish, lentils, alcohol, asparagus and brocolli. He try's to make sure that he gets 3L+ of water a day. He takes a medication called Colchicine. He takes 1 tablet a day when he is in remission and 3/day when he has a flare up.

I had my surgery in Mexico. The Doctor there told me to take Omeprazole (40mg) for 6 months and then wean down to 20mg if tolerated. If I have issues to go back to th 40mg. 6 months after successfully being on 20mg I'm to try and see if I can do without it.

My 3 week stall lasted for a week. It was pretty annoying. I heard that when you are a little further out that good ways to break a stall are going on a full liquid (including protein shakes) diet for a week. Or the more fun alternative, try to have a day with lots of calories.

I've heard duelling opinions on this. I've heard that you can't target fat loss from specific areas and I've heard that cutting out carbs helps reduce belly fat. Have you been sleeved yet?

I have the fitbit flex and the aria scale. I love both so much! :wub:

I had poutine yesterday. Bad news. I felt terrible. My new tummy is not a fan.

I have a Mirena IUD and don't really get a cycle anymore. Sometimes I will spot for one day a month. About 3 weeks post sleeve, I had a real period. The first in over a year. It was far more than spotting. I hope this isn't going to be my new normal.

I haven't told any co-workers. You can't untell. I figured if I heard 1 negative thing, it would be too much. I had my surgery during my vacation from work. Since I've been back, I've told people that I am cleaning up my eating and trying to treat my body better than I have been. I am almost down 20 pounds including the pre-op. So far no one has noticed or commented.