Jenniferkatie

Washda, i noticed you didn't drink a protien shake...i'm really leaning this way as the protein shakes are really messing up my stomach and are a dread to drink each day...and they make me so full, its hard to get in any other liquids for hrs afterwards...i can only get in about 2oz at a time of foods...half of an egg is max i can get in...took me 2 hrs but i got a little mini brie cheese in and a greek yogurt, but i can't do this with every meal...i can only get about 4 to 5 cups of total fluids in...never more then that...i'm torn and feeling guilty because i think i have to ditch the shakes all together because they really make me not feel well and restrict my drinking....so frustrating

It took me 2hrs yesterday, but i finally ate a whole greak yogurt and a mini brie wheel for lunch!! Now, at breakfast and dinner, i don't have 2 hrs to eat so its a 15 min. deal and thats it! In that way, i can only get in about a tablespoon....so, not sure how 'big" the tummy is if i have to take 2 hrs to eat

Ok, this is really bothering me...for the last 5 days or so, i've had hickups, anywhere from 1 to 3, within 5 minutes of taking EVERY sip or bit of food, WITHOUT FAIL! I can put my watch to it! This no longer hurts to hickup as it once did (i'm 2 weeks out), but seriously, am i destined to a life of hickups? I really hope this is just something temporary and not perminent...but i'm really beginning to wonder...anyone eles have this problem and does it ever go away?

It doesn't seem to matter whether its cold or hot or room temperture...And frequently it's not instantaneous but a few minutes after i drink or take a bite of food...luckily it doesn't hurt when it happens but seriously, its embarasing when i'm constantly hickuping at work!! And we have to drink ALL THE TIME so i'm litterally hickuping in front of my patients!! Today was my first day back to work...i hope this is temporary!

I'm 2 weeks out, started on pureed foods...I'm getting about 2 shakes in a day (total of 48gms of protein), and a total fluids of 5 cups max at this time...I've tried to "eat" but nothing more then a couple of teaspoons or maybe a tablespoon at a meal once a day....i swear i think i have a 1oz tummy! It takes nothing to fill it...I licked the back of a peanut butter spoon tonight for dinner! Is this how my life is going to be always? I can't imagine how i can LIVE with a stomach so small...i envy those who have 6oz tummies and no problems getting fluids in and all their protien....i don't see how that is going to happen for me...and i have the permanent case of hickups with each and every sip or bite i take!! Please someone tell me my stomach will get bigger over time! I really am worried i'll eventually end up hoked to some IV solution to get all my nutrients in

Mellixxa, i'm glad i saved you the time :) Took me 2 hrs but i wanted to get it down for all to see :) They are so efficient and smooth running machine, i think everyone's story would be about the same :)

I would be too!! I know I went with Dr. Garcia and NO COMPLICATIONS!! But i know there are "some" doctors that practice out of strip mall clinics and i would NEVER go to them for this surgery...Dr. Garcia uses Oasis of Hope Hospital/Florence Health is the barriatric floor and i would do it over again in a HEART BEAT!! Best care EVER!!

Here is my story if you want to read! I LOVED Dr. Garcia! Check out www.ready4achange.com and i have only wonderful things to say about my care and stay!! If you want to read my story, continue below :) Who would of ever thought, as a RN who has worked out of many hospitals in the USA, some of the best even, that I would choose to go to Tijuana, Mx for a major surgery? But, it was the BEST decision I could do for myself and my family! I have NOTHING but wonderful things to tell you about Dr. Ferdenando Garcia and his team out of Florence Health/Oasis of Hope Hospital. It all begins with an internet search in looking at Medical Tourism as I have been checking into costs of self paying for the Gastric Sleeve as my insurence, as many others, either wouldn't pay or make you go through some long drawn out process and still in the end, you have to pay loads out of pocket (more then going to Mx), and often still don't even get approved after waiting 6 monthes to a year to jump through all of their hoops...So i did my research...I found some places you wouldn't want to go (DON'T go to anyplace working out of a Clinic in a strip mall! That goes for Mx and the USA!)...but then I found, www.ready4achange.com, and I finally found a place that used a hospital and who had nothing but wonderful reviews for Dr. Garcia and his team of doctors! So, I wanted to get some information and contacted Alma, the coordinator who sets up the ball in motion and boy is she fast and efficient! Super sweet too! She makes sure you get all your paper work in, everything you could possibly need in line to go down to Mx...and she will respond at even the oddest of hours too! So after I got all the finances set up (its $4700 for BMIs up to 50 then its a step increase up to BMIs over 70 even!), I had my surgery date set! It was that easy! In just a month a way, i would be having my surgery! And boy did that day come fast!! I did my preop diet, and that was tough but I kept thinking about my liver and how small I wanted it to be as I already have fatty liver disease so didn't want that to be an issue...Samuel (the driver) and alma emailed me a couple of days before departure to let me know what to expect, contact numbers, and any information I would need to know as I arrived into San Diego...and boy are they johny on the spot! I had just barely gotten off the plane and Samuel Sr. was already waiting and ready for my pick up!! I was the only pick up at that time and he quickly drove me across the boarder and to The Marriott where i'd be staying before and after the Hospital Stay. He was super nice, spoke great English and even pointed out things along the way as a private tour guide I arrived at The Marriott and he assisted me with my luggage and helped ensure I got checked in without any difficulties. He ensured me that Irene, another coordinator, would be contacting me shortly to meet to sign paperwork and to answer any questions I had and also to give me instructions and what to expect the next day, my surgical day!.... Within an hr or so of my settling into the hotel, Irene shows up What a sweet lady!! She signs concents with me and also gives me a stack of papers that were questions regarding my medical history...a much more indepth one then I did previously when getting preapproved for the surgery. She told me to fill these out and bring to hospital the next morning. Talk about thourough! She also explained that I would be checking out around 1015 to be picked up by the drivers at the hotel who would be taking me to Florence health at 1030. At that time, i would have all my presurgery testing done and most likely my surgery time would be around 3. There were only 2 cases on my day of surgery and I would be the first!! YEA! So, a half hr later, all the paperwork was complete, and I was free to do what i wanted till the next day! So, as i was on clear liquids only, i made up some jello for later (there is a small fridge and coffee maker in the room!) and siped on some clear liquids and even ordered the complimentary chicken broth from the restraunt in the hotel! It was GOOD!! I decided to hang out at the pool and just catch some rays and relax to mentally prepare for the next day...I'm glad I got to do that as it really helped get my mind to be calm and let me rest well and I slept great that night! The beds are comfy and LOTS of pillows! The next morning, i indulged in a long shower and used the hotel supplied bath products...they are wonderful Bath and Body shop items of the Orange and Ginger Aeromatherapy items! Loved the smell!! It realy helped to relax and I was set to check out! Made my way downstairs and there was another lady, a Dr. from the Bahamas even, who was going with me over to Florence and she was the second case of the day! The driver quickly got us over to Florence which is about a 30 minute drive through some beautiful country side to the VERY beautiful and SECURE hospital. The Hospital (Oasis of Health) has a wall surrounding the grounds and an entry door into the wall is the only way in and out of the facility....and its gaurded to keep it secure...inside the wall, there is a beautiful garden you can walk around and some patio chairs and tables you can sit and enjoy the sun! Upon entry into the Hospital, we are greated by Eduardo, the hospital coordinator who will be keeping us up to date while we are in the hospital. He takes our paper work and shows us to our private rooms. I was in Rm 13, the same room my hubby was in when he went down 2 weeks before me!...The room is spot clean, not a speck of dust anywhere...The hospital bed is comfy and has a nice fluffy comforter instead of those drab hospital blankets! There is a lounge chair and also a day bed of sorts for any guest that was staying. As soon as I arrive, they bring me my gown to put on and do my labwork (they draw a CBC/BMP/Cholesterol/PTINR and a Urine HIV test), EKG, and Chest XRay. Then a nurse comes in and starts my IV...all of this within an hr of arriving!! So, i'm quickly settled in and then the march of Doctors starts. I had one MD doing the EKG, another is an Internal Med Dr. who comes and asks her questions, then the Follow Up Dr. who does your after care while in the hospital and hotel introduces herself (Dr. Velasco was awesome!), Anesthesiology comes in and does his questions as well, then Dr. Garcia comes in with his IPad and he explains the procedure and draws out the operation to illistrate everything...and they all speak PERFECT English!! All through this process, I have a team of 3 nurses who are tending to me. They start Abx and stomach medications before surgery and also give me an antianxiety medication to drink along with a blood preasure pill to take before going back. Dr. Garcia explains that they are ready for me and I'm quickly taken back to the OR. I remember scooting from the gurney to the OR table and lying there with my arms on the armboards and starting to get a fuzzy sensation and looking up at Anesthesiology and asking if he had given me something already, and I could see his smiling eyes behind his mask and he said "A hah" and I said OK and then I was out The next thing i remember was waking up in my room again and having severe pain in my chest from the gas!! Also i was super hot...i had a oxygen mask on and i was pawing at it and moving my legs everywhere to kick off the blankets...i had my ted hose on that I had put on earlier that day and I also had the pnuematic osilating pressure things on my legs like they use in the states to prevent DVTs....I wanted to get out of bed NOW because all i could think of is that I wanted to walk to get the gas to go away...but i wasn't quite safe to do that yet....they had me sitting up at the bedside and a Dr. who stays on the floor 24hrs a day for any issues that may arrise, came to me and asked if i was having pain, and I told him Oh yea, Lots! And the nurse brought me a dose of Bupinorphine and gave me that in my arm and also another brought in the toradol and tramadol that went into the IV and before I knew it, I was asleep for another hr and half....and boy did i feel better when i woke up!! I was able to easily walk up and down the halls with minimal pain...the nurses were WONDERFUL about coming in like clockwork to give me all of my medications (sterioids for inflamation, toradol/tramadol for pain, reglan/ranitidine/zofran for stomach/nausea, and Abx to keep infection away)...not to mention the bag after bag of various fluids I recieved the 2 days i was there...There were only 3 patients on the whole floor and I had 3 nurses for each 8hr shift! When they do report, they do it at the bedside so there are 6 nurses in your room at that time. Most of the nurses speak good english, some speak enough to get the job done and questions answered, but they all were wonderful at their jobs!! That night, I couldn't drink anything and i did LOTS of walking to get rid of the gas...i was up about every hour and half walking the halls...come the next morning, they came in with a new gown and wanted me to shower. That felt really good getting fresh and clean and I finally got to look to see what all was done...I had 5 incisions and one JP Drain...And it seems they had to use the liver retractor which is why i was having the pain that I was having...hubby didn't have ANY pain and they didn't have to do the 5th incision over the liver/sternum area where the put the retractor...After getting clean, i went down to radiology for the 2nd leak test (they do the first one in OR)....i had to drink this nasty stuff but it showed no leak so i got to finally drink something! They brought me in a small cup of apple juice, water, gatoraid and a glass of ice chips. They refreshened those with each meal time. I slowly worked on these items, never completing all of them ever during my time in the hospital. My little stomach was just not going to be able to get all that in right away...it was a slow process of learning what my stomach can and can't handle right now...As the day went on and into the second day, pain was getting better and gas was starting to move...On the day of DC from the hospital, Dr. Velasco came and took out the JP Drain. Boy did THAT feel weird!! But, i was glad it was gone as i instantly felt less pain with it out! She also informed me she would be by the hotel the next day to remove the staples. I was dressed and ready to go back to the hotel by about 10:30. .Eduardo arrived again with all of our DC bags of goodies! In the bag were medications for pain/abx/stomach medications that we would be taking for the next 5 days and also dressing supplies and our surgical report information and Nutrition information that explains our diet progression for when we go home. There was also a couple bottles of water and a bottle of gatoraid too! We even got a stuffed "stomach" to take home with us!! Kids are going to love that!! LOL! Then, we were escorted from the hospital to the van of the Hotel where we went back and got checked in...unfortunatly, being it was still early (11am), our rooms weren't ready but they let us go to the lounge on the 10th floor to wait till they were available. Checkout at the hotel wasn't till 1pm (which is nice except when you want to check in early!)...so had to wait almost 2 hrs but the lounge was comfortable and they had a t.v. but mostly I naped lightly...Finally got settled into the room and relaxed...I had orriginally thought I would go do something this day, but i was quickly tired and prefered just laying around and working on trying to learn to drink again...I did end up going down to the restraunt to try the soup later that night and only was able to get about 5 spoonfuls in before i was full...jello was my friend and seemed to go down better...The next day, i felt better! I did end up going to the Hipodromo down the road (its this beautiful colosium like place with a walmart, shopping, cassino, food court, and arts/entertainment and even a theater!)...went to walmart and got more gatoraide and was back in time for the MD to arrive to take the staples out...Irene arrived with Dr. Velasco as well and explained that Samuel Jr. would be calling to set up a pick up time to head back to the airport the next day...so I ended up relaxing more this day, went and sat in the sun for a while to read a book, and mostly try to get as much fluids in as possible...i'm up to about 16ozs a day!! Improvement! Samuel called around 9 and let me know he would be picking me up at 12 the next day to head to the airport...And he was like clockwork! He picked us up and we were off!! We had a bit of time before our flights and asked if we wanted a little sight seeing before the airport!...So, we ended up driving through Balboa Park and got to see all the museums and parks and things to do in this "central park" of San Diego :) We made it to our airport in plenty of time and I was excited to finally be heading home to begin my new life!! I again have nothing but wonderful things to say about my entire experience, even afterwards as I have Dr. Garcia on my FB and i can and have asked him questions afterwards and he has quickly responded to them!! If you are looking at having this done and want the BEST experience, Go to www.ready4achange.com and speak with Alma about arranging yours with Dr. Garcia, you will NOT be disappointed!! All for $4700 except for airfare!!!

Agree here!! More ME time and I got to do things on MY time and not feel like i'm having to entertain them Here is my story if you want to read :) Who would of ever thought, as a RN who has worked out of many hospitals in the USA, some of the best even, that I would choose to go to Tijuana, Mx for a major surgery? But, it was the BEST decision I could do for myself and my family! I have NOTHING but wonderful things to tell you about Dr. Ferdenando Garcia and his team out of florence Health/Oasis of Hope Hospital. It all begins with an internet search in looking at Medical Tourism as I have been checking into costs of self paying for the Gastric Sleeve as my insurence, as many others, either wouldn't pay or make you go through some long drawn out process and still in the end, you have to pay loads out of pocket (more then going to Mx), and often still don't even get approved after waiting 6 monthes to a year to jump through all of their hoops...So i did my research...I found some places you wouldn't want to go (DON'T go to anyplace working out of a Clinic in a strip mall! That goes for Mx and the USA!)...but then I found, www.ready4achange.com, and I finally found a place that used a hospital and who had nothing but wonderful reviews for Dr. Garcia and his team of doctors! So, I wanted to get some information and contacted alma, the coordinator who sets up the ball in motion and boy is she fast and efficient! Super sweet too! She makes sure you get all your paper work in, everything you could possibly need in line to go down to Mx...and she will respond at even the oddest of hours too! So after I got all the finances set up (its $4700 for BMIs up to 50 then its a step increase up to BMIs over 70 even!), I had my surgery date set! It was that easy! In just a month a way, i would be having my surgery! And boy did that day come fast!! I did my preop diet, and that was tough but I kept thinking about my liver and how small I wanted it to be as I already have fatty liver disease so didn't want that to be an issue...Samuel (the driver) and alma emailed me a couple of days before departure to let me know what to expect, contact numbers, and any information I would need to know as I arrived into San Diego...and boy are they johny on the spot! I had just barely gotten off the plane and Samuel Sr. was already waiting and ready for my pick up!! I was the only pick up at that time and he quickly drove me across the boarder and to The Marriott where i'd be staying before and after the Hospital Stay. He was super nice, spoke great English and even pointed out things along the way as a private tour guide I arrived at The Marriott and he assisted me with my luggage and helped ensure I got checked in without any difficulties. He ensured me that Irene, another coordinator, would be contacting me shortly to meet to sign paperwork and to answer any questions I had and also to give me instructions and what to expect the next day, my surgical day!.... Within an hr or so of my settling into the hotel, Irene shows up What a sweet lady!! She signs concents with me and also gives me a stack of papers that were questions regarding my medical history...a much more indepth one then I did previously when getting preapproved for the surgery. She told me to fill these out and bring to hospital the next morning. Talk about thourough! She also explained that I would be checking out around 1015 to be picked up by the drivers at the hotel who would be taking me to Florence health at 1030. At that time, i would have all my presurgery testing done and most likely my surgery time would be around 3. There were only 2 cases on my day of surgery and I would be the first!! YEA! So, a half hr later, all the paperwork was complete, and I was free to do what i wanted till the next day! So, as i was on Clear liquids only, i made up some Jello for later (there is a small fridge and coffee maker in the room!) and siped on some clear liquids and even ordered the complimentary chicken broth from the restraunt in the hotel! It was GOOD!! I decided to hang out at the pool and just catch some rays and relax to mentally prepare for the next day...I'm glad I got to do that as it really helped get my mind to be calm and let me rest well and I slept great that night! The beds are comfy and LOTS of pillows! The next morning, i indulged in a long shower and used the hotel supplied bath products...they are wonderful Bath and Body shop items of the Orange and Ginger Aeromatherapy items! Loved the smell!! It realy helped to relax and I was set to check out! Made my way downstairs and there was another lady, a Dr. from the Bahamas even, who was going with me over to Florence and she was the second case of the day! The driver quickly got us over to Florence which is about a 30 minute drive through some beautiful country side to the VERY beautiful and SECURE hospital. The Hospital (Oasis of Health) has a wall surrounding the grounds and an entry door into the wall is the only way in and out of the facility....and its gaurded to keep it secure...inside the wall, there is a beautiful garden you can walk around and some patio chairs and tables you can sit and enjoy the sun! Upon entry into the Hospital, we are greated by Eduardo, the hospital coordinator who will be keeping us up to date while we are in the hospital. He takes our paper work and shows us to our private rooms. I was in Rm 13, the same room my hubby was in when he went down 2 weeks before me!...The room is spot clean, not a speck of dust anywhere...The hospital bed is comfy and has a nice fluffy comforter instead of those drab hospital blankets! There is a lounge chair and also a day bed of sorts for any guest that was staying. As soon as I arrive, they bring me my gown to put on and do my labwork (they draw a CBC/BMP/Cholesterol/PTINR and a Urine HIV test), EKG, and Chest XRay. Then a nurse comes in and starts my IV...all of this within an hr of arriving!! So, i'm quickly settled in and then the march of Doctors starts. I had one MD doing the EKG, another is an Internal Med Dr. who comes and asks her questions, then the Follow Up Dr. who does your after care while in the hospital and hotel introduces herself (Dr. Velasco was awesome!), Anesthesiology comes in and does his questions as well, then Dr. Garcia comes in with his IPad and he explains the procedure and draws out the operation to illistrate everything...and they all speak PERFECT English!! All through this process, I have a team of 3 nurses who are tending to me. They start Abx and stomach medications before surgery and also give me an antianxiety medication to drink along with a blood preasure pill to take before going back. Dr. Garcia explains that they are ready for me and I'm quickly taken back to the OR. I remember scooting from the gurney to the OR table and lying there with my arms on the armboards and starting to get a fuzzy sensation and looking up at Anesthesiology and asking if he had given me something already, and I could see his smiling eyes behind his mask and he said "A hah" and I said OK and then I was out The next thing i remember was waking up in my room again and having severe pain in my chest from the gas!! Also i was super hot...i had a oxygen mask on and i was pawing at it and moving my legs everywhere to kick off the blankets...i had my ted hose on that I had put on earlier that day and I also had the pnuematic osilating pressure things on my legs like they use in the states to prevent DVTs....I wanted to get out of bed NOW because all i could think of is that I wanted to walk to get the gas to go away...but i wasn't quite safe to do that yet....they had me sitting up at the bedside and a Dr. who stays on the floor 24hrs a day for any issues that may arrise, came to me and asked if i was having pain, and I told him Oh yea, Lots! And the nurse brought me a dose of Bupinorphine and gave me that in my arm and also another brought in the toradol and tramadol that went into the IV and before I knew it, I was asleep for another hr and half....and boy did i feel better when i woke up!! I was able to easily walk up and down the halls with minimal pain...the nurses were WONDERFUL about coming in like clockwork to give me all of my medications (sterioids for inflamation, toradol/tramadol for pain, reglan/ranitidine/zofran for stomach/nausea, and Abx to keep infection away)...not to mention the bag after bag of various fluids I recieved the 2 days i was there...There were only 3 patients on the whole floor and I had 3 nurses for each 8hr shift! When they do report, they do it at the bedside so there are 6 nurses in your room at that time. Most of the nurses speak good english, some speak enough to get the job done and questions answered, but they all were wonderful at their jobs!! That night, I couldn't drink anything and i did LOTS of walking to get rid of the gas...i was up about every hour and half walking the halls...come the next morning, they came in with a new gown and wanted me to shower. That felt really good getting fresh and clean and I finally got to look to see what all was done...I had 5 incisions and one JP Drain...And it seems they had to use the liver retractor which is why i was having the pain that I was having...hubby didn't have ANY pain and they didn't have to do the 5th incision over the liver/sternum area where the put the retractor...After getting clean, i went down to radiology for the 2nd leak test (they do the first one in OR)....i had to drink this nasty stuff but it showed no leak so i got to finally drink something! They brought me in a small cup of apple juice, Water, gatoraid and a glass of ice chips. They refreshened those with each meal time. I slowly worked on these items, never completing all of them ever during my time in the hospital. My little stomach was just not going to be able to get all that in right away...it was a slow process of learning what my stomach can and can't handle right now...As the day went on and into the second day, pain was getting better and gas was starting to move...On the day of DC from the hospital, Dr. Velasco came and took out the JP Drain. Boy did THAT feel weird!! But, i was glad it was gone as i instantly felt less pain with it out! She also informed me she would be by the hotel the next day to remove the staples. I was dressed and ready to go back to the hotel by about 10:30. .Eduardo arrived again with all of our DC bags of goodies! In the bag were medications for pain/abx/stomach medications that we would be taking for the next 5 days and also dressing supplies and our surgical report information and Nutrition information that explains our diet progression for when we go home. There was also a couple bottles of water and a bottle of gatoraid too! We even got a stuffed "stomach" to take home with us!! Kids are going to love that!! LOL! Then, we were escorted from the hospital to the van of the Hotel where we went back and got checked in...unfortunatly, being it was still early (11am), our rooms weren't ready but they let us go to the lounge on the 10th floor to wait till they were available. Checkout at the hotel wasn't till 1pm (which is nice except when you want to check in early!)...so had to wait almost 2 hrs but the lounge was comfortable and they had a t.v. but mostly I naped lightly...Finally got settled into the room and relaxed...I had orriginally thought I would go do something this day, but i was quickly tired and prefered just laying around and working on trying to learn to drink again...I did end up going down to the restraunt to try the Soup later that night and only was able to get about 5 spoonfuls in before i was full...jello was my friend and seemed to go down better...The next day, i felt better! I did end up going to the Hipodromo down the road (its this beautiful colosium like place with a walmart, shopping, cassino, food court, and arts/entertainment and even a theater!)...went to walmart and got more gatoraide and was back in time for the MD to arrive to take the staples out...Irene arrived with Dr. Velasco as well and explained that Samuel Jr. would be calling to set up a pick up time to head back to the airport the next day...so I ended up relaxing more this day, went and sat in the sun for a while to read a book, and mostly try to get as much fluids in as possible...i'm up to about 16ozs a day!! Improvement! Samuel called around 9 and let me know he would be picking me up at 12 the next day to head to the airport...And he was like clockwork! He picked us up and we were off!! We had a bit of time before our flights and asked if we wanted a little sight seeing before the airport!...So, we ended up driving through Balboa Park and got to see all the museums and parks and things to do in this "central park" of San Diego :) We made it to our airport in plenty of time and I was excited to finally be heading home to begin my new life!! I again have nothing but wonderful things to say about my entire experience, even afterwards as I have Dr. Garcia on my FB and i can and have asked him questions afterwards and he has quickly responded to them!! If you are looking at having this done and want the BEST experience, Go to www.ready4achange.com and speak with Alma about arranging yours with Dr. Garcia, you will NOT be disappointed!! All for $4700 except for airfare!!!

Biggest thing is education on the part of the PCP (your educating them) on the MD and giving them as much information and reasurence as possible. Unfortunatly, Americans in general have a preconcieved idea that our way is the best and only way but that just is NOT true...its good that you do this before surgery though so that your PCP will be more comfortable in following up (as it really is only about labwork and wt. loss monitoring)...i had mine last week and just had my first PCP follow up for 1 week PO and she has been impressed with the care we have recieved and also with the surgical report that we recived from our MD in MX. It explained everything from medications we used to pre and post surgical findings and if any complications, ect. We (hubby and I) are doing great...he is 3 weeks po and i am 1 week...most doctors are OK as long as they have a way to contact the MD if needed questions arrise or need information, ect...I plan on going back at one month for FU and blood work...then 3 monthes...per my Mx MD sugestions...Our MD in the USA need more education and of course, going with a MD that is credible for sure...you have to do your research! Go to a HOSPITAL, not a CLINIC in a strip mall! I went with Dr. Garcia at Oasis of Hope/Florenece Health at www.ready4achange.com and i would do it again in a heart beat!!

Did you email/fax/mail the papers? She is SUPER fast! I agree with the others, she will call you back, email you back and odd hrs! She is the bomb! Well, the whole organization is! I am currently awaiting my procedure! Just a few hrs to go!

Dr. Garcia is $4700 and is all inclusive of 3 total nights at the marriott and two nights in the hospital..all things are covered except for air fare...they do charge this price for all BMIs up to 50 and then do a step increase after that for up to and over 70bmi. Airfare to San Diego depends on when you buy...i bought with in a month or so of the surgery and during the summer monthes, so was higher, about $400...on expedia.com....that is the airport everyone uses though...I'm actually here right now waiting for my procedure to begin! Good luck~

Hubby went down almost 2 weeks ago with Dr. Garcia and Dr. Luna and the whole team was WONDERFUL! We couldn't of gotten this level of quality care in the states if we paid 4 times what we did in Mx. I am so glad we choose to go with Dr. Garcia and the team and look forward to going down on Sunday to have MY sleeve done on July 8th!! I can't wait to meet the whole team and thank them for the fabulous and professional jobs they have all been doing...they have changed our lives!

My hubby just had his sleeve on June 21! He is currently staying at The Marriott having been discharged from the hospital this morning...He had a WONDERFUL experience with Dr. Luna/Garcia and the team!! VERY professional and wonderful care from all the medical staff!! Dr. Luna came by twice a day to check and assess and even did a 30 minute video conference with me back home at hubby's bedside talking about everything while sitting in a chair by his bed sipping a coffee!! What doctor does that in the USA??The nursing staff were super attentive and were there for every need...They checked in on him at least hourly and his pain was well maintained on toradol and tramadol when the toradol wasn't kicking it by itself...He didn't have any nausea and everything went as smooth as silk! He actually could of gone home today, but will be staying till tuesday Got to say, he is getting bored but isn't the kind to go sight seeing I go down on the 7th for my surgery on the 8th and plan to do some sightseeing if i can! !LOL!...There is a 4D theater near by and a new mall from what i've heard...and i'll deffinatly be using the pool the day before surgery I can't wait to get down there and have mine done and finally be on the other side of this surgery

Hubby had his on friday and is doing fabulously! He had Dr. Luna and Garcia with Dr. Luna doing all the follow up visits He had a great experience and is currently at The Marriott now and flys back home tuesday evening June 25th He had nothing but wonderful things to say about the medical staff, facilities, and care he recieved

Hubby is down in Tijuana right now...he had his sleeve done on friday with Dr. Luna/Garcia...he is back at the Marriot today for the rest of the 2 nights...he had a WONDERFUL experience with all the Medical Staff at Florence Health...had the best of care and he is now virtually pain free and doing well In fact, he probably could of gone home today, but he is staying till tuesday evening as part of the package...I'm going down on July 7th for my sleeve on the 8th...after seeing how well his surgery and recovery has gone, i'm excited to get on the other side of this procedure The Marriot is a great hotel and very nice! Hubby said it was probably one of the best places he has ever stayed I can't wait to try out the pool upon arrival I figure it will be a couple of weeks before i'll be able to go again, so take advantage while you can

I love the Syntrax Nectar Strawberry Mouse (tastes JUST like strawberry milk!), Chocolate Torte, Double Chocolate Cookie (YUM!), Vanilla Tort, Latte is good if you like coffee, and the fuzzy navel is good too...i always put skim milk in mine as it tastes SOOO much better that way and gives you 9 more grams of protein! Persoanally, i would steer clear of the "fruity" nectars except the fuzzy navel and the caribean cooler which is like a pina colada which is good but not sure if i want 36 servings of it!!

WOW, you look GREAT!! Did you have any plastics after loosing all your weight? How tall are you? I hope to loose like you!! Got a long way to go, but if i can get down to 150lbs, i would be over the MOON!!! Congrats!!

Good luck! I know you will do awesome!! So happy for you!

I'm going with Dr. Garcia in Tijuana in July! I've heard nothing but awesome thing about his work and service of the whole surgical team and care at the hospital land hotel...i'm having mind done at Florence health hospital (oasis of hope)...And its only 30 min. from san diego airport!

I just informed my PCP that I was going to Mx for my and my hubbys procedure this summer...at first she was concerned about the ability to get in toucch with the MD for questions or concerns. She stated that as long as she has contact information, copies of instructions afterwards, leaktest results and surgical report, she would be happy to do the follow up care. I think the MDs are aware of the state of our healthcare situation and are concerned for our well being as well as obese pt.'s who currently have no "problems" but this could quickly change in a heart beat...I can't wait till a couple of monthes out and coming in for a routine appointment and labwok and see the differences :)...I'm so glad she gave her approval, as that is a relief off of my sholders if something were to come up, who would be willing to care for me....i do think it is most proper though to notify them before hand that you are going to Mx for the procedure...I think they would be more willing to accept the responsibility if they know before hand then if you just walk into the office and let them know it was done already and hope they don't mind...just common curtousy I think....Can't wait for mine in July and hope hubby gets his this june!

I hope you are able to work something out with your aunt! If all else fails, Ready4achange has financing available through their website too....I'm going with Dr. Garcia as well on July 8th! I just broke the news to my parents...of course they were worried about the whole Mexico thing too...but if you give your aunt all the info you have gotten, showed them those who have been and had the procedure an how it went for them...pictures of the facilities/hotel, she should feel better about it...Good luck!