jspitznogle

I found this site to be very helpful. Its kind of concerning that Dr. Kelley has been excused from various hospitals. I thought that was good to know. Just my thought. Anyway here is the link (LINK DELETED BY SITE ADMIN)

Hello Psychicgreer I had surgery in Tijuana and had a great experience. My Dr was Fernando Garcia the cost was $4500. Hospital was Florence. Everything went well, I am two months out and 40Lbs down. I have had no complications and hardly any pain from surgery. I was sleepy after surgery and that was about it. You can let me know if you have any questions.

Kindle yes me too about the pet peeve I was trying to keep my mouth quiet about Obamacare. LOL You said it very correctly and without words I would have used. yes I did have great healthcare but now none at all. It really helped those that it was meant to help.... the insurance companies.

Surfer Girl, no I am not eligible for medicare and that price is with the subsidy. But all went well with surgery almost 8 weeks out. I'm very happy with my sleeve. For me it was a great decision. I wish you all the best as well.

Surfer Girl, I know you have good intentions but I for one have checked insurance prices. for me it is $628 per month with a 12600 deductible. Where in the world would I get an extra $20,000 a year? It may not be much to some people but that is almost half my yearly pay? so just saying for some people insurance isn't an option. I chose to save $5000 and just get it done and over.

I have no insurance and was sleeved 10/21/14. I have not had any issues and have not seen a Dr since. I take Opurity vitamins and just listen to my stomach, it tells me what to eat, when and how much. I'm down 35Lbs and doing Excellent! Feeling very healthy. No hair loss, no diarrhea, no pain at all since surgery.

Kimrod My date is 10/21 I would like to be added. Thank you

Not at all! Me Too

I'm with Ready 4 a Change. My surgeon is Dr. Fernando Garcia. I'm taking the train to San Diego and staying at the Marriot the 20th having surgery the 21st. Then I'm staying at the Marriot in Tijuana until the 27th. I just decided to make it a fun vacation and rest and relax. Then taking a nice slow relaxing train ride back home. will you be staying at a hotel in Tijuana. I don't mean to ask personal questions and you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. Best of luck! Maybe see you there.

OMG me too! I'm going to Tijuana October 21st! I will be at marriot hotel and Florence hospital. Look me up. I will be alone. I'm taking the train.

Just a tip that works for me. I am practicing with the stir straws. they have such a small middle they force you to sip. I found the long ones at wal mart. They work great for me.

Just found this nurse forum. Its great that we can all support each other as we are usually the one giving the support. I'm a travel LPN have been for 15years. I am self pay for Tijuana. Had a big panic attack last nigh. My date is 10/21/14. I decided to take the train from Iowa and make it a fun adventure, spend a few extra days in Tijuana before heading back by train. I am getting so scarred. All the what ifs are hitting me. I put down my deposit yesterday so I think that's why it just all became a reality. No backing out, it is what it is.

Wow Traveler60, that sounds like a long way. I think the train will be relaxing and fun.

Ok so I found out my sister can't get off work to go with me so I'm going alone and scared. But I'm going to make a fun trip out of it and take the train to San Diego. Anyone traveled on Amtrak? I never have but it seems like fun except I will be on my pre op diet, not sure how that will work but it will be an adventure. Is anyone else going on the 21st with dr Fernando Garcia?

OK, train it is! I will post my adventure. Thank you so much for the input. I really appreciate it.

Hmmmm. I don't see where I would take a bus. I found I would take southwest chief from Fort Madison Iowa to Los Angeles then change trains to San Diego. Where did you see I would take a bus? That may make a difference?

The train ride will be about 40hrs. I hate to fly I tried looking at plane tickets but when I saw this picture with a plane in the air I had a panic attack. Just can't do it. I'm afraid if I get a plane ticket I won't be able to get on the plane. I have flown a few times and panicked the whole way. Plus the thought of blood clots concerns me. So I will have fun on the train.(I hope). is it safe to leave my bag unattended to go to the observation car? Can you take a shower?

Thank you Sunkistme! That helps a lot. I am not spending the money for a sleeper car I will call them to get a lower level seat. Where is your luggage kept? Will they help me lift my bags?

October 22 in Mexico

I'm going to TJ Mexico alone and wanted to know what do I do with my luggage and stuff while in surgery? Is it safe to leave it in the hospital room? Is there a place to lock it up? What have others done when they go alone? Edit: I didn't state that very well, I'm thinking of things I have to take like passport and I will need to have some money/credit card I can't go penniless in case of emergency. I will need to take my cpap and clothes. I know not to take valuables I don't have to have. I hope I explained better this time. thanks

Luckyone53, Great question. There is lots of info on this site under surgeons or you can google his name.

Good point so I asked them. I will let you know if I get a response.

On another wls forum I found the same hostility to anyone who wants something different than the DS.

I was going to go with Dr. Kelly at one point then I found a website that compared the Dr's and saw that Dr Kelly lost privileges at many hospitals due to not using a drain. My opinion is that's dangerous practice. So I went with Dr Garcia. Just my thoughts. I can't find that website I saw that on.

If someone wants to give me their name I will use you as a referral for vita cost.com