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HELP! I have been reviewing surgeons and various facilities and now am a little confused. I have looked into A Lighter Me who works with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Garcia. I have been contacted by their coordinator Louise. I also looked at Dr. Almanza and have been contacted by Sandy and then Melissa. On the A Lighter Me website, Melissa is mentioned as a coordinator. Does Melissa work for both surgeons? Also, Almanza is listed as operating out of Jeruselum hospital (which is really a clinic) but Melissa contacted me and signed her email from Mt. Zion. When I checked Mt Zion's website, it is actually Jerusulem hospital. I have also seen past posts where Dr. Almanza operated Emmanuel Hospital.

Do you see why I am getting confused? I am just looking for a surgeon who is experienced, has low infection and leak rates, has good reviews and uses a hospital. Can anyone help me sort through this and is Almanza a safe surgeon?

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I went with successfully slimmer which works with obesity solutions(same as ready 4 change). it seems a lot of coordinators work together despite which company you choose. dr. garcia is an excellent surgeon. the facilities are clean and the staff is awesome. i didn't use almanza because i wanted to be in a hospital, not a clinic. everyone has their own preference. do your research and go with who you feel comfortable with :)

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Thank you for reading and replying. How was your experience with Dr. Garcia? Any issues, complications, ect? I am very interested in people's progress after they had the sleeve.

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LVbigmom,

How was your experience for your post-surgery diet? How much have you lost so far?

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I chose Dr. Garcia because he has a hospital. I was treated like gold and the hospital is spotless. It is small but clean. I was worried about ansthesia due to previous gall bladder surgery and the trouble I had coming out of ansthesia. I explained this to Dr. Cordova, the ansthesiaologist (sp) and he put me at ease immediately. He gave me a breathing treatment before surgery and said he would keep a close eye on me. I did not have a stitch of problems. My friend is using Dr. Almanza, she will be in a clinic setting and at a recovery house. Dr. Garcia requires a 2 night hospital stay and then 2 nights they send you to the Marriott. All included in the price (also the night before surgery at the Marriott). I highly recommend Dr. Garcia and his staff, I am trying to get my daughter scheduled there also. I could not be happier. I am 9 days post op and as of today have lost 23lbs. 9lbs post op diet.

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Thanks for posting about Dr Garcia. I am feeling a bit better.

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I love Dr.Garcia! The nurses were great! The hospital is small, but very clean. The Marriott is a dream! lol LOVED having 6 pillows on my bed lol. The staff at the Marriott is also excellent. I will be 5 weeks post op tomorrow and have lost 24.4lbs. I only had a 5 day pre-op diet so that total is from my highest weight pre-op, Good luck with the surgeon you choose! You'll love being a loser! :D

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How much does it cost for the sleeve in Mexico? Do you have follow up care with another surgeon in the states?

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I had my surgery with dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana Mexico, I loved my experience! You can watch my videos if you want, I posted my surgery and many other videos. My coordinator was Trish and the cost $5500 plus air fare. I spend $6000 total with tips, airfare, and stuff I bought there. I had a great experience and highly recommend him and his team. He is very experienced and has taught many surgeons such as Dr. Almanza.

Good luck!

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How much does it cost for the sleeve in Mexico? Do you have follow up care with another surgeon in the states?

My follow up is by my pcp if I need it, she will do blood work and such. Total cost for me with flight and spending money was $6000

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Oh wow! Why is it so much cheaper there for? I was quoted $28,000.00 for self pay, here in NC.

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The cost of living is a lot cheaper in Mexico, so its the cost for hospital stays and such. Medical school is also a lot cheaper there and surgeons don't have to pay the ridiculous amounts on liability insurance that they have to pay here. In Texas where I am is ~$13000, I heard of other states where is over $50000, so those are very big different amounts and it all depends on many factors. My surgeon is very experienced, more experienced than all of the surgeons I talked to here locally, which was one of the many reasons I decided to go to Mexico, and I am glad I did!

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I also had my surgery with Dr ponce de leon, and would recommend him to anyone! And I cannot say enough good things about our coordinator, Trish :) My nerves were awful leading up to surgery, and Trish helped bring me back to earth :lol:

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Shellbell my surgery is with Dr Garcia on 6/25 in TJ. I'm excited and nervous. My company is taking us on a retreat with a great cookout and I'm going to be on my 3 day total liquid diet :(

How well was your transition after surgery for pain, getting enough Water and Proteins and adjusting to food? How much food are you taking in. Any pointers for me? My last minute dash is getting my passport expedited.

,

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    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
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      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

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