skane10 64 Posted May 20, 2012 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? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellbell33081 115 Posted May 20, 2012 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 1 lorijo67 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skane10 64 Posted May 20, 2012 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. 1 tjmom reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LVbigmom 19 Posted May 20, 2012 Dr. Almanza is a safe surgeon. He did my surgery and I had no complications and was satisfied. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skane10 64 Posted May 20, 2012 LVbigmom, How was your experience for your post-surgery diet? How much have you lost so far? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kimberlyann 14 Posted May 20, 2012 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. 3 girlfriday, zenoosh and shellbell33081 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kat1 24 Posted May 24, 2012 Thanks for posting about Dr Garcia. I am feeling a bit better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellbell33081 115 Posted May 24, 2012 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! 1 girlfriday reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kjntwins 59 Posted May 25, 2012 How much does it cost for the sleeve in Mexico? Do you have follow up care with another surgeon in the states? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeautyVGSJourney 99 Posted May 25, 2012 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! 2 2thenewme and SlimSneezy reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeautyVGSJourney 99 Posted May 25, 2012 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kjntwins 59 Posted May 25, 2012 Oh wow! Why is it so much cheaper there for? I was quoted $28,000.00 for self pay, here in NC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeautyVGSJourney 99 Posted May 25, 2012 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krista 40 Posted May 26, 2012 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skane10 64 Posted May 26, 2012 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. , Share this post Link to post Share on other sites