Johnatwi 23 Posted February 26, 2013 Well, I have been speaking with Alma at ready 4a change about having the sleeve with Dr. Garcia in Tiajuana. Dr. Garcia reviewed my forms and said I would be clear for surgery. This is scary! I've read and researched for a while now! Can any post any current info about Dr Garcia and their experiences, good or bad before I make a decision? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoJo57 63 Posted February 26, 2013 Sleeved January 4, 2013, I had a very positive experience with alma, r4ac, and Dr. Garcia's team. Do you have any specific questions? Sent from my iPhone using VST Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tracyhelen 35 Posted February 26, 2013 I heard some really good things about Dr. Fernando Garcia. I am going to be sleeve on April the 8. I am going to be sleeved by Dr. A Ortiz.. I would use Dr. Ortiz first if not then Dr. Garcia would be the next. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheNEWME! 121 Posted February 26, 2013 I was sleeved by Dr. Garcia on Oct. 30th, 2012 in Tijuana, MX. I also used alma through r4ac and coordinators Rosie and Melissa once at the Hotel and Hospital. They took VERY good care of me! any specific questions you have in mind? So far I've lost 53 lbs in 4 months. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johnatwi 23 Posted February 26, 2013 Thanks to those who have replied. I'm looking for general reviews, the good, the bad, the ugly, etc. how many leak tests did they do? Do they come to the hotel to care for you after the surgery for the two days? How was the pain afterwards? Able to walk pretty quickly? Just any and everything you can give me is appreciated. Pretty nervous, just like everyone else I'm sure about doing this out of the states. Thx! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoJo57 63 Posted February 26, 2013 Hi John. I had two leak tests post surgery - the blue dye and a fluoroscope. Dr. Luna (part of the team) stopped by the hospital several times after surgery to check on me and to remove the drain tube. He came to the hotel to remove the staples on my last full day there. I asked for help with anesthesia-induced nausea before surgery and was given meds to combat that. I walked some while in MiDoctor Hospital, but not as much as my surgery-mate. The gas pain for me was like having a stiff neck. It really wasn't too bad. Mostly I slept while in hospital. The nursing staff would ask me to cover my eyes if they had to come in and turn on the lights - which I thought was sweet. The Marriott hotel has great beds. Some members on this forum have posted detailed accounts of their experiences - you could search for that. I was really nervous about the actual surgery - and really expected to freak out/back out at the last minute. alma helped calm my nerves. Going out of country didn't worry me at all - Medical Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Threetimesacharm 1,400 Posted February 26, 2013 Had surgery September 10th 2012 and reached my goal weight on February 24th I have lost 78.2 pounds. Dr Garcia is an amazingly skilled surgeon and I highly recommend him. They don't care for you at the hotel but do come to see you. I had no gas pains and was up walking all night right after surgery. The nurses too are great as well as the co-ordinators. They do three leak tests: one during surgery and two after. There is no ugly or bad only good.Don't worry you will be fine and on your way to the losers bench. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monicagio 7 Posted February 26, 2013 Had surgery September 10th 2012 and reached my goal weight on February 24th I have lost 78.2 pounds. Dr Garcia is an amazingly skilled surgeon and I highly recommend him. They don't care for you at the hotel but do come to see you. I had no gas pains and was up walking all night right after surgery. The nurses too are great as well as the co-ordinators.They do three leak tests: one during surgery and two after. There is no ugly or bad only good.Don't worry you will be fine and on your way to the losers bench. Hi, I'm considering dr Garcia and since you already used him I have a question about the stitches, is it external stitches or dissolved ones. Also thanks for posting your experience . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
srs82781 83 Posted February 26, 2013 I just got back this past Friday, had my surgery with Dr Garcia on Monday the 18th. It was a great experience. The Marriott was lovely and the whole r4ac staff and hospital staff were great. I had 3 leak tests, one during surgery and two the following day. They stitch the incisions from the inside with dissolving stitches then externally they use a few staples. My drain was removed by a nurse the day I left hospital. And then the day I left the hotel dr Luna came to remove the staples. Rosie was always around to check on me at the hotel. I only stayed one night at hotel post op since I had to get home soon, but had no problems traveling. I'm so glad with the decision I made! Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monicagio 7 Posted February 26, 2013 I just got back this past Friday' date=' had my surgery with Dr Garcia on Monday the 18th. It was a great experience. The Marriott was lovely and the whole r4ac staff and hospital staff were great. I had 3 leak tests, one during surgery and two the following day. They stitch the incisions from the inside with dissolving stitches then externally they use a few staples. My drain was removed by a nurse the day I left hospital. And then the day I left the hotel dr Luna came to remove the staples. Rosie was always around to check on me at the hotel. I only stayed one night at hotel post op since I had to get home soon, but had no problems traveling. I'm so glad with the decision I made! Good luck[/quote'] Thank you so much for answering my question, plus I think I made up my mind, Dr Garcia it is!! I'm glad you are doing great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gonnaloseit8015 37 Posted February 26, 2013 I just got back this past Friday' date=' had my surgery with Dr Garcia on Monday the 18th. It was a great experience. The Marriott was lovely and the whole r4ac staff and hospital staff were great. I had 3 leak tests, one during surgery and two the following day. They stitch the incisions from the inside with dissolving stitches then externally they use a few staples. My drain was removed by a nurse the day I left hospital. And then the day I left the hotel dr Luna came to remove the staples. Rosie was always around to check on me at the hotel. I only stayed one night at hotel post op since I had to get home soon, but had no problems traveling. I'm so glad with the decision I made! Good luck[/quote'] Thank you for this! I am starting to get really nervous! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Threetimesacharm 1,400 Posted February 26, 2013 Hi, I'm considering dr Garcia and since you already used him I have a question about the stitches, is it external stitches or dissolved ones. Also thanks for posting your experience . There are no stitiches per se: they are all under the skin. The incision sites heal up very nicely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njones916 30 Posted February 27, 2013 I too had a hard time choosing, it was between Dr Rodriguez with Belite and Dr Garcia. I researched for over a year and I decided to go with Dr Garcia. I am being sleeved in exactly 2 weeks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johnatwi 23 Posted February 27, 2013 So is the drain as bad as people make it seem? Where does the drain come out of? Stomach, chest? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
srs82781 83 Posted February 27, 2013 I personally didn't think it was that bad, more annoying then anything. One other girl said her drain tube was up very high in her chest so it bothered her. Just irritating to move sometimes. It is a lot of tube in there. The incision for me is right over my left hip and I think that's about the same for everyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites