Sleeve: The UNTOLD Story

[NotTelling2013 22]

So let me start by saying a few words as to why I'm writing this. I was recently sleeved by Dr. Garcia in Tijuana and I am very happy with my results -- so far. If you want to read moment by moment blows of someones happy surgery, this isn't the blog. I've read every blog here and a majority are dead on accurate. But there's a lot no one bothers to mention and I wish someone had. Also, I'm posting this from a made-up user ID.... I read the boards daily and respond frequently, but prefer to keep some elements of my issues private (as you'll read). Thanks!!

First, Waiting! I appreciate in the U.S. were go-go-go people who are comfortable with our busy, full schedules but in Mexico, there is NO scheduling at all! You sit and wait, and wait, and wait. The day of my surgery we were taken at 6:45 to the hospital, we waited until after 9am for the hospital staff to even arrive to check us in. Once in my room, more waiting; I didn't have my surgery until NIGHT! Despite numerous attempts to ask when (approx) my surgery would be - "soon" is the only answer I got. Want to go shopping after surgery, plan to wait. No one can tell you if or when or how long. I waited 2 whole days and then in a matter of minutes of a phone call, was expected to be ready.

Second - Coordinators. Good luck. I saw my coordinator ONCE on the very LAST day. Once I was taken back to the hotel, I had questions I needed answered and despite my attempts (for over an hour) and the hotels attempts, no one could reach them. And their voicemail boxes were full - wonderful. What if I had an emergency?

Third - Not Like U.S. Hospitals. Now I accepted this going in. BUT, if when waiting to be taken into ER I am awake and can see the person before me laying naked on the OR table - I'm sorry, I find that bothersome to several degrees. First, how many germs are flooding through those open doors? Second, if I was awake enough to see someone (who I actually knew from these boards and hotel), then who is seeing me? Not cool.

Fourth - The Yucky (yes, the yucky truth - feel free to skip) No one bothers to tell you that your pee after your final leak test will be BRIGHT green for days - not an issue, but a heads up would've been nice. And the diarrhea - oh my stomach aches just thinking about it. It smells horrendous - like sick tummy. Its lasts for, I don't even know how long, I still have it, and its explosive. So yes, you probably will shart yourself. Just speaking the truth here.

Again, I want to say I am HAPPY with my results ---- these were just things NO ONE bothered to mention and it would've been nice to prepare a bit better. So, bring a extra book, ask all your questions before you leave, ask to be drugged up before going to the OR and sit on a towel afterwards and you should be ALL set!

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

Yikes!

[No game 14,437]

That's what I was thinking!!

[lsereno 2,525]

So sorry to hear your issues. Have you cut out dairy? I developed lactose intolerance following surgery and at first the only Protein drink I tolerated well was the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken.

Lynda

[Bree 65]

hoooooo lawd!

[NeNe1284 26]

So let me start by saying a few words as to why I'm writing this. I was recently sleeved by Dr. Garcia in Tijuana and I am very happy with my results -- so far. If you want to read moment by moment blows of someones happy surgery' date=' this isn't the blog. I've read every blog here and a majority are dead on accurate. But there's a lot no one bothers to mention and I wish someone had. Also, I'm posting this from a made-up user ID.... I read the boards daily and respond frequently, but prefer to keep some elements of my issues private (as you'll read). Thanks!!

First, Waiting! I appreciate in the U.S. were go-go-go people who are comfortable with our busy, full schedules but in Mexico, there is NO scheduling at all! You sit and wait, and wait, and wait. The day of my surgery we were taken at 6:45 to the hospital, we waited until after 9am for the hospital staff to even arrive to check us in. Once in my room, more waiting; I didn't have my surgery until NIGHT! Despite numerous attempts to ask when (approx) my surgery would be - "soon" is the only answer I got. Want to go shopping after surgery, plan to wait. No one can tell you if or when or how long. I waited 2 whole days and then in a matter of minutes of a phone call, was expected to be ready.

Second - Coordinators. Good luck. I saw my coordinator ONCE on the very LAST day. Once I was taken back to the hotel, I had questions I needed answered and despite my attempts (for over an hour) and the hotels attempts, no one could reach them. And their voicemail boxes were full - wonderful. What if I had an emergency?

Third - Not Like U.S. Hospitals. Now I accepted this going in. BUT, if when waiting to be taken into ER I am awake and can see the person before me laying naked on the OR table - I'm sorry, I find that bothersome to several degrees. First, how many germs are flooding through those open doors? Second, if I was awake enough to see someone (who I actually knew from these boards and hotel), then who is seeing me? Not cool.

Fourth - The Yucky (yes, the yucky truth - feel free to skip) No one bothers to tell you that your pee after your final leak test will be BRIGHT green for days - not an issue, but a heads up would've been nice. And the diarrhea - oh my stomach aches just thinking about it. It smells horrendous - like sick tummy. Its lasts for, I don't even know how long, I still have it, and its explosive. So yes, you probably will shart yourself. Just speaking the truth here.

Again, I want to say I am HAPPY with my results ---- these were just things NO ONE bothered to mention and it would've been nice to prepare a bit better. So, bring a extra book, ask all your questions before you leave, ask to be drugged up before going to the OR and sit on a towel afterwards and you should be ALL set![/quote']

I'm sorry but I couldn't help but to laugh about the towel comment. And I am glad to hear the bad truth as well...who did you go through to use Dr Garcia?

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[zoekids 120]

I agree waiting was a bit long at OCC, but not as bad as you described. But, I didn't personally experience the other issues. I am sorry you dod

[amytug 996]

Dr. Garcia works out of mi dr. I'm there now and my experience wasn't quite like yours. Yikes.

[sleever10 109]

Dr. Garcia works out of mi dr. I'm there now and my experience wasn't quite like yours. Yikes.

You should be resting, Amy!

[Vintage_Starlet 29]

I had Dr. Garcia and my experience wasn't like that either. My coordinators were available at the drop of a hat, I was in surgery within 2 hours of getting to my room, and no naked folks in plain view. I'm sorry that was the experience you had.

[fletcherette 203]

Thanks for the info but personally not all of it sounds that bad in my opinion. The only part of your post that bothered me was seeing another patient in the OR, that's not cool. everything else I can deal with but glad to hear what some of the non pleasant things might be

[Rohler1520 119]

Ok now I'm scared. I leave in 2 days. I don't want anybody seeing my big fat naked body on no OR table and I sure don't want to see anybody else's. OMG I have not freaked out till just now.

[skdemirtas 5]

Wow - I didn't experience any of these issues in Juarez with Dr Rod and team - Sorry you did!

[MichiganChic 3,262]

Glad you are doing well and happy now. I'm also glad I had my surgery in the US after reading that!! All that stuff would have made me crazy! I've been an OR nurse, and I can tell you, we don't do it like that here, lol. One similarity no matter where you go - the diarrhea! No mention that in the US either, lol.Your post was too funny!

[UnzippingTheFatSuit 27]

Omg this is now the second time I've heard of nakedness! I had mine done this last Tuesday, also by Dr. Garcia and one of my sleeve buddies was telling me she saw someone naked! I thought maybe this was a rare occurrence, but maybe not. Well, whoever saw my fat, naked ass --- SORRY!