Dr. Fernando Garcia

[smb0187 32]

I'm going to get sleeved by Dr. Garcia on November 8. Can any one tell me how their experience was? Or is anyone going do there at the same time?

[kltklass 144]

I went thru Ready4Achange and I love Dr. Garcia and his staff they are awesome. I haven't had any complications and I am continuing to lose weight.

My experience:

8/5/13: I flew into San Diego to be picked up by the driver, Samuel Jr. (very nice man). We went to the Marriott hotel which is very nice. I was met by Irene from ready4achange. She is sweet and will bend over backward to get you what you need/want. My room was very clean and comfy.

8/6/13: The Marriott driver took me to Florence Hospital (Oasis hospital) where I met Eduardo, the coordinator from ready4achange. If you ask him he will keep your passport for you in his safe and return it before you leave. The hospital was clean and tidy; however, their standards of decor are different than ours (American). In the bathroom the workmanship is very sloppy and tends to look dirty. Nevertheless, it is not!

Once I filled out all the paperwork, I went for lab tests. IV was hooked up; surgery was set for late afternoon. Dr. Garcia came in and explained the surgery. Make sure you discuss your bougie size. (He will explain) Next thing I remember...waking up in my bed, surgery finished.

They will make you get up and walk, walk, walk and walk some more. This is to help with the gas pains. You will be attached to an IV pole with great medication. I had no pain what so ever! Of course, everyone is different. You probably will have a drain. This is not a problem...gets removed before you leave the hospital, feels weird when they remove it.

Make friends with the other patients on the floor. This will give you a support group to help you through the process.

8/8/13: Marriott driver picked me up to return to the hotel. The only down side was the check in time for the hotel. I waited 4 hours in the lobby and restaurant for my room to be ready. When it was ready it was heaven. You are entitled to 3 chicken broths per day and 2 bottles of Water and 2 popsicles. A word about the popsicles...DO NOT EAT THEM...THEY TASTE LIKE CRAP!!! If you want a popsicle, it is better to go down stairs to the tobacco shop and buy one (they are awesome!) (Another reason to bring some money)

8/9/13: Dra. Velazco came to the hotel to remove my staples

8/10/13: Picked up by Samuel Sr. from ready4achange. Flew home.

Suggestions:

1st: Do not over pack! (I did) all you need is clothes to and from the hotel. Bring a pair of pajama bottoms or a pair of shorts to wear with the hospital gown (gets breezy when you walk), underwear, walking shoes, and toothbrush etc...

2nd: Gas-x strips and chapstick are a must. Bring a book to read as the hotel TV has few English speaking channels.

3rd: Plan on bringing some money to tip the staff (hotel and drivers). I recommend smaller bills because change is not always available. Of course, you don't have to tip, but, they appreciate the effort.

Peso exchange is around 12p to 1.00

I hope this helps. In addition, another poster on the site:O-Town Body Rock has a detailed description of her experience, complete with pictures.

Edited July 21, 2014 by kltklass

[smb0187 32]

I went thru Ready4Achange and I love Dr. Garcia and his staff they are awesome. I haven't had any complications and I am continuing to lose weight. My experience: 8/5/13: I flew into San Diego to be picked up by the driver, Samuel Jr. (very nice man). We went to the Marriott hotel which is very nice. I was met by Irene from ready4achange. She is sweet and will bend over backward to get you what you need/want. My room was very clean and comfy. 8/6/13: The Marriott driver took me to Florence Hospital (Oasis hospital) where I met Eduardo, the coordinator from ready4achange. If you ask him he will keep your passport for you in his safe and return it before you leave. The hospital was clean and tidy; however, their standards of decor are different than ours (American). In the bathroom the workmanship is very sloppy and tends to look dirty. Nevertheless, it is not! Once I filled out all the paperwork, I went for lab tests. IV was hooked up; surgery was set for late afternoon. Dr. Garcia came in and explained the surgery. Make sure you discuss your bougie size. (He will explain) Next thing I remember...waking up in my bed, surgery finished. They will make you get up and walk, walk, walk and walk some more. This is to help with the gas pains. You will be attached to an IV pole with great medication. I had no pain what so ever! Of course, everyone is different. You probably will have a drain. This is not a problem...gets removed before you leave the hospital, feels weird when they remove it. Make friends with the other patients on the floor. This will give you a support group to help you through the process. 8/8/13: Marriott driver picked me up to return to the hotel. The only down side was the check in time for the hotel. I waited 4 hours in the lobby and restaurant for my room to be ready. When it was ready it was heaven. You are entitled to 3 chicken broths per day and 2 bottles of Water and 2 popsicles. A word about the popsicles...DO NOT EAT THEM...THEY TASTE LIKE CRAP!!! If you want a popsicle, it is better to go down stairs to the tobacco shop and buy one (they are awesome!) (Another reason to bring some money) 8/9/13: Dra. Velazco came to the hotel to remove my staples 8/10/13: Picked up by Samuel Sr. from ready4achange. Flew home. Suggestions: 1st: Do not over pack! (I did) all you need is clothes to and from the hotel. Bring a pair of pajama bottoms or a pair of shorts to wear with the hospital gown (gets breezy when you walk), underwear, walking shoes, and toothbrush etc... 2nd: Gas-x strips and chapstick are a must. Bring a book to read as the hotel TV has few English speaking channels. 3rd: Plan on bringing some money to tip the staff (hotel and drivers). I recommend smaller bills because change is not always available. Of course, you don't have to tip, but, they appreciate the effort. Peso exchange is around 12p to 1.00 I hope this helps. In addition, another poster on the site:O-Town Body Rock has a detailed description of her experience, complete with pictures.

. Thank you for sharing your story! I'm excited but nervous too.

[O-Town Body Rock 148]

Hi!

The link to my experience with Dr.Garcia can be found below in my signature.

[O-Town Body Rock 148]

@@kltklass Thanks for the mention. I didn't see it until after my post.

[BackToHot 59]

I was sleeved by dr Garcia on may/2014. I posted my experience I don't know how to post a link here for you. You can check my profile and see what I had posted. I hope it helps. Good luck