made2beme

I have 5, but honestly....I have plans for Tummy Tuck, breast lift, etc. so Im not done with scars. These are minimal compared to what I know I will have. But, honestly at 16 days post-op mine have already lost their scabs and are looking great, so may not be a big deal anyway.

im very happy that you all have shared your experiences on here. I am getting sleeve Aug.24th with Dr. Garcia and this definitely makes me feel more at ease. I cant wait! Were you guys allowed a final meal the night before surgery? I know some doctors do this.

No final meal allowed, 3 last days pre-op you are on a clear liquid diet and that doesnt change until you are 2 wks post-op. But, as Sky said...they do have broth and popsicles at the hotel...only tried the broth. I ate it the night before I think because I was so hungry....but the first day we arrived back at the hotel post-op I could not even think about it. Straight broth still makes my stomach turn

Hi there! We actually have a forum dedicated to Self-pay/Mexico surgery and there is lots of valuable info there.

I just returned from Tijuana less than 2 wks ago from being sleeved with Dr. Garcia and used Ready4Achange (Alma). I can not say enough about what a great experience I had with all of it. There are lots of posts you can find if you put Garcia in the search bar up top. Lots of people have told their story/experience and some to great detail.

Yes, the hospital is only about 2 yrs old and does have a ER as well as a cardiology unit...it is not a clinic but a hospital (that makes a difference to some). The nurses, Dr. Garcia, the anesthesiologist, the on call Dr. (I was there over the wkend) the onsite coordinator Melly and Rosie at ths hotel....all was just better than expected!

You will leave with paperwork of the bloodwork they did and everything about your surgery to give to you PCP back home. Suggested time is 3 months to do blood work to check levels. If there are no complications, this is really the only follow up and of course, continue regularly just to make sure all levels are good. As for other complications, I was told by all the staff to call them immediately 24/7 even after back home if there was a problem. I have all of their cell phones and emails for contact if needed.

I also have a few pics in my profile from Tj as well as the Marriott (where you stay before and after) and the hosptial. Didnt get as many as I had planned, but its something to at least look at.

Please let me know if you have any specific questions....I would be happy to answer as well as a number of others here that were sleeved by Garcia!

Good luck on your search...

From what I have researched the procedure that is most covered for "medical reasons" (but not by all ins co's of course) is called a panniculectomy.< /p>

A panniculectomy is just removing the excess skin if it is causing medical issues, but does NOT include any type of muscle tightening which is the actual Tummy Tuck. So, most likely Tummy Tucks which remove and tighten ab muscles is not covered by many ins co's because that part is considered "cosmetic" not medically necessary.

But, check with yours to find out for sure! I'll be getting one too I am sure of it, but I am already saving because I know mine wont be covered....even my VSG wasnt.

I have also been using summers eve body wash and the summers eve powder. It is formulated especially for women's sensitive areas. It removes the bad bacteria while keeping the good so it is not harsh on your skin. I have not had the same issue with the lower area, but let me tell you....I have suffered for YEARS with yeast infections under my breasts. There were times it would get so painful I could barely put on my bra or move.

Well, literally I tell ya the very first time I used the Summers Eve wash and then put on the powder (it is NOT like baby powder) I have not had a single rash since and thats been about 3 months. I have not gone this long without a rash/yeast infection for probably 20 yrs.

So, it may be worth a try. I found it in the feminine hygine section at Walmart. I hope you find something that works!

I think they are just all different - I read the my surgeon used 3 incisions on another patient that was much smaller than me and I have 5. Although that does include the drain...so really only 4 actual incisions that were used for surgery.

I would ask your surgeon if you are concerned.....I always thought I would have 5 incisions so I didnt think anything about it.

Yes, I received those from my surgeon too. I will probably keep 1 in my purse just in case....but most likely will do the same as Chitowngirl and order regular meal, take home leftovers for later. But, if I need it....I will use it!

Thanks so much for posting this. I am having surgery with Dr. Garcia on the 31st. I am going alone and it was just now beginning to bother me. Luckily, I have met a same day surgery buddy on here who is going alone too. But this makes me feel even better.

Yes, you have nothing to worry about....I just returned last week myself. I did go with my husband, but would not have felt unsafe without him. It is also so great you will have a buddy having surgery the same day because even though my hubby was there, we made some great friends while there. Another lady with her husband, she had surgery same day as me and our hubbys totally hit it off and hung out and her and I hit it off too. When we returned to the Marriott, we relaxed by the pool together, went shopping together and had so much fun!

We have kept in touch and I am sure we will for a long time.....we just really clicked and it was GREAT! So, I hope this is the same for you.....making a great friend on this journey is definitely a plus!

So glad you had a great experience and feel so motivated already! I felt the same when I left last Tues from TJ. I had to laugh out loud about the fiesta outside, you must have been in my room because we had the same thing...but it was during the day and ended when it got dark. Honestly, if that is the only thing we have to complain about then I say we did really well!

Ive heard that the rooms around the corner on the other side of the building do not hear it....so maybe if that is an issue one could request one of those rooms. Much luck to you....you will do great!

Incisions with Dr. Garcia - you have 5 of them....one is very high (it is in between my boobs) and smaller than my pinky nail as well as the one from the drain which is the farthest to my left. The other 3 are almost in a straight line, pretty much in the same area of my stomach about 3.5 inches above my belly button. They are healing nicely and the largest one which is where they pulled my stomach out is approx 1.5 inches or smaller. Ive seen lots of pics of people a few months to years out and you do not even notice them if you arent looking and counting them.

My hubby had laproscopic RNY 3 yrs ago and I literally can not even see his scars. To me, it is a very small thing to worry about compared to being my goal weight for life. Plus, I do plan to have some plastic surgery down the road and I am sure those scars will show more than these.

Incisions with Dr. Garcia - you have 5 of them....one is very high (it is in between my boobs) and smaller than my pinky nail as well as the one from the drain which is the farthest to my left. The other 3 are almost in a straight line, pretty much in the same area of my stomach about 3.5 inches above my belly button. They are healing nicely and the largest one which is where they pulled my stomach out is approx 1.5 inches or smaller. Ive seen lots of pics of people a few months to years out and you do not even notice them if you arent looking and counting them.

My hubby had laproscopic RNY 3 yrs ago and I literally can not even see his scars.

ok, so I posted this to the wrong thread someone else was asking specifically about insicions....but thought I would leave it up since it is something I am sure you guys may want to know, lol

Great job....I am down 11 lbs and yes ready for Sat for me! Yes, I know Keller....I lived in Ft Worth for 4 yrs and worked there for 3 while living in Midlothian! How funny, we are not REAL close but didnt realize we were so close.

I can not believe you guys DROVE.....oh my, how long was that?

Misty, we did meet...in the halls as a matter of fact. My husband helped your husband expain something to the nurses in Spanish. Of course my profile pic is me at my goal. I was in room 303.

Coleen

ok, yea.....I think I remember. Didnt I talk to you one time shortly after you had your first drink of apple juice and after the leak test the day after your surgery. I feel like such a dork, Im sorry!!!! My husband remembers too :-)

I cant really see your face in your pic since so small. Was this when you were at goal after the lapband?

I didnt know you were in Tx. though, we are in East Tx about 70 miles SE of Dallas.....remind me again where you are?

I too was sleeved in TJ MX w/ Dr. Garcia on August 2, 2012. I had the most positive experience from the nurses to the doctors and everyone in between. My husband and I drove from TX and parked in an airport parking lot the day before and were picked up by Samuel who was just wonderful. The night before we had a blast wondering TJ and came across a nice new plaza that had all kinds of restaurants and a movie thearter.....we saw Batman in English w/ Spanish subtitles. Rested at the hotel, met w/ my coordinator Rosie and was picked up on 8/2 at 10:50am for surgery. Had an upper GI and Endoscopy (and received a CD for my PCP) and then around 1pm I had surgery. I had no gas pain at all (first time ever), so I did not walk b/c I was nauseaus and from previous surgeries, when I feel that way my BP is too low, so best to lay. The next day I got up and walked, showered, they changed my bandages and then slept on and off most of the day. August 4th we left the hopital and recovered at the hotel. I did not rest poolside as I enjoyed the bed way too much...slept on and off most of Saturday. I was having more drainage than I thought was normal, so I reached out to Rosey who got the doctor on the phone and told me since I was a revision (2 lap band surgeries) I would have more drainage and it should subside and it did by Sunday PM.

Our driver said we should really try to cross the border by 6am Monday, so Samuel picked us up at 5:55am and it took just one hour in the medical lane to cross (even though the wait was already at 4 hours). Then began our long drive home w/ a stop at our nephews house in Phoenix for 5 days! We just arrived home from this adventure last night. So all in all, I would go back again, probably will for some plastics and I highly recomment Dr. Garcia and Ready 4 a Change group. Everyone was great. Just an added note: my husband is Mexican and speaks fluent Spanish and English, that did help. Also, this is my 3rd surgery in Mexico. First in 2003 w/ Dr. Rodriquez in Acuna Cuidad and in 2007 w/ Dr. Rodriques in Acuna for a slippage in my band. The only reason I did not go back to Dr. Rod is because he now pracitices in Juarez and I have been told by close friends that live in El Paso not to travel there! I feel comfortable with my entire decision. My only complaint about the entire experience is some rooms in Mi Doctor Hospital offer two beds, one for you one for your partners....my room had a broken reclinder and so my husband did not have a good nights sleep until we were back at the hotel. But if that's all I have to complain about, I'll take it.

On added note....my 40th birthday was the day of my surgery and my husband's birthday was Aug 5th....so it was a great b-day present to me!!!!

How funny...I was sleeved on 8/3 by Dr Garcia....guess I just didnt see ya. I was up walking the halls pretty frequently and thought I had met everyone, sorry I missed you! Glad you had a great experience sounds like mine...I would love to go back!

By the way, I live in Tx also....where are you?

I didnt have staples, but mine are still really itchy. It is a sign of healing......so thats a good thing although annoying!

I am only 9 days post op but I can say just from the plethora of information here and other research I have done your food deprivation is only temporary. You will have to most likely do a pre-op diet which will be the toughest part because you will still be hungry. But, after surgery you wont be able to eat much for a while....but you wont really want to either. Once you pass the stages and get to solid food (somewhere about a month or so out...different for everyone) you will be able to add back in some of the foods you love. Of course, if you go back to eating ice cream and pizza every meal you will not be very successful. But, having the sleeve does not mean you can never enjoy some of your favorites occasionally. There are also many things we can eat when on solids that are just like everyone else, just smaller portions.

So, if you already dont eat A LOT but just love the taste of food....you should be able to do that even after being sleeved when your sleeve is ready! Its more about portion size and eating Protein first, low carb (but still some) and living healthy. NOT deprivation!

Good luck in your search and I hope you have peace about your decision whatever is best for you!

Yes and VERY clean! It is smaller than US hospital, but everything is clean....hospital is only 2 yrs old.

There are just a few, I wanted to take more....but I was a little distracted with surgery lol. But, there are some pics of the hotel and hospital room/bathroom and some of the scenery, just for those that may want to see an actual photo of the hospital. I know they helped me. Just check my profile

And just a side note, if you do get a letter from your doctor make sure you show the security people BEFORE you go through the line so they wont make a big deal about your Protein drinks. Just from experience on the way home from Mexico, in San Diego we had a HUGE issue just trying to get 2 bottles of Water through. The security lady wanted to argue with me and ended up throwing my full/unopened bottles of Water in the trash. It turned into a big fiasco because my husband got pretty upset. I showed them paperwork from the hospital and she still pretty much said she didnt care.....then another guy came over and got my water out of the trash (it was on top) and said he was sorry.

Anyway, it was not fun.....if I had to do it again I would have my documentation out and show it to whoever would look at it before going through just to avoid issues.

Good luck to you!

Maybe you could pack just the powder and Blender Bottle and all you need is Water to add. Or even unflavored Protein Powder (can find at most health food stores if you dont have time to order online) and add it to anything you eat that you can?

Just some ideas....hope others can add more suggestions,

I am still on liquids right now (9 days post op) but check out http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Shellys site is very inspirational with TONS of recipes that are WLS friendly and lots of ideas on how to mix it up and not get bored.

Im a bit of a planner, so I have a binder full of printed recipes from this site and a couple of others separated into phases and then what type of food it is, ie Breakfast, dinner, snack, etc. I know what you mean though, it does help to be prepared...it is just another tool to use in our battle if we know what we are doing. Hope this helps some...

No help here, just wanted to say Im sorry you are going through this. I have the exact opposite issue....although I am not eating "real" food yet, everything I take in comes straight out within an hour or so...uuuggh. I cant wait until there are some solids going in.

Lucerna makes the marriot look like a super 8

Wow.....thats a little judgmental there, I wasnt aware that we were in a competition. There is not a lot you could do to make the Marriott look like the super 8.

In all honesty, this is about your surgeon and surgery....comparing two wonderful hotels is not the issue. Really disappointed in the competition on this site sometimes.

One thing to think about also is your new sleeve is going to make some odd noises. It may actually growl and it doesnt mean you are actually hungry. Not saying you are not, but I noticed this also and thought at first I was hungry but honestly I dont believe I am.

Also remember that although the gland that produces ghrelin (hunger hormone) was removed which is an upside to the sleeve, there is still some in your system that was already there before surgery. Maybe this is why some people feel hungry at first but as the weeks pass....they never feel hungry.

I was sleeved the day after you and I could start full liquids today.....took 3 small bites of SF pudding and I was stuffed...also a little sick for a while. About 5 hours later, made some cream of chicken Soup and all I did was literally dip my spoon in the cup and eat what was there....not actually "scoop" it like a real spoon full (talking baby spoons here) and it took me 15 min to eat maybe 1/4 cup.

Everyone is different....

Hi Aloadoff,

I did not use Dr. Lopez, but did use Dr. Garcia which also operates out of Mi Doctor Hospital (whichis where SkyJACK1) had surgery. I just returned home this past Tues and my experience is pretty much exactly like SkyJACKS. My husband and I arrived in Tj on 8/2, stayed in the Marriott. Morning of 8/3 was taken by Marriott shuttle to Mi Doctor, had surgery that afternoon and stayed 2 nights there. The best care I have received in a long time here in the states. My hubby was very pleased and even felt comfortable leaving for an hour here and there to go out walking, get a burrito, etc. with no issues. Day 3 after 3 leak tests have been performed you go back to the Marriott to finish recovery. By this time, I am not taking pain meds any longer and just like SkyJACK said you literally are relaxing poolside. I felt like at this point, we were on vacation.

The day before we left, we took a taxi downtown to the open market and shopped for a few hours with some great friends we made there (wife was sleeved same day as myself). No problems, I was a bit tired...but no pain at all. Just sipped and walked, sipped and walked.

As for the hospital, it is a "Hospital" not a clinic. Yes, it is small but VERY clean and only 2 yrs old. There is an ICU and a Cardiology unit there. As a matter of fact, there was a cardiologist in the operating room as part of the surgical team during my surgery and the Anesthesiologist which is great was trained some here in the states.

Recovery is 2 nights in hospital and 2 nights in Marriott where you have full access to any doctor or coordinator at the hospital, I was told 24/7. When I left I received cell and email of everyone I had been seen by....nice to know they are not trying to perform surgery and just let you go.

Here is an article I found actually AFTER I got home, but I thought it was great and it feels good to know that Mi Doctor hosptial is really state of the art. This was just written last month,

http://www.equities.com/news/news-headline-story?dt=2012-07-03&val=237043&d=1&cat=headline

I would assume that all is the same, since using the same hospital and hotel just different surgeon. I paid $4,700 (special for Aug) plus $550 for airfare for my husband and I and this does include the stay at the Marriott all 3 nights. Hope this helps!