made2beme

also any place that has "naked" chicken - no skin, no batter....just chicken. I know Jack in the box has grilled chicken strips and KFC here has naked strips.

Im not sure if you plan to take a laptop or ipad/iphone but Skype saved us while we were in Tj. My husband was with me, but we were able to skype with my kids, my parents and his mom every single day. Seeing each other face to face AND hearing our voice was better than ever especially when they were anxiously waiting for my surgery to be over. The drain, I admit I was not looking forward to at all. But, except for being a little annoying when trying to shower and not knowing what to do with it was really no big deal. You dont even know it is there otherwise and does not hurt when they remove it (or it did not me). You will be great.....we were nervous also, but everything turned out to be a very pleasant experience!

Wow...Im thinking you may be lucky you havent had any movement. TMI but I have had diarrhea for the last 3 days and I am 6 days post op. liquid in, liquid out I guess.....its miserable especially when you are walking around in Walmart trying to buy school supplies, uggh!

I know how you feel - until today I have not even really thought about food. I actually sat at a table with my hubby in Mexico while he ate chips and salsa and a chicken taco....I seriously did not even have a twinge of wanting it and mexican is my fav (especially authentic). But today, its like every food commercial that comes on I am thinking about how good it would taste and wondering if I will ever be able to eat it again Then, I force myself to look away and do something completely different. I have found that distracting myself with a book, the internet, a hobby, playing a game with my kids, etc. honestly it sounds really simple and may not work for everyone, but before I know it hours have gone by and I have forgotten all about the food and realize Im not even hungry. This time will pass for us, before we know it we will be trying new foods almost for the first time as our tastes may have changed and as we are losing.....girl, we wont care. Take care

I am post op day 5 today also. I went to Mx and they do not give narcotics either in the hospital or to go home with. Although they do give you pain meds, I never really felt a difference and have not taken anything for pain since day 2. I would not even say I have pain at all, just slight discomfort if I try and twist and turn in the bed or if I actually press on my incisions. I do have a lot of gurgling going on and definitely some acid reflux the last 2 nights but have started my Prilosec today. I am very surprised actually because for the last 3 days, I have gotten in quite a bit of liquid. Today, Im almost up to 60 oz of Powerade zero and Water and not including sugar free popcicles. So, that feels good.... Going to venture out to Walmart tomorrow and walk around, hope to feel better every day!

SweetTee, I just returned from Tijuana late last night from surgery with Dr. Garica and had a great experience. Yes, right now he is offering a special of $4,700 which is what I paid for my sleeve and also works with 3 different financing companies (but I did not use them, so no experience there). I was absolutely beyond pleased with my entire experience while in Tj from the hospital, nurses, Dr. Garcia, care, attentiveness and even the Marriott. Everyone is very partial to their own surgeon which is understandable and I am more than certain you would be in good hands with any of the major surgeons talked about on the boards but I can only speak from my personal experience. My husband was with me and although it did add a level of safety for me and of course I had a little more company, I would not have felt "unsafe" at any time without him. A couple of the days he went out walking, going to some of the local shops, starbucks, etc. and for the time he was not there I was cared for just the same...never a moment of fear (besides the usual of having any surgery). I actually left there feeling kind of like part of a family to tell you the truth. I left with contacts (work and personal) and email of every doctor I met with and 2 onsite coordinators. I was told to call them at any time 24 hours a day even after I got home to the states. One thing I really like that I dont think I have seen mentioned here (I may have missed it) is that I came home with a stack of papers that not only laid out post-op guidelines, medications to take and dos and donts, plus diet stages, etc. but also a copy of my blood test results with all of of my levels that I can take straight to my local PCP to put in my file along with a detailed description of everything they did from admission to discharge. I did not see the Hotel Lucerna and I am sure it is very nice, but from my experience it could not have been better than the Marriott. The rooms are nice, clean and large...especially if by yourself. The bed is very comfy with pillows galore. The staff at the hotel work with OSI (Obesity Solutions International) and know all of the coordinators and drivers by name. You get your free broth, Water and popsicles (im sure at the other hotel also), and just a little taste of home (for me anyway) all of the shampoos/lotions, etc are bath and body works aromatherapy. To me, it was the little things that you see they try to do to make you comfortable away from home. We made great friends with another couple there (the wife was sleeved the same day as me) and we literally hung out every day, either in the hospital (talking in the hall and visiting each other) and then in the hotel, we went out to the pool together and just chatted while our husband swam....etc. It was an awesome experience for me and I dont think you can go wrong with Dr. Garcia, in my opinion. If you would like any other details or any questions, dont hesitate to send me a message!

I just got back home late last night from Tj with Dr. Garcia and had a wonderful experience. I would have to echo everything Jeff said in his original post....it was like he was telling my story. The care, the greatness of the hotel and the bed. I literally felt like I was with family at the hospital. My husband was with me and knows a little spanish enough to communicate better than I could and more times than not he was giving the nurses English lessons and it was so funny to hear them and we would all laugh.....it was just a nice, peaceful trip.

Hey guys, Everything has been fantastic here in Tj. Dr. Garica and his staff were great, the Marriott has been great and since getting back to the hotel yesterday, I just kind of feel like we are on vacation. Surgery went well, no complications and feeling well enough today to do a little shopping at the open market with my hubby and some great friends we have made here (also had surgery with Dr. Garica). For us, from Texas where it is 107 degrees with humidity this weather of high 60's- low 70's with a breeze has been incredible. I never could have made it walking outside all we did today at home.... So, those of you with up coming surgery here either just in Tj or with Dr. Garcia you should be at peace and comfortable with your decision. There has been nothing scary or shady that I have found, I have felt well taken care of the entire time. I will have to say for me, one of the hardest things was the fact that you come out of surgery with such a dry mouth from being intubated and you are not able to drink anything at all until the results of your leak test come back which is not late into the next day. Maybe it was worse for us because that next day was a Sat and it may be much quicker during the week? Seriously people, it sucks....but other than a little gas pain that subsided pretty quickly that really was the worst part for me.

I am here now at Mi Doctor - still pre-op but all hooked up and waiting for my surgery to start. Everything so far has been great, small and simple but very clean and no problems at all. I will post my entire experience after I get home, but so far so good! There are also lots of other people that have used Dr Garcia that have helped me and can give you some insight.

As for Rosie and Melissa - yes, they are on site. Melissa is at Mi doctor hospital and Rosie will be who visits at the Marriot. I am not sure about your coordinator because I went through Ready4Achange and used alma. But, other than that everything else seems the same. My sugery is tomorrow - I am down 24 lbs on pre-op and on day 2 of Clear liquids. Im not gonna say its easy by any means....of course, you are hungry. But, I have done ok....I am drinking everything I can get my hands on like Poweraid zero and different flavored waters, tea (although I will be giving this up post-op), plain Water and have been eating Jello like its going out of style. Just stay busy! I am a list maker so I have about any kind of list you can imagine, as well as recipies all printed out in a binder ready for when I can start eating pureed and then solid food. A weight loss/measurement chart so I can keep all of that in one place, etc.....so Ive been busy. Good luck to all of you still pre-op...you will do great!

I will be there on Thurs to the hotel - surgery Fri....let us know how all of you are doing and hope to meet some of you on the way out!

Pre-op is definitely hard - today was 22 days for me of liquid and tomorrow starts Clear liquids surgery is Fri. I am certainly looking forward to getting on with it, I am starving yes! BUT....I guess I am just too much of a follow the rules exactly person. I have been tempted yes, my daughters B-day was last week and I cooked and cleaned up ice cream cake, aahh! But, there is just something about getting this far and the fear of complications or not being able to complete surgery, etc. far outweighs my temptations. I know reality is, if I had one bite of something it would not cause any issues most likely....but I just want to know for myself I did everything I was supposed to do as instructed by the surgeon and that I did my best, although it is tough! So, although a lot seem to "cheat" even several times and be fine and have no issues...I wouldnt set it in my head that its ok to cheat because if you are anything like me....if you say its ok, you WILL, maybe even more than you should and regret it. One time, youve done it....admited it and you can move on no harm. This is just me and how I deal with it.....Im an all or nothing person, sometimes I wish I werent.

Im a bit confused I guess - I am still pre-op (surgery on fri) but I have my dates down of how long and when to change stages from Clear liquids to full, soft foods and solid foods. The few post-op plans I have read typically do not have us eating regular solid food until 31 days out. So, I am wondering about the shrimp, chili and cheese?? Not sure that this would have anything to do with weight loss, maybe if you are not getting in enough Protein? Just concerned about the quickness of more solid food?

Maybe a lock would be a good idea - I dont think the room will be left unattended for too long. I am sure that hubby will walk with me until he has to stop going into OR and then, Im guessing he will wait in the room....I dont know the situation for waiting rooms, etc. I am also sure I am worrying for nothing, I have not heard a single word about theft being a problem especially at Mi Doctor or with Dr. Garcia and his staff....I just dont think it would be worth their reputation. jh5497 - I will barely miss you. We will be leaving on 8/7...I wish you the best and I plan to update as much as possible while there as you are getting ready to come to Mx!

OK, so I already know I will not be bringing any "valuables" such as jewelry and hubby will have any cash we bring in his wallet with him, but we will have iPhones and laptops, etc. When I am in surgery, unless hubby stays right there in room they will have to be left unattended. Also, when walking the halls and any time I may not be in the room, etc. Has anyone felt unsafe leaving these things or any advise on where to leave, etc.? I am just winding down these last few days and getting everything in order. I know I wont think of everything, but it certainly helps to have already asked these type questions and seeing responses from those of you that have been there!

OK, I will sooo be taking my sub-lingual B-12 tomorrow...I didnt even think about that for energy NOW, although I do have it ready for post-op, Did a little better today - but so far I have been able to have 1 high Protein meal like salad with chicken, turkey, etc. supposed to be for dinner, but I have been switching between lunch and dinner. But, this week is the countdown of last 7 days and it is full liquids, then at 3 days pre-op Clear Liquids only. So, I am buckling down and getting ready I know I am about to be hungry! Worth every single hunger pang and vicious stomach growl .....this time next week I will be resting in the hospital bed on the losers bench....woot woot!

Eggface has tons of great recipies that are variations of things like Pizza, Lasagna, tacos, etc.....awesomeness!

Ive waited to post a comment as I see 80 people have viewed and not said a word. There are quite a few things I could say, but just to give information just as you state yours is doing for those out there looking for a doctor and doing research just because your surgeon is less expensive DOES NOT mean he/she does not use "quality" supplies/products or that he/she is not an experienced surgeon. The surgeon I have chosen is quite a bit less expensive than Dr. Aceves and I happened to ask the question about the staples and guess what he uses....drum roll please yep "Johnson & Johnson". My surgeon keeps us for 2 days in the hospital, can't say I would call it "state of the art" but there is an ICU and cardiology unit and it is a relatively new hospital. Then 2 nights in a nearby hotel in which you are still being cared for and if any problems arise, taken care of immediately. Personally....I much rather stay in a comfy hotel where I can relax and sleep, walk, ect as I wish instead of a hospital with around the clock nurses and the hustle and bustle going on. I am truly happy for you that your surgery went great, you have had so much success and you take great pride in the work your surgeon does. You chose a top dollar surgeon and you paid for his reputation and "name" and the state of the art hospital that for the most part was not even utilized by you..... But, for some of us cost IS a factor. Saying this, I certainly would not chance my health/life somewhere that I KNEW was shady just because it was "cheaper". But, most of us on this board have done extensive research, listening, watching, asking, for some like myself praying and we feel very comfortable with the choice we have made for whatever reason we made it. I will say as I have on other posts of this nature, it would be very discouraging to a newbie that has just decided to have the sleeve and is looking at Self-pay/Mexico as an option to be convinced that in order to get good, quality care you would have to pay somewhere around 3,000-4,000 more than some of the other just as qualified, capible surgeons. This honestly may turn some people around into thinking it will never happen for them.....because again, sometimes price IS A FACTOR! I have researched for going on about 9.5 months now so I do not take this decision lightly nor am I trying to judge anyones decision on surgeons.....I do believe to each their own. But, in all of my research there is only ONE difference I see in my choice of surgeons and yours and that is years of experience. Yes, to some this is huge....it is a factor to me but I feel like the years of experience my surgeon has is enough for me....may not be for others, but it is worth waiting on my health and literally being miserable and depressed not living any kind of a life to speak of in order to save up the extra $4,000 it would cost to choose your surgeon.....No, not to me, From my research and hearing personal experience (no, I have not been there yet but will be going with full confidence next Fri) my surgeon uses top brand staples and does the same leak tests and puts for the the same care, concern and education for his patients as any other surgeon. Oh yes and although I do realize its not quite the same...my surgeon teaches bariatric surgery at a local college also.....but I'm sure not to the extent of Dr. Aceves. Again, before all of the backlash comes my way....I am genuinely happy for those of you who were able to choose Dr. Aceves as your surgeon....yes, no doubt about it you were in great hands. But, those of us chosing a different surgeon are in great hands as well...... Just think about this when wanting to post an "informational" post to help those just looking and researching.....building up one surgeon based SOLEY on his cost. I say this because of your comment "You always get what you pay for" so that IS what its about to a lot of people. The last time I checked we are here for support, not competition people. The goal is to be sleeved, be succesul at losing and keeping off weight to be healthy and live a full, active life....who CARES how we got there or if my staples cost more or less than yours.....seriously?!?!? Im done.....

This is the first time I have heart HCG mentioned on the boards.....so you did it too? I did and lost almost 90 lbs in 7 months and I seriously was the guru in town, I led a support group and convinced about 10 of my friends and church members to do it with me. Talk about looking like a FOOOOOOL when I went into hiding for a while because I was gaining and then seeing these people in public after gaining the 90 back plus 20 in a year. Woah...can you say reality check. Me and my body do not work with crash, extreme diets....thank God for the sleeve!

This totally sounds like something I would do and probably will....Thanks for the great idea!

I started early because I had approx 23 lbs to lose pre-op. I was right on the borderline of being BMI 49-50 and it was going to cost more (I am cash pay) AND be more possible complications (which is why they charge more) if I was BMI 49 or over. So, I HAD to lose 23 lbs.....I am 18 down now with 10 more days to go, so I think I will do it. Believe me, if I could have waited and just started this week I would have. But, I am glad I did it....now I can go into surgery hopefully 25 lbs less. Just that much less to lose post-op!

I am on day 9 of pre op (started a wk early) and it DOES get easier. Not saying it gets "easy" but you do kind of get past the hump, a little less groggy, and craby and even hungry. The first few days your body still has the carbs and sugars it is trying to get rid of and you are starving. I tried to stay as busy as possible...it may seem like that will not work when you are starving and your stomach is yelling at you, but seriously if you can get your mind on something else you would be suprised how time goes by and you realize you have made it to the end of the night. Also, I have been drinking Water like a mad woman....that helps too. Mixing protien shakes with ice also seems to make them "frothy" and even though it is the same amount of liquid if just mixed with water/milk alone....it makes you feel more full and satisfied. Even though I feel "empty" and have fleeting moments of eating one last taco or something small I already feel healthier and believe it or not, seem to not be huffing and puffing as much as before. No crappy food in my body feels pretty good!!! Just my thoughts.....you can do it and it is SOOOOOOOOOOO worth it!

Hey there - I will be there with Garcia, but sleeved on 8/3 also. So, know you will NOT really be there alone (at least in TJ and going through the same thing). I know, its getting so close....I am nervous but way more excited that it feels like nerves. Its almost unbelievable and not real sure I will believe it until I am in the actual hosptial! You will do fantastic.....

We will be coming in on 8/2 to the Marriot - wont you two still be there then?