made2beme

I am not sure where you are flying out of - but my hubby and I got roundtrip tickets for $540 total (for both tickets) from DFW to SD. We are flying Spirit airlines which has "iffy" reviews on their customer service....but frankly, I just want to get there and get home. We upgraded to the "big seats" (like first class) so that I would have plenty of room to be as comfy as possible on way home. Hotel is included in my package, but I seem to remember when I was first researching Almanza's info having something about a special rate at a few hotels if you were having surgery with him? May want to ask his coordinator/office?

Melissa is the patient advocate at the actual hosptial. She works with Dr. Garcia and for Obesity solutions international. So, I am thinking that she would be able to ask any "medical - post op questions" directly to Dr. Garica or get a msg to him. I went through ready4achange also and I speak with Alma on a weekly basis, she is great too....but coordinator vs person actually at the hospital with the Dr. Id pick the latter to ask post-op questions to ya know. We wont meet Alma when we go (she is in San Antonio) but we will meet Melissa! If you have any issues or questions - you can contact Melissa too...she has been awesome! Man, people are so quick to want to post those "negative reviews". I can think of so many legitimate reasons why the Dr. may not have responded yet. Especially being that only 1 email has been sent 1 time to 1 person.....I may have taken a differnet approach, but that is just me.

Do you have his phone number or email to Melissa at the hospital? She is always super quick at answering emails melly@obesityintl.com

HHHmmmm, I havent told my boss why I am going to be out but I think I probably can. He is a good guy, but I just havent spread the news around the office yet. Funny though.....do you think telling him you had your gall bladder out would be believable when you start dropping those pounds before his eyes? Maybe he is the kind of guy that wont even notice though, I know there are plenty of those too.

Well, Im no help on the experience side because my sleeve is 8/3 (also in mx) but I am doing the exact same thing. I have an office job, do have to walk up stairs to get to my office...but I can make that only once a day at first. I feel from what I have read, I will be ok.....so glad to know we are in the same situation and would like to see responses! I know you are excited,...everything will go wonderfully!

Glad to see a post here too :0) I am right with all of you, God definitely is who directed my path to the sleeve and to Mexico (8/3). My hubby had RNY 2.5 yrs ago and even at that time, I didnt think surgery was for me....I could do it the "old fashioned way" because of course I had done it before right...yeah and gained it all back and then some. It wasnt until the end of last year that I knew the Lord was telling me surgery WAS in fact my answer (this was news to me). Then He directed me to the sleeve and we waited...and waited to see if I would get hired at my job and get insurance (work for staffing agency right now). Waited to see if my husband would get a teaching job and get insurance. Went to a consultation of my husbands surgeon, but cash price was not doable. Considered Mx and knew it would have to be God for sure that would make that call. Felt for a few months the Lord was just having us wait...there were other emotional/deep issues that had to be dealt with and I did. As I began to deal with those and continue to pray about surgery...giving it all to Him and truly surrendering, knowing only His timing would be the right time He made it all start falling into place. I literally had to learn to love myself EVEN if I remained this size and know that I am worthy to be loved and can be used by Him EVEN at this size....losing weight would not change my purpose, it would just make it more feasable and of course I would be more healthy for Him and my family. I could not have more peace about my surgery and my decision of Mx and surgeon...God is good and will always give us the desires of our heart if we delight oursleves in Him!

Since last Fri I have been dealing with an infected tooth. So much pain, never in my life would I wish it on anyone even my worst enemy. To spare the details, I was eventually able to get some relief with some home remedies...going to the dentist on Wed. as they want me on antibiotics for 5 days before extracting. Point is, it sure has helped kicking off pre-op diet. I was going to start this week (1 wk earlier than doc orders) but I havent been able to eat anything but sugar free pudding since Fri. At first it was because of the pain, now it is simply because of constant nausea (from the antibiotics) Bright side - lost 3 lbs this wkend...although I thought I would gain because of infection. Anyway....guess this is my body's way of getting me ready.

I can only PRAY for this to happen - since hysterectomy, gaining weight and going on anti-depressants (for hot flashes/hormones) my libido has been on the NEGATIVE side of the spectrum. Hubby and I still could be considered newlyweds, married 3.5 yrs and I am 35 yrs old....thinking this should be the BEST time of our sex life. Unfortunately its been a few months....uuggghhh! So happy for you - at least I know there is a possiblity :tongue2:

Just wondering for those that have more to lose how do you go about walking so soon? Maybe it is just me, but right now (pre-op) I can barely make it to my mailbox and back without passing out...from my weight and the heat (tx). Does your body really adjust that quickly? I would LOVE to be able to go for a walk the week after surgery...but I just can not see this happening. I will still be morbidly obese and then I think about when I do any physical exercise how thirsty I am. I am still trying to sort it all out in my head I guess. If we can not gulp down some cold Water after a workout/walk, etc. Im not sure how I can do it. I can usually drink a 20 oz bottle of water without stopping till its gone. Wont be able to do that after.....how do we stay hydrated in 100 degree temps and trying to walk outisde?

Dr Garcia's website is www.obesitysolutionsinternational.com He is $5,000 in a hospital with Cardiology and ICU units Alma (coordinator) - alma@ready4achange.com Phone - 210-745-1114 Melissa (Patient advocate at hospital) - melly@obesityintl.com Dr. Garcia - drgarciagovea@hotmail.com I have my passport already, but hubby has one that is expired (by a yr). We are not going to renew his as it cost just as much as a brand new one, he will just take his expired one (he's still the same person right?) and his Birth certificate and ID....I think it will be just fine!

Although I certainly get your point - having done 2,000 surgeries I am pretty sure this Dr. would know what he is doing. Its not like we are talking hes only done 20 or 200...... If there were nobody to compare and my Dr. told me he had done over 2,000 bariatric surgeries I think I would be just fine with that.....just my opinion

there are so many people in august - I have lost track. Anyone going to be there Aug 2-Aug 7th?

Hi there - hope you dont mind me hijacking your thread- but I noticed the emotional eating in your post and I deal with that as well (as do so many of us) and I am trying to work on that with the Lords help before surgery (scheduled 8/3). I have just downloaded a book yesterday on amazon called "Shrink Yourself: Break Free from Emotional Eating Forever" by Roger Gould. I have not started reading it, but it has great reviews on amazon and has come highly recommended. One thing I have heard is, it WILL make you dig deep so dont tackle unless you are truly ready to get passed the emotional issues that make us want to eat! I will start reading today...hope its as good as Ive heard!

I have not done this yet as I am still pre-op and start my liquid diet next week, but I am prepared with fruit and Torani sugar free syrups...they have every flavor you can imagine.

Yes, thanks everyone....especially kimbernada. Your post was very informative and sounds like you are a lot like me, everything planned out and ready to go!

I am sure there are posts with this info, but there is just so much it is hard to weed through some times. I am ordering some things that I know will help me post op and just wondering what are some "Cant live without" products that you have found really help. What have you found is the best way to store cooked food when you cook a full meal and portion yours out for a few days? I have lots of tupperware, etc but just wondering if there is something that keeps more fresh or size wise helps with portions? What about easiest way to make on the go meals, even when just liquid phase. When I go back to work, just wondering what you have found for keeping what you need at work? These may be simple...but I know for me, I am most successful when I have everything ready to go and not wait until I get in the middle of it to figure out what works best. Just asking for ideas or what you like.....(I know everyone is different)

I thought about trying Visalis but it is made from soy Protein & we need Whey. It also did not have a large amount of protein per serving.....thought I'd stay away from it because I've heard it tastes good, but if it's not preferred for the things above I dont even want to try! Maybe there are other varieties?

ok, so I know sip, sip, sip and to just drink every time you think about it and then some but I am reading so much (way more than I expected) of people getting dehydrated and returning to the hospital. I am sure a lot of these people thought they would do what they needed to and did not plan on that happening but inevitably it did. So I am wondering what can you do to increase your chances of staying hydrated? Any tips on what you did or anything to recommend specifically - what type of glass/water bottle, etc did you use? What did you drink the most of (I know everyone is different in what they can tolerate)? Anything..... Thanks

Worried about this also. I take Effexor which is known to be one of the hardest anti- depressants to come off of. If I am even 2-3 hours late in taking it (usually on wkend when schedule is different than work) I feel it big time!! It's not a capsule, so not sure about how it would be to crush it. I don't think I would be able to go a day much less dayS with out it. I plan on getting off of it in the next couple of years, but I don't think now would be a good time to try. This is probably my biggest fear...

I havent been sleeved yet, but I plan to find a charm to put on my charm bracelet I wear daily to represent my sleeve and this monumental day. All of my charms mean something very special to me, some are obvious and others are just for me to know.....not sure what it will be, but I know the Lord will help me find that special piece!

See, that is what I think is kind of strange about it all. Again, want to make it clear that I am very sorry that this patient has had such a horrible experience and is going through this. And again, have not had my own personal experience with being at the hospital but I have had my personal experience with Dr. Garcia, his coordinators AND one of his assistants there at the hospital in TJ and I have always had a very prompt and competent response. If I have a question, I can count on Melissa getting back to me usually within an hour. She is the one that is supposed to be there for us, taking care of things at the hospital and Rosie (I believe) is supposed to be at the hotel. I have heard nothing but GLOWING reports about the staff of Dr. Garcia and how well they were treated. So, to hear of the infection and know that unfortunately that is a risk we take in having surgery is one thing. But, to say it is because of lack of care is another. When doing research on the internet my strategy is to read as much info from as many sources as possible. Believing more so what I hear that is consistent (whether it is good or bad) because everything will have a little truth to it even if some of it is elaborated. So, when I hear this compared to everything else that is positive I am able to just shrug my shoulders and not let it affect my decision or make me worry about safety with Garcia. There is also a point where we have to be responsible for our own choice and care. I mean, as I said before...not "blaming" the patient by any means but her post stated nobody checked on her or showed her how to take care of her incisions (maybe not verbatum). As we all know, this surgery or any for that matter should not be taken lightly and you should be ready to not walk out of the hospital, the hotel and get on that plan until every one of your questions no matter how small are answered. I mean, this is your life we are talking about. Anyway, point it - those of you that have surgery scheduled with Garcia....of course nobody can guarantee everything will go without a hitch but I think there is enough genuine, positive, detailed info and experience out there and on here to feel at peace with our decision. We chose him for a reason and this one incident shouldnt change that for us. Good luck to all of you in July - I will be followig you...cant wait to hear your experience!

I would have to second almost all of the above posts - its amazing how we all just want the simple things that so many people NOT in our position take for granted. I look forward to tying my own shoes without my children or husband asking if they can help me because of the hard breathing. Getting dressed after a shower without sweating so much I already need another one. Walking up the stairs at work and not having to come directly to my chair to rest and turn my fan on high blowing directly on me. I can't wait to stop watching my family have fun on the lake, jet skis and boat while I just sit on the dock like a beached whale. Look forward to being able to walk into a store and just pick up a top and know it will fit without trying it on. Not feeling like an anti-social person because I am too ashamed to go out and be around people that have never seen me this big. Can't wait to have a conversation with someone and think about anything but how fat they must think I am. On a more serious level, I cant wait start fulfilling what God has called me to do. To stand in front of an audience and be an honorable representation of the temple He has entrusted me with. To not let the enemy get into my thoughts anymore, making me feel less important or unworthy because of my size. And last but not least...I can not wait to dance again!

How awesome is that...not only that he did not recognize you because you look so different, but the compliments of what a wonderful woman/wife YOU are....that just made my day, so I know it made your night! Congrats on your success!

I will be sleeved on 8/3 in Tijuana - can not wait!!

OK - I am so confused on what to take to use while in Mx. It seems that there is no point in taking our cell phones which will be so weird being as I do everything on my phone, but I dont want to get home to hundres of $ in roaming/international fees. So, Ive heard take laptop because the hospital/hotel has wifi.....but we are trying to pack really, really light and a laptop although flat is heavy in weight (mine is anyway). And we are literally going to try and pack in 2 large backpacks or something we can just carry on. I am not sure we want to take up that space. Ipad - much less space/weight and my brother in law has one he would let us borrow while we are there. But, I guess since I dont have one I am confused on how they connect. Is it just like the laptop and will use the wifi avail? I thought it would still use ATT towers and would be the same as the iphone correct? Just need some insight as I know hubby will be bored and I am sure I will too when I just want to lay there and rest...It would be awesome to update my blog, make a vlog and post to here right after surgery. Anyone?