rollargirl

4 weeks for me. Took me forever to finish my glass of wine buy I enjoyed every last drop of it! It was good to feel "normal" again. I'm now 2-1/2 months out and have a glass (or 2) of wine once or twice a week.

I waited 7 months, I had 2 sips of wine on Mother's Day and felt woozy -- I haven't had a drink since.

My doctors paperwork says 4 weeks, but he told me its empty calories so choose wisely. Honestly, I haven't drank in almost 2 years because I was pregnant then breast feeding for a year, so I'm in so rush to start. I'd try it at home first, you don't want your big night out to be running and puking or having diarrhea.

Sleeved on 11/7 & doc gave approval to drink wine on new yrs eve. 1/2 glass of wine had me pretty tipsy. So be careful.

I was three months out when I had my first drink and it didnt take much at all. You have to be careful drinking you get drunk super fast. Since it don't break down in stomach and goes strait into intestion. You absorb it instantly.

I was the last of 3 surgeries too!! My story is very similar to yours!! Except I have my gallbladder :-) I had such a positive experience! I'm glad to hear you did too and your recovering well!!!

Well its been a little over 3 months since I made the lifechanging trip to mexico and had surgery with Dr. Garcia.
As of today I am down 41 lbs. I just wanted to say I am doing GREAT! At this point I can eat most anything without problem (although plain Water still makes me sick) IF I wanted to I could easily eat quite a bit, HOWEVER having the surgery and seeing the weight loss has become an AMAZING motivation to stay on track. I now actually LOOK forward to exercising, it's become a time for quiet and to destress. I exercise at least 3x a week doing strength and cardio.
As for food, I found myself eating too many carbs these past few weeks and decided it was time to go back to basics and focus on Protein. I've been following the Atkins phase 1, BEFORE surgery giving up carbs would have been a nightmare and I would have been unsuccessful. NOW though I am half way through my first week on the low carb diet and feel fine, and havent had any struggle to do it or stick to it
I wouldnt say the sleeve FORCES me to eat right, or exercise, or stay on track. It instead MOTIVATES me to do so and gives me that little extra push I need. The sleeve has been my catalyst to get my eating under control and live healthy.
I am posting pics of my month progress (Please note the change in back fat. I was a low BMI to begin with, but decided on the surgery because I have scolisosis and have steel rods attached to my spine and the weight was causing me pain and discomfort. Now that I am carrying less weight my back feels SO much better)
ETA: also notice the short changes in the pics, The shorts I wore in my pre op pics dont fit any more and I've had to wear the bra on a tighter link

I spent a year researching Mexico in case I was denied by my insurance, and sure enough after all was said and done... DENIED, so I made the decision to go to Mexico. I went through ready for a change with Dr Garcia.
I could not have asked for a better experience and would not change my decision for anything.
As much as I would have liked to stay home and be 5mins from my house and 2yr old, it was not an option.
If I had the surgery here, I would have been released to go home the next day. I was so not ready for that. In Mexico I spent 2 nights in the hospital and had an extra 2nights to recoup in the hotel! It was exactly what my body needed. Everyone was so caring an helpful and I didn't feel like just another number like I sometime have felt as a patient in the states. I had 3 leak tests performed on me as well there. Here the Dr I was originally going with was so "confident" in his work that he didn't even think that one was necessary. That's a scary thought.
The amount of money I spent in the entire trip air and all was still less then my out of pocket expenses after insurance if I was to stay here.
I had a friend traveling with me, that was with me every step of the way, even staying in the hospital with me. And she was kept in the loop with every step the doctor took. My care was amazing!

I flew in around 10:45 am, and Samuel was already outside..he took me and hubby straight to Oasis, i checked in was given a room, was told to undress they gave a gown and thigh high compression stockings to put on.
Immediately after i was taken to get chest xrays, lab work, ekg and was taken back to my room..all the doctors and nurses were awesome there were 4 of us waiting for surgery..they advised me i would be last because the 3 before me already have complications..which was ok with me.. I was in no hurry because i chatted alot with the staff..oh before i forget they weighed me.i was 242 lbs...down 14 lbs while on my preop diet..
At 8 pm Dr. Garcia came into my room, he apologized for taking so long then he explained the surgery and drew on his ipad what he was gonna do...adding the removal of my gallbladder..10 minutes later i go to the OR..they start prepping me..before i know it im back in my room.
The treatment that i have had (btw im still in the hospital) has been outstanding, not even in the US was i ever given this treatment...

I loved the whole team! So happy w my choice 8 )

I loved the whole team! So happy w my choice 8 )

I was sleeved by Dr Garcia on May 11th and here is my adventure: Firstly I was going to have my surgery in NZ for $17000 ... then I heard how all the North Americans head down to Mexico and have great results for 1/3 the cost. I also believe that the Drs like Garcia, do as many surgery's in a month as a Dr in NZ would do in a year. I felt like I was in very good hands and had made the best decision (I was right by the way) So I left for LA on Wednesday 8th and had 2.5 days seeing all the beautiful sights of Los Angeles, shopping and eating - I was on no carbs no fats for 5 days pre op (low BMI) I kept waiting for the nerves to kick in for the upcoming surgery ... I was sure once I got on the plane for LA to San Diego they would .. but they didn't. Samuel picked me up as scheduled and took me directly to the hospital for our tests -xray, EKG & blood work. you meet Anna there and she is LOVELY shes there to answer any questions and tell you what the plan is. there was heavy traffic that night so was waiting around for about 3 hours... however, I got to meet Dr Luna so that helped pass the time (you ladies will know what I mean) when I arrived at the Marriott I was very pleasantly surprised. As I can be a bit of a 'princess' I had plans to upgrade my room to the nicest they had - but there was no need. the room was spacious w a nice bathroom and bedding ... I could totally see myself recuperating here after surgery. (this is where you'll meet Irene - lovely lady) I went down and met the girls I knew (from our Facebook group - highly recommend doing that) we had broth and a laugh as everyone was in great spirits. SATURDAY morning we all met down in the lobby around 730am for the shuttle to pick us up to take us to Florence Hospital (still not nervous) its about a 25 min drive, and right down by the ocean. I went in to see another lady from my group who was the day before and before I knew it they were calling to get changed into the robe (commando BTW) and swallow a little white pill to help me relax (didn't even feel like I needed it) I was calm as a cucumber still!. Dr Garcia came in and introduced himself and ask if I had any questions - I didn't as id done so much research on here. Then off I went being wheeled into the OR. I remember the last thing I said was 'I was hoping to be out by this point' as they were taking my gown off me (dr Luna was right beside me) and I was totally starker's with a BIG unflattering spot light on me! Then I was out! I woke up with a nebulizer mask on my face as I had asthma but was so out of it I wasn't worried. I should note here I had the single incision for an extra 1000, you can hardly see the 3 week old scar in my belly button! for the next 2 days in the hospital it was pretty much ; sleep, walk, shower and sleep some more! I had rented a few movies on my ipad to watch and never watched any because I was so sleepy. Dr Luna came to check on me often (perks of the day) and the nurses were in felt like every hour giving me Iv pain and nausea meds, checked my blood pressure 5 x a day and I had a further 3 nebulizers even tho I didn't want them. BTW you can ask for them to take a photo of your stomach when its out - great photo to show people after and gross them out! MONDAY morning I was up and showered and we headed off back to the hotel - it was around midday and they had a room for us. I think I watched TV and slept the rest of the day- I was very lucky I had NO pain or nausea at all. TUESDAY I hit the ground running! I was up and off to lay by the pool in the sun. then I went down the street to the little mall. pleasantly surprised there too! Girls and Guys there is the most beautiful boot shop upstairs by the movie theatre - a must see. I figured I couldnt really buy clothes on the trip but my feet will be the same size! $700 later and I was a happy girl (bought 2 pairs) there's also a place called Iron WOK that does the yummiest won ton Soup ... the broth of it, will be the best you've tasted after 3 days of noting much in your mouth. I sat in the sun on the balcony and had a few spoons, they let me take the rest home to share w the other girls. There's a GNC there for ready made drinks, and an Applebees does a broccoli & cheese soup - I added Water and it went down fine (keep in mind Dr Luna says I am his worst patient ever as I miss behaved) there's also the famous WALLMART where you can waste away a few hours if your bored...I was at the mall for about 3 hours - walking is GOOD! took a cab back to the hotel (too many shopping bags) its about 5 bucks. Caught up with the girls and went back to laying in the sun. WEDNESDAY (i stayed an extra night as I was from so far away) I headed back to the mall again, I had a hair appointment to have my hair blow dried cost $11. did some more shopping around and stalked up on crest toothpaste (I was born in Toronto) and tried some frozen yogurt -yum. for dinner I went into Revolution st to a place called Caesars for chicken and spinach broth ... this restaurant is beautiful and will def have to go back there when I can eat properly - its where Caesar salad was invented...it smelled AMAZING! I also bought some little gifts while there - lots of little souvenir shops on the road - and I felt very safe. THURSDAY got up early and headed back to the hospital on our way to the airport. I needed blood thinning shots as I was on a 12 hr flight home. I remember getting an email from Dr Luna a few weeks before telling me I would be getting them. I liked that I was an individual case to them and not a number, they took the time to reassure me that they wanted me to be safe and took extra care. The boarder crossing took 10 min and we were so early Samuel gave me a little tour around San Diego ...it was very sweet of him. I was still 3 hours early so I checked my luggage through and took a cab to the water front. IT IS BEAUTIUL if you have some spare time head over- its 5/10 min away. There's a bunch of nice restaurants on the water and most places have soup. I took a little tuk tuk ride around and saw all the war attractions and learned some history. I had cream of Tomato Soup (again naughty I know) but It was fine and got me through till I landed back in LA. Spent the whole next day shopping around Manhatten beach (6 hours walking) and boarded the plane at 10 pm. I arrived safe and sound in NZ and since then I have been telling everyone what a fabulous holiday I had with a little bit if surgery. I realise this isnt as easy for everyone but I cannot express enough how much I loved my experience with Ready4Achange and the whole team - Dr Garcia, Dr Luna, Anna (coordinator at Florence) Irene (coordinator at the Marriott) Samuel the driver. I have even referred a friend who lives in OZ for her to go see the team as Im that confident to refer people. side note: one of the ladies in my group had complications (not to do with the surgery) and she was so happy with the care she received and felt very safe in they knew what they were doing. she had to be taken to SD hospital and spend a few days in ICU. she still raves about the Drs and care she received while there. So to end this very long note - if you are still researching who to go to the i can say without a doubt you wont be disappointed in Dr Garcia and the whole team. They are amazing and I cant sing their praises enough ... if this review gets someone to choose them, then I fell like I've made a dent in repaying them for everything they've done for me ... much love x

Hi! Someone said because it wasn't classed under "plastic surgery" it was bariatric then hospitals here will help me - but that's bad news for your Tummy Tuck sorry lol also my mom is so strict on me getting travel insurance when I'm just going to lay on the beach somewhere that she was having a panic attack about surgery overseas! Lol I don't know why but I wasn't really nervous or bothered - I was lucky and don't know what I would of done had something gone wrong over there. I now know I was in great hands. Lots of people from north America go back the following year to have the tummy tuck & boobs etc .. But again they're way closer... I guess u just have to take a leap of faith and research the best drs you can find. I hear Thailand is also very popular for us Australasians ... Did u go private or public here?

I am in no hurry to hit the gym either. I am not wanting a race, just nice and steady. The time will come to hit the gym hard, in the meantime I am busy enough and love my naps. I know what you mean for the every two hours thing. I don't feel "hungry", but can feel my blood sugar getting low and try to have a piece of cheese, scramble an egg or get some Soup in.
you are doing great!!

What a great story! So happy it went well for you, I think it was a very courageous thing to do.
Do you know if there are any restrictions on receiving follow up care back home? I discovered when preparing for the surgery (I had mine here in Auckland) that if there were any complications that I may have to pay for the additional follow up care as the DHB (or ACC for misadventure if surgery occurs offshore) may not cover complications from privately purchased surgery. It didn't stop me but did surprise me!
I have been looking into options for plastics as I am sure some will be required for the mess of skin on my tummy (i am only 10 kilos from goal) and I have wondered about going overseas for this but the complications and follow up stuff has me a bit cautious so I would be very interested to know what your experiences have been.

Haha yes I'm seeing a difference in my face too! Loving that ! And my clothes are just looking way better one me .. I've lost 17 pounds since surgery. I've been living on these fresh soup/meals we have here ... I just pulse them through the blender... I had a Thai green chicken curry the other day = yum! I only eat about 1/3 of a cup at a time and seem to eat every 2 hours. I was constantly starving all the time on the 2 weeks of liquids but feeling much better now I'm on purée. I went back to work the day after I got home and have been totally fine! I've been keeping very busy but no "walks" or exercise for another few weeks - I'm in no hurry! Lol xo

I'm so glad to hear about your experience at Florence Hospital. I'm going there on the 10th. My doctor is also Dr. Garcia.

you did what you had to do. I would not worry about it

So happy and fun to hear about your adventures after I left. What a whirlwind and I thought I was the busybody walking for hours around San Diego.< /p>
So good meeting you in person and I wish you all the best.
Keep us updated
Dr Luna is truly a gift

I was sleeved by Dr Garcia on May 11th and here is my adventure: Firstly I was going to have my surgery in NZ for $17000 ... then I heard how all the North Americans head down to Mexico and have great results for 1/3 the cost. I also believe that the Drs like Garcia, do as many surgery's in a month as a Dr in NZ would do in a year. I felt like I was in very good hands and had made the best decision (I was right by the way) So I left for LA on Wednesday 8th and had 2.5 days seeing all the beautiful sights of Los Angeles, shopping and eating - I was on no carbs no fats for 5 days pre op (low BMI) I kept waiting for the nerves to kick in for the upcoming surgery ... I was sure once I got on the plane for LA to San Diego they would .. but they didn't. Samuel picked me up as scheduled and took me directly to the hospital for our tests -xray, EKG & blood work. you meet Anna there and she is LOVELY shes there to answer any questions and tell you what the plan is. there was heavy traffic that night so was waiting around for about 3 hours... however, I got to meet Dr Luna so that helped pass the time (you ladies will know what I mean) when I arrived at the Marriott I was very pleasantly surprised. As I can be a bit of a 'princess' I had plans to upgrade my room to the nicest they had - but there was no need. the room was spacious w a nice bathroom and bedding ... I could totally see myself recuperating here after surgery. (this is where you'll meet Irene - lovely lady) I went down and met the girls I knew (from our Facebook group - highly recommend doing that) we had broth and a laugh as everyone was in great spirits. SATURDAY morning we all met down in the lobby around 730am for the shuttle to pick us up to take us to Florence Hospital (still not nervous) its about a 25 min drive, and right down by the ocean. I went in to see another lady from my group who was the day before and before I knew it they were calling to get changed into the robe (commando BTW) and swallow a little white pill to help me relax (didn't even feel like I needed it) I was calm as a cucumber still!. Dr Garcia came in and introduced himself and ask if I had any questions - I didn't as id done so much research on here. Then off I went being wheeled into the OR. I remember the last thing I said was 'I was hoping to be out by this point' as they were taking my gown off me (dr Luna was right beside me) and I was totally starker's with a BIG unflattering spot light on me! Then I was out! I woke up with a nebulizer mask on my face as I had asthma but was so out of it I wasn't worried. I should note here I had the single incision for an extra 1000, you can hardly see the 3 week old scar in my belly button! for the next 2 days in the hospital it was pretty much ; sleep, walk, shower and sleep some more! I had rented a few movies on my ipad to watch and never watched any because I was so sleepy. Dr Luna came to check on me often (perks of the day) and the nurses were in felt like every hour giving me Iv pain and nausea meds, checked my blood pressure 5 x a day and I had a further 3 nebulizers even tho I didn't want them. BTW you can ask for them to take a photo of your stomach when its out - great photo to show people after and gross them out! MONDAY morning I was up and showered and we headed off back to the hotel - it was around midday and they had a room for us. I think I watched TV and slept the rest of the day- I was very lucky I had NO pain or nausea at all. TUESDAY I hit the ground running! I was up and off to lay by the pool in the sun. then I went down the street to the little mall. pleasantly surprised there too! Girls and Guys there is the most beautiful boot shop upstairs by the movie theatre - a must see. I figured I couldnt really buy clothes on the trip but my feet will be the same size! $700 later and I was a happy girl (bought 2 pairs) there's also a place called Iron WOK that does the yummiest won ton Soup ... the broth of it, will be the best you've tasted after 3 days of noting much in your mouth. I sat in the sun on the balcony and had a few spoons, they let me take the rest home to share w the other girls. There's a GNC there for ready made drinks, and an Applebees does a broccoli & cheese soup - I added Water and it went down fine (keep in mind Dr Luna says I am his worst patient ever as I miss behaved) there's also the famous WALLMART where you can waste away a few hours if your bored...I was at the mall for about 3 hours - walking is GOOD! took a cab back to the hotel (too many shopping bags) its about 5 bucks. Caught up with the girls and went back to laying in the sun. WEDNESDAY (i stayed an extra night as I was from so far away) I headed back to the mall again, I had a hair appointment to have my hair blow dried cost $11. did some more shopping around and stalked up on crest toothpaste (I was born in Toronto) and tried some frozen yogurt -yum. for dinner I went into Revolution st to a place called Caesars for chicken and spinach broth ... this restaurant is beautiful and will def have to go back there when I can eat properly - its where Caesar salad was invented...it smelled AMAZING! I also bought some little gifts while there - lots of little souvenir shops on the road - and I felt very safe. THURSDAY got up early and headed back to the hospital on our way to the airport. I needed blood thinning shots as I was on a 12 hr flight home. I remember getting an email from Dr Luna a few weeks before telling me I would be getting them. I liked that I was an individual case to them and not a number, they took the time to reassure me that they wanted me to be safe and took extra care. The boarder crossing took 10 min and we were so early Samuel gave me a little tour around San Diego ...it was very sweet of him. I was still 3 hours early so I checked my luggage through and took a cab to the water front. IT IS BEAUTIUL if you have some spare time head over- its 5/10 min away. There's a bunch of nice restaurants on the water and most places have soup. I took a little tuk tuk ride around and saw all the war attractions and learned some history. I had cream of Tomato Soup (again naughty I know) but It was fine and got me through till I landed back in LA. Spent the whole next day shopping around Manhatten beach (6 hours walking) and boarded the plane at 10 pm. I arrived safe and sound in NZ and since then I have been telling everyone what a fabulous holiday I had with a little bit if surgery. I realise this isnt as easy for everyone but I cannot express enough how much I loved my experience with Ready4Achange and the whole team - Dr Garcia, Dr Luna, Anna (coordinator at Florence) Irene (coordinator at the Marriott) Samuel the driver. I have even referred a friend who lives in OZ for her to go see the team as Im that confident to refer people. side note: one of the ladies in my group had complications (not to do with the surgery) and she was so happy with the care she received and felt very safe in they knew what they were doing. she had to be taken to SD hospital and spend a few days in ICU. she still raves about the Drs and care she received while there. So to end this very long note - if you are still researching who to go to the i can say without a doubt you wont be disappointed in Dr Garcia and the whole team. They are amazing and I cant sing their praises enough ... if this review gets someone to choose them, then I fell like I've made a dent in repaying them for everything they've done for me ... much love x

I was sleeved by Dr Garcia on May 11th and here is my adventure: Firstly I was going to have my surgery in NZ for $17000 ... then I heard how all the North Americans head down to Mexico and have great results for 1/3 the cost. I also believe that the Drs like Garcia, do as many surgery's in a month as a Dr in NZ would do in a year. I felt like I was in very good hands and had made the best decision (I was right by the way) So I left for LA on Wednesday 8th and had 2.5 days seeing all the beautiful sights of Los Angeles, shopping and eating - I was on no carbs no fats for 5 days pre op (low BMI) I kept waiting for the nerves to kick in for the upcoming surgery ... I was sure once I got on the plane for LA to San Diego they would .. but they didn't. Samuel picked me up as scheduled and took me directly to the hospital for our tests -xray, EKG & blood work. you meet Anna there and she is LOVELY shes there to answer any questions and tell you what the plan is. there was heavy traffic that night so was waiting around for about 3 hours... however, I got to meet Dr Luna so that helped pass the time (you ladies will know what I mean) when I arrived at the Marriott I was very pleasantly surprised. As I can be a bit of a 'princess' I had plans to upgrade my room to the nicest they had - but there was no need. the room was spacious w a nice bathroom and bedding ... I could totally see myself recuperating here after surgery. (this is where you'll meet Irene - lovely lady) I went down and met the girls I knew (from our Facebook group - highly recommend doing that) we had broth and a laugh as everyone was in great spirits. SATURDAY morning we all met down in the lobby around 730am for the shuttle to pick us up to take us to Florence Hospital (still not nervous) its about a 25 min drive, and right down by the ocean. I went in to see another lady from my group who was the day before and before I knew it they were calling to get changed into the robe (commando BTW) and swallow a little white pill to help me relax (didn't even feel like I needed it) I was calm as a cucumber still!. Dr Garcia came in and introduced himself and ask if I had any questions - I didn't as id done so much research on here. Then off I went being wheeled into the OR. I remember the last thing I said was 'I was hoping to be out by this point' as they were taking my gown off me (dr Luna was right beside me) and I was totally starker's with a BIG unflattering spot light on me! Then I was out! I woke up with a nebulizer mask on my face as I had asthma but was so out of it I wasn't worried. I should note here I had the single incision for an extra 1000, you can hardly see the 3 week old scar in my belly button! for the next 2 days in the hospital it was pretty much ; sleep, walk, shower and sleep some more! I had rented a few movies on my ipad to watch and never watched any because I was so sleepy. Dr Luna came to check on me often (perks of the day) and the nurses were in felt like every hour giving me Iv pain and nausea meds, checked my blood pressure 5 x a day and I had a further 3 nebulizers even tho I didn't want them. BTW you can ask for them to take a photo of your stomach when its out - great photo to show people after and gross them out! MONDAY morning I was up and showered and we headed off back to the hotel - it was around midday and they had a room for us. I think I watched TV and slept the rest of the day- I was very lucky I had NO pain or nausea at all. TUESDAY I hit the ground running! I was up and off to lay by the pool in the sun. then I went down the street to the little mall. pleasantly surprised there too! Girls and Guys there is the most beautiful boot shop upstairs by the movie theatre - a must see. I figured I couldnt really buy clothes on the trip but my feet will be the same size! $700 later and I was a happy girl (bought 2 pairs) there's also a place called Iron WOK that does the yummiest won ton Soup ... the broth of it, will be the best you've tasted after 3 days of noting much in your mouth. I sat in the sun on the balcony and had a few spoons, they let me take the rest home to share w the other girls. There's a GNC there for ready made drinks, and an Applebees does a broccoli & cheese soup - I added Water and it went down fine (keep in mind Dr Luna says I am his worst patient ever as I miss behaved) there's also the famous WALLMART where you can waste away a few hours if your bored...I was at the mall for about 3 hours - walking is GOOD! took a cab back to the hotel (too many shopping bags) its about 5 bucks. Caught up with the girls and went back to laying in the sun. WEDNESDAY (i stayed an extra night as I was from so far away) I headed back to the mall again, I had a hair appointment to have my hair blow dried cost $11. did some more shopping around and stalked up on crest toothpaste (I was born in Toronto) and tried some frozen yogurt -yum. for dinner I went into Revolution st to a place called Caesars for chicken and spinach broth ... this restaurant is beautiful and will def have to go back there when I can eat properly - its where Caesar salad was invented...it smelled AMAZING! I also bought some little gifts while there - lots of little souvenir shops on the road - and I felt very safe. THURSDAY got up early and headed back to the hospital on our way to the airport. I needed blood thinning shots as I was on a 12 hr flight home. I remember getting an email from Dr Luna a few weeks before telling me I would be getting them. I liked that I was an individual case to them and not a number, they took the time to reassure me that they wanted me to be safe and took extra care. The boarder crossing took 10 min and we were so early Samuel gave me a little tour around San Diego ...it was very sweet of him. I was still 3 hours early so I checked my luggage through and took a cab to the water front. IT IS BEAUTIUL if you have some spare time head over- its 5/10 min away. There's a bunch of nice restaurants on the water and most places have soup. I took a little tuk tuk ride around and saw all the war attractions and learned some history. I had cream of Tomato Soup (again naughty I know) but It was fine and got me through till I landed back in LA. Spent the whole next day shopping around Manhatten beach (6 hours walking) and boarded the plane at 10 pm. I arrived safe and sound in NZ and since then I have been telling everyone what a fabulous holiday I had with a little bit if surgery. I realise this isnt as easy for everyone but I cannot express enough how much I loved my experience with Ready4Achange and the whole team - Dr Garcia, Dr Luna, Anna (coordinator at Florence) Irene (coordinator at the Marriott) Samuel the driver. I have even referred a friend who lives in OZ for her to go see the team as Im that confident to refer people. side note: one of the ladies in my group had complications (not to do with the surgery) and she was so happy with the care she received and felt very safe in they knew what they were doing. she had to be taken to SD hospital and spend a few days in ICU. she still raves about the Drs and care she received while there. So to end this very long note - if you are still researching who to go to the i can say without a doubt you wont be disappointed in Dr Garcia and the whole team. They are amazing and I cant sing their praises enough ... if this review gets someone to choose them, then I fell like I've made a dent in repaying them for everything they've done for me ... much love x

Agreed on the Dr Luna topic!

I was sleeved by Dr Garcia on May 11th and here is my adventure: Firstly I was going to have my surgery in NZ for $17000 ... then I heard how all the North Americans head down to Mexico and have great results for 1/3 the cost. I also believe that the Drs like Garcia, do as many surgery's in a month as a Dr in NZ would do in a year. I felt like I was in very good hands and had made the best decision (I was right by the way) So I left for LA on Wednesday 8th and had 2.5 days seeing all the beautiful sights of Los Angeles, shopping and eating - I was on no carbs no fats for 5 days pre op (low BMI) I kept waiting for the nerves to kick in for the upcoming surgery ... I was sure once I got on the plane for LA to San Diego they would .. but they didn't. Samuel picked me up as scheduled and took me directly to the hospital for our tests -xray, EKG & blood work. you meet Anna there and she is LOVELY shes there to answer any questions and tell you what the plan is. there was heavy traffic that night so was waiting around for about 3 hours... however, I got to meet Dr Luna so that helped pass the time (you ladies will know what I mean) when I arrived at the Marriott I was very pleasantly surprised. As I can be a bit of a 'princess' I had plans to upgrade my room to the nicest they had - but there was no need. the room was spacious w a nice bathroom and bedding ... I could totally see myself recuperating here after surgery. (this is where you'll meet Irene - lovely lady) I went down and met the girls I knew (from our Facebook group - highly recommend doing that) we had broth and a laugh as everyone was in great spirits. SATURDAY morning we all met down in the lobby around 730am for the shuttle to pick us up to take us to Florence Hospital (still not nervous) its about a 25 min drive, and right down by the ocean. I went in to see another lady from my group who was the day before and before I knew it they were calling to get changed into the robe (commando BTW) and swallow a little white pill to help me relax (didn't even feel like I needed it) I was calm as a cucumber still!. Dr Garcia came in and introduced himself and ask if I had any questions - I didn't as id done so much research on here. Then off I went being wheeled into the OR. I remember the last thing I said was 'I was hoping to be out by this point' as they were taking my gown off me (dr Luna was right beside me) and I was totally starker's with a BIG unflattering spot light on me! Then I was out! I woke up with a nebulizer mask on my face as I had asthma but was so out of it I wasn't worried. I should note here I had the single incision for an extra 1000, you can hardly see the 3 week old scar in my belly button! for the next 2 days in the hospital it was pretty much ; sleep, walk, shower and sleep some more! I had rented a few movies on my ipad to watch and never watched any because I was so sleepy. Dr Luna came to check on me often (perks of the day) and the nurses were in felt like every hour giving me Iv pain and nausea meds, checked my blood pressure 5 x a day and I had a further 3 nebulizers even tho I didn't want them. BTW you can ask for them to take a photo of your stomach when its out - great photo to show people after and gross them out! MONDAY morning I was up and showered and we headed off back to the hotel - it was around midday and they had a room for us. I think I watched TV and slept the rest of the day- I was very lucky I had NO pain or nausea at all. TUESDAY I hit the ground running! I was up and off to lay by the pool in the sun. then I went down the street to the little mall. pleasantly surprised there too! Girls and Guys there is the most beautiful boot shop upstairs by the movie theatre - a must see. I figured I couldnt really buy clothes on the trip but my feet will be the same size! $700 later and I was a happy girl (bought 2 pairs) there's also a place called Iron WOK that does the yummiest won ton Soup ... the broth of it, will be the best you've tasted after 3 days of noting much in your mouth. I sat in the sun on the balcony and had a few spoons, they let me take the rest home to share w the other girls. There's a GNC there for ready made drinks, and an Applebees does a broccoli & cheese soup - I added Water and it went down fine (keep in mind Dr Luna says I am his worst patient ever as I miss behaved) there's also the famous WALLMART where you can waste away a few hours if your bored...I was at the mall for about 3 hours - walking is GOOD! took a cab back to the hotel (too many shopping bags) its about 5 bucks. Caught up with the girls and went back to laying in the sun. WEDNESDAY (i stayed an extra night as I was from so far away) I headed back to the mall again, I had a hair appointment to have my hair blow dried cost $11. did some more shopping around and stalked up on crest toothpaste (I was born in Toronto) and tried some frozen yogurt -yum. for dinner I went into Revolution st to a place called Caesars for chicken and spinach broth ... this restaurant is beautiful and will def have to go back there when I can eat properly - its where Caesar salad was invented...it smelled AMAZING! I also bought some little gifts while there - lots of little souvenir shops on the road - and I felt very safe. THURSDAY got up early and headed back to the hospital on our way to the airport. I needed blood thinning shots as I was on a 12 hr flight home. I remember getting an email from Dr Luna a few weeks before telling me I would be getting them. I liked that I was an individual case to them and not a number, they took the time to reassure me that they wanted me to be safe and took extra care. The boarder crossing took 10 min and we were so early Samuel gave me a little tour around San Diego ...it was very sweet of him. I was still 3 hours early so I checked my luggage through and took a cab to the water front. IT IS BEAUTIUL if you have some spare time head over- its 5/10 min away. There's a bunch of nice restaurants on the water and most places have soup. I took a little tuk tuk ride around and saw all the war attractions and learned some history. I had cream of Tomato Soup (again naughty I know) but It was fine and got me through till I landed back in LA. Spent the whole next day shopping around Manhatten beach (6 hours walking) and boarded the plane at 10 pm. I arrived safe and sound in NZ and since then I have been telling everyone what a fabulous holiday I had with a little bit if surgery. I realise this isnt as easy for everyone but I cannot express enough how much I loved my experience with Ready4Achange and the whole team - Dr Garcia, Dr Luna, Anna (coordinator at Florence) Irene (coordinator at the Marriott) Samuel the driver. I have even referred a friend who lives in OZ for her to go see the team as Im that confident to refer people. side note: one of the ladies in my group had complications (not to do with the surgery) and she was so happy with the care she received and felt very safe in they knew what they were doing. she had to be taken to SD hospital and spend a few days in ICU. she still raves about the Drs and care she received while there. So to end this very long note - if you are still researching who to go to the i can say without a doubt you wont be disappointed in Dr Garcia and the whole team. They are amazing and I cant sing their praises enough ... if this review gets someone to choose them, then I fell like I've made a dent in repaying them for everything they've done for me ... much love x