SwanRose

When I was a little girl in England, watching all the cowboy shows on TV, I longed to be a cowgirl and ride the range. For my birthday next May when I'll be 10 months post-op I'm going on a group trail ride. I'll be up in the saddle!
(No experience needed, btw; the trail ride horses are trained to be idiot-proof.)
My husband bought me a little plastic horse that I'll take to the hospital with me in August - my symbol of everything I have to look forward to.

When I was a little girl in England, watching all the cowboy shows on TV, I longed to be a cowgirl and ride the range. For my birthday next May when I'll be 10 months post-op I'm going on a group trail ride. I'll be up in the saddle!
(No experience needed, btw; the trail ride horses are trained to be idiot-proof.)
My husband bought me a little plastic horse that I'll take to the hospital with me in August - my symbol of everything I have to look forward to.

When I was a little girl in England, watching all the cowboy shows on TV, I longed to be a cowgirl and ride the range. For my birthday next May when I'll be 10 months post-op I'm going on a group trail ride. I'll be up in the saddle!
(No experience needed, btw; the trail ride horses are trained to be idiot-proof.)
My husband bought me a little plastic horse that I'll take to the hospital with me in August - my symbol of everything I have to look forward to.

When I was a little girl in England, watching all the cowboy shows on TV, I longed to be a cowgirl and ride the range. For my birthday next May when I'll be 10 months post-op I'm going on a group trail ride. I'll be up in the saddle!
(No experience needed, btw; the trail ride horses are trained to be idiot-proof.)
My husband bought me a little plastic horse that I'll take to the hospital with me in August - my symbol of everything I have to look forward to.

When I was a little girl in England, watching all the cowboy shows on TV, I longed to be a cowgirl and ride the range. For my birthday next May when I'll be 10 months post-op I'm going on a group trail ride. I'll be up in the saddle!
(No experience needed, btw; the trail ride horses are trained to be idiot-proof.)
My husband bought me a little plastic horse that I'll take to the hospital with me in August - my symbol of everything I have to look forward to.

Candypants81,
Why is it that so many people think it's never occurred to us to try to eat less or exercise? I've never understood this.
The world is full of diet books, magazine articles and TV shows - and they think we haven't noticed?

Just for fun
What's the stupidest bit of weight loss advice you've been given by somebody who 'just doesn't understand'?
A few years ago a guy I knew told me I should learn to play chess because it would teach me the mental discipline I needed to lose weight.
He was an odd guy. He used the word discipline a lot in conversation - I never wanted to know why!
Anyway, I told him chess is the most boring game in creation and I'd rather watch paint dry. (Apologies to any avid chess players out there.)

Thanks for all the input. There is some confusing information out there! Even the official government websites (US and Mexican) give some conflicting advice. From what I've read, it seems it's okay to fly from Mexico back to the US with a Green Card, but not necessarily okay to drive over the border.
To be on the safe side I'm going to renew my British passport, which is a nuisance and will cost quite a lot, but better safe than sorry!

Congratulations! You look wonderful.

This is such a huge milestone for me. I'm not at goal yet and still have about 20 lbs to go but... I've lost a hundred pounds!! Had my band taken out and the sleeve done on the same day last year December 30th. I feel so much better even though I have my battle wounds. I'll likely have to have my arms done at some point but for now I'm in a size 8 and I am very proud of myself. Thank u for being here for me along the way.

These are my babies.
Sadie is a lab/water spaniel mix, adopted when she was 8 and she just turned 11 (but everyone says she still looks like a puppy!) She's the sweetest natured dog I've ever known, despite being abandoned as a puppy then having three adoptive homes before she came to us. She's NEVER going anywhere else.
Seraphina just turned 12; we adopted her just before her 11th birthday. We were told she's a Ragdoll but her coloring doesn't seem to fit. She was handed in to the Rescue after 10 years in the same home. Understandably bemused at first, but she's very contented now.
Our condo rules don't allow any more pets, but I long for a little Pug, even if it means moving house.

Hi Everyone,
I'm really glad that reading about my experience with Dr Garcia has been helpful. I'm now just over 5 weeks out from surgery and 30lbs down (10lbs on the pre-op diet and 20lbs since surgery). This may be a bit slower than for others, but I'm very happy with this rate of loss. My restriction feels good but not extreme.
For instance, for Breakfast this morning I had 2oz ham and 1oz of rice crackers and felt very full, and still don't feel any hunger now at 11.30am. I'll have a Protein Shake blended with Protein Powder and some milk, divided between lunch and an afternoon snack. This evening I'll be able to have a slightly larger meal, maybe 3oz of meat and a half cup of vegetables. If I need another snack at any point during the day I'll probably have 1oz of cheese and another 1oz of rice crackers (from Trader Joe's, very good). I'm adding in new foods gradually.
This might be more than some sleevers can eat at this point, but it's far, far less than I used to eat with my gigantic appetite! So I'm happy with that.
Once again I can report that I've had absolutely NO ill effects from surgery. From the time I woke up and took my first walk I've felt completely fine - no pain, no nausea. Lactose intolerance and a bit of Constipation are easily dealt with.
I have so much more energy now. I walk my dog twice a day, do pool aerobics three times a week and use a stationary bike and elliptical exerciser most days. Planning to do a 5K walk on Thanksgiving. The difference that the last five weeks has made is almost beyond belief! And all thanks to Dr Garcia.
So, all of you who are booked with Dr Garcia in the next few weeks - you are in the best hands and will have really excellent care. And anyone considering going to Dr Garcia - based on my experience I can't recommend him highly enough. Good luck to everyone.

I was sleeved at the Florence Hospital in Tijuana on Monday 4 August by Dr Fernando Garcia, and I can only say that my experience was PERFECT.
Dr Garcia, his team, Dr Velazco, the nurses, Eduardo, Irene and Samuel from Ready 4 a Change - they all worked to make this a truly trouble free and excellent event all round. The florence Hospital is nothing swish but it's very clean, and all the staff are helpful and very pleasant. Everything that happened was explained to me beforehand so I was never left in any confusion. I travelled alone and felt completely okay about it.
I was the only patient scheduled for Dr Garcia that day, so the morning was taken up with pre-op tests, a medical history and exam with Dr Velazco and a visit from Dr Garcia. He is so nice and reassuring. I was given my 'relaxing pill' - and whatever it was it was good stuff - and got wheeled happily to the OR at about midday. Victor, the anesthesiologist, did a bang up job. There was no counting backwards from ten - one second I was on the table, the next second, or so it seemed, I was back in my room, waking up and sliding back onto the bed. Ten minutes later I was up and walking.
I had no pain, no nausea, no vomiting or heaving, no problems with gas - a couple of ladylike burps and one discreet fart and that was it!
Post-op the nurses were very attentive, frequently checking on me and adding meds to my iv fluids - anti-biotics, pain meds, anti-nausea meds and something 'to protect your stomach' - don't know what that was but it worked. Dr Garcia came to check on me and advise about the post-op diet.
(He recommended I do 3 days on clear fluids, then on day 4 add Protein Shakes. (Just the shakes, not other full Fluid items.) This is to prevent my body from using muscle tissue as a Protein source. I had a Premier shake this morning, very slowly, and it went down fine. I don't know if he makes the same recommendation to everyone, though.)
I had one pre-op and one post-op night at the Marriott Hotel and was extremely comfortable. The staff really go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
All in all I feel so fortunate and blessed in my choice of Dr Garcia and the Ready 4 A Change company. If anyone is considering surgery in Mexico, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Garcia. My whole experience just couldn't have been better.
Update: I only just got around to taking a detailed look at the written post-op diet instructions - it's in very pale type and I found it difficult to see without a strong light! Yes, Dr Garcia does say to add protein shakes on day 4.

Just for fun
What's the stupidest bit of weight loss advice you've been given by somebody who 'just doesn't understand'?
A few years ago a guy I knew told me I should learn to play chess because it would teach me the mental discipline I needed to lose weight.
He was an odd guy. He used the word discipline a lot in conversation - I never wanted to know why!
Anyway, I told him chess is the most boring game in creation and I'd rather watch paint dry. (Apologies to any avid chess players out there.)

My big day is August 4th in Mexico. Having occasional OMG moments, but mostly excited and looking forward to my new sleeved life.

These are my babies.
Sadie is a lab/water spaniel mix, adopted when she was 8 and she just turned 11 (but everyone says she still looks like a puppy!) She's the sweetest natured dog I've ever known, despite being abandoned as a puppy then having three adoptive homes before she came to us. She's NEVER going anywhere else.
Seraphina just turned 12; we adopted her just before her 11th birthday. We were told she's a Ragdoll but her coloring doesn't seem to fit. She was handed in to the Rescue after 10 years in the same home. Understandably bemused at first, but she's very contented now.
Our condo rules don't allow any more pets, but I long for a little Pug, even if it means moving house.

Hi Everyone,
I'm really glad that reading about my experience with Dr Garcia has been helpful. I'm now just over 5 weeks out from surgery and 30lbs down (10lbs on the pre-op diet and 20lbs since surgery). This may be a bit slower than for others, but I'm very happy with this rate of loss. My restriction feels good but not extreme.
For instance, for Breakfast this morning I had 2oz ham and 1oz of rice crackers and felt very full, and still don't feel any hunger now at 11.30am. I'll have a Protein Shake blended with Protein Powder and some milk, divided between lunch and an afternoon snack. This evening I'll be able to have a slightly larger meal, maybe 3oz of meat and a half cup of vegetables. If I need another snack at any point during the day I'll probably have 1oz of cheese and another 1oz of rice crackers (from Trader Joe's, very good). I'm adding in new foods gradually.
This might be more than some sleevers can eat at this point, but it's far, far less than I used to eat with my gigantic appetite! So I'm happy with that.
Once again I can report that I've had absolutely NO ill effects from surgery. From the time I woke up and took my first walk I've felt completely fine - no pain, no nausea. Lactose intolerance and a bit of Constipation are easily dealt with.
I have so much more energy now. I walk my dog twice a day, do pool aerobics three times a week and use a stationary bike and elliptical exerciser most days. Planning to do a 5K walk on Thanksgiving. The difference that the last five weeks has made is almost beyond belief! And all thanks to Dr Garcia.
So, all of you who are booked with Dr Garcia in the next few weeks - you are in the best hands and will have really excellent care. And anyone considering going to Dr Garcia - based on my experience I can't recommend him highly enough. Good luck to everyone.

How are you feeling now? I'm so happy to see a recent post about Dr. Garcia. I'm having my sleeve done by him on Nov 8

Just wanted to say so happy for you swanrose!! I have been thinking about going to dr. garcia for about 2 years...and i am scared, mostly about safety in Mexico, cause I just dont know how it will be down there. But, I am realizing I really need to just do it! So happy for everyone that has gone there and been able to change their life!

@bulldog1973 So glad to hear that you've done so well! And so close to goal - must be thrilling!
When I think about how hungry I used to be, and how big my appetite was - Dr Velazco told me I would be amazed at how little it would take to fill me up, and she was right.

When I was a little girl in England, watching all the cowboy shows on TV, I longed to be a cowgirl and ride the range. For my birthday next May when I'll be 10 months post-op I'm going on a group trail ride. I'll be up in the saddle!
(No experience needed, btw; the trail ride horses are trained to be idiot-proof.)
My husband bought me a little plastic horse that I'll take to the hospital with me in August - my symbol of everything I have to look forward to.

I was sleeved at the Florence Hospital in Tijuana on Monday 4 August by Dr Fernando Garcia, and I can only say that my experience was PERFECT.
Dr Garcia, his team, Dr Velazco, the nurses, Eduardo, Irene and Samuel from Ready 4 a Change - they all worked to make this a truly trouble free and excellent event all round. The florence Hospital is nothing swish but it's very clean, and all the staff are helpful and very pleasant. Everything that happened was explained to me beforehand so I was never left in any confusion. I travelled alone and felt completely okay about it.
I was the only patient scheduled for Dr Garcia that day, so the morning was taken up with pre-op tests, a medical history and exam with Dr Velazco and a visit from Dr Garcia. He is so nice and reassuring. I was given my 'relaxing pill' - and whatever it was it was good stuff - and got wheeled happily to the OR at about midday. Victor, the anesthesiologist, did a bang up job. There was no counting backwards from ten - one second I was on the table, the next second, or so it seemed, I was back in my room, waking up and sliding back onto the bed. Ten minutes later I was up and walking.
I had no pain, no nausea, no vomiting or heaving, no problems with gas - a couple of ladylike burps and one discreet fart and that was it!
Post-op the nurses were very attentive, frequently checking on me and adding meds to my iv fluids - anti-biotics, pain meds, anti-nausea meds and something 'to protect your stomach' - don't know what that was but it worked. Dr Garcia came to check on me and advise about the post-op diet.
(He recommended I do 3 days on clear fluids, then on day 4 add Protein Shakes. (Just the shakes, not other full Fluid items.) This is to prevent my body from using muscle tissue as a Protein source. I had a Premier shake this morning, very slowly, and it went down fine. I don't know if he makes the same recommendation to everyone, though.)
I had one pre-op and one post-op night at the Marriott Hotel and was extremely comfortable. The staff really go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
All in all I feel so fortunate and blessed in my choice of Dr Garcia and the Ready 4 A Change company. If anyone is considering surgery in Mexico, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Garcia. My whole experience just couldn't have been better.
Update: I only just got around to taking a detailed look at the written post-op diet instructions - it's in very pale type and I found it difficult to see without a strong light! Yes, Dr Garcia does say to add protein shakes on day 4.

I was sleeved at the Florence Hospital in Tijuana on Monday 4 August by Dr Fernando Garcia, and I can only say that my experience was PERFECT.
Dr Garcia, his team, Dr Velazco, the nurses, Eduardo, Irene and Samuel from Ready 4 a Change - they all worked to make this a truly trouble free and excellent event all round. The florence Hospital is nothing swish but it's very clean, and all the staff are helpful and very pleasant. Everything that happened was explained to me beforehand so I was never left in any confusion. I travelled alone and felt completely okay about it.
I was the only patient scheduled for Dr Garcia that day, so the morning was taken up with pre-op tests, a medical history and exam with Dr Velazco and a visit from Dr Garcia. He is so nice and reassuring. I was given my 'relaxing pill' - and whatever it was it was good stuff - and got wheeled happily to the OR at about midday. Victor, the anesthesiologist, did a bang up job. There was no counting backwards from ten - one second I was on the table, the next second, or so it seemed, I was back in my room, waking up and sliding back onto the bed. Ten minutes later I was up and walking.
I had no pain, no nausea, no vomiting or heaving, no problems with gas - a couple of ladylike burps and one discreet fart and that was it!
Post-op the nurses were very attentive, frequently checking on me and adding meds to my iv fluids - anti-biotics, pain meds, anti-nausea meds and something 'to protect your stomach' - don't know what that was but it worked. Dr Garcia came to check on me and advise about the post-op diet.
(He recommended I do 3 days on clear fluids, then on day 4 add Protein Shakes. (Just the shakes, not other full Fluid items.) This is to prevent my body from using muscle tissue as a Protein source. I had a Premier shake this morning, very slowly, and it went down fine. I don't know if he makes the same recommendation to everyone, though.)
I had one pre-op and one post-op night at the Marriott Hotel and was extremely comfortable. The staff really go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
All in all I feel so fortunate and blessed in my choice of Dr Garcia and the Ready 4 A Change company. If anyone is considering surgery in Mexico, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Garcia. My whole experience just couldn't have been better.
Update: I only just got around to taking a detailed look at the written post-op diet instructions - it's in very pale type and I found it difficult to see without a strong light! Yes, Dr Garcia does say to add protein shakes on day 4.

@pgerik Best of luck with your sleeve. You will be in excellent hands. And if it helps a bit more - I'm now almost four weeks out and have had absolutely no post-op problems - apart from finding I've become lactose intolerant, but Lactaid takes care of that. Haven't needed a single painkiller, and although I was expecting to need to sleep in the recliner for a week, in fact I was back in bed on my first night home and have been sleeping like a log. Totally smooth transition to phases of the post-op diet.
I really hope everything goes just as well for you. Let us know.

Glad you are doing well!!! I am almost 14 months post op and 4 pounds from my goal weight. I also went with Dr. Garcia and would not have changed a thing!! He, and his staff, are exceptional. I still struggle daily with getting in my Water and Protein, but that is because my restriction is still great. Even 14 months out I can still only eat about 3oz at a meal and that is being FULL. My boyfriend and I have a running joke when we talk about what to make for dinner...my response is usually "5 bites of anything".
Hope you continue to have great success!!