Hello,

I was sleeved last weekend by Dr. Garcia and his staff! They were amazing! I must admit I was a little scared to go to TJ to have a surgery and still smile at the fact that I'm bold enough to do what I did. I am now one week post op and feeling great. I am still having a bit of the burpys when I eat and drink, but have to mention that this gets better daily. I have a low bmi and I truly felt remorseful the night after surgery. Feeling much better now and am looking forward to a better life. Dr. Garcia is still answering all of my questions through the awesome alma and I don't feel like just because the surgery is over that I am no longer someone that he knows. Dr. Garcia takes the time to send long, wordy responses to any question I have and welcomes all post-op comments. Hmmm....never had an American doctor that cared to spend that kind of time without a $35 co-pay! Whatever the case here is my breakdown:

Dr. Garcia - Sweet and soft spoken. Very knowledgable and caring! My sis asked for a less "tight" sleeve because she didn't have as much weight to loose and he took off less of her stomach during surgery. In the states you have a one fold surgery...there is no customizing. So if you feel you don't need to loose as much speak with him about getting less cut off.

His Anesthesiologist: Not only was he amazing but he is hot!!...meaning attractive!!...whew...ok...I'm back....: He comes to meet you before surgery and takes his time and answers any questions you have pre-op. When you come in he totally takes your mind off of surgery and I was so interested in our conversation...I didn't realize that I had stopped talking and had surgery! lol...next thing you know I'm waking up with oxygen on. Really? That was amazing.

His Internal Medicine doc: She is very sweet and attentive. Took all pre-op information and answered any questions I had as well.

His on-call doc: I can never remember names but I know it was Dr. V. She was amazing at making sure I was comfortable and the nurses knew exactly what to do for me.

His nurses: They were sweet, attentive and nothing like any nurse I've experienced! There was one who wore a red jacket, older lady, didn't speak a lick of English, but the best nurse I've ever had. She constantly checked on me and would rub my had on her cheek or rub my back to comfort me. I felt like she was my mother! She was the next best thing...I can definately say that!

His driver: Hector is awesome! He should be a comedian, but I don't think he knows it! He was sweet, funny, and caring. He always sang Dr. Garcia's praises and was ALWAYS punctual and very attentive. You won't lift anything in his presence. I tipped him reaaaly well on my last ride with him.

Hmmm...that's all I can remember for now...ask me any questions.

His

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for posting this!

We are going thru alma and my daughter will have surgery with Dr. Garcia on January 23rd. Alma has been great, she's a real sweetheart. Since I am having this surgery in CA next week she even answers my questions. Although I know my doctor does things different here in CA some questions will have the same answer I'm sure regardless.

This is exactly what we needed to hear AGAIN. You are the second person in the last couple weeks who is equally happy with Dr. Garcia and his staff.

I'm so glad to hear that I can help! I know how terrifying this can be, but we as Americans are not privied to these types of surgeries without being tortured by insurance companies! How old is your daughter? Please be sure that she understands how major this surgery is. The first night will be an introduction to the next few months of uncomfortable sipping of liquid and uncomfortable eating of any strained foods. I'm still not used to this 1 week post op. I know that this is not alot of time...but I am dealing with a little bit of buyers remorse. Some have very little of this. This is all by my experience.

Be by her side and never join in any pity parties she may have post op. In a few months I hear life returns to normal...but the first few weeks can truly challenge even the strong, mentally.

I don't mean to scare you. Just have her understand that this can be more of a mental than physical challenge...believe it or not.

Congratulations!!

I am so happy you posted this. There is so little information.

I have surgery with Dr. Garcia this coming Monday. Flying out Sunday from Canada.

I went through Christi, Successfully Slimmer also affiliated with Obesity Solutions.

The pre op diet is not fun but I guess I shouldn't complain, I only have to do it for 3 days were others have had to stay on it for 2 weeks or longer.

Blessings on your new journey SherylO! Please keep me updated on how this goes. No worries you are in good hands. I'm feeling even a little better today. It's so funny how everyone told me this but post op...day 1...I thought they were all just juicing me up so that I wouldn't get depressed...lol...but it's true. There is more uncomfortability than pain. You will be fine! Again...please keep in touch. I'll go thru it with you! They have wi fi at the hospital so bring your laptop!

I'm so glad you all are using Dr. Garcia!!! He and his staff are AMAZING!!! I was sleeved on 11/14 with my Bestie and we are both doing great! We need to keep getting this wonderful doctor on the map!!! Good luck to you all and God bless! XOXO

Cool! I did it with my sister...it's so great to have someone you know to go through this with you right!?!? Good luck to you too qtpatootie77! How are you doing now by the way?

Congratulations!!

I am so happy you posted this. There is so little information.

I have surgery with Dr. Garcia this coming Monday. Flying out Sunday from Canada.

I went through Christi, Successfully Slimmer also affiliated with Obesity Solutions.

The pre op diet is not fun but I guess I shouldn't complain, I only have to do it for 3 days were others have had to stay on it for 2 weeks or longer.

SherylO,

Sorry I didn't respond sooner...just saw this. How are you doing now?!?! I hope all is well. Keep us updated!

Hi I was wondering. How was the motel? Were

There English channels available on the tv?

Was dr Garcia informative? How was crossing the border? Is there room for a guest ?

i didnt go to dr garcia, but i can tell you that there are a few channels on tv that are english. and some of the other channels had sub titles in english. Going into Mexico was a breeze. As a matter of fact we just drove through, no stopping, no border guards nothing. I didnt even know we crossed the border until the driver told me! On the way back to the states was a whole different story. 2 1/2 hrs waiting in line to cross the border. At least there was lots to look at...tons of vendors selling their wares and food. Bring a newspaper or something to read.

Hi I was wondering. How was the motel? Were There English channels available on the tv? Was dr Garcia informative? How was crossing the border? Is there room for a guest ?

The hotel was nice! I was expecting something much less comfortable. They served THE best soup. I forget the name of the soup but I think it was tortilla soup and it was sooo good and easy on the stomach with no "bits" that would irritate. But first I had but the chicken broth and that was gross! I ordered the apple juice which turned out to be fresh squeezed green apple juice...mmmm...it was so refreshing and good. Between the the soup and the juice...we were very comfortable. There were several english channels to watch on tv so no worries about that. The hotel seemed to be about a good 4 star hotel. Very nicely decorated with marble showers...Certainly nicer than the one we stayed in when we went back to the states (The Hampton Inn).Dr. Garcia is informative...but you have to ask him questions. He will take the time to go through all of your concerns. His staff are the one who gave me more information about what I was going through. Crossing the border was easy because the driver has a "surgery" pass. You don't have to wait in line...you go straight through past the crowd in the far right lane. There is also room for a guest! When I was there a woman was there with her husband and they give them meals and everything...so just let them know you have a guest coming so that they can make accomodations in the hospital and the hotel.

hi congratulations. how are you feeling now that your more than a month post op? i am scheduled with

dr. garcia feb 12th im scaired ill be the one person the sleeve doesnt work on. i am also very excited

that i have a chance thru this tool. to be a better mom and woman