Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Dr. Garcia...sleeved Last Weekend! Review...now 1 Week Post-op



Recommended Posts

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×