On dec 11, 2011 I had my lapband removed and the gastric sleeve performed by Dr F Garcia at Hospital Mi in Tijuana. I had researched Dr Garcia, had spoken to his coordinator, Linda and had also spoken to a patient that had previously had surgery with Dr Garcia. After doing a lot of research I decided that Dr Garcia and Mexico was the best option for me.

Dr Garcia and his entire surgical team were very knowledgable and I felt at complete ease once I arrived at the hospital. The nursing staff were also great. Hospital Mi is a small newer facility that has about 10 rooms and an intensive care unit that comes complete with everything that one would need to have in an intensive care unit. I have worked in the medical field for over 33 years and in many different capacities. The hospital was very clean which impressed me compared to some of the hospitals that I have been inside in the US. The equipment was state of the art and the surgical suite was very modern with all of the equipment that is needed for a safe surgery and experience. There xray department was also very nice and the staff was very friendly.

I had a private room and since the hospital is not that large when i rang for the nurse she was there within a minute or 2....not the 15 to 20 that we are accustomed to here in most of our hospitals.

If you have any questions for me please feel free to ask. Also I have pictures of the Hotel Pueblo Amigo on my picture page.

Just wanted to give you an updated. So I decided to cancel my surgery date w/ A Lighter Me...I was scheduled w/ Dr. Garcia as you know already. Let me tell you..the people at A Lighter Me are professionals. Ms. Sandy Johnston is a classy lady and I believe she is passionate about helping people. I don't think it is all about profit for her. They refunded all my money including the 3% processing fee back to my card within an hour or so. I was just blown away by how nice and caring they were. She even called to follow up with me after I cancelled! We all know most businesses don't do that. If anyone is not sure about Dr. Garcia and/or A Lighter Me...Pls do not have any doubts. Those people are there to help. And no I am not being paid by anyone lol...

May I ask why you chose to cancel?

My husband, sister and co-workers have staged an "intervention" and want me to try working out and have forced me to cancel. I honestly know how it'll go but will give it a chance.

Oh wow jeweladdo. I feel bad that they were not supportive of your decision to have surgery.

As far as going to Dr. Garcia on Jan 30th, I am glad to see positive experiences like this one. I am excited and nervous at the same time.

Sorry they did this. If you are obsese enough to qualify for WLS then I hate to break it to you, but the success rate of those who do the diet/exercise/will power route is barely 3%, depending on what stats you look at. Reseach has proven that we cannot treat this disease by will power alone, and diets don't work. Good luck to you, dear.

@rahnava, best of luck to you! @adamsmom...THANK YOU! I think you just gave me the motivation and info I need to do this! Thanks

awww man @jewel that sucks! I can totally understand though. As an african american we usually dont agree with going under the knife if you dont have to! If I do it, I wouldnt really want to tell my family until after!

Hi Chyna, Yes. It really does suck. I have told a bunch of co-workers too and only one lady Robin (she is super cool) has not passed judgment .There is another co-worker who is just too awesome. She has been my motivator and mentor giving me food recipes and mini counseling sessions to face the main reason why I overeat. And I believe my answer came today during one of those talks.

I don't blame you for not wanting to tell your family till after. They just make the process harder because they do not provide the emotional support...in my case anyways. Best of luck to you Chyna. I am still going for the surgery though. Mar 29th..Star Medica

Hi Chyna, Yes. It really does suck. I have told a bunch of co-workers too and only one lady Robin (she is super cool) has not passed judgment .There is another co-worker who is just too awesome. She has been my motivator and mentor giving me food recipes and mini counseling sessions to face the main reason why I overeat. And I believe my answer came today during one of those talks.

I don't blame you for not wanting to tell your family till after. They just make the process harder because they do not provide the emotional support...in my case anyways. Best of luck to you Chyna. I am still going for the surgery though. Mar 29th..Star Medica :smile1:

So you're still going for it! Yay. I talked to a coordinator today and was told Dr. Garcia has days open in mid March. And I Only told one of my coworkers. Shes cool and a big girl as well so she gets it. I wouldnt dare tell by boss the truth. She would announce it at our weekly staff meeting! Dont want any negative energy anway. Did you book your flight? Still going with Dr. Garcia?

I unfortunately had to tell my boss in order to request time off.Glad you have someone who is not judging you get's it. Yes, booked my flight as soon as I saw that Southwest was having a sale. I am actually going to Dr. Jose Rodriguez bin Juarez, mexico at Star Medica at the end of March. I have heard nothing but positive things about Dr. Garcia though.

I am so excited for you! I know you went through a of mental stress to get to this point! My boss doesn't know either, but she will when we have a luncheon next week.

@jewel Did you tell your family you were going down to do it anyway yet? I would keep my mouth closed until I came back! And may I ask why you changed docs?

@rahnava I would love to speak with you if possible about your experience with Dr.Garcia!

inbox me for my information. I don't have a problem discussing it. We can email, text or talk! :bigear:

Yippee!

Chyna86, Nope. Only my Dad and he probably thinks I won't do it so he's not worried. No one else. Ofcourse my husband. My kids are too young to understand. I told my husband about all issues w/ Dr. Kelly and ALM. I honestly love Ms. Sandy and Linda. Ms. Sandy is very passionate about what she does regardless of what anyone else says but there was so much going on there that when I decided to book again my husband thought it would be best to go w/ someone else all together hence Dr. Rod at Star Medica. I spoke to him two days ago and he is just terrific too. But I don't think you can go wrong w/ Dr. Garcia too.

@RahV..Can I also have your contact number..I need a support buddy lol and I want to know about how you are progressing too.