HELP! I have been reviewing surgeons and various facilities and now am a little confused. I have looked into A Lighter Me who works with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Garcia. I have been contacted by their coordinator Louise. I also looked at Dr. Almanza and have been contacted by Sandy and then Melissa. On the A Lighter Me website, Melissa is mentioned as a coordinator. Does Melissa work for both surgeons? Also, Almanza is listed as operating out of Jeruselum hospital (which is really a clinic) but Melissa contacted me and signed her email from Mt. Zion. When I checked Mt Zion's website, it is actually Jerusulem hospital. I have also seen past posts where Dr. Almanza operated Emmanuel Hospital.

Do you see why I am getting confused? I am just looking for a surgeon who is experienced, has low infection and leak rates, has good reviews and uses a hospital. Can anyone help me sort through this and is Almanza a safe surgeon?

For me, the worst part of the whole thing was getting the IV.

That is my BIGGEST fear. I have bad veins (although I did have blood drawn a few months ago and they did not have a problem) but historically, that has sucked for me. Did they have to try several times? Where did they eventually get ya? Did that IV hold up for the whole shebang? As you can tell, im worried about this aspect...

I donated blood a LOT when I was younger, so my veins are pretty used up. They put it in the top of my hand. After 24 hours, they had to move it.

THAT was worst part of my surgery.

Kat1 I've tried msging you but failed..I really want to know about your experience with Dr Garcia.

I've been trying to read her original post dated June 11 about the surgery but haven't been able to find it?

Astephenson, I talked with Kat before my surgery with Dr Garcia. She has some serious infection and felt she had it before she was discharged from the hospital. She mentioned it and then called after she was at the hotel and never received any response. She had to get medical assistance after she got home. Mainly she was disappointed with the lack of care she received.

I also developed an infection in one of my incisions but it was mild. I emailed a picture to Dr Garcia and he emailed right back and told me to follow up with my local Dr., which I did. I had to change my antibiotic and it cleared up, I has a stitch pop out and that was what was keeping the incision irritated.

My sleeve buddy also w/Garcia felt bad 3 weeks postop emailed Dr Garcia and he had his assistance call her.

So we did not experience any lack of service, we both had great experiences. Everyone is different and experience things differently.

Astephenson, I talked with Kat before my surgery with Dr Garcia. She has some serious infection and felt she had it before she was discharged from the hospital. She mentioned it and then called after she was at the hotel and never received any response. She had to get medical assistance after she got home. Mainly she was disappointed with the lack of care she received.

I also developed an infection in one of my incisions but it was mild. I emailed a picture to Dr Garcia and he emailed right back and told me to follow up with my local Dr., which I did. I had to change my antibiotic and it cleared up, I has a stitch pop out and that was what was keeping the incision irritated.

My sleeve buddy also w/Garcia felt bad 3 weeks postop emailed Dr Garcia and he had his assistance call her.

So we did not experience any lack of service, we both had great experiences. Everyone is different and experience things differently.

Thanks Karen for the info...just seems a little strange when you try to look at other folks' negative experiences and they seem to have disappeared!

I used Dr. Garcia and it was great. No issues....no problems. I DID have a little nausea the Wednesday and Thursday at the hotel (post surgery) but after that, no issues. I am 7 weeks post surgery and, counting the week prior to surgery where I clear liquided, I am down almost 50 pounds......

i too have been searching, i found if you type in your brower, bad reviews on dr ----------. what ever the doctors name is, you will find blogs. i ,m so glad i figured that out. it will truely turn your head. i hope this helps, it sure made me change my mind.

Hi all

I had my sleeve with Dr. Liza Pompa in Tijuana on January 7 this year. Currently almost 2 months postoperative, feeling fine! Have lost total 33 lbs. so far, 44 to go(summer here I come!). I was very impressed with LIMARP surgery center, extremely clean, caring and competent staff, what I feel was a thorough pre-op work up (I am an RN so think I have an idea what to look for), and I can honestly say I think I got better care down there than I would have at home in Canada (sad to say). They have a very comprehensive program to prepare you for surgery and also for follow-up, because really, the sleeve is not the cure, just a powerful tool when you know how to use it. I have not had any complications (knock on wood, all fingers and toes crossed) and don't expect any now. Am back to work, starting to lightly exercise again, feel good. I don't feel hungry hardly at all, and my new stomach is very adept at telling me 'enough!' When I am not paying attention and cross that line.

Hi all

I had my sleeve with Dr. Liza Pompa in Tijuana on January 7 this year. Currently almost 2 months postoperative' date=' feeling fine! Have lost total 33 lbs. so far, 44 to go(summer here I come!). I was very impressed with LIMARP surgery center, extremely clean, caring and competent staff, what I feel was a thorough pre-op work up (I am an RN so think I have an idea what to look for), and I can honestly say I think I got better care down there than I would have at home in Canada (sad to say). They have a very comprehensive program to prepare you for surgery and also for follow-up, because really, the sleeve is not the cure, just a powerful tool when you know how to use it. I have not had any complications (knock on wood, all fingers and toes crossed) and don't expect any now. Am i iback to work, starting to lightly exercise again, feel good. I don't feel hungry hardly at all, and my new stomach is very adept at telling me 'enough!' When I am not paying attention and cross that line.[/quote']

Can I ask you where you are in Canada? I am in Ontario and have just been formally (and informally) advised that I do not fit the criteria for the DS and to stop trying. The push in Ontario is for the RNY and all others are considered exceptions. So far, the VSG has not been completely ruled out so I'm hoping to convince the surgeon. However, if I don't, I'm not sure what I'll do. My research has definitely favoured even the VSG over the RNY. I still think I can't afford self pay but I am pleasantly surprised at the cost in Mexico. I am interested in your thought process as a fellow Canadian.