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Updates from former Dr. Garcia & Dr. Illan patients?



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I used to see alot of posts from patients of Dr. Fernando Garcia, but haven't seen anything in a while. I just scheduled for March and would love to hear updates from his former patients.

Also, still have this nagging curiosity about Dr. Illan, so want to hear more from his patients as well. Updates, experiences etc. I have read through the board and have seen a few. Before I put my deposit down just want to make sure I am making the best decision for myself! They both seem like well qualified surgeons and either way I would be making a good choice. Just wondering if anything in particular sets them apart.

Thanks!

Edited by Tiff

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I would be interested in hearing more as well on these two surgeons.

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Hey guys, just saw your post and wanted to share with you a little bit about my experience with Dr Illan and Baja Bariatrics. First let me just tell you that I did a tremendous amount of research looking for just the right surgeon and am so happy with my decision to choose Dr Illan. Tiff, you asked if there were any particulars that set them apart and the answer is YES! I had some special concerns about internal scar tissue from a previous surgery and Dr Illans coordinator Omar Acosta set it up for Dr Illan and I to do a Skype call. No other surgeons or coordinators offered that to me so that was something that really impressed me about him. After speaking with him face to face, and talking with him about my concerns he made me feel so at ease and assured me that although the scar tissue was probably there, it was something he had dealt with in the past and that it would more than likely just mean a slightly longer operation. It turned out that he was right and my surgery went well, it just took slightly longer in the OR. In addition, Dr Illan is a kind, gentle, and soft spoken person who really cares about his patients. Dr Illan's coordinator is also the best there is. Omar goes above and beyond to make sure you are well taken care of and that you have everything you need during your stay there in Mexico. I never saw any other dr.'s coordinators there at the hospital checking on and taking care of their patients like Omar Acosta does. After you are discharged from the hospital, he will take you sightseeing and shopping, and all the while making sure you are getting broth and staying hydrated. My surgery was on 11/20/13 and as of today 1/3/14 I am down 31 lbs. I feel fabulous. I am so happy about my decision, not only to have the surgery but in choosing Dr Illan as my surgeon. He has changed my life and for that I am eternally grateful! Feel free to send me a PM and I will do my best to answer anybody's questions.

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Hm, it looks like my post about my experience with Dr. Illan was deleted, but I can honestly say it was the best medical experience of my entire life. I have the experience recorded on my blog if you want to check it out:

http://gainingme.livejournal.com/5015.html

And pictures! http://imgur.com/a/ldVZI

This before/after isn't entirely accurate because I started the surgery process at 300lbs, not 340, but today I'm down to 240 (I've lost 60 pounds since August 1st)! Love my sleeve so much, highly recommend Dr. Illan, would go back in a heartbeat.

ZesSiTT.png

Edited by supbanana

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2btrim, thanks so much, I enjoyed reading your entire experience! Really glad to know that Dr. Illan was okay with scar tissue, as I have plenty.

Supbanan, I read your blog, fantastic descriptions as well and I love the pictures! You look fantastic!

Thank you both for sharing your experiences in such detail.

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Great after pic!!!! congratulation :)

Hm, it looks like my post about my experience with Dr. Illan was deleted, but I can honestly say it was the best medical experience of my entire life. I have the experience recorded on my blog if you want to check it out:

http://gainingme.livejournal.com/5015.html

And pictures! http://imgur.com/a/ldVZI

This before/after isn't entirely accurate because I started the surgery process at 300lbs, not 340, but today I'm down to 240 (I've lost 60 pounds since August 1st)! Love my sleeve so much, highly recommend Dr. Illan, would go back in a heartbeat.

ZesSiTT.png

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I just wanted to reiterate what both posters above mentioned as my review of Dr. Illan has also been removed.

I also did many, many hours of research over a four month time period. The bottom line was the reviews of Dr. Illan, speaking with him and most of all the professionalism of his Patient Coordinator, Omar.

Everybody I talk to has had the same team of doctors and series of events during their surgery and trip. As well they should as it is a successful system. They have it down to a science.

Please contact me if ANYONE has any questions. I would be happy to talk to you!

I will also be curious to see if this post remains visible.

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Supbanana, Ty for posting your blog. I have been trying to find more info about Dr. Illan as I am seriously considering him once I get the funds. I'm impressed that he staples, sutures, and glues to prevent leaks. I haven't heard of any of the surgeons doing all 3 so that was very impressive to me.

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My experience with Dr illan mirrors all of the above. As a matter of fact I will b returning jan 13th with a loved one to have her surgery with Dr.Illan. Another sister sleever is taking her daughter a week after. You will not b disappointed if u choose Dr. Illan n his team.

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I don't think the posts being deleted is something that was done purposely. I haven't been here long but I know they pulled a few websites together to make this one not too long ago and I think some posts didn't get transferred. I think they are still working the bugs out.

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Hello. I had sleeve surgery with Dr Garcia 12-3-13. With ready for a change ... They took great care of me !!!!! Yesterday was 1 month out down 30lbs . Could not be happier !!! Love my sleeve

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Thanks wendim. Congrats on your success!! Glad your experience with Dr. Garcia was positive!

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I had a revision surgery on Sept 10, 2012 with Dr Garcia. All I can say is that he is an amazingly skilled surgeon and I was well looked after while I was there no complications at all! He is also reasonably priced and I of course would highly recommend him.

I am currently 24 pounds below my original goal weight and at 16 months out still have lots of restriction and little to no hunger; yah Dr Garcia, thank you!!!

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I was sleeved by Dr. Garcia on 8/06/13. I love Dr. Garcia and his team, they are awesome. I went by myself and the surgery went well with no complications. I was a type II diabetic with asthma. They took great care of me. In fact, I received better care with them then when I had my hysterectomy in the States.

So far I have lost 81lbs. I have no regrets and look forward to reaching my goal weight.

Good luck to you on your journey. :)

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I used Dr. Garcia and I was very happy that I had him as my surgeon. B)

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    • LeighaTR

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      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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      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. 💗

    • 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.
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