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 January 3, 201412 yr by Tiff

You look Beautiful!

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.

I was sleeved by Dr. Garcia on 07/03/13 and could not be happier. I was 277 the day of surgery and I am 187 now, down 90 pounds!! I have not had one single problem. I could not have been taken care of any better while I was in the hospital or in the hotel. Being a nurse I have seen lousy care, but the nurses and doctors that took care of me were fantastic.

A woman that I work with also went to Dr. Garcia a few months after I did and she has also had great success. I cannot recommend him highly enough, you will never regret choosing Dr. Garcia.

I had Dr. Garcia on 7/5/2013, and am happily down 50 lbs. I felt extremely well taken care of with Dr. Garcia and team. My main heads-up would be if you end up last on the list to get surgery that day (I don't believe I made it into the operating room until after 8 pm) make sure you get another dose of anti-anxiety meds AND anti-nausea medicine. Mine had certainly worn off by then, so I was in absolute misery with nausea and vomiting that night. I also got the short straw with the IV stand I was toting around - for some reason the one I had had the bottom of an office chair screwed onto it instead of four steel wheels everyone else had, which made walking down the hall in a straight line impossible and annoying. It's the little things. But other than that and a blown IV vein on the hand (seems to be pretty common), it was a much better experience than I had getting sinus surgery at a hospital in the states.The nurses and other staff at florence were very sweet, and it was great to have so many different doctors checking up on you. I had no complications surgery-wise. I would recommend him for sure.

I am a patient of Dr. Illan also! Im 26yrs old 5'3 and started at 230lbs had surgery on Jan 17th 2014 and i now weigh 210lbs only 12 days later. It was an amazing experience! The doctors were so great and caring even the nurses. Also Omar goes out of his way to take care of you and your guest. I went with my dad who was nervous and against the surgery but once we got there we met two other patients we both felt more comfortable. After my urgery I never felt any pain (except for some gas pain) and I never took any pain meds. Soon as I was out of the hospital we were out shopping and touring TJ, thanks to Omar! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks Baja Bariatrics

I had surgery in march of 2013 with Dr.Garcia. I had a fantastic experience with him and staff . I can email him to this day and he will get right back with me. He loves what he does and is good at what he does.

I had my surgery march 13, 2013. I reached my goal wt so much happier now!

I had surgery with Dr Illan on March 13, 2014. I have lost 21 pounds since pre op. He is amazing, as is his coordinator, Omar. I am an RN in the states, and I was beyond impressed with the level of care I received. The nurses are great, the hotel is amazing. I am so glad I used them. It all went flawlessly.

well here ya go I was sleeved august 5 th 2013, weight at surgery 334 now 226-229 it varies a little , other than gas pains right after surgery its been clear sailing, my wife who is scared of needles is now planning her trip to Mexico for surgery by Dr. Garcia, the biggest issue is failure to take enough gas X strips ( min 2 BX). this Saturday i'll be in my first 5K... on the tread mill it takes me about 39 min no more than 40 min so I'm ready. hope you all do as well as I've done

Thanks for all the replies. I went with the amazing Dr. Illan and it was a great experience. Im very happy with my choice. I will be writing a detailed account when I have some time.

How are you doing by now, Tiff? Hope all is well!

Thanks for asking! Im doing great! I will be a month post op in a few days and I am down 24 pounds. I can totally see a difference in my clothes, the way I look and the way I feel. I am so happy with my decision! I started with a lower BMI of 35 or 36- so I dont expect to lose as fast as others but I am happy with journey so far. I definitely have a tight sleeve which is something I obsessed over when choosing a doctor. I know I cannot over eat with this sleeve. A few bites of anything and Im done.