Thank you for responding as I didn't know you responded. Im glad everything went ok for you. I too have a bmi of 33.9 I weight 187 standing 5'2. Im tired of yo yo dieting. So I chose garcia because of the reviews and something is telling me to go with him. I dont have anyone to go with me unfortanetly
How much weight would u like to loose?
Do you know what size bougie he used on you?
I dont want to be skinny. Thats my biggest fear....
Thabks in advance

Hi K07155,

I'm doing well, thanks. You will be fine. The Florence Hosiptal was very good, and clean, and the staff was attentive. Are you going with someone? I went alone, so would recommend going with a friend, as they can help you walk after surgery, and walking is very important.

Dr. Garcia was good, but spoke very little to me. The other Dr. Vasquez spoke to me more than he did, but they were both nice and professional, and my recovery has been excellent thus far. My scars are healing very well, and it's incredible to see how little evidence there is of surgery. The scar from the drain is the only scar really visible, and it's fairly small. You can barely see the incision in my belly button, it's camouflaged.

I had a lot of weight gain from the IV fluid, so this might happen to you too, this was eventually followed by weight loss. I was 236 the day of my surgery, and 250lbs when I got home (swelling, fluid and trauma). Now I'm stalling at 226lbs, not sure why. I started with a low BMI of 33. So your weight loss might be quicker if you have more weight to loss (that tends to be the case). But everyone loses differently.

All and all, I recommend Dr. Garcia. I felt safe, and well cared for overall. The Marriott Hotel is very nice. The first three days were the roughest for me, and after just one week I was feeling worlds better. Now 17 days post-op, I pretty much feel like myself again.

Let me know if you have any other questions!