SweetTee

Amy when do u leave? I'm hoping to me u at the Marriott tonight?

Congrats and good luck! See you on the skinny side!

Congrats to you on your success! You look absolutely stunning!

OH no now Im scared.... I am supposed to have my surgery there june' date=' 15th , I already have the cashiers ck made out to them, not sure what to do now. I have resurched for months now and just seeing this. any advice out there.[/quote']

I had a girlfriend that went to Dr Almanza in Feb 2012. She is now a year out and doing great. She is a registered nurse and has many years of experience in the health care field. Oh and might I add she is quick to put someone in their place when needed, lol. She described her care as great and also said it was not a place that was fancy or extravagant but she also said it was safe and clean. She was pleased with Dr Almanza and his care. I'm saying this to say that because of her account and the great outcome she has had as well as her two neighbors that she referred in Oct and Dec respectively I believe if you stayed with Jerusalem clinic you may be ok. I personally choose Dr Garcia after reading some negative reviews about Almanza. Almanza was my original choice. I was extremely pleased with Dr Garcia and I highly recommend him. I do not have first hand experience with Almanza but I do know three individuals who have used him and had great outcomes. I know how difficult this decision is and if you have to stay with your original choice due to having already paid, I pray this gives you some peace of mind. It was difficult for me to switch because going with Dr Garcia was definitely a step out on faith. I did not personally know of even ONE individual who had used him, only reviews from this board and if you've been on here long enough I'm sure you know that people can create fake profiles and say any and everything! I did however know personally 3 living breathing people who survived Dr Almanza's care. I pray you can come to a decision that will give you peace.

Tasha

I should also note I would go again in a heartbeat. It was worth it.

But the one thing that bothered me is I didn't get a wash cloth. Not one the whole time I was there' date=' and I asked. Maybe they don't have wash cloths in Mexico,

O[/quote']

They gave me washcloths. I guess it just may depend on who's working. The first day I showered I kept asking the nurse for a small towel to no avail. She gave me another big one. I was like WTH. Then I remembered that the night of surgery when I was so nauseous the night nurse had bought in several small washcloths wetting one to place on my forehead and wipe my face. Luckily I still had the others in my room.

Thanks you guys, and PDX Man you are right. He says he was upset that I was in the store complaining over the price of chewable vitamins, lol. It took me forever to pick one. He also said he was glad that I am putting me first and I would not have been complaining if it were something I was buying for the kids. He also apologized and said that I was extremely moody yesterday. I know that I was but I figured they should cut me some slack and understand. I was so frustrated cause I couldn't eat anything!!! He kissed my sweet face and told me he loves me and he's my a&$ho$&. . So today I made him his favorite meatloaf, potatoes, and corn. I also baked him his favorite sweet potato pie. If I felt up to it I would give him dessert twice,(wink). Maybe next time.

There's no button.

I'm also on my iPod and my thumbs are going just as fast as they can. Lol. I hate typing out Long posts

Basically minor inconveniences mentioned above ' date=' ready for a change was super helpful the whole time and still are. Meli is the coordinator at the Marriott. Rosie is the coordinator at mi doctor.

Now that I'm back at the hotel feeling better and have been able to think on things, I'd have to change My rating to a 4 out if 5. Yeah. I do wish that mi dr. Was in a nicer part of town with far less honking. ( I e not right by the border. Noise noise noise)

Now can we all be friends again?

Any questions, ask away and I'll answer publicly. Since I don't feel like I got backed over by a truck now.[/quote']

The taxis honk to let people know they are coming if they need a ride. There was honking going on the entire time I was down there from the Marriott to the hospital, lol! I was wondering what the heck was wrong with everybody. I just thought they were not courteous drivers

As far as Dr Garcia, I know he said that he does the most difficult cases first. Which could explain the long wait. If the person before you had several issues to arise in the OR then you could run into a long wait. As far as I was concerned, I didn't wait extremely long and they did come and tell me that I would be going second and in less than 5 min they were there to take me. As for the nursing staff. They were pretty good to me, one poster commented on how her fluids ran out once, so did mine and as the next nurse came in and noticed she was right there to quickly hang another. The medical staff of "Dr Garcia" was great. His team was always available and attentive. I was experiencing bad nausea and the Zofran was not cutting it. The dr came in the middle of the night to order me something else for both pain and nausea. Try getting that in the US ("I'm a nurse and trust me I know"). I never had to ask for pain meds though. They were right in and as soon as they heard me gag they were in there. I'm not sure if they were more attentive because I was a nurse or because I was alone. Whatever the case I felt they were knowledgable and competent. I did not like the fact that they didn't have a call bell. I was however able to tell "NURSE" and they came right in. And I did do that when I dropped my remote, my cell phone, and my emesis basin which they had no trouble cleaning up and refilling it with tissue for my next use. I would not have just kept quiet and accepted substandard care. I definitely don't mind being vocal when needed. Was it a cake walk, heck no! Was my needs taken care of, heck yes! Would I do it again, without a doubt! Is the hosp different from in the states, most definitely!

You've had yogurt and cream Soup??? I want some. The dr told me not to until a week. Thankfully that's tomorrow my new tummy has tolerated everything so far. I had 3 ounces of a Protein shake last night. I'm having an awful time trying to get liquids in. I feel like I'm getting dehydrated but I'm so use to being able to guzzle drinks. I hope we both feel "normal" soon

While I was still there and having trouble getting fluids in Dr Luna advised me to yogurt but no fruit. I'm 6 days out and definitely not getting in enough fluids. Now I know I was probably a day or two early for the cream Soup but desperation for some form of liquid and nourishment to keep me going. My BS has been tethering in the 60's and 70's which can make me feel dizzy, sluggish.

I just came home yesterday and I'm 6 days post op and...my husband is just being such a jerk. I'm not sure what his problem is and he says I'm moody. WTF??? I don't feel moody. We were so happy 6 days ago....ugh! I'm just venting because I really do love the a*****e and was so happy to come home to the jerk. Now I just want to go to work, back to Mx, or anywhere he isn't. OAN, my kids are all up under me and so attentive.

Hey girl your on the other side now! Yay!

Well you have about six weeks of healing to do and then it gets easier.

I added my Protein shake to Decaf coffee and drank it warm.

Just try and get it in' date=' we really need it!!!

[/quote']

Thanks, I will try that tomorrow. I'm not a big coffee drinker but when I passed Starbucks I wanted coffee so bad. I guess just something with a different taste other than broth and Gatorade. These SF fudge Popsicles have become my best friend.

I just can't do the Protein Shakes. I'm 6 days post op. Any suggestions on making them tolerable? This new tummy is so rumbly! It's like the rumble you get when you're just about to have a case of explosive diarrhea, but minus the diarrhea (TMI I know). I find that the PPI seems to settle it. I also felt hunger today for the first time, I don't think it was head hunger to. I managed to get in 32 oz G2, a greek vanilla yogurt, 2 spoons of cream of broccoli Soup (sleeve didn't like that), 1 Jello, and 1 SF fudge Popsicle. I'm trying to stay hydrated and 64 oz just seem impossible to me, my urine was starting to look dark but looked much better today. I can't stand this gassy stage!! When will it end??? I feel pretty good, no real pain no nausea (thank God). But, when will I feel normal?

My toes were done also

Your right. I guess if the only thing that I have to worry about is somebody seeing me naked then that's the least of my worries. The waiting game happens here to. I have a friend that has just recently had two breast surgeries due to breast cancer and we waited seven and eight hours both surgeries. Not afraid of the diarrhea' date='I'm usually the opposite of that. I am going to ask Dr Garcia to keep me covered though. Lol[/quote']

Trust me you will be fine. I saw no naked people. As far as blue urine, I had none of that. I did have some loose stools but remember liquid in liquid out, lol. Rosie called everyday, I only saw her twice but I wouldn't have wanted to see her any more than that, I felt to worn out for company! She called daily and heck that was only out of 3 days so that's pretty darn good if you ask me. No one is as efficient as Alma! She's the greatest!! I was well taken care of. I saw a dr each day I was at the hospital and Dr Luna was kind and gentle. As far as people seeing me naked I could care less, as rough as it was post op you damn sure wont care, lol. Don't be afraid they are more than capable and competent.

I didn't have any of those issues and believe me if i did I wouldn't hesitate to say so without a doubt. As for Rosie I think I saw her twice. I didn't need her and she called every day. I was offered to go shopping and I declined. She felt bad that I stayed in the room but I just wasn't up to any of that, plus I was traveling alone. Had someone accompanied me on my trip I prob would have pushed myself to go. As far as being naked after 4 kids and many surgeries I could care less who sees. Maybe they can compare my before and after, lol

I don't think the hospital has blow dryers but the Marriott does. When are you leaving?

I finally made it home to Louisiana safe and sound. Thanks to all my VST family for all the prayers and well wishes. For those of you that are traveling to Mi hospital and following in my steps, Dr Garcia and his staff will take excellent care of you. Trust in God and press on. If he brings you to it, he will bring you through it!

Ok so here's a little update. Dr Luna came along with Rosie and removed the staples. Didn't hurt one bit. He gave me some wound care instructions and advised me on some dietary issues as well. Rosie called later and offered to take me shopping or site seeing but I passed. I have to be up for 6 am to cross the border for my flight at 11 am so I will rest and pack. I know when I get home the kiddos will keep me real busy. Overall my experience has been great. I was well taken care of and I really have no complaints. The entire staff of Ready 4a change has been wonderful. I pray that my recovery continues to go smoothly and I don't run into any issues (leaks, strictures, etc). I am anxious to get home to the states and see my family.

Good luck Amy! You're in good hands. Have a safe trip. You're almost here!

Yes it is are u still here I will be discharged from the hospital today

No I'm at the hotel. Can't wait for you guys to come. I just slept off and on yesterday.

I have to say that I can totally relate to how you're feeling. I'm sipping and walking but the gas pains are no joke. I too just want so bad to get past this stage and onto feeling normal again. I'm not hungry but I do miss just being able to eat if I was. At this point I can't even imagine putting food in my tummy. I hope this phase passes fast cause it definitely has my spirits down. I'm thankful to have made it out alive and seemingly well though.

What's the weather like in TJ right now?

Beautiful weather. Nice and sunny but just cool enough for a light sweater or jacket.

Tessies' date='

Those hospital rooms can become very hot. It's a challenge to figure out the right setting on the heater. I'm so happy to hear that you are doing well. I remember the sharp pains that used to come when I drank something...but now (surgery was one week ago today), those pains are a distant memory. It just gets better and better every day![/quote']

I'm so relieved to hear that. I have to force myself to drink because of them. It feels like weird gas pain/pressure. How long before you felt normal with drinking? This has kinda gotten my spirits down. I guess this is the regret phase everyone spoke of. If not for that I wouldn't have a complaint.

DivaNurse and Susan, I'm so sorry to hear about all you've been going through. I pray that things just continue to get better from here.

Thank God DivaNurse that you made it out ok. I will continue to pray for your speedy recovery.

One of our biggest fears are leaks or some unforeseen medical emergency.

Continue to keep us posted on your progress. It's so hard being the patient when we are so accustomed to being the caregiver.

Surgery done I am doing gr8

We did it!

Just a little update: So far so good, I am being well taken care of. Dr Garcia and his team are great at what they do. Minimal pain, just trying to get accustomed to my new rumbly tummy. The first few hours after surgery are the hardest. Once you get through those it's all smooth sailing from there. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. Keep lifting me up prayer warriors as I continue to pray for a smooth recovery and a safe flight home.

Tasha