NC Redneck

Well, I have made it! Flew down yesterday and had my surgery after blood tests, EKG, chest e-xray, blood pressure checks, etc. When I came to, after surgery, I was in a lot of pain and was nauseaiated. I didn't have any shoulder pain as some has had. I am roughly 12 hrs. out of surgery and I already feel a 100% better, well maybe 70% lol. I have made a few laps in the hall but still have some gas and feel bloated. I also feel like I drank a cup of "dirt road". Gas-x has somewhat helped with that too. Star Medica is a nice hospital which is spotless. Dr. Rod and his staff seem very professional. I have an unexpected surprise to have internet in my room. I only have but two bars and it takes forever to load a page. Maybe it won't time out when I submit this. A lady, from Kentucky, that rode with me from the airport has a lot more "guts" than me. All combined she had her first flight, first trip out of the country, and surgery yesterday. I don't think I could have been that brave. I came by myself, but I have been on a lot of flights and actually worked in Mexico for 15 months in 2005 and 2006. It was in a different area but I don't think I would have had the "guts" to make my first flight and trip out of the country to have my surgery. So, I tip my hat to her!

How long has your nutritionist been sleeved? I am sure I will not discredit any advice from people that have already been down the road the same road that I am on. No doubt, you should listen to your nutritionist over a forum poster. Although, you should be open minded enough to not to argue with people that have different opinions, which you asked for, than your nutritionist. Man, best of luck. I hope you start feeling better and start losing again soon. Hang in there.

Thanks for the responses so far. I think I will buy the Ninja Master Prep system that BonBon recommended. It looks like it is pretty easy to operate and it seems to be highly reviewed. If nothing else, I can use it to make smoothies.

I am scheduled to have surgery next week. I am curious if a blender is essential post-op. Also, I have purchased all kinds of Protein. broth, and sugar free pudding and Jello, getting ready for post-op. I think I also need to get some sugar free popsicles. What else do I need? Thanks in advance for feedback. I want to make sure to have what I "need" when I get home.

Hey Dawn, don't worry about traveling to Cancun. I love Cancun! It is a lot safer than the "border" cities, like Juarez where I am having my surgery. I am the one that should be scared about never being seen again.

Add me to the list as well, my date is July 1 with Dr. Rod.

Does anyone have experience, at the hospital in Juarez, with the service of AT&T cell phones? Do I need to buy a calling card or will my cell phone work to call home? If I an get service with AT&T, I think I will buy a 3G Ipad to take with me too. Thanks in advance for feedback.

I will be glad to let you know how it goes. I am getting the sleeve and the cost is $6950. I went through belight to schedule the surgery.

I will be going to Juarez for surgery July 1. I have read a lot of good things about Star Medica and Dr. Rod.

Thanks for the reassurance Stacey. I did choose Dr. Rod and will have the surgery in Juarez.

It's official!! I now have a surgery date (7/1/10). :thumbup: I will be on the losers bench before you know it. Thanks again, goes to the forum and the members for helping me make the decision. Maybe I can help other people after surgery by telling my experiences, like the members here have helped me!

I agree, almost everyone that has surgery with Dr. Aceves recommends him. I am sure he would be a very good choice. I have also heard a lot of positive things about Dr. Rodriguez as well. The deciding factor between the two is that Dr. Rod is $2000 cheaper. My decision is not solely going to be based on price but I would be lying if I said it didn't factor into my decision. I have also read that Dr. Rod trained Dr. Aceves on how to do the sleeve procedure.

First off, I would like to thank everyone here for posting their experiences and feedback. It has been a really big help while I have been searching WLS options. Initially I was sold on the lap band, but am now sure the sleeve surgery is the best option of the two. I will be a "self" pay, so I am heading to Mexico for the surgery. I have not picked a surgeon or set a surgery date, but am leaning toward having the surgery done in Juarez by Dr. Rodriguez through Belite. All feedback, positive and negative, of Dr. Rod and Belite will be greatly appreciated. Initially I was leaning toward Dr. Almanza, mainly due to price. I am sure a lot of people have had successful surgeries with him, but there just seems to be too much negative feedback, to take the "chance". Again, thanks goes to this forum and the members that post here for helping me make the decision to be "sleeved". I sure am glad I found it before being "banded". :001_tongue: