Karen B45

I was just sleeved by Dr. Kelly last week, it was a great experience. Having surgery in Mexico is different, not because of cleanliness (the hospital and staff were very clean), but more because it's just not like home and everyone else is speaking a foriegn language. But in terms of actual experience, Dr. Kelly did a great job, and I am happy with the procedure that was done.

Sorry I didn't answer all your questions. Dr. Kelly's wife and Anaid picked me up from the airport, they have a large new van that they use for transporting the patients. Anaid is Dr. Kelly's assistant so she does a lot of the coordinating, making sure you get where you need to go, etc. My sister came with me, She was pretty bored. She brought her laptop so played games, read, etc. I was pretty out of it the first day. The one thing I would caution -- the cafe at the hospital is geared towards cancer patients, and it's an all vegetarian meal plan. Your husband might want to think about bringing Snacks for the room unless he is a very healthy eater, that's the one thing my sister didn't care for. There is a Starbuck's I saw nearby, and also a pharmacy where they might sell snack foods. Ana and the dr's wife will also take him out to get anything if he needs it. The day I arrived we were early, so Ana (Anaid) and Dr.'s wife took us to a nice restaraunt where I had broth but everyone else ate a great meal. It worked really well, they are very nice people and accomodating. Please feel free to email me if I can answer any additional questions for you. I am not trying to advertise for Dr. Kelly, but I did personally have a great, positive experience, and believe me I was as hesitant as anyone about having the surgery in Mexico.

I didn't have any problems getting in touch with Dr. Kelly or Anaid. I used the hotmail address provided by the previous poster. I actually thought they were pretty responsive, so I am surprised you are having that problem. I would use the hotmail email address. I did book directly with him, I wouldn't personally give Linda at ALM if it was my only option, if that was it, I wouldn't have the surgery. Also just to clarify -- Dr. Kelly is two nights in a hospital (not a clinic) and two nights at a hotel. No recovery house, etc, and I LOVED the nurses at the hospital. Hope that helps.

I was sleeved last week with Dr. Kelly. I am not sure why you think he does not perform surgery at a hospital; he does. I had a great experience, very little pain and no nausea. Everyone does need to make their own decision and I am sure you will find the right surgeon for you, but I think you should at least consider Kelly. He really did a great job on mine, and the hospital and staff were wonderful (friendly and knowledgeable) and the facility was clean and modern. Just my personal opinion based on my surgery. Hope you find someone you love.

Overall, yes. My surgery went very smoothly and I was up walking that night. I don't have a lot of pain and my incisions are small and not super painful. Plus I was never really nauseous....I think he knows his stuff for sure. I didn't care for Tijuana, but that has nothing to do with Dr. Kelly or anyone that works with him! Ana and his wife (who do the coordinating and driving you around, etc.) are very nice and do their best to make you comfortable and feel welcome.

Yes me too! Although my sister told me to expect this the first week. I am thinking the flight was just more than I was expecting...I am excited to be on my way! I did get a new pair of walking shoes, so they are waiting for me to get moving in them the minute I start to feel better....

Hi all, got back from Mexico last night from my VSG last Thursday with Dr. Kelly. I feel pretty good, although today I am pretty tired so have been doing a lot of sleeping. I think the flight takes more out of you than you might think...or at least mine did! But my incisions look great, I am getting used to the siping, and am generally happy overall with how things are going. How is everyone else doing? Those of you having surgery this week, best wishes!

Wow good for you! I was sleeved the day after you, 3/15, and so far am only down four lbs. Not really that concerned about it, four pounds is four pounds, and I also feel pretty good.

Well I am at the Seattle airport waiting to board my flight to San Diego for my surgery tomorrow with Dr. Kelly in Tijuana! I am excited and nervous... And glad its finally here! Will update when I can.

Well you know, it's been an interesting experience. I originally was scheduled with Kelly, than ALM told me they weren't booking him anymore and suggested I switch to Garcia. Then someone here didn't like the hospital he used, and I found out I could still book Kelly, just had to do so directly, so made contact with him and switched back. I am happy I did. My surgery is this THURSDAY! I can't believe it's almost here! We fly to San Diego on Wednesday.

I am also having my surgery with Dr. Kelly.

I know this has been posted before but I wanted to ask again...what's the one thing you wish you had in the hospital when you had your sleeve done that you did not take? I am having my surgery in Mexico Thursday and I want to be as prepared as possible. Also I am thinking no jeans for a couple of weeks after, right? Your advice and sharing would be appreciated.

Glad to hear it went well. I fly out Wednesday for my surgery with dr. Kelly on Thursday. Very excited and nervous at the same time! Good luck to you and your sister.

I am sorry to hear there was such a rough start to your day but it sounds like you are doing great! I am so happy for you...right behind you....

I am getting sleeved by Dr. Kelly a week from today, so would also like to hear about your experience.

You know how I look at it....you are with the driver when you leave the hospital and go to the hotel, and you don't have to leave the hotel grounds if you don't want. I agree with ShoeLover, there is crime everywhere, just use common sense and don't go in bad areas and you will be fine. But I do understand the concern.

I started taking B12, it was on the surgeon's list and I figure better safe than sorry....

My sister had the surgery in December, she was off work for two weeks. I am taking two weeks off also. We are both in our forties and about a hundred lbs overweight, but both have desk jobs. I do think it really depends on the person. My sister said she was fine to go back when she did but she certainly wouldn't have wanted to go back any sooner. I am fortunate in that my boss is understanding and I have told him I might work remotely for another week if I don't feel up to driving in (I live about fifty miles from my workplace).

next weekend is my last as well. My doctor only requires a three day liquid diet beforehand, but I bought some shakes today to try to start cutting back and getting used to eating so much less before the surgery. I have to admit, this weekend is my "food funeral". I have been eating all my favorite things, just b/c I know I won't have any of them for some time. I haven't done anything extreme, but just am trying to enjoy guilt free meals. Not that eating is ever really guilt free for me.

You know, I am glad I came on the board, I haven't been on here all week cause work is so busy...but this is totally not something I had thought about! I am glad to see the post. My flight is also 2.5 hours but I guess I need to be slightly more prepared than I am! Good ideas everyone....

I am glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience! 19 days until my surgery with Dr. Kelly in Tijuana and I can't wait to join the losers bench!

Sending you best of luck and happy tummy vibes! I am sure it will go great.

I am glad to hear it all went so well, gives me hope for mine coming up in three weeks!

I emailed Dr. Kelly regarding this and to say he was offended is putting it mildly. I think that he had a patient recently who had additional charges b/c of the higher than expected BMI, but the additional funds were paid to the hospital. I am pretty confident he is telling the truth, but again, everyone has to make their own decision.

I am having mine on March 15th. You are two weeks ahead of me, but we are the same month. I would love to get a group of us going to connect and share experiences.