katie75009

I would definitely encourage a tablet or smartphone with Netflix. I am a reader and thought I would read on my Kindle app. I could not focus well or stay awake well enough to read, but Netflix was awesome to have. I also downloaded google translate to my phone so I could communicate better with the nurses. You will need a loose fitting dress or something for the trip home. I brought gauze and dressing stuff for my own wound care. The hospital sent me with some, but I am pretty picky about it all and wanted my own once I was back in the hotel. I had a different doctor, so not sure how they do things. I would certainly take a longer charging cord for any electronics if you have one you could take. Also, you will need some small bills to tip your drivers and hotel staff who assist you. Pack light, and possibly in a bag with rollers so you don't have to lift it. Oh, and chapstick or some sort of lip balm. Besides all this, you should really only need some basic toiletries. Nobody is dressing up or wearing makeup while there. I certainly wasn't messing with any of it.

I had surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz last August. I went alone and had a very positive experience. Not one time did I really even feel alone through the whole process. A couple of tips, though...
If you can, add the Google Translate app to your phone or Ipad. That was nice to have. I could communicate on a better level with the nurses. They understand basic care English, but there may be some things that need to be expressed that are not so basic. Also, Netflix. The television has a few English stations in the hospital and hotel, but not many.
You will need some cash, small bills like 5s or 1s to tip your driver and bell hop with.
Don't be shy! I made a few friends at the hospital and hotel that I'm still in contact with today. It's soooo nice to have friends who are traveling this road at the same place as me. We compare notes, chit chat and have gotten pretty close.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions. Not just from me, but this is what this forum is for. :-)

I had surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz last August. I went alone and had a very positive experience. Not one time did I really even feel alone through the whole process. A couple of tips, though...
If you can, add the Google Translate app to your phone or Ipad. That was nice to have. I could communicate on a better level with the nurses. They understand basic care English, but there may be some things that need to be expressed that are not so basic. Also, Netflix. The television has a few English stations in the hospital and hotel, but not many.
You will need some cash, small bills like 5s or 1s to tip your driver and bell hop with.
Don't be shy! I made a few friends at the hospital and hotel that I'm still in contact with today. It's soooo nice to have friends who are traveling this road at the same place as me. We compare notes, chit chat and have gotten pretty close.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions. Not just from me, but this is what this forum is for. :-)

I would definitely encourage a tablet or smartphone with Netflix. I am a reader and thought I would read on my Kindle app. I could not focus well or stay awake well enough to read, but Netflix was awesome to have. I also downloaded google translate to my phone so I could communicate better with the nurses. You will need a loose fitting dress or something for the trip home. I brought gauze and dressing stuff for my own wound care. The hospital sent me with some, but I am pretty picky about it all and wanted my own once I was back in the hotel. I had a different doctor, so not sure how they do things. I would certainly take a longer charging cord for any electronics if you have one you could take. Also, you will need some small bills to tip your drivers and hotel staff who assist you. Pack light, and possibly in a bag with rollers so you don't have to lift it. Oh, and chapstick or some sort of lip balm. Besides all this, you should really only need some basic toiletries. Nobody is dressing up or wearing makeup while there. I certainly wasn't messing with any of it.

I had surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz last August. I went alone and had a very positive experience. Not one time did I really even feel alone through the whole process. A couple of tips, though...
If you can, add the Google Translate app to your phone or Ipad. That was nice to have. I could communicate on a better level with the nurses. They understand basic care English, but there may be some things that need to be expressed that are not so basic. Also, Netflix. The television has a few English stations in the hospital and hotel, but not many.
You will need some cash, small bills like 5s or 1s to tip your driver and bell hop with.
Don't be shy! I made a few friends at the hospital and hotel that I'm still in contact with today. It's soooo nice to have friends who are traveling this road at the same place as me. We compare notes, chit chat and have gotten pretty close.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions. Not just from me, but this is what this forum is for. :-)

I would definitely encourage a tablet or smartphone with Netflix. I am a reader and thought I would read on my Kindle app. I could not focus well or stay awake well enough to read, but Netflix was awesome to have. I also downloaded google translate to my phone so I could communicate better with the nurses. You will need a loose fitting dress or something for the trip home. I brought gauze and dressing stuff for my own wound care. The hospital sent me with some, but I am pretty picky about it all and wanted my own once I was back in the hotel. I had a different doctor, so not sure how they do things. I would certainly take a longer charging cord for any electronics if you have one you could take. Also, you will need some small bills to tip your drivers and hotel staff who assist you. Pack light, and possibly in a bag with rollers so you don't have to lift it. Oh, and chapstick or some sort of lip balm. Besides all this, you should really only need some basic toiletries. Nobody is dressing up or wearing makeup while there. I certainly wasn't messing with any of it.

I went to Mexico alone last August. It truly is a personal decision, but for me was very good. I did not have any adverse reactions to surgery and had a very good experience. I never felt alone or unsafe. There were several others who had traveled alone that I became friends with and a couple that I still talk to regularly. Read other people's experiences with the surgery facility, doctor and hotel that you are considering. And just like the other poster said, see if you can find a surgery buddy who is going to be there at the same time.

I have not had any issues. I have seen my general family doctor since I've been back and they were not shocked or condescending at all about Mexico.

I used Dr. E. Ortiz and alighterme. I had a wonderful experience. I am almost 8 months out and down 85 pounds.

I had surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz two months ago today. He is very professional and skilled. I never once felt insecure or uncomfortable with him. It is scary to pick a doctor. I honestly prayed over it and picked the one I felt most comfortable about. I researched him as much as I could, and didn't find a negative thing about him. He spent as much time as I needed with me. The whole ALighterMe team was professional and exactly where they said they would be. My driver and contacts there were always available. I went by myself and didn't once feel alone unless I chose to be in my room alone. There are other sleevers at the hospital and hotel to chat with and get to know. It was an all-around good experience for me. My recovery was easy. In fact, the day I got back to the hotel, I walked to Walmart and did some shopping.

You guys are killing me!

I would totally do it again. I've been frustrated a few times because I couldn't eat what I want, but eating what I want all the time is why I've been so unhealthy. Sometimes there are lows, when I feel like I'm unraveling a mess in my head when it comes to food. Over all, I know that I needed a serious intervention and my sleeve was that intervention. I'm about two and a half months out, now and including my pre op, am down 53 pounds. But its not just the weight. I all around feel better. I'm wearing clothes I never thought I'd wear. I'm sleeping better and have so much more energy. I'm starting to exercise in baby steps and its awesome because I actually have the energy, making it so much easier to motivate myself to get off my butt. I feel like I've gotten out of the downward spiral I was in for so long.

I would totally do it again. I've been frustrated a few times because I couldn't eat what I want, but eating what I want all the time is why I've been so unhealthy. Sometimes there are lows, when I feel like I'm unraveling a mess in my head when it comes to food. Over all, I know that I needed a serious intervention and my sleeve was that intervention. I'm about two and a half months out, now and including my pre op, am down 53 pounds. But its not just the weight. I all around feel better. I'm wearing clothes I never thought I'd wear. I'm sleeping better and have so much more energy. I'm starting to exercise in baby steps and its awesome because I actually have the energy, making it so much easier to motivate myself to get off my butt. I feel like I've gotten out of the downward spiral I was in for so long.

I am two months tomorrow and I can turn up a water bottle and chug exactly 5 chugs. Any more than that and its uncomfortable. I've always been a Water chugger, and those first few weeks were torture for me. Now I can feel satisfied with my 5 chugs. :-)

I had surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz two months ago today. He is very professional and skilled. I never once felt insecure or uncomfortable with him. It is scary to pick a doctor. I honestly prayed over it and picked the one I felt most comfortable about. I researched him as much as I could, and didn't find a negative thing about him. He spent as much time as I needed with me. The whole ALighterMe team was professional and exactly where they said they would be. My driver and contacts there were always available. I went by myself and didn't once feel alone unless I chose to be in my room alone. There are other sleevers at the hospital and hotel to chat with and get to know. It was an all-around good experience for me. My recovery was easy. In fact, the day I got back to the hotel, I walked to Walmart and did some shopping.

I'm almost two months out and down 47 pounds including pre op. I shave and it is waaaaay easier now. I can see much more (still not everything), but its much better. It doesn't seem like such a chore as before.

I'm having surgery on the 3rd. Will leave early sat morning for a same day. I'll be at Mi Doctor and then the Marriott. Its getting real on the pre op diet.

Yeah, I'm not enjoying this too much. I refuse to mess it up, but still don't like it. It definitely helps to stay busy and drink lots of Water. My surgery is Aug 3. Sometimes it seems like its right around the corner and sometimes (like today when I'm frustrated with the diet) it seems like forever. I know it will go quickly overall, but its dragging butt today.

I'm August 3rd!

I am! I just thought I was being hyper sensitive. I am thinking its probably a good thing for me. I

Hey! I will be there for surgery on Saturday the 3rd. Dr. Ortiz is my doctor and I'll be at the Marriott also. I'm taking Vitamin B for the lack of energy and the headaches go away by day 4. My pre-op is the same as yours. And I detest salad. Blech.

I am! I just thought I was being hyper sensitive. I am thinking its probably a good thing for me. I

Where will you be Aug 4? I will be the 3rd with Dr. Jesus Ortiz at MiDoctor, then to the Marriott.

I'm August 3. Would love to find a sleeve buddy. I'll be at MiDoctor with Dr. Elias Ortiz.< /p>

I can't wait to use one hand to shave both legs. I can't wait to not be the fat girl at work. I can't wait for boots that come up my calves, dresses that are not like tents and pants that are not too long (I'm 5'3). I cant wait to be able to see all the places I shave. I want to wear sundresses and strappy sandles. I want bras and panties that match. I don't want to be fearful of folding chairs, skinny chairs and other peoples furniture in general. I hate that our couch looks like it does because of me. I want to go to amusement and Water parks. I am just ready to not be fat anymore.