Curtoña

Dang I had a great response that didn't upload. Here's the short version: I've been a foreign language teacher for 16+ years. I've taught French, Spanish and English all over the world. Rosetta Stone and Berlitz are ok for people who are planning to make a life change to another country. It is NOT a crash course to fluency right before your surgery. The stress of anticipation will hinder your learning. I'm not trying to tell you what to do. But that course will not give you the skills to effectively communicate in a hospital setting (or any other for that matter) in that short amount of time.
On another note, $300+ is a LOT of money to spend for a non-contact language course. There are many free resources online, and my personal favorite as of late: duolingo. They have a waiting period for online, but if you download the app for iPhone or iPad, you can start learning now. It has French, Spanish, English, German, and I'm currently learning Portuguese. Arabic and others are rumored to follow soon.
Good luck. I would say that their lack of English does not hinder one's experience much.

So I'm 6 days out from surgery, at home resting with my mom, the huz, and my 2 beauties, feeling (mostly) great. Still some pain, SOOOO hard to get in all my liquids, but looking forward to Friday when I can have anything that can go through a straw. (I'm looking at you, yogurt, lentil Soup and broccoli cheese soup with Protein powder!)
The reason a lot of us don't write this week or two after surgery is because we're trying to get used to our new bodies. My challenges have been fluids, like I said, but also lingering surgery pain, mostly where my drain was, gas pains (yes they are evil), and utter exhaustion. Those combined are quite overwhelming.
Also, I had surgery with Dr. Elias Jesus Ortiz at Mi Doctor and he's awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. It helped A LOT that I speak fluent Spanish because the anal b***h in me was able to know exactly what was going on at all times. One nurse spoke amazing English, but the others didn't speak at all, I'd say. I was accompanied by my anal b***h best friend, who happens to be an anal nurse, and not once did anything alarm her.
Going to sign off for the night. I will eventually give a full report, but for now I'm going to get more fluids in, hug my family, and be so thankful for this new chance at life I've been given.
Peace out sleevers!!

Hi! I made it out of surgery. Mine was at 6pm, after waiting in the hospital ALLL FRIGGIN DAY!!!!! But so far that's my only complaint. I feel like I did about 400 sit-ups where my stomach is, but other than being week and a tiny bit of pain from the surgery and gas, I have no complaints. Will post more later when I'm not groggy from the anesthesia.
But PHEW!! I made it to the other side!!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
My best friend's here, we catch a plane for San Diego tomorrow afternoon. Got a call from Abraham at A Lighter Me tonight to confirm my flight for tomorrow, surgery on Friday. Now there's no turning back!!
Thank you all for your helpful words and support. I will keep you posted as much as I can. I feel like I'm going on some kind of space travel. You guys on the other side seem so far away in a different world, and yet I'll be there myself in just a few days.
Here goes nothin'!!!

Made it to the hotel! So far so good! Going to have some broth and go to bed. Surgery tomorrow!!!!!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
My best friend's here, we catch a plane for San Diego tomorrow afternoon. Got a call from Abraham at A Lighter Me tonight to confirm my flight for tomorrow, surgery on Friday. Now there's no turning back!!
Thank you all for your helpful words and support. I will keep you posted as much as I can. I feel like I'm going on some kind of space travel. You guys on the other side seem so far away in a different world, and yet I'll be there myself in just a few days.
Here goes nothin'!!!

I know! I'm getting sleeved this Friday and hope all is well with the others. I'm assuming, though, that they're super busy trying to figure out their new lifestyle. I imagine that's going to be very time consuming.

I'm getting sleeved December 14th. I'll make sure I check-in regularly

Just got out of surgery, and everything went great! No surgery pain, but some uncomfortable gas. Already walked around the floor holding onto my sweet hubby. So happy!! Thanks for all the prayers and support everyone. Good luck to all this weeks sleevers!!!

Just made it to the Marriott ... I'm to excited!!! Tomorrow is the day:)

The thing I don't like about Almanza, is that at the hotel you get a room mate! I guess if u travel with a spouse that wouldn't occur. But for me traveling alone the last thing I want is a stranger in my room while I am trying to relax and rest!! No matter how nice they may be, you just don't feel free to let it all hang loose, know what I mean?? Lol
But that's just me

No one on this site has produced the Newsweek article. Maybe I should ask him for it.
Amytug and I have discussed this in private awhile ago - ultimately, I agree. Research. But don't discredit a surgeon because he is competitively priced either.

#1 - Aren't there 2 Dr. Ortiz(s)?
#2 - Cheapo doctors? (insert head spin, neck roll, teeth suck..lol) - Just wondering, where are the cheapo doctors? Last time I checked, none of them are cheap!
#3 - $2,000 is a big difference. Could I pay it? Sure. Are there more qualified surgeons with a lower price? Yes
No matter how many posting you read, you will ultimately have to make the decision yourself. Figure out why the surgeon is $2k more that others and if the reason is valid (in your opinion), then you should consider if its affordable.
Hugs! No one should be able to say this decision is easy!

Got into the airport and Samuel (R4C) was there to meet me in a nice clean ford Arostar. I was his only pickup. He gave me some history and little facts as we drove to hotel.
Rosie the coordinator met me at the hotel and helped me check in and get to my room where she went over everything with me.
Had some broth and its not bad at all!! Gonna head to Walmart and explore. So far, great experience. Marriott shuttle will escort to the hospital in the morning
More to come......

Woot! I haven't been on in awhile, but congrats on all of those great NSVs! :thumbup:

I graduated from college this past Saturday, and at our graduation practice, I had two classmates (neither of whom has seen me since at least December, and I got sleeved in Jan.) make comments. And this was with my gown on. One said, "Wow, Randi! You look amazing! How much weight have you lost?!" And I just said "a lot." :lol0: And the other girl (a SKINNY girl) said "Holy crap, Randi! You're like half the size you were before. You look awesome! How are you doing that? Just eating better?" And I said..."yep" hahaha. :001_tt2: I love when other people notice. Makes it all feel much more real.

i had a small win yesterday. i was able to reach the feul cap release lever thats under my seat without having to undo the seat belt or open the door!. i pulled the lever and sat up quickly, realising what i had just done, i havent done for years!

Does anyone actually use a FORUM, full of people's opinions, to make their sugery decisions? Like REALLY? I doubt it. And honestly, if this website is ALL that someone would take into consideration when choosing a surgeon, then I must say, I FEEL that isnt very bright idea. Shit happens, in America, In Mexico, at my house, at your house....EVERYWHERE.