NoMoreChubby

Hey NoMoreChubby I'm in Seattle too! I have surgery in March w/ Dr. Cabrera - same hospital. Way to go and best of luck to you!!!!!

costco, you can't go wrong with Premier Protein shakes sold there. 30 grams of Protein, pre made and shelf stable.

Wow. What a crazy experience. I just had my surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz at Obesity Control Center on the 20th. There were 5 of us that day and I was the last surgery of the day. My preop visits with nutritionist and cardiologist were quick and efficient. The nutritionist went over our whole postop diet and Vitamin schedule in detail and gave us a folder of info. The cardiologist explained the tests as he went. My meeting with Dr. Ortiz was probably the low point. Definitely full of himself and puttin on a show the whole time. He has no problem telling you what a great surgeon he is. Well, as long as it's true, I guess he can be as arrogant as he wants.
Nurse came in put in Catheter (1st stick and I'm not easy), started IV fluids and gave some antibiotics and happy drugs. Walked to OR and hopped on the table. Couldn't tell you much about it because I'm pretty blind without my contacts. Chatted with the anesthesiologist before lala land.
Woke up briefly and remember talking to my sis. Next time I was conscious was 3 hours later and my sis had already gone back to the Marriott. She FaceTime called me and we chatted for awhile. She says I was talking nonsense and was quite entertained. Watched TV until 11pm or so and then dosed off and on until morning. Got up to pee a few times and met fellow sleever zombies in the hall . There were only 5 of us there so it was pretty quiet. The nurse came in twice to give me antibiotics and pain Meds although I never had any real pain.
I was up and headed to the Marriott by about 9am. They discharged us with a pile of Meds...everything we will need for 2 months. Walked to Walmart plaza twice that day and felt surprisingly good. 2nd day I walked up to Walmart again before going back to clinic to have drain dressing changed. Then I and 3 other surgery patients and our companions headed to revolucion market area. I wasn't feeling as spunky that day so I went back to the Marriott for a nap after a couple hours. Actually, other than some gas pains, we were all doing well. One gal had a rough surgery and first night because she has bad reactions to anesthesia. She knew this from previous surgeries, so the OCC staff was prepared and she ended up doing fine.
The worst part about the drain was probably figuring out how to sleep with it. I ended up pinning it to the front inside of my jammy's. That way I could sleep on my back or roll on either side without crushing it. (And yes, thankfully I've been able to sleep on both sides from the beginning)
Back at OCC this morning for barium swallow fluoroscopy and drain removal. Felt great to get it out. I had been feeling bloaty and crampy, and turns out it was the drain. It was very quiet this morning since they are actually closed this week. We had Dr. So, a nurse, the office manager and coordinator taking care of everything. Got a medical pass and we all got through the border in like 15 minutes. I was even able to get an earlier flight home.
As for the Marriott, the staff was great. Very friendly and outgoing. The broth Soup was decent and the pineapple Popsicles were yummy. Good selection at the restaurant for companions. We had one gal that did come down by herself and she did fine, but I agree with the OP about bringing someone along. Even though everything is taken care of for you, it is nice to have help if you just don't feel up to dealing with everything.
I hope everyone on here has a smooth surgery. I am SO grateful to be feeling so good...no nausea and minimal pain. Started full liquids today and am loving the drinkable yogurt suggested by the nutritionist to help replace our normal GI flora.
(OP, sorry to hijack your post like this, but I'm really exited about having surgery and wanted folks to hear that it doesn't have to be a bad experience). Wishing you success!

I am a Dr. Cabrera patient and have done EXCELLENT! I was on the floor mainly with Dr. Valenzuela patients and they all spoke very highly of her and were pleased with their surgery. Many had been referred to her by former patients. I saw her on the floor everyday checking on her patients.
As far as being taken out shopping or to eat ice cream, like Alighterme does, those are just minute things that really don't hold much value in the grand scheme of things. The most important aspect is that the surgical procedure was performed well, zero complications, and the overall well being of the patient - how they feel, how their pain level is, etc.
My coordinator didn't take me out everyday and I still had a wonderful experience. I'd choose Dr. Cabrera again in a heartbeat.
I think it's pretty crazy how everyone seems to think their individual doctor is superior to any other. Dr. Elias Ortiz might be good, even though he's so cheap, but I think we can agree that there are other good doctors there as well. Slamming one doctor, without having personal, first hand experience with them, only makes one look ridiculous in my opinion.

My doctor is Dr Alejandro Lopez

My sister and I are having our sleeves done in Mexico in January.

I just told my PCP that I was having the surgery. I brought back the films from my leak test for him to see and that was it.

I went through Santa Fe Medical Group, Dr Quinones. My total surgery plus hotel (my surgery date is tomorrow) is 4200. The round trip airfare from Pittsburgh to San Diego was 375 with one 45 min stop in DC.

Hi Everyone. I am home and rested and ready to share my experience with Gastric Sleeve Surgery....



Stats: Height 5 ft 1 weight on surgery day 248 (higher than my scale stated)

Age 36

Doctor: Dr. Ramos Kelly

Hospital Nova Tijuana Mexico

32 Boogie ( She is small) I call her Moaning Myrtle



Background: Genetically inclined to be fat. Managed to stay within normal weight in high school and pieces/ parts of adult hood. 135- 140 in high school 150 adulthood. Married at 30 y.o was 175 and climbing.... Not a big sweets eater but I overeat and I fancy myself a good cook. Prepare healthy meals, but Portion Control is a problem. Yo-Yo dieter tried: Weight watchers, Optifast, Medi fast, Jenny craig, Paleo, Atkins, Ketone diet and SouthBeach. Will lose a little and gain a lot the minute I go off plan. I even tried the Cabbage Soup diet, gross and ineffective. I lost 2 pounds, pretty sure it was because I pooped that day



Journey started December 25th, arrived at Hotel Marriott in San Diego. Arrived a day early because it just worked out better for my trip. I had been fasting and it was hard, the menu at this hotel was amazing, and the cooking smells were killing me. They had ONE Soup of the day...butter-squash bisque. I ordered that and fought the urge to order the lava cake. Walked, enjoyed the view from my room,thought about life and SLEPT. Had a cup of Decaf coffee.



December 26. The day has arrived. Dr, Kelly's wife CiCi picked me up from the Hotel and we began our journey into Mexico. I was nervous and my hospital paperwork was in Spanish. Receptionist was efficient but not very friendly. Didn't know what I was signing. I ended up having to pay 500 dollars more for a high BMI (48) which annoyed me since I had conflicting messages about it from Lora, my original coordinator who was on vacation at this time. Cici was now my coordinator and go-to person. I was asked to pay it when I was in a precarious position, getting hooked up to ekg and prepped for surgery. Nurse aids pulled my gown down, exposing bare breasts to the room and started sticking those electrode things on, one pulled my panties off and threw my undies in a bedside drawer. Two of them began putting compression hose on my legs. Bed side manner was abrupt. I cried and they did nothing to put me at ease. Did all preliminary tests and then was wheeled into surgery. Dr. Kelly's anesthesiologist was on vacation and I had in his place a very beautiful young model- looking woman who was texting while I was laid out like Jesus Christ on the OR table awaiting surgery and to be knocked out! I thought it was unprofessional but I was terrified and as soon as the mask went on I was out. Did not see Dr. Kelly in the OR before I passed out. Would have liked to.



Woke up with a lot of nausea and pain. Worst pain of my whole life which continued for the whole night. I walked and walked and moaned and rocked myself. Couldn't communicate effectively with nurses who seemed baffled at my pain.



December 27- Felt better and EXHAUSTED. Cici said someone would call my husband to tell him I came out of surgery ok, no one actually did and he was beside himself with worry. I called him to let him know I was ok, but didn't want to talk long since I was so tired and hoarse. Dr. Kelly came in and apologized, admitted the new anesthesiologist made a mistake and gave me no pain meds before or after, so I was healing “RAW” at that point. Threw up some blood a few times and finally got some pain relief. Slept the rest of the day. Pain was minimal and I could sleep on my side and eat ice chips. LOTS of noise loud talking outside of room, motorcycle racing on street below, and a crying baby. I live in a rural quiet environment and I could not relax. I was cold and had one blanket, asked for another pillow and blanket and was given two sheets folded up over me and a pillow with no pillow case that was so shabby, the stuffing was showing lol. No one knocks, they barge in and flip the lights on full blast when you are trying to sleep and then walk out and leave them on. I didn't have a call button at first, then they went to get one hooked into the wall. Kept getting up to turn lights off so I could rest. Finally told on -call doctor (not Dr. Kelly) “Please shut off the light!!” He seemed oblivious.



December 28- Not sleeping well and IV line was hurting. Nurse wouldn't take it out and I asked her to call Dr. Kelly. She did and couldn't get a hold of him. I had thrown up so violently I peed myself the night before and needed a shower. Cant handle being dirty. Used translator on ipad to finally convey message to nurse who took out IV. YAY!! Showered and washed myself and my hair. brushed my teeth and changed into scrubs which amused the nurses. Scrubs are comfy and don't pinch the middle. Love them. GAS X was my savor through it all. I cant stress this enough, BRING GAS X. Sat on my bed and read a book on my ipad. Five people piled into my room and I was stared at and informed they would be talking about my case with the interns IN SPANISH of course. I heard them talk about my weight and one of the pretty interns made a gasping noise upon hearing my weight. It was awkward and upsetting. I wanted to go home.



Now.



I texted cici and asked if I could get a ride to the airport. I asked to take my leak test and Dr. Kelly did this at another hospital. I could tell they were confused by my attitude change and due to my lack of sleep among other things I just wanted to be back state side. I still had two days left, but felt like I would heal better at home. Husband helped change my flight and I was home by midnight the 28th.



December 29th- Took a low Water level bath in my own claw-foot tub AHHHHHH heaven. Fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow (my own pillow) Draped myself over my sweet husband and two fluffy pomeranians. Healing up really well and Im impressed with Dr. Kelly and his wife, but not so much the staff at NOVA.



Husband ordered a bunch of cool shakes, purees and puddings and stocked a cupboard with bariatric goodies. He is so awesome. Got a massage today and some lymphatic drainage from husband also ( He is a massage therapist) This helped with my swelling and puffy face and feet.



Over all I think Dr. Kelly is a great surgeon I just think the cultural barrier was hard to overcome for me. I would do it again to get the result. I've attached a photo of my belly which of course is still swollen but i wanted you to see what to expect. My incisions do not hurt at all and I forget they are there.

I have a big family like the one in the movie "my big fat Greek wedding" so I'm probably never going to tell them about the surgery ...:) only my husband, my oldest daughter and my oldest son knows and they're pretty good on keeping secrets

Me too. 20th January and Very excited and nervous tooI'm in Auckland, New Zealand Nz and am self pay.

My surgery is 1/6/14! January sleevers unite!

521 Diva As you read the other posts you will see that most surgeons have differing opinions on pre-op diets. My friend is having surgery in February at a different hospital in the Philadelphia suburbs and she doesn't have 2 week diet either. I'm going to follow my doctor's directions. He has an excellent success rate and I'm happy with the support I receive from his practice.

I think pretty much all of them use drains. At least 98% of the doctors do. I did a ton of research and calling around before i choose my doctor. I've head good things about Dr. Lopez. When it comes down to it. You pick who you feel comfortable with. The process is emotional enough no need for someone to post a comment like that. We are here for support not to cause depression.

^^^ exactly!

As of now I know all the doctors for what research i've done so to me they are all the same I never met any of them so if Dr Lopez has great reviews and is within my budget WHY PAY MORE???!!! I can't wait... this is going to change my life ... I'm so excited :)

I did a lot of research and I found only great things about Dr Lopez...and a drain is normal I'll be there on the seventh anyway wherever I go I know I'm in Gods hands God bless you all :)

It's normal to leave a drain in. I've been told Dr. Lopez does a max of 4 surgeries a day. You spend 2 nights in the hospital and 2 at the hotel. I also have done tons of research and nothing of what you have written has changed my mind.

Its alright for someone to give info but I don't think its fair to say to go to another specific Dr. There are lots of those in tj

Yes, I do!

I'm so excited! I'm getting sleeved January 20 by Dr. alejandro lopez in Tijuana, Mexico! He operates out of Hospital MI Doctor if anyone else is going to be there! Let's meet up!

I'm so excited! I'm getting sleeved January 20 by Dr. alejandro lopez in Tijuana, Mexico! He operates out of Hospital MI Doctor if anyone else is going to be there! Let's meet up!

I know most people are looking for the best prices but some other important questions to ask when you are searching for a surgeon would be to ask them if you were to have complications...
1. Would your surgeon be able to handle it. ie. - does your surgeon have some emergency or critical care experience
2. Would the facility where you are having your surgery done be able to handle emergent situations or complications
3. Would your surgeon pick up all costs related to any post op care needed if there were complications

It is excluded from my insurance and I don't have $20k lying around... :-)
Amanda Rae

Thanks so much for more reassuring words to make me glad I made this decision! Funny you mentioned families coming together for the surgery, as my mom and I will be travelling together and getting the surgery at the same time! We will be in the same hospital room, the same hotel room, etc. LOL! Nothing like some good mother/daughter bonding!! Forget mother daugther tattoos, we are going all out with the vertical sleeve!