Pandahbear2002

Hello, I am 44 yrs old and have 2 beautiful girls and 3 perfect grand kids. I have been struggling with my weight since having kids, quitting smoking (1997) and depression, approx. 28 yrs. A very caring friend came into my life and wanted to help me be a happier person, which included weight loss surgery as all the diets and exercise hadn't worked for me. Surgery in the US was out of reach of our funding limits, so we started looking into surgery in Mexico. We looked into many different options, first the gastric band which we thought wasn't the right fit for me as it requires many doctors visits after surgery. We finally settled on the gastric sleeve. I checked many different mexico companies that offer that procedure and found Mexico Bariatric Center to be the best one and our final choice. After sending and email for more information, I received a call back from the nicest, most sincere, knowlegable person/nurse, Cindy, which is also a former patient and a registered nurse. She has helped me through every possible road bump, nervousness, nutrition questions, to the trip itself, what was needed, what to expect. I couldn't possible say enough good about Cindy, she is super at what she does and I HIGHLY recommend her!

I was very aprehensive about going to another country for medical treatment. I have always thought of Tijuana, Mexico to be a scarey, unsafe place and would never think to have a major surgery there. But after hours and hours of research my mind was changing. I read stories and blogs and researched more and more and really felt this was going to be ok. Even after paying for everything and watching the days come closer and closer to the time to board the plane I was still worried.

When we got the the San Diego airport I was pretty nervous to go across the border but that was a breeze. I did find it quite funny how they drive down there, kinda like you see on TV, when aproaching a round-about, there was no rhyme or reason to who went next or what lane was where, lol, it was pretty funny. So the drive to the hotel was good. Our driver Victor was very very nice and informative. I felt very safe.

We got the the Marriott Tijuana and I was in awe. Our cordinator Tatiana was right there to greet us and helped us check in, and the employees were all so eager to help in any way they can. I was so relieved and felt safe. The Hotel was very nice. The rooms are very nice, which came with free wifi, free tv (I had read somewhere that someone had to pay extra to watch TV), room service for our included 3 broths a day, either 2 popsicles or 2 jellos and 2 bottles of water. I was impressed.

Our package included 1 Hotel night before surgery, then off to the hospital the next day. Our driver was also very nice and infomative. got us to the hospital safe and sound. Once there we were weighed and prepped for surgery. I must say, they are much quicker than the US when it comes to medical procedures/visits. Got all prepped and off to surgery!

Once out of surgery, all the nurses were very helpful and right there anytime you needed anything. I can't say enough good about the service we got in the hospital. Excellent care! The worse thing about this whole experience I'd have to say the gas in your gut is the worst part. Take Gas-X with you! And walk, walk, walk, it will help. The leak test was pretty cool, ya get to see your innerds like an x-ray in real time, I liked that, plus you get to keep a CD of it :)

Back to the Marriott for 2 more days. Again greeted by our coordinator and all the staff was again super friendly and helpful. I've got to say Mexico Bariatric Center has got to be the best coordinated company I've ever dealt with. Everything flowed so smoothly, there was nothing I would have changed. I had nothing to complain about. I was very happy with all the services at the hotel and hospital. They even offered a tour/shopping adventure if your feeling up to it, which I wasn't due to just taking a walk to the Walmart down the road for some exercise and to do a little sight seeing, get some fresh air. The day we left I was down at the gym doing the treadmill and met the president and founder of Sourcis (Mexico Bariatric Center) Ron Elli and his wife Flora. Super nice people. They were down there in Tijuana checking to make sure everything was going good with the business and running smoothly for all (Hotel stays, coordinators, patients, doctors and more I'm sure) and taking a moment to get some exercise in too. It was a pleasure and honor to met you both! A huge Thank you to you.

Getting ready to head back to the US... I was nervous because all we had was our birth certificates and licenses (were told that would be fine but I wanted to be positive I'd make it back). The border experience couldn't have gone smoother as well. It was interesting becouse there are people selling stuff to the people in cars, and if you have a spanish speaker in the car it helps! I got a very super cute Hello Kitty beach bag for 9 bux! Perfect last minute souvenier.

Over all, I would highly recommend Mexico Bariatric Center, everything from start to finish went so very well, it couldn't have been better. All of the people involved (Nurse Cindy, Dr. Cabrera, Victor, Raul, Tatiana) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's because of all your hard work and effort in what you do for people every day that makes a world of difference. I will never forget you all.

Now on to recovery at home....

1 week post surgery and I'm still a little sore but feeling great! The gas in my tummy is most all gone. I can keep down liquids just fine. I'm very proud of myself, I haven't cheated! I don't feel hungry at all. I'm very happy. When weighed before surgery I was 269, after surgery I saw the scale and thought, what the heck, I weighed again and gained 6 pounds lol @ 275. I've been home now for 4 days and I'm at 260. I couldn't be happier.

I will do my very best to keep updating as my journey continues. I wish you all a happy successful journey too!

To be cont....