Going Alone

DeLarla · May 10, 2006

I went all alone to another country with no problem. Just travel light and make sure your doctor's office coordinates and English speaking person to get you around.

fiveholts714 · May 11, 2006

I went alone to Mexico and it was a mistake. Take someone with you.

CATCHUP · May 11, 2006

Where Did You Go Fiveholts714? And What Happen If You Can Talk About It?

And Others That Replied Thanks For Yuor Concern.

CATCHUP · May 12, 2006

Most Of You Will Be Happy To Know That I Am No Longer Going Alone. I Am Going To Take My Daughter With Me. Thanks For All Your Replies And Concern!

fiveholts714 · May 12, 2006

I thought I posted on this but maybe I didn't! I went along and it was a big mistake. I used a different surgeon, so maybe my experience was different. The hospital staff was nice and so was the doc, but you need family there. I never saw another lapband patient (or any other patient) and didn't talk to anyone to was going through my experience while I was there. So you can't count on that. My return flight was oversold and I was diverted to Mexico City and had to take 2 airlines to get home - and I don't speak Spanish. It was a nightmare. If I had someone with me, ti would have been much better. I was in agony and seriously dehydrated. Don't go alone.

Molliegirl · May 12, 2006

i had my surgery 11/22/05 at HUP in Philly. I went alone. Had my sister drop me off and pick me up. No problems at all. I came home the next day. Dr's and nurses took good care and pain meds were administered. I just didn't need someone staying with me while I was pretty much out of it and then only staying overnight. But that is just me. Others may feel more comfortable with someone by their side. I had my Lord and Saviour and I was very confident of the turnout.

sleepyjean · May 12, 2006

I was banded last week and I did it all by myself. I initially had some reservations about going it alone, but turns out I'm actually glad that I did. I don't like being fussed over and I also see no reason for someone to have to take time off work just to drive me to the hospital and sit in the waiting room for hours doing absolutely nothing. The hospital staff took excellent care of me. Basically, I was able to go through this process without worrying about anyone hovering over me or bugging me, so it was the perfect solution for me.

HOWEVER

I had the surgery 20 minutes away from home. Going to another country is very different. I think generally going to Mexico alone, you would be absolutely fine. But the fact is, Mexico doesn't have the same laws and protections that we have here, so if something goes wrong and you're all alone, you're hosed.

Dody · May 19, 2006

I flew to Tennessee to visit my daughter and son-in-law and have the surgery. It is scheduled for June 5. If I had stayed home in Idaho I would have been going to have the surgery myself and that wasn't an option. I am 64 and not sure how I will get along after the surgery, so it felt wonderful to have my kids ask me to come here so they could help a little. I don't intend to rely on them for anything if I don't have to, but it is nice to know they are with me for the surgery and the ride home and a few days afterwards. You can never be sure what kind of complication you can run into. Do you have someone from church or a friend that can accompany you? I'm so glad I made the decision I did and would do it again in a heartbeat. I am Medicare and needed a Center of Excellence and that turned out to be Vanderbilt (what an awesome and huge hospital). They have a shopping mall in there!! (not that I'll be doing any shopping, but the facilities are state of the art. I have a heart condition so knowing I'm at a full service hospital is a wonderful feeling.

God Bless and I hope you find someone to go with you for your surgery. I have no idea if you are planning a trip to Mexico or not, but I think they might keep you a couple nights if you have no one with you...not sure.