Hi,

Well my 14 month appeal is over - I lost. Now I finally got to do what I should have done months ago: schedule my surgery. I'm all set for surgery on the 29th with Dr. Aceves.

For those of you who had surgery in Mexico can you give me a little advice on what to take and what to do (and not do) while I'm there? I thought there were posts on that but couldn't find any. I'll do a bit more searching while waiting for your replies :-).

First off, I'm planning to fly first class home. San Diego is about a 3 hour flight to Seattle and I thought it would be nice to have lounge privileges while I wait and a bigger more comfy seat. Does that makes sense? My husband thinks I'm crazy.

Will I be able to drive myself home from the airport? My flight down is at 6am so it'd be much easier to drive. I'd think I could drive home 3 days after surgery but I'm not sure.

Do I need my laptop? Or can I live just fine with my iPhone and Kindle? Is it a standard 120v plug for recharging?

Am I ok to go alone? I figured it'd be fine and that in some ways an extra person could be a bother when I just want to rest.

How long do I get IV meds? I have survived some pretty painful surgeries but had a rough time with my lap band. I'd like to be as pain-free as possible.

What all should I take? I was planning on reading materials and my phone. Two sets of clothes for down and back and comfy PJs for my time there. Normal toiletries like toothbrush, shampoo, etc. What am I missing? Do I need a hairdryer?

Do I need to take Protein with me? Or is that all taken care of?

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I press "post"...

Thanks!

Britt

Brittu:

I flew first class going home too...good idea. More room in the seat, just over all more comfortable.

If you can find a driver, I would let someone else drive. Others may not agree.

I went alone and was glad in a way, to feel free to sleep or what ever without feeling like I had to visit. But I wished I'd had someone with me a couple of times. Your call.

I did use my computer for emails. Took only one pr of shoes which I wore, and rubber-soled footsies for post-op comfort. One pr of pj's. One outfit to come home in. No need for hairdryer. They supply soap/shampoo. Bring washrag though, and toothbrush.... Towels are provided.

I had IVs until the day I left, for pain control. It varies with each person, based on need. Ask and you shall receive!

They prefer to supply you with intake, so no need to bring anything. You're only allowed Clear liquids, and only after the leak test. Their broth is yummy. Applejuice is....well, applejuice. I had taken koolaid and tried it one time (did not like it...everything tastes different after VSG), but it seemed to upset the nurses that I had it. I think they prefer that you drink what they have there.

Good luck! You'll be amazed at the awesome service.

I went alone and I didn't fly first class from Portland OR, so you will be flying almost the same distance. I did drive myself home from the airport which is a 2 hour drive back to the coast.

I used Dr. Campos' lap top every day. I would have gone nuts without it. There was really nothing to do in my room. There are only a few channels on the TV in English. I spent a lot of time outside walking. I used the lap top to check in here, and generally just do my usual internet surfing.

I didn't have an IV past the first 24 hours. I didn't need pain medication after the first 24 hours.

Very good questions! I had a lot of the same ones but was going to wait closer to my surgery date to post. Now I don't need to! I've seen some posts about surgery with Aceves in the hospital sub-forum so check there for more info. Best of luck!

Bring a robe with you. I don't think you need your own PJ's since their gowns are pretty comfy and oversized. I brought my own pj's and didn't use them at all. You do want to bring a comfy loose fitting outfit for the day you leave. You will most likely be a bit bloated. You'll be walking a lot while in the hospital so bring a good pair of slip on shoes. They provide towels and small shampoo/conditioner/soap, etc. but I still brought my own. The outlets are standards so you do not need any special adapters. I brought my laptop but only used it a few times to send out quick emails. I mainly just walked, rested, and watched TV briefly. I brought books and lots of other goodies to help me pass the time but never got a chance to use it. You don't have to bring any protein or any of your own food. You do not eat the day of surgery and will not be eating till the next day. Well, more like sipping since it is all liquids. I got a spinal block with morphine the day of surgery and got IV fluids right after I was moved to my room and into the next morning. I brought someone with me and it helped just to have emotional support but I think that I would've been OK if I had gone alone. They are very supportive.

I had my own PJs. I walked around outside a lot so I wanted something that would be suitable to wear outside.

I brought the little packages of K20 Protein Water to mix in water on the plane ride home.