What to pack when going to Mexicali for WLS

[Suzannesh 376]

Hi Everyone,

I have had this on my computer and try to post it for people who are going to Dr. Aceves for WLS. A group of us have put this together and you may find it helpful.

Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves.

1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no Water required—nothing difficult to swallow either.

2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry.

3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask.

4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs.

5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like.

6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases.

7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great.

• I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home.

9. As far as money someone suggested I bring about $40.00 to $45.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali. I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home. I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might appreciate the cash as a gift. I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk. The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec.

10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home.

11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home.

12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage” and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery.

13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, Shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you want. I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink.

14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too.

15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips.

If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too.

Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home.

Suzanne

This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information

I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom.

I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort.

You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some hot water and add some chicken broth to the hot water--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works.

I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital!

The best of luck to you! You will do great!

[LissyinTX 1]

sounds silly, but passport for the borders.

[arnuxii 1]

>medication that you will need after the surgery....

I would rather bring this with me

Any other medication required other than the ones listed?

[Ricky 6]

Thanks for posting this!! Here's another Oregonian headed to Mexico...Scheduled for Memorial Day w/Dr Aceves

for revision of Lapband to VSG. Trying not to be nervous

[Suzannesh 376]

sounds silly, but passport for the borders.

Hi,

Yes, you need to have a passport to go to Mexico. Some people have told me that if you show the papers that prove you have applied but not received it yet, that they will let you in and out of Mexico.

Suzanne

[Suzannesh 376]

Thanks for posting this!! Here's another Oregonian headed to Mexico...Scheduled for Memorial Day w/Dr Aceves

for revision of Lapband to VSG. Trying not to be nervous

Hey Ricky,

Congratulations for making a good choice of going to Mexicali to have Dr. Aceves do your surgery. You will love having the sleeve compared to a Lapband. If you have already been there, then I don't need to tell you how wonderful he is and how great the hospital is.

Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. And by all means tell Dr. Aceves that Suzanne said Hi. Where in Oregon do you live? I live in Eugene.

Hugs,

Suzanne :rolleyes:

[Suzannesh 376]

Thanks for posting this!! Here's another Oregonian headed to Mexico...Scheduled for Memorial Day w/Dr Aceves

for revision of Lapband to VSG. Trying not to be nervous

Hi,

I forgot to say this. It is VERY normal to be nervous. You have a bag full of mixed feeling right about now. Excited, scared, nervous, second guessing yourself choice. You are sure that you are going to be the ONE person that this will not work on--wrong it will work on you. You ask yourself am I going to be OK? What is Mexico like, I hear awful things about doctors and hospitals in Mexico--Well I am here to tell you that they are wrong about this hospital. It is the cleanest hospital I have ever been in. They clean this hospital 24-7. The doctors are highly skilled and have done so many more of these surgeries than most US doctors have. After going there you will wished that they could be your regular doctors.

Just talk to me and tell me you fears and what you are nervous about. I am here to tell you that I had ALL of these feelings. It is OK to feel this way, but if I can help you in any way, please just send me an E-mail

Suzanne

[Suzannesh 376]

>medication that you will need after the surgery....

I would rather bring this with me

Any other medication required other than the ones listed?

Hi

Take your medications with you that you use everyday. Take them in their original containers with all the information on them. They will look them over, but use their own medication that they have in the hospital. The will determine what you should and shouldn't be taking because of your recent surgery.

You can buy Prilosec in Mexico for a lot less than the OTC ones here in the US. They give you Nexium to take home with you--I am not sure how many weeks supply they give you, but Nexium really didn't work that well for me. I get my Prilosec from my regular doctor here, She prescribes the generic Prilosec for me and my insurance pays for it and it only cost me $5.00 per month.

Suzanne

[arnuxii 1]

Thanks for the info Suzanne, I am scheduled for the 27th of May.

Dr. Aceves has a great reputation, it is about the same cost as where I live but with him I think the chances of a complication are less.

I have a 30 hours door to door trip home, I was wondering what to take on the plane..

I was thinking some whey Water mix and the medications you mentioned.

Roger

[Suzannesh 376]

Thanks for the info Suzanne, I am scheduled for the 27th of May.

Dr. Aceves has a great reputation, it is about the same cost as where I live but with him I think the chances of a complication are less.

I have a 30 hours door to door trip home, I was wondering what to take on the plane..

I was thinking some whey Water mix and the medications you mentioned.

Roger

Hi Roger,

Just make it something that will taste good to you. That is why I suggest chicken broth. You want something that you will like the taste to right at first. Once you are home then worry more about getting in the Protein. So for me the Top Ramen packets were something I knew would taste good. I had a hard time taking pills so I would crush them up and put them in a tablespoon of applesauce to get them down.

I had to take my pills like that for the first 30 days. I still to this day have a difficult time with any large pills.

Everyone is different, so I can't take a hand full of pills if they are large, I take them one at a time. You have made such an excellent choice in Dr. Aceves. He truly is the best there is when it comes to WLS. But the best part is he has a great bedside manner and he is just a regular person who is nice and has the skills that you want. He has a great sense of humor too. Tell him that Suzanne said to say Hi. He is always going to be there if you have question or anything you want to talk to him about. I wished he lived closer to me, I would make him my regular doctor.

You are going to love you new sleeve. Keep asking me question if you have any, I am here for you every step of the way. :rolleyes:

Hugs,

Suzanne