My friend and I are scheduled for surgery on August 2nd with Dr. Verboonen. We will stay two nights in hospital/surgery center and then one night at the Lucerna. My question is about follow up. Did any of you go back to Mexico for follow-up? I never even considered this. I just assumed the stitches would be removed before we left Mexico along with the swollow test and leak test. Someone on another forum really made it sound like you're crazy if you don't have ongoing follow up after the surgery. I don't have any plans for continuing follow-up with my surgeon other than email and telephone communication if I have questions. I certainly can't take more time off work (or extra expense) to fly back down there to get stitches out or have blood work.

I will be contacting my facilitor on Monday to ask her questions about this, but until then any advice from those who have already "been there done that" would be so appreciated.

I had paper stitches, the 'real' stitches must've been just under the surface. I saw my PCP 10 days post op and he said I'd healed nicely and it was OK to remove them. You should be able get blood work through your PCP. Speak to them to check they're OK with this.

I flew in from London, so def no plans to return any time particularly soon!

I'm scheduled w/Dr. Almanza in Tijuana, Mx on Aug. 3rd. From what I heard about the stitches is we have to take them out ourselves or have our PCP here in the States do it. Any follow up, which shouldn't be much, also is to be done by our PCP. Just check w/your facilitator on Monday Good luck!

My friend and I are scheduled for surgery on August 2nd with Dr. verboonen. We will stay two nights in hospital/surgery center and then one night at the Lucerna. My question is about follow up. Did any of you go back to Mexico for follow-up? I never even considered this. I just assumed the stitches would be removed before we left Mexico along with the swollow test and leak test. Someone on another forum really made it sound like you're crazy if you don't have ongoing follow up after the surgery. I don't have any plans for continuing follow-up with my surgeon other than email and telephone communication if I have questions. I certainly can't take more time off work (or extra expense) to fly back down there to get stitches out or have blood work.

I will be contacting my facilitor on Monday to ask her questions about this, but until then any advice from those who have already "been there done that" would be so appreciated.

Hi, I wish you great success. Remember the first month after surgery is the hardest you will have to do. It is only 30 days and not forever. You are going to be so happy that you have had the surgery. You are about to do something that is a life changing journey. Enjoy it and keep us posted.

Suzanne