Tomorrow, I have my VSG surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center. I know there are several others coming to the same doctor/hotel in the next few weeks and months. Since I appreciated the feedback of others, I wanted to share my experience in hopes it will help someone else.

When the plane landed in San Diego, I immediately had a text from Joel, the OCC driver. He was outside. The van was parked just outside of baggage claim and had my name in the window. While driving, Joel gave us the details about what to expect this evening and tomorrow. Joel is very polite and professional. We drove to the border, got out, scanned our bags and were not subject to a random search. Joel met us on the other side of the building and we drove on to the Marriott.

Check in at the Marriott was smooth. Joel told is to be ready at 6:40 in the morning and that the hotel van takes you to the OCC. So we made sure to schedule the hotel van. The ride from the airport to the hotel really was only 20 minutes or so.

We watched the Super Bowl in Spanish while we had dinner. My friend had DELICIOUS smelling mixed fajitas and a Tecate while I had broth and Water. Her meal was 15% off as an OCC companion. Mine was free. Broth was good and service was good. The wireless service is free for OCC folks.

I did not need my Passport to get in to Mexico. So far, everyone has taken US currency as tips, etc.

That is all I can think of now. More to come tomorrow! So far nothing has seemed odd and Tijuana is much nicer than the other Mexican border towns I have been to.

Now I just hope I sleep tonight!

I'm keeping you in my prayers! Be sure to update and let us know how you're doing when you're able to!!

In my prayer

Well wishes

Wishing you a speedy and easy recovery....walk, walk, walk!!

Thank you all! Woke up at 330 local time. Showered. Ready for whatever today will bring!

Thank you all! Woke up at 330 local time. Showered. Ready for whatever today will bring!

Ahhh good luck...so excited for u

Thinking of you today! Congratulations on your start

Thinking of you today! Congratulations on your start

Oops. That was supposed to send yet! Congrats on the start of your new life!

Thank you all! Woke up at 330 local time. Showered. Ready for whatever today will bring!

Hope u r doing well.

Hi all! Was third to day for surgeries. I haven up walking several time. The prop blood draw wa no big deal. Then, got EKG.,

Once done, you go to your room and get the IV.

Dr Ortiz cam in and chit chatted before survey.

Waiting for a few shot minutes then to suggest.

The nurse speak enough English so we could communicate.

The staff at the OCC and the Marriott are really professional and have a good system. Efficient

OK a little drugged up when I last posted!! Incoherant!

So, once we arrived at the OCC yesterday, we were given our papaers to fill out. Then, a blood draw. Back to waiting. Then, a weight check along with goal weight setting and given post op diet suggestions/timing. Back to waiting. Last, was the EKG. Went back to waiting and they told me I could go back to my room.

In my room were a couple chairs and a hospital bed. Bathroom shared down the hall, but was very clean. They had me change into my gown and put on paper underwear - which of course were too small so I had a paper underwear wedgie until surger. (There's always something).

Shortly after the IV was in, Dr. Ortiz came in and chatted for a while. What do you do for a living, etc. Super nice. Asked if I had questions and he answered all those. After he left my friend agreed that we were both satisfied all this was on the up and up and surgery was still a good idea!

They had me walk to the OR and lay down. My head had only been down for seconds before I was out! So, I woke back up in my room, with my friend sitting there.

I've had some nausea, fleeting and nothing big. No vomiting. My abdominal area feels sore, but nothing hurts.

This morning, I was discharged. PUrchased my meds to take with me. The Marriott van drove us back to the hotel where the bellmen were there to help with bags. I'm very impressed with the hotel staff here.

My friend went with another support person yesterday to costco and got some Gatorade and Smart Water as was suggested. Now, I don't have to go anywhere the rest of the day and can relax and nap as needed.

Both my friend and I have traveld a lot for business and we were both impressed with the Marriott and the OCC looks like any other surgery center. Please message me if you would like more details. Thanks for all your support and well wishes!

I am so glad to hear you are doing well.

Mary

OK a little drugged up when I last posted!! Incoherant!

So' date=' once we arrived at the OCC yesterday, we were given our papaers to fill out. Then, a blood draw. Back to waiting. Then, a weight check along with goal weight setting and given post op diet suggestions/timing. Back to waiting. Last, was the EKG. Went back to waiting and they told me I could go back to my room.

In my room were a couple chairs and a hospital bed. Bathroom shared down the hall, but was very clean. They had me change into my gown and put on paper underwear - which of course were too small so I had a paper underwear wedgie until surger. (There's always something).

Shortly after the IV was in, Dr. Ortiz came in and chatted for a while. What do you do for a living, etc. Super nice. Asked if I had questions and he answered all those. After he left my friend agreed that we were both satisfied all this was on the up and up and surgery was still a good idea!

They had me walk to the OR and lay down. My head had only been down for seconds before I was out! So, I woke back up in my room, with my friend sitting there.

I've had some nausea, fleeting and nothing big. No vomiting. My abdominal area feels sore, but nothing hurts.

This morning, I was discharged. PUrchased my meds to take with me. The Marriott van drove us back to the hotel where the bellmen were there to help with bags. I'm very impressed with the hotel staff here.

My friend went with another support person yesterday to costco and got some Gatorade and Smart Water as was suggested. Now, I don't have to go anywhere the rest of the day and can relax and nap as needed.

Both my friend and I have traveld a lot for business and we were both impressed with the Marriott and the OCC looks like any other surgery center. Please message me if you would like more details. Thanks for all your support and well wishes![/quote']

Glad you're doing good. Thanks so much for the updates

Thank you for posting your experience. I'm so happy to hear that you are doing well! Happy healing!

Thank you so much for all the information you have posted. I have been strongly considering OCC for myself.

Congratulations on your new life! I am so excited for you! You deserve this!