So let me start by saying a few words as to why I'm writing this. I was recently sleeved by Dr. Garcia in Tijuana and I am very happy with my results -- so far. If you want to read moment by moment blows of someones happy surgery, this isn't the blog. I've read every blog here and a majority are dead on accurate. But there's a lot no one bothers to mention and I wish someone had. Also, I'm posting this from a made-up user ID.... I read the boards daily and respond frequently, but prefer to keep some elements of my issues private (as you'll read). Thanks!!

First, Waiting! I appreciate in the U.S. were go-go-go people who are comfortable with our busy, full schedules but in Mexico, there is NO scheduling at all! You sit and wait, and wait, and wait. The day of my surgery we were taken at 6:45 to the hospital, we waited until after 9am for the hospital staff to even arrive to check us in. Once in my room, more waiting; I didn't have my surgery until NIGHT! Despite numerous attempts to ask when (approx) my surgery would be - "soon" is the only answer I got. Want to go shopping after surgery, plan to wait. No one can tell you if or when or how long. I waited 2 whole days and then in a matter of minutes of a phone call, was expected to be ready.

Second - Coordinators. Good luck. I saw my coordinator ONCE on the very LAST day. Once I was taken back to the hotel, I had questions I needed answered and despite my attempts (for over an hour) and the hotels attempts, no one could reach them. And their voicemail boxes were full - wonderful. What if I had an emergency?

Third - Not Like U.S. Hospitals. Now I accepted this going in. BUT, if when waiting to be taken into ER I am awake and can see the person before me laying naked on the OR table - I'm sorry, I find that bothersome to several degrees. First, how many germs are flooding through those open doors? Second, if I was awake enough to see someone (who I actually knew from these boards and hotel), then who is seeing me? Not cool.

Fourth - The Yucky (yes, the yucky truth - feel free to skip) No one bothers to tell you that your pee after your final leak test will be BRIGHT green for days - not an issue, but a heads up would've been nice. And the diarrhea - oh my stomach aches just thinking about it. It smells horrendous - like sick tummy. Its lasts for, I don't even know how long, I still have it, and its explosive. So yes, you probably will shart yourself. Just speaking the truth here.

Again, I want to say I am HAPPY with my results ---- these were just things NO ONE bothered to mention and it would've been nice to prepare a bit better. So, bring a extra book, ask all your questions before you leave, ask to be drugged up before going to the OR and sit on a towel afterwards and you should be ALL set!

So in my opinion' date=' US hospitals aren't that great and are by no means clean. So for those of you high and mighty folks who no way would go to mexico, maybe u need to look a little closer at what goes on here, its not so perfect[/quote']

After my moms hysterectomy, she was mouthing 'water' to my brother and me. I requested that she get water, and the nurse (here at Emory Hospital of all places) told me when she was able to ask for it herself, she would get some water. I could care less if passed out, someone sees my bare a**. At least I know I will be taken care of as a patient.

After my moms hysterectomy, she was mouthing 'water' to my brother and me. I requested that she get water, and the nurse (here at Emory Hospital of all places) told me when she was able to ask for it herself, she would get some water. I could care less if passed out, someone sees my bare a**. At least I know I will be taken care of as a patient.

we don't give water until patients can talk and its clear that the gag reflex has returned so they don't aspirate on it.

The more you know.....

Wow is right!!!! I'm scared now.

we don't give water until patients can talk and its clear that the gag reflex has returned so they don't aspirate on it.

The more you know.....

I'm done. You just HAVE to be right don't you? Or maybe you were her nurse. She wasn't going to aspirate, her freaking throat was dry. I came to this site for help and support during my surgery process. All I've found is:

1. People who like to complain. A LOT.

2. People who still want to have their cake and eat it too. Good god. If I see one more post about being 5 weeks out and wanting alcohol!

3. Debbie Downers and Negative Nancies. Get over yourself. Everyone has bad days. Your horror stories are not even told to educate, rather scare people. Want sympathy? Look it up in the dictionary.

4. High and mighty 'Veterans' with flippant responses.

NurseGrace, no one was attacking you personally on your I'm sure 'fabulous' bedside manner. I'm a teacher. You don't think people attack my profession constantly?! I ignore it and take the constructive criticism to improve my self. One teacher at a time.

I cannot stand this bickering and blatant disrespect people have for each other on here just because you sit behind a computer. I will go through this silently or find some other support. Good luck to you that really want to change their lives. Those who wanted a quick fix? Shame on you.

SailorBrees I'm honestly surprised that that's your take on this forum. I mean I don't read all the threads, so I'm sure there are some out there wondering if pizza in a blender counts as a puree, or complaining about slow weight loss 10 days post surgery. But most threads I read are people supporting people and positive threads at that. There are threads with scared people and people reassuring them that it'll be OK. Maybe try some different threads

SailorBrees I'm honestly surprised that that's your take on this forum. I mean I don't read all the threads' date=' so I'm sure there are some out there wondering if pizza in a blender counts as a puree, or complaining about slow weight loss 10 days post surgery. But most threads I read are people supporting people and positive threads at that. There are threads with scared people and people reassuring them that it'll be OK. Maybe try some different threads <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Puréed pizza?! Lol!

Amanda Rae

We have had purée cheeseburger questions as well lol

Lisa don't you know?? That's included in the price! That's what you get the night before and the morning after! Unless you go for the all you can eat taco plan that is...

Lisa don't you know?? That's included in the price! That's what you get the night before and the morning after! Unless you go for the all you can eat taco plan that is...

Oh my gosh!! I'm pissed lol

I've been ripped off

And I'm not talking about them taking my stomach!

I didn't get my pizza or cheeseburger or taco purée!!!

The horror

So different experience with Dr. Ponce and Coordinator Lana. Someone stayed with me as long as I needed them too. Met all staff in OR before surgery and didn't have to wait at all. Also stayed at Grace House where they take care of you post op instead of hotel. Meals are prepared very little for you, but if you have someone with you they are taken care of. Quieter than downtown with ocean views!

why would a person be naked on the op table if vsg is abdominal surgery?

I came to this site for help and support during my surgery process. All I've found is:

1. People who like to complain. A LOT.

I suppose I've done a bit of bemoaning my pre-op life... sorry.

2. People who still want to have their cake and eat it too. Good god. If I see one more post about being 5 weeks out and wanting alcohol!

Oh lordy. I'm guilty of this too! I made a post about having/not having caffiene! sorry!

Want sympathy? Look it up in the dictionary.

Says you who "came to this site for help and support".

On a public forum there will be those who uplift, and those who bring down. Most of us seem to be adult enough to overlook the BS and find that help, that support, as I know I have! And I am so glad to have come to this site, having no real-life friends who have gone through this. I am so appreciative to the folks on this forum who've taken the time to both answer my IM's and my threads.

why would a person be naked on the op table if vsg is abdominal surgery?

They undress us to make sure we are worthy

I said the same thing. I was not naked!...lol

I said the same thing. I was not naked!...lol

Oh but you were....mwahaha

Hehe