I have booked my flight and I am strating to get nervous about going alone. Any words of wisdom? What would you bring with you for surgery abroad?

Hi Chickenlittle! I'm going to Mexico solo in July and am a bit nervous as well... the coordinator for my doctor said that a lot of people enjoy being by themselves so they don't have to entertain so that is a good way to look at it! I'm sure you'll do well! Just imagine how exciting it will be to start dropping weight!!! Good luck to you

chickenlittle, where are you going in Mexico? I will be with Dr. Aceves in Mexico June 6 - 10...

I went by myself to dr aceves and had a great experience and also meet some amazing people who got sugary done. You will be totally fine!!!

I would like to share my amazing journey of taking control of my health and life by making the decision to have Gastric Sleeve surgery in Mexico alone. I had a wonderful experience and recovery and I am so happy I did it! Dr Kelly was extremely caring and professional and in my research one of the most skilled and experienced surgeons in the world. He truly cares about his patients, he was so tenderhearted I trusted him instinctively.

Staying at the TJ Marriott is like a vacation, the staff was charming and helpful and I felt extremely safe and relaxed there. The hospital is clean and professional although I won’t lie it is not like the U.S. but the staff was kind and the surgical room was modern and proficient, everything else seem a little “clinic-ish” and sort of “old school” but I felt safe and cared for-I made a few friends there who were also having surgery, they were both RN’s and they said that the care was excellent too. The nurses were all so kind and even fun and spoke good English but it doesn’t hurt to brush up on a little basic Spanish. I traveled alone and based on my experience here are some suggestions...

· Contact the airline for handicap service for trip home-they met me at the curb with a wheel chair and escorted me through everything, meeting me again at my connecting flight. I boarded first and was assisted with my carryon luggage it was very helpful. I suggest an aisle seat as well.

· Bring Bouillon cubes and tea bags for travel.

· Bring clothing without a waist, a zippered robe, crocs or good soled slippers.

· Bring eye Patches and ear plugs for sleeping and a laptop with DVD’s or Netflix for there is only Spanish TV but free wifi at the hospital and hotel.

· As for contacting the states-email and Facetime are free otherwise contact your cell carrier for international services.

· Bring cash in small bills for tipping (believe me the service so exceptional you will want to tip all of them)-pesos would be helpful but not necessary.

· Oh and bring sunscreen for I laid by the pool with some of the other new “sleevers” while the waiter brought us popsicles!

I have lost 45 pounds in 8 weeks and 7 inches off my abdomen, I feel wonderful. I felt so good within 30 hours after surgery that I was bored! I felt almost normal while at the Marriot but 1 week post op I was exhausted (discovered quite normal) so I took easy for 2 weeks after to ensure a full recovery. My suggestion for your post op recovery is you stock up on Premier Protein readymade drinks at costco (30g protein and easy to get down), electrolyte drinks (to keep off dehydration), chewable or liquid Vitamins and Tylenol, a variety of Soups. I followed the protocol given by Mexico Bariatric and I have never vomited or had any complications. I can eat anything I want now but without the Ghrelin hormone, my desire for food is much less. I know it is a just tool but it feels so good to feel satiated with a small portion and to have control. I try to eat this each day; 60 grams protein-60 carbohydrates 60+ ounces of just Water as well as many fluids I can and shoot for 900 calories (I stopped losing when I dipped below 800 but I was 320 when I started) For me it has all been well worth it-I love my new life, I feel free and hopeful for my future!