I'm scheduled for surgery in Mexico in two weeks. I've spent many hours here the past two days. I find some of the information comforting, but some of it just increases my anxiety.

My flight leaves from Phoenix at 3am the morning of my surgery ... I'll probably be dropped at the airport at midnight or earlier. So I have the wait in Phoenix then the flight, then a three hour lay-over in Texas, then the remainder of the flight. Feeling this anxious now, I'm not sure how I'll make it through the 12+ airport/airplane hours. I just keep thinking once I get the actual surgery in my past I can begin to get on with my life.

I'm the second youngest of seven children - I have five sisters (all quite small, none have weight issues). I own my own business with one of my sisters. I've told the sister I own the business with, and I've told my younger sister. That's all I plan to tell. I've told my employees I'm going on a week's vacation in Mexico at that time (I'm prepared to miss the full week of work if need be, if I feel OK I'll go back earlier).

Once I fly back into Phoenix, I still have a three hour drive to get home. I'll stay with a friend in the Phx area (I guess I've told him as well, so three people in all) until I feel like I'm up to the drive.

I'm way excited, but more nevous than I expected, and it's still pretty far away. Have I mentioned I just want it all behind me?

This forum is great - even with the stuff that's scared me, I've really appreciated being able to read about the experience of others.

Congatulations on your new chapter in life. I had my surgery in Monterrey also. Mine was in Nov. 06. Do you speak spanish? I took a friend with me , she speaks spanish. It's a great city. What Hospital? The people are very nice but speak little or no english. I would go back 2 monterrey and do it again if I had to. The hospital was very clean and professional. Keep us posted. Take Care, Kelley

Hang in there Lara!

I was pretty nervous before my surgery - even when I was on the trolley waiting to go into theatre, I was thinking " hmm what am I doing?" I even had thoughts of hopping off and running away! However, I was banded 2 weeks ago and it's not bad at all - and in the end such a positive step. It sure feels great when it's over - good luck with your surgery- I'm sure it will be great!

Cheers, Jude

Congrats on getting banded. You will love your band.

Hey! I just came back from getting banded in Mexico. I had my surgery on Wednesday, Valentine's Day, in Tijuana, Mexico by Dr. Huacuz. I came home yesterday on Thursday. Let me tell you, I have had so many people say "Mexico?? Are you crazy???" but I had the best care at the medical center. Are you keeping your surgery to yourself or telling others? Good luck!

Why did you choose to have the surgery in Mexico and not here in the states? was it only the cost?

What your feeling is normal. I felt the same way, I was a basket case the month leading up to my surgery. The night before the surgery when I knew it was finally here, I finally was calm.

I have told very few people too, I'm so glad I haven't told that many people.

Good-luck with your new journey in life, It has been the best decision I have made in a long time - so far!

I know exactly how you feel, but when it's all over you'll wonder what you were so anxious about. Good luck.

I had surgery last Friday (9th of Feb) in Tijuana Mexico by Dr. Ortiz and I was back at work on Monday the 12th of Feb. I loved everything about Dr. Ortiz and his staff. They were all so wonderful. I would do it over again in a HEARTBEAT!!

I live in Oklahoma City so the trip home was long. Your port incision is the one that is most tender so I felt a little bit uncomfortable when I had the window seat on the long flight home. You are still a little bit gassy so I had some cramps from that. It really wasn't that bad. The mental hunger kicks in when you are sitting at the airport smelling all the food so be prepared for that. I got a passion fruit tea from Starbucks while waiting for my flight.

Also, remember to walk as much as possible the after your surgery. It really helps eliminate gas pains. My sister and I went shopping for 3 hours on the day after my surgery. I never had any gas pains in my shoulder and I think the walking helped.

Good luck to you. So far, I am loving this band!!!

Thanks for the responses and encouragement.

I decided to have the surgery in Mexico mostly due to the cost. I am self-employed and have no health-insurance, so there was never any question that I'd be anything other than self-pay. I curse the fact that I didn't do this a couple of years ago while working for the large company with amazing health benefits ... but I'm in a better place mentally for it now, so it's OK.

Another major factor was the pre-op requirements. I know they're there for your own health, etc., but to not have to worry about the psych eval and some other things is worth a lot to me.

A friend of my boyfriend's had it done in Monterrey last year, and he says she has only good things to say about it, so the decision was made for me. Honestly, I didn't ever give much thought to having it in the States once I decided to do it. I researched it last year, and the price just depressed me. I've heard great things about my doctor. I'm not so happy about the long flight, but feeling very secure in my decision other than that.

I'm still scared to death, but the emotion is mixed with overwhelming excitement and impatience to have it done. I'm trying to eat healthy now and kick start the weight loss. Some moments I'm so good and feeling great. And then I lose control, make bad eating decisions, and get depressed all over again.

Such is the cycle of my life.