Finally, decided to go with A lighter me and Dr. Elias Ortiz

Good for you and good luck with the new healthier YOU!!

Thanks after 3-4 years of researching and being scared, I've put my foot down and decided it needs to get done.

I hope all goes well. Dr. Ortiz is at the top of my Plan B list of doctors. Hopefully, I will have had my surgery by Jan 15th, but if I don't I will be interested in all you have to say about your experience with Dr. Ortiz.

I am also going with ALM on 1/16/2015! I fugure that I will have one last round with the holidays, start the 2 week pre-op diet and get my butt down there!

Maybe I will see you there! I arrive on 1/15 and go in for the surgery the next day.

Shizwiz yes, I agree on the round of holiday goodies! That's actually part of my reason...LOL

We should definitely link up. We will stay at the Marriott for the same dates, I'm sure. I also, arrive in SD on 1/15 but really late, so I have to stay in a hotel in SD then the transporter will get me.

Awesome, I would love that! I was just trying to figure out the travel....the only flights that I can catch on 1/5 (the day before my surgery) are coming in super late. I might try to come in on 1/14 and overnight at a hotel so I can catch a shuttle on 1/15 on time to get my EKG/labs the day before.

Yikes, it is getting real, eh?!

I am so ready, though. I have been watching YouTube videos for months now and cannot get these dang inspirational songs out of my head >_<

Even if you come in late on 1/15 and stay in hotel in SD night before you can do pre-op testing and surgery on the same day..those were one of my first questions to Janese (coordinator). I am currently looking to reasonable hotels in SD for that one night.

Excited and scared at the same time. I have also been looking at YouTube videos for years now. At first I was hesitant about TJ but the YouTube videos and this blog is what changed my mind. Real people talking about their real experiences and real videos. I figured, if it's that easy, looks safe and I can afford it then I am on my way to a healthier me. Now, I am trying to determine if I can handle this on my own or if I should being a relative....

I will have to talk with my coordinator about that! I have been talking with Katy and she seems pretty nice and helpful!

I have also been going back and forth on whether or not to bring a friend. On one hand, going to Mexico alone is a little scary to think of. However, I do not want to have to worry about someone elses comfort while I am there for me.

I do travel alone for work semi-often, so I think I rather prefer going alone. Plus, I would have a hard time watching someone eat and drink and smoke in front of me. I am trying to plan the flights with as little time in between as possible as I am super nervy about the pre-op diet!!

Edited October 28, 201411 yr by shizwiz

I'm headed to TJ tomorrow to see Dr. Elias Ortiz. Surgery on Sunday!! Didn't really think about the holidays when I planned this one. Oh well I've had 30 before this missing out can't be too bad

YAY Jonajams! Please let us know how it goes and how your stay/procedure went! I am super excited and cannot wait. How has the pre-op diet been? I think that is the part I am scared of the most.

YAY Jonajams! Please let us know how it goes and how your stay/procedure went! I am super excited and cannot wait. How has the pre-op diet been? I think that is the part I am scared of the most.

The protein phase was a snap. The 3 days liquid has been a killer though. I'm weak and sick to my stomach. Having trouble sleeping too. Won't be able to start proteins till I get home on the 7th. Ahhhh. So many days with no substance. I am scared

Surgery in the morning!! Made the trip and am resting in the hotel. Feeling great...

Everything went great...I just finished its my leak test nd am now able to have liquids. The shoulder pain Is a killer but I'm being well taken care of. Hoping tomorrow is better.

I am so happy everything is going well! I missed your replies somehow this weekend, sorry about that!

Is the shoulder pain from the surgery? I am kind of scared that Mexico does not give patients the heavy hitter meds like in the US, but from seeing how many people are OK, it is comforting.

SO HAPPY FOR YOU! (And jealous! lol)

I am so happy everything is going well! I missed your replies somehow this weekend, sorry about that!

Is the shoulder pain from the surgery? I am kind of scared that Mexico does not give patients the heavy hitter meds like in the US, but from seeing how many people are OK, it is comforting.

SO HAPPY FOR YOU! (And jealous! lol)

The shoulder pain was from the gas they put in to open everything up. I was not in any pain pain mostly just discomfort as it left my body. They took out my drain this morning and I feel amazing. Everyone was so wonderful and nice. We are getting ready to go sight seeing and to the pharmacy here in about an hour. Other than a slight headache (no caffeine) I feel so good.