What should I bring to Tijuana?

[emmuje875 19]

@@shizwiz, I know, I can't believe it, I'm flying in on the 22nd, but I get there at 7:17pm, and it's outside their pickup window. I'll spend the night in San Diego, and they'll pick me up the next morning.

[Becca R. 59]

@@emmuje875 -- So bacteria have started to become resistant to neosporin. My doctor and dermatologist here told me that studies are starting to find that perisporin actually offers better protection from infection than Neosporin.

I'm now officially 8 days out and my experience was *flawless*. Not only did my surgery go perfectly, but I got to recover next to a pool, under brilliant blue skies, in 75 degree weather. Let's hear it for surgery in Mexico!!! Good luck, everyone!

[shizwiz 197]

@@Becca R. That sounds like a good recovery!!! How are ya feeling? It's 15 degrees out where I am....and am counting down the days to warmer weather.

[nurse ison 11]

@@shizwiz I would like a January date. I'd there a long waiting, do you know.

I should be getting my approval this week.

[Becca R. 59]

@@shizwiz -- I feel amazing. I really do. I haven't had much pain at all. My incisions look great, and two of the 5 are already healed. It's hard to get enough Protein and liquid in, but I do 2 ounces of Protein Shake, then 15 minutes later, 2 ounces of Water. And repeat, alternating. It is tricky to cook for my family without being able to taste anything, but other than that? No regrets. And I'm down 12 pounds since surgery a week ago. I'm thrilled!

[shizwiz 197]

@@Becca R. SO good to hear!!! I might luck out as I don't have a family to cook for, just me and my boyfriend who is also trying to drop some weight.

I am doing a happy dance for ya!!

[emmuje875 19]

@@Becca r, thanks, I had gotten a Walgreens brand of neosporin, going to look for perisporin. Glad to see you're feeling better, who was your surgeon.

Edited November 24, 2014 by emmuje875

[Becca R. 59]

@@emmuje875 Dr. Jaime Ramos Kelly was my surgeon. He was born in Michigan and was a United States Marine, is American Board of Bariatric Surgeons Certified, and was just phenomenal.

When people say that they can't believe I went to Mexico for surgery, I now have a hard time not laughing at them and saying "Who wouldn't?!"

[LezzieLez 180]

Hey ladies,

My surgeon gave me a care package - which included pain meds, tape, antiseptic spray, chap stick, gatorade, coconut Water, and a tiny pillow. The paid meds they gave me dissolved under my tongue and were wonderful. I didn't need them much but I wish I bought more prior to coming home! My doctor told me to start my Protein intake the day after I got home so I didn't need it with me. I didn't need the extra bullion cubes or anything else. The hotel broth was fine. The ice pops were nasty but i ate one anyways.

My gas was horrible so I ended up in the lobby of the Mariott trying to find something else but decided to walk it out. And it worked. The day I left, I bought a bottle of apple juice and sipped on it during the ride to the airport and the security at the airport let me through with it after I told them I had surgery.

I took a robe which I didnt wear, slippers, compression socks (they didn't have any there for my big calves so I am happy I got them myself), my own chapstick, my laptop and ipod (used the ipod more), typical toiletries, and warm socks. I had a smocked terry bathing suit coverup - I usually wear that around the house and it was my pjs at the hotel. To pack light, what I wore to Mexico- I wore home. What I wore to the hospital, I wore back to the hotel. 2 outfits total. (my flight in was at night so I went to my room and to bed) My outfits were oversized shirts and yoga pants from Old Navy that fold over. They were great because I was able to adjust the top to cover all of my bandaging.

I didn't use my robe - I used two hospital gowns so my butt wasn't hanging out. I didn't want the hassle of disconnecting my wires to get it on - the hospital gowns had snaps on the arms to make it easier.

Oh and the other thing that helped me - the magic jack app for my cell phone. I didn't have service in Mexico (metropcs) so I downloaded the app and gave that number to my friends and family. I was able to connect to wifi at the hotel and at the hospital so I was able to talk to anyone that called ( I went alone). The hospital wifi sucked too btw which is why I stuck to my iPod most of the time.

Lastly, if you are going to be at the Mariott in Tijuana - there is a Walmart up the road. I didn't need to go but some people ventured out and about. I stayed in my room and walking around the lobby/halls. You will need smaller bills to tip the drivers too.

Edited November 25, 2014 by LezzieLez

[shizwiz 197]

@@LezzieLez THANK YOU! This is super helpful!!! I still have about 6 weeks left, but am already getting 'Harriet's going on Vacation' syndrome lol. (Read: wandering around the house fretting about what to bring).

I bought some maxi dresses from Avenue but they look kind of weird on me, so I think I will bring my Old Gravy Yoga's (I think we have the same ones) and use those instead. I am going to pack SUPER light as I don't want to worry about a ton of stuff. I tend to over-plan, so your advise is super appreciated!!!!

THANKS AGAIN! You are awesome. Congrats on your #s also!!! Woot wooooot!

[LezzieLez 180]

@@shizwiz, I know, I can't believe it, I'm flying in on the 22nd, but I get there at 7:17pm, and it's outside their pickup window. I'll spend the night in San Diego, and they'll pick me up the next morning.

I am not sure if you asked and you probably did - but definitely check and see if they will still pick you up. My flight arrived after the time they designated on my package and they still picked me up.

[LezzieLez 180]

No problem @@shizwiz! I initially planned to have the surgery in 2013 but lost my job 1 month before my date. I spent a few months before my surgery planning and then had an entire year to get it right.. And I still didn't have it exact.

Ah! Another thing - I am a germaphobe and I wore flip flops in the hospital shower.. It was a dark colored stone and honestly it was probably clean like everything else but it not being white - I couldn't tell. I took a cheap pair with me and left them there.

Unfortunately, I went at the end of February and it was too cold to sit by the pool so myself and a few other surgery patients were in the lobby a lot.

I wish I had a blanket on the plane because I was extremely cold.

Ok - one last thing. EXTRA MONEY!!!!!! I am anemic and ended up needing a pint of blood (which honestly scared the hell out of me) and additional meds which ended up costing me $380. Luckily I had a credit card. I am very well versed with my blood levels and it wasn't critical but the doctors and surgeons are very careful and go on the side of caution. And if you are anemic - try your best to get your levels up prior to going - I did but my normal range is low compared to others.

[shizwiz 197]

@@LezzieLez Thank you for the info! I did check with my coordinator and she said I came in too late (I think 10pm).

Good idea on the extra money, too! I am going to make sure I have $$ on my credit cards before or travel!

[GAGirl2015 14]

How was everyone's pain after surgery in Mexico? All I am worried about is the 2 plane rides home 3 days after surgery. I haven't really heard anyone talk about how it was to make a big trip right after surgery.

[Kindle 8,667]

@@LezzieLez Thank you for the info! I did check with my coordinator and she said I came in too late (I think 10pm).

Good idea on the extra money, too! I am going to make sure I have $$ on my credit cards before or travel!

My original flight into San Diego was cancelled due to a snowstorm and I had to drive 5 hours to another airport to fly standby on the last flight out (I was seriously contemplating driving the 15 hours to San Diego). Got in at 1am, day of my surgery, so I ended up having to stay in San Diego and went back to the airport at 7am to meet my shuttle. So my credit card definitely came in handy!