Hi everyone, thanks for all of your posts of support. I am home in Jersey I a came home a day early -yesterday . The overall experience was ok. I think I would have felt better not going alone but that was unavoidable. Dr. Rumbaut's office and the hospital it self was brand new, clean and up to date. I must say though (and I told Doralisa his patient coordinator) -the pre-op testing office almost made me get on the next plane home. The doctor was a cardiologist but had an office and equipment that looked like it was extremely outdated. I had all my testing done at home previously but I must say with the practice Dr. Rumbaut has he can well afford to correct this problem . I was very put off by that pre-op office. His only patients are americans and in the one day I was there four of us were banded at $ 10,500 a pop--- do the math. I think everyone did their jobs very well -we were checked on by the doctors' assistant a few times a day as well as the nurses many times. I think it went well but no one spoke english at the hospital once you were in your room which was difficult. They were able to basically take care of you but it was a problem at times -even with the english-spanish translation paper. They were very sweet though. The room was private and really very nice nothing like hospitals here more like a hotel. The bathroom was marble with a beautiful shower. I tend to be critical because I am a business owner and run it with alot of integrity and heart. I cross the t's and dot the i's at all costs and always put myself in the customers' shoes. If you are a multi-million dollar practice you'd better make sure you are covering all of your bases . I think they could do better in some areas to be more personable and to make sure all information is clear . To me if Dr. Rumbaut is sending his patients to a crappy pre-op place what does that say of him really? At that point you're already there what are you going to do ? His office was brand new--- so new everyone had trouble figuring out how to open desks and find things... Overall it was ok and thankfully went well and I am home safe.

I am feeling gas pains in my chest and tolerating the liquid diet ok. I had horrible pain in my back and shoulders the day of ,overnight and the next day after surgery. My port site is very tender and my stomach still swollen but not that bad. Overall I came through it ok. When I got off the plane my husband said he could not believe how I already lost weight in my face!!! This Mexican trip was worth it and overall went well. the price was right and the timing even better. I would not go alone if i had to do it over-but that is all I would change. I am looking forward to my new life....I can't belive my face either....It really looks thinner ...I can't wait to get rid of all of my clothes as I keep melting.... you are all the best thanks again for all of your support!!!Kelly Ann

Thanks again for everthing.....

Kelly Ann, welcome home!!! So glad to hear that you're back and "Banded"! I can't imagine doing that by myself. My poor DH stayed the night w/me in the hospital and said he'd make a poor prisoner of war (sleep deprivation) and he'd tell the enemy anything they wanted to know. LOL Try to walk around as much as you can and drink tons of water. Both will help you feel better faster. Congratulations! We look forward to hearing about your progress.

Welcome back Kelly! I am glad to hear everything went good for you. Get some rest, I am sure you will need it. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Welcome Home Kelly Ann!! Glad to hear all went well and looking forward to watching your progress!!

Kelly Ann,

So glad all went well for you! You are very brave to go through the trip alone, take care of yourself and get lots of rest! You'll be your beautiful self very soon! I feel the same way about my experience,....I would have gone alone if I had to also. I wanted the Lap Band no matter what. I just didn't think things would be so disorganized on the part of my Dr. and his staff.

Welcome back, Kelly Ann! Now that you mention it, Dr. Rodriguez's (pre-op) office was pretty creaky . . . it didn't bother me, because although not everything was bright shining new, the equipment seemed adequate for the task. Did your experience match your expectations after having read other Rumbaut patients' stories here?

My face looked thinner right away too -- also my feet, since I lost a lot of Water during the first few days. Give yourself time to rest and heal. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to call Dr. R's office or cell phone -- he's very accessible.

Welcome to Bandland!

Welcome back KellyAnn, I am so glad you made it home safe!!!!!!!! You are on the road now......... woohoooo.............. I too experienced some of the same things with the language barrier with the nurses, that was difficult, but we made it through.

Take care of yourself and let yourself heal. Don't rush back into those activities of lifting. I am a nurse, and I saw how important this was immediately.

Keep smiling............. and I look forward to hearing about your voyage.

Hugz

Jodie