So I am booked for my sleeve in Tijuana on July 29. I am trying to decide if I should bring my camera or not. I am an aspiring photographer, with a fairly costly (well, in my eyrs at least) bunch of gear. I am struggling because I am certain there will be amazing things to see, but am worried something (someone actually) may happen to my camera.

Did you feel safe and secure with your belongings? I dont want to miss any amazing opportunities, but I cant afford to buy new gear!

I would take it only if there is someone along to keep an eye on it while you are under anesthetic.

I can only answer this as a photographer, not as someone who went to Mexico for surgery.

I would leave the gear at home: you won't want to deal with extra bags/weight after surgery; you need to focus on your surgery and recovery; and you can take great pictures with your phone or a small point-and-shoot if you happen to see some interesting photo opportunities. This wouldn't be a time to get technical, complicated with your photography.

For inspiration, check out Dewitt Jones. He is an outstanding photographer who takes some really beautiful photographs with a smart phone.

The thing is, I am less interested in "documentary" shots, and have a particular interest in portraiture and macro (as a whole). I feel like Mexico would offer me some new and interesting scenes, unavailable in rural Saskatchewan. That being said, of course I don't want anything to happen to my gear.

I am actually really stumped on this.

I have no clue how Dewitt Jones has that sort of mastery over his smart phone, to me mine's the equivelent of a point and shoot. I have no clue if you can adjust aperture, ISO, etc on it. I've never seen the options!

I just can't imagine that you will have time to focus on photography. I had a very uneventful surgery and recovery and most all of my time the first week revolved around getting in my protein and water.

How long do you stay in the hospital in Mexico for the sleeve?

How long do you stay in the hospital in Mexico for the sleeve?

I was in the hospital two nights and in a recovery center 1 night

So I am booked for my sleeve in Tijuana on July 29. I am trying to decide if I should bring my camera or not. I am an aspiring photographer, with a fairly costly (well, in my eyrs at least) bunch of gear. I am struggling because I am certain there will be amazing things to see, but am worried something (someone actually) may happen to my camera.

Did you feel safe and secure with your belongings? I dont want to miss any amazing opportunities, but I cant afford to buy new gear!

I think it would depend on what company you booked your surgery through and if anyone is going with you. I used BariatricPal and they were great and all of my belongings were safe. But I will say that you will be very focused on your surgery and recovery. It would be ok if you were going a few days before or staying a few days after.

My dear sask friend(from there).:-) Tijuana is not really mexico. Not much ide want pictures of but also you are having MAJOR surgery!!!!!! But if it will bring you joy..then do it.

I am booked with Obesity Control Center. I was supposed to have my sister accompanying me, but she bailed, so I am going alone. I am hearing that because I have no companion I will have to check out of the hotel for the night I am in the hospital (seems kind of silly, since I wouldn't pay more for a guest to stay in the room while I was in the hospital).

I am leaning towards not taking my camera with me (which breaks my heart, I would really like to), but I would like to say "not much to take pictures of" is completely subjective. A macro lens and a unique perspective can change the world of someone with a camera in hand. What seems like overly bright and garish tourist traps can be a gold mine for someone looking for only the smallest details.

Edited July 22, 201511 yr by LivingLight

Get an app like Camera plus for your phone that makes it easier to take macros. There are probably others.

Here are some smart phone photo tips. I'll see what else I can find for you.

http://digital-photography-school.com/10-quick-iphone-photography-tips/

You know I am going to want to see your photos after your trip, right?

I traveled alone to TJ. I had a lockbox in my hospital room but I also made friends with other people who were accompanying friends and family. I know they would have been happy to watch something for me. I also felt like the staff was extremely trust worthy but... Check and see if you have a lockbox at the hospital.

I think your things would be very safe at OCC. As a prior poster mentioned, I made fast friends with the other sleevers for the day, as well as with the companions. The employees at OCC are very professional, and there aren't that many people around to begin with.

That said - I didn't venture outside of the hotel grounds AT ALL, and my procedure was technically "textbook perfect." I think the phone camera ideas are your best bet, too.

@@LivingLight, have you had your surgery? If so, how did it go?

Did you get a chance to take some photos?

Just wanted to see how you are doing.

@@Inner Surfer Girl

Sorry to be so late to reply, clearly I don't get email notifications!

I had my surgery on July 29th, and am doing wonderfully. I had a check-up with my family doctor at about 4 weeks post op, just for the sake of checking in, and my blood pressure had already gone from 150/90 pre-op to 107/74. My energy is up, my confidence is up, my clothes don't fit, and life is good. Recovery has been a lot easier than I expected.

Absolutely the BEST decision I have ever made for myself!! 52lbs down since I started my pre-op diet, and 30lbs down since surgery!