I have contacted this doctor in TJ and he only charges $7500 for the surgery and has 12 years and 2500 bands under his belt, but I still would like to hear from someone who has been to him.

My surgery date is September 6th. I went grocery shopping last night so I'm ready !!!!

, I just started my pre-op diet today :speechles

I asked and was assured that there's only one airport in San Diego, so one less thing to be worried about:ranger:

Chelsea,

I have 13 days to go now. I have to keep a record of everything I eat and now and on day 8 I go on a liquid diet that is the same diet I will have to be on after banding. You have the same thing. Let me know how you are doing on that liquid diet. It seems extreme.

Chelsea what hotel are you staying in? I will need to book a night somewhere.

Hi NMS, Laura sent me some information on 4 different 5 star hotels I still haven't made up my mind, I'm between 3 hotels that sound and look very nice as soon as I know for sure I will PM you with details. The diet doesn't seem extreme to me, its a little bit of a challenge but not extreme, at least not yet.

So far so good........wish me luck!

Chelsea

Yes I'd love that information. I did just book a room at the Camino Real Tijuana. I can cancel the booking if I want. The cost is 99.00 plus 11.88 taxes and service charge. Seems like a lot considering that I will just sleep there and go to hospital at 8am. If I had my DH with me then it would be a treat.

Your banding time is getting real close and I'll be a few days behind you. Good luck on the diet and let me know how you do.

Hi Im also considering Dr. G. I thought you could stay at the surgery center and didnt have to get a hotel.Or is that just your choice?

I was on the phone with Dr. Valnzuela for about 50 mins. he really answered the last batch of questions I had (and there were many) I know I made the right choice and that I will be in the best hands, so now I have my date.....September 17th Yesssssssssssss!!!!!!

I've been researching doctors in Mexico and have narrowed it down to Gonzales, Alvarez and Rumbault, but you guys may just convince me to go with Gonzales. I am a little nervous about going to Mexico, I'll be going alone, but I've made my decision and I know that it's the right thing for me and the right time. Got my financing and now just need to choose a doc. The thought that I could have this done within just a few weeks gives me such hope! Sent my email to Dr Gs office tonight, so I'm guessing I should hear from them soon.

So glad to have found all of you and to be a part of such a supportive group.

New Me on the way!!!!

Jill:whoo:

if considering hotels. the emporio has a nice pool. camino real does not. but you wont be swimming, yet you may have family or friends with you and they may like it better. the food at the camino real is better than emporio. emporio is a bit further out of town. camino real is right in the hub of everything and has a mall across the street. both are very nice.

Hi Im also considering Dr. G. I thought you could stay at the surgery center and didnt have to get a hotel.Or is that just your choice?

Jennypoo-

I was told that you could stay at the surgery center, but if you plan on staying an extra day that you have to pay for that. They pay for the one night in the hotel before surgery, then you stay one night at the surgery center and then you are discharged the day after surgery. If you choose to stay an additional night due to a long flight, then you are responsible for that night in the hotel. I am staying an additional night because of flying cross country. The Doctor said that he highly recommended that.

I've been researching doctors in Mexico and have narrowed it down to Gonzales, Alvarez and Rumbault, but you guys may just convince me to go with Gonzales. I am a little nervous about going to Mexico, I'll be going alone, but I've made my decision and I know that it's the right thing for me and the right time. Got my financing and now just need to choose a doc. The thought that I could have this done within just a few weeks gives me such hope! Sent my email to Dr Gs office tonight, so I'm guessing I should hear from them soon.

So glad to have found all of you and to be a part of such a supportive group.

New Me on the way!!!!

Jill:whoo:

BlueEyedKitty-

Do your research and make sure you check on aftercare. From what some people have said, some of the doctors do the surgery and then you don't hear from them again. For me, that just won't do. I am clear across the country and I want to know that my doctor is concerned about me and my well being before, during and after. So far, i have been in contact with Dr Gonzalez's office since the end of July and Dr. Valenzuela (Dr. G's right-hand man) has found me a fill doctor to follow up with and he has answered all my questions. Also, from the other people that have gone and had the procedure done by Dr. G, the follow-up care has been just as good as presurgery. Whenever i send Dr. Valenzuela an email, he responds to me that day. No email ever goes unanswered. I also ask about after care and Dr. valenzuela told me that they follow up weekly for the first four weeks and then once a month there after. Now, I can not say for certain that this is the case, because I have not been banded yet, but from what others have said, they hold true to their word. But, as always, it is your decision and you are the only one that can make it.

BTW, going alone should not be a problem. How far away are you? If you are across the country like me, you may want to consider having somebody along, just for some help. I was initially planning on going myself, but decided against it due to my long flight.

I was on the phone with Dr. Valnzuela for about 50 mins. he really answered the last batch of questions I had (and there were many) I know I made the right choice and that I will be in the best hands, so now I have my date.....September 17th Yesssssssssssss!!!!!!

Congrats Annie! I will be out of there and on my way home on the 16th , but keep in touch since we will be banded close together. It always helps to have a buddy!

jennypoo

I have to be banded at the hospital because of age and co-morbitys. So my first night will be in hotel.

Blue eyed

From my research, Dr Gonzales came out on top. Dr V does keep in close touch with you.

12 days to go until banding day

Hi all, just thought I would check in since I was banded by Dr. Gonzales on Monday. I went by myself, stayed in the surgical center one night and then went home. The doctors were amazing! Dr. G. came to check on me all of the time (even coming back at 10pm) and of course the next morning. Dr. V and Laura have been wonderful and have called to check up on me and make sure everything is going well. I was somewhat skeptical and hesitant at first about TJ and Mexico, etc., but I could not be happier. Good luck to everyone!