TIJUANA BARIATRICS :: 4/1 :: I always wanted to be able to read someone's journey start to finish in quick updates! Especially someone who was having their procedure done in Tijuana. So I am going to try and do some highlights on this post and continually update it through my process...

Stats:: 5'5" HW::249 PreOp:: 235

Having surgery at Tijuana Bariatrics with Dr. Garcia. Paid $4,250... I might add on an extra $500 and have them take my gallbladder while they are in there. I really don't want to risk complications with that later on.

Started 10 day pre op diet 3/20 and lost almost 15 lbs. Yesterday's laxative cleanse sure didn't hurt! Lol wasn't bad at all.

Flew into San Diego Airport 3/31, picked up by driver Luis in an older white minivan. We have to wait for someone else who is flying in at 10:50 AM, so we drove over by the wharf and I'm sitting on a bench looking at the pretty water and boats.

3/31 12 PM:: arrived at hospital and signed a bunch of consent forms. Everyone is super nice and everything looks pristine! I have seen a bunch of people up and walking, who just had their surgery a few hours ago. The lady I drove with from the airport was taken back just now to have her surgery. Mine is tomorrow at 8 AM!

3/31 5 PM:: I had my blood drawn and and EKG done. All seems good. I spoke with two Drs who explained the process and answered any questions. It's nice to have it explained over and over just for reassurance. Everyone is so nice. I asked about getting my gallbladder out, and the Dr said she wouldnt recommend it unless i've had trouble with it before, or the DR sees something while he is in there. She said surgery is shorter and recovery is easier just doing the sleeve. She also said, surgery for gallbladder removal if needed, is safer and easier when I have lost weight. So, I opted out. I'll take my chances I guess. She also sent me home with a sleeping pill which I requested. I was so worried about staying up all night second guessing this decision.

In my hotel room now at the Marriott. It's a very nice hotel and I have already called in for my free room service twice. Dr said I could have a plate of fruit and some yogurt. It was heaven after two days of clear liquids! I just had the broth, and it was SO GOOD! I bought a bunch of different broth at home and HATED it! So that was a welcome surprise...

I'm first surgery tomorrow, I have to be in the lobby at 6:45 AM and surgery is scheduled for 8!

4/1:: My surgery was at 8 AM, as soon as I arrived from the hotel I was taken to the 2nd floor and prepped for surgery. Next thing I know, I'm out of service. I had some gas pains and was really sleepy. I kept asking to walk, because I wanted the gas pains gone, but then I would fall asleep. As soon as I was more conscious they took me up to my room and BAM the gas pains hit. I immediately walked around. Did nothing for the gas pains. In fact nothing has done anything for the gas pains except for the one time I threw up. I usually hate throwing up, but this really wasn't bad. Which is odd.. So with the intense gas pains I was not feeling up to anything. I set my alarm for every hour and would walk for 15-20 min. The nurses come in every two house and test vitals and adjust iv/pain medication.

An unexpected feeling I have is hunger. I feel so hungry! I thought that wasn't supposed to happen. I am really looking forward to sipping on gatorade today. yay! hopefully that doesn't something for the hunger pain.

4/2:: Gas pains are still there, but not as intense as they were, thank God! Feeling a little more sore, and a lot more hungry. It's crazy how this effects everyone differently. One lady has major nausea, one just feels like she has done sit ups and i have the gas pains. Here is hoping these gas pains will break up and the gatorade will help with the hunger!

4/3:: Today was ROUGH... No other way to put it. Getting woken up every two hours for an IV or vitals check is necessary but it takes a toll on you. Woken up at 6 AM to shower and change bandages. Then pack up and head to clinic for X-Ray. Feeling exhausted and gross the whole time. Then you have to take a shot of the worst tasting medicine, while trying to not drink too much at one time. I almost puked on the X-ray machine.

Then back to the hospital to get drain removed. Had diarrhea while waiting. Still feeling awful. Drain removal is quick and weird. We are then taken to hotel. Major headache, nausea and fatigue. Seriously felt so awful. Fell asleep before our meeting at 1:30 to learn about our meds and wound cleaning. Diarrhea more before meeting. At meeting she says let her know if you have, I told her I did. Start crying. Embarrassing. Anatallia orders a bunch of meds from pharmacy for me. On top of the other stuff I'm supposed to take. Take first set of pills. Throw up. Feel better. And have slowly gotten better since then. But again, ROUGH day. I think the exhaustion escalated everything. I panicked that something was really wrong, then worried about how to tell someone I had major surgery in Tijuana and now I'm sick. Without just getting a lot of eye rolls back. But now with sleep, liquids and slowly taking medicine feeling a little better. Going back to sleep.

4/4:: So much better today! I slept almost all day yesterday. It was so needed. No sight seeing for me, just rest, liquids and pacing around my hotel room. But it was worth it. I feel a million times better. Been on top of all my meds, showered, clean wounds and getting staples out in the next hour! I go home tomorrow!

I think I am having some reflux that feels like hunger, it comes in waves and I'm looking into antacids to purchase when I get home along with all of my vitamins. Diarrhea has been a lot less today, but still there. Making sure to drink the pedialyte the Dr recommended. The last thing i want to do is get dehydrated. I have some gatorade (all that they sell at the hotel) and I think it is causing some discomfort because its the full sugar one. Asked husband to stock up for when I get home on G2 Gatorade. Hopefully that won't won't give as much stomach pain. Although pain is minimal now. Hopefully getting staples out helps as well.

Broth, pedialyte, and water are my constants while I am awake. Looking forward to sleep tonight. I have tried to stay awake majority of the day today so I can get solid sleep tonight! Fingers crossed travel home won't be too rough!

.... To be continued.

Thank you so much for this and I will be following you. I'm set for the surgery in June so have some time to worry I guess. Please keep us updated. My surgery is through Bariatric Pal Mexico

How are you doing Ir1234? I have surgery with Dr. Garcia on May 6th and really appreciated your detailed review of your experience..

Any updates??

Good to know! I just started the liquid portion of this trip . My Day is April 18th .

How are you doing now ? And how long before you were up and about at home ? Thanks

 

 

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I had the sleeve with dr. Garcia on 12/28/15 and am down 44 lbs. It was a great experience.

 

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