Unfortunately, my husband can't get time off to accompany me to Mexico for my surgery (thanks, Army).

Has anyone else gone through the surgery process on their own? How did that work out? Do you think I can get through it fine or is it better to have another person there?

I was on my own within 36 hours of surgery, my friend had to fly back home. I was at my own home though, with all my own stuff and I didn't have to move a lot. I don't know if I could travel alone, just because you fatigue so easy.

I would be afraid as a woman to be alone in a foreign country when I didn't feel 100%. I sick alone once in Paris and it was the loneliest feeling in the world.

I'm 10 days post-op today. I had nothing but Tylenol in the hospital and nothing since I was home. no nausea, have not gotten sick once. But I was not out of the country, didn't have to travel more than an hour to get home. I will also tell you that there were 5 other patients that had surgery the same day I did with the same doctor, they all had some issue some small some big. You will not know until you are done how you will be. You're adding the fact that you will be out of the country. I think I would want someone with me.

I went by myself to Mexico and was sleeved. I was in the hospital 2 days and a hotel 2 days. I was fine on my own. I flew into San Diego from Texas. I went through Bill Yanez with BariatricPal so the hospital plus hotel were included along with vallets to help me if I needed it. If you are traveling 2 days after then I would say no, not by yourself but if you are staying 4 days you will be ok.

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I went to Mexico from Japan by myself and have done the entire process alone - it's been fine. No complications, no help needed. I didn't fly back home until a week post-op though, because at the time I booked everything I was afraid of complications flying on a long-haul flight across the Pacific so soon after surgery, even though the doctor said I would be fine (and I was). I also had a plan in place in case I did need the extra help - like informing hotels in advance, having extra money for taxis, booking a business class seat, etc. In the end, the extra time and effort was unnecessary, but I'm glad I did it - if I had to do it all again I wouldn't change anything. Plus, it gave me a chance to explore San Diego, which I loved.

However, I've been single for a long time, and am very used to dealing with things by myself (including being sick in a foreign country, multiple times). I guess for most people the emotional support is important, but even if you are by yourself, you'll very likely have support by those around you. When I had my surgery done, every person on the recovery floor (including the nurses) helped others as they needed it - some were in real pain, some needed someone to talk to, some needed encouragement to walk around - we all helped each other, regardless of whether or not the patients had companions or not.

I'm headed to Mexico in 2 days by myself for surgery. I'm used to traveling abroad, many times on my own, so I'm not worried about not having a friend or family member with me. In fact, I'm looking forward to some "me" time! I've also gotten sick before out of the country and was hospitalized once (with no loved ones with me) and I was so amazed at how kind and helpful doctors and nurses were to me - more so than I've experienced in the US.

Now my hubby and I flew from Portland, Oregon to Juarez Mexico. We stayed 1 extra night before his surgery because we wanted to make sure everything went smoothly. After he had the Sleeve done he was released the very next day but we stayed an extra night in the motel just to be sure. Now the Airport was huge and going thru Customs on the way there was no big deal, but after was a different story. Luckily we had a wheelchair that I requested before we were ever dropped off at the Airport. It was a good thing because you are kind of weak afterwards but as far as pain NOPE!! He could have dne it all by himself. I had my RNY 2 hours from where we live. The Dr has his out of towners stay a week in the Motel before he releases you. I couldn't have done it all by myself because I was real weak. I walked everyday 2 to 3 times. Just to try to gain my strength back. But that is the difference in the surgery's. He wasn't as weak as I was. I would really prefer if it was me that I had someone with me. You are a BRAVE PERSON> I am such a chicken. LOL GOOD LUCK

I went alone and honestly... It was relaxing![emoji23]

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I also went alone. It was relaxing, I did a lot of sleeping.

I also went alone. It was relaxing, I did a lot of sleeping.

I'm not traveling out of country, but plan on being alone for surgery and recovery. Simply because I don't want my husband there. We have 3 kids and it will be better for everyone if he keeps them home since the hospital will be 2 hours away. When I'm home, I'll have no choice but to care for the kids since my husband will be working and he works 12-15 hour days. Even with all of that, I'm really looking forward to being alone for it all! I've been battling a bit of embarrassment about needing to go this route and would prefer just to take care of it and not bother anyone close to me. It's been my choice and feel more obligated to handle it on my own.

I'm just back from surgery w/ Dr. Illan on 4/8, and I had no trouble managing on my own. The hospital staff was great! The valets are very responsive, and they are with you at the hospital and then later at the hotel. You don't really feel alone after you leave the hospital- there is someone there if you need it to walk around with you or take you and other patients out to see the sights.

As and FYI, these are some of the things valets did for me the 5 days I was in Mexico:

• offered to contact my family when I was out of surgery
• checked on/ accompanied me to pre-op medical tests
• translated (as needed)
• coordinated with drivers
• kept me company as I walked around the hospital post-op
• carried my bags/suitcases
• took me shopping
• took me to THE BEACH
• took photos for me
• took me out to restaurants that also served special meals for patients
• took me to a GROCERY store
• found me a USB drive for my surgery video

I'd do it the same way again for sure. :-)

So HAPPY everything went so well for you!! Great hearing all of the positive stuff. You don't always hear the good stuff mostly the complaints. LOL I only wish my hubby would have went thru BariatricPal. They are even cheaper than where we went. His care sure lacked alot!! It is another case ofm him thinking that you pay for what you get. He thought because he paid more they had to be great Surgeons!! NOT. Again so glad everything worked out for you!! Keep us postedon your journey!!