Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Going through this on your own?? Feedback or opinions?



Recommended Posts

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?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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. :-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×