4aNewLIfe

Hi there....I was a self labeled diet coke and coke zero-aholic....lol. Since my surgery 11 months ago, I yearn for coke but find that the taste of the fizz and carbonation does the trick for me,,,,, so I don't deny myself...I will buy one and take a few sips and that's all I really need or want...it's the darnest thing....I could buy a six pack and it would last me six weeks...so don't bother anymore...if I have the craving, I go through a drive through and get a small drink....and I rarely finish it. I am saving much money on this.....lol

Hello there my friend in Abu Dhabi...This is Steve out of Doha. I WAS SLEEVED~last Saturday with Dr. Almanza in Mexico and everything thing has gone smoothly.....I left Mexico on Tuesday but now staying in a hotel in San Diego until I leave tomorrow (Friday) for Doha. Things went very well and I can't believe I feel as good as I do...I thought I would be in a lot more pain. Granted, I slept the two days after surgery but this OLD body is gonna need sleep to recover....LOL The process went so well....I am definitely GLAD I did my homework and 'knew' what to visually expect by the facility because it is definitely not a type of medical facility I've ever been too, basically in a strip mall, which for some was disconcerting....but the care, service, concern and patience was exceptional. Their professionalism was superior and the 'family' atmosphere at the recovery house really was nice and extremely helpful. Tomorrow I fly back to Doha....a bit concerned but will be taking all of the required precautions for a long haul flight...yes, ideally, I would like to stay for another several days but realistically that isn't possible PLUS I think I'm in good enough shape to do this. let me know how you're doing in your prep? Take care and I look forward to hearing from you!!

HI there....well, I guess I'm crazy too because I am coming from Qatar to Mexico for the surgery...My procedure date is 19 March 2011 with Dr. Almanza....I've already talked with the clinic and the patient advocate about this and was told all the things you'll ready here...compression socks, lots of Water, walk around, etc. I was able to get a business class seat so that will help a lot. I tend to sleep a LOT on long haul flights...so will have to make it a point to get up ever couple of hours, etc. Its gonna be interesting. I opted to spend a couple of extra days in the San Diego area for recouperation and just to be sure things will be OK....My procedure is on the 19th and will fly out on the 25th - hopefully, that will be enough time to gain strength and be ready for the LONG flight back. I started my pre-op diet today and OMG...3 weeks of this....YIKES...but I'm 'game' and ready for the lifelong change!! Hey, we should form a support group for those of us in the Gulf....LOL Good luck to you!!

I see you went to Dr. Almanza for your procedure....how was it? I am scheduled for 19 March 2011...YIKES! I am traveling from Qatar so am also concerned about the LONG HAUL flight back but I will spend an additional 5 days post op vs. the 2 prescribed before traveling back. Anything insight you can provide about the doc, procedure, facility, etc. would be greatly appreciated.