DDFinn

Dr Joya is still around and supposed to be very good! There are some really good youtube video's posted by a husband and wife who went to him a couple of years ago. If you are very concerned about leaks/complications/aftercare, he may be the way to go for you. He has a "complications fund" that each patient pays into and if anything were to happen, it is paid for out of the fund. I had no intentions of going back to MX for aftercare. I just plan to follow up with my PCP.

My doctor told me that the incision on my left that was the most sore was where the liver retractor was placed. Apparently it is pretty big and rigid. It stands to reason that there would be a lot of muscles bruised under the skin. I am sitting here with my heating pad right now:)

You can PM me with any questions. My sister and I were sleeved by Dr Kelly on 3/9. My sister has been a RN for almost 20 years and would also be happy to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly:)

I couldn't give up coffee but I did switch to decaf since I am so newly sleeved I'm really "trying" to be good. I mix it with some splenda and a little vanilla silk soy milk and I still feel like I'm getting my fix.

Cute jeans and a plain tshirt! And I will TUCK it in :) And wear a belt! I can't remember the last time I tucked anything in!

I think it depends on your BMI. My sister and I were both sleeved by Dr Kelly a little over a week ago. Her BMI was low(33) and she was told to do the 3 days of clear liquids. Mine was higher (36) and I was told to start my pre-op diet the week before. I basically ate oatmeal, cottage cheese,low sodium vegetable Soup. It was not easy but I never cheated and my surgery and recovery have been perfect.

My sister and I are both here at Florence Hosp in rooms across the hall from each other. I felt decent yesterday but my poor sister was vomiting all day . I felt so bad for her. Today she is doing well and I am feeling a little weak and shaky. Everyone here is very sweet and helpful. I have to say I feel MUCH better than when I had my gallbladder out last summer. We both have very little incision pain. I think we were in very skilled hands with Dr Kelly. Trish is wonderful also. My sister and I were the last two patients she coordinated for Dr Kelly and I was happy to meet her. If you are on the fence about Dr Kelly I can say with confidence you will be in great hands. Off to walk the halls I go........

Day six for me and I am already sooooo looking forward to mushies! I love micro-warmed cottage cheese with cinn/splenda already from my pre-op diet. Looking forward to healing and moving up the ladder to real food some day soon!

Just wanted to update! I got home late last night and was so happy to be in my own bed. I had no trouble sleeping on my side with a pillow. I'm feeling good today. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop! I am down #13 from the day I started my pre-op diet. I think the fact that I did not cheat at all prepared me a little. I am able to get liquids down with no problem and have been sipping on tea, vitamin water, unjury chicken broth and even a popscicle today. I really wish for all those who have not had their surgeries yet, that you sail through it like I did.

We are getting picked up at 9 this morning for our 12:45 flight. The hotel is beautiful, the beds and pillows are very comfortable. Compare to an American Marriott. The broth and popsicles in the cafe are yummy. Its in a very nice part of town. It would be hard to walk anywhere without getting runover. They have these bizarre traffic circles and people drive like crazy people!

We actually stayed at the hospital because we did not get into Tijuana until around 9pm and were to start pre op tests at 6:00am for 10 am surgery.

Im here in Tijuana now,leaving tomorrow. I only brought a carry on. I did bring my heating pad and used it. Whatever you pack, keep in mind when you leave you will need to bring home your chest xray,xray from your sleeve test and your surgery medical file. I also went shopping on Revolution street and bought a few things. I have some re-packing to do tonight.

I have to agree, but not just for Dr Kelly. Its scary being in a foreign country and alone. I have had a totally different experience because Trish has been with us every step of the way. In fact she is bringing someone over to the Lucerna this morning to give us pedicures. I had also met another patient online who had her surgery the same day at INT and we have talked everyday and had "dinner" together yesterday. Both my sister and I, and my friend at INT, had IV issues. But I have had the same issues in the states so I cant totally blame the nurses. I have been lucky, I have had the "best case senario" so far. I just hope it continues. BTW, my sister describes her first day as hell, constant dry heaving but 100% better the second day.

We passed our leak tests and we are now relaxing at the beautiful Lucerna Hotel. The front desk offered to bring us free broth and popsicles,we just have to call. The room also has a mini coffee pot (and bottled water) that you can use to make tea, i also brought bullion cubes in my suitcase. Dr Kelly is supposed to drop off some meds for us later. So far so good. Oh also, Trish gave us matching t-shirts that say "I left my stomach in Tijuana " and has a picture of the procedure on the front,LOL.

Are the nurses taking care of us ,drawing blood, starting iv's and giving our medications,RN's? Nurses aids? Does anyone know? I will be at Florence Hosp. but also wondered about Mi Doctor.

At this point I have my tickets and my surgery is paid for. Rumors are not going to help me at this point. In fact I switched from Dr Garcia after reading Lacie's story on here. I really just want to get this behind me.

We must be having surgery on the same day (March 9)! I am excited and nervous as well.I have been keeping my self busy by trying to prepare everything for when I get home after surgery. I am traveling to Mexico on the 8th and will be gone for 6 days. I have also been reading all the forums and watching youtube videos every spare minute. I just keep thinking.....skinny by summer.....skinny by summer.....lol. Good luck to you! We will do great!

I have my surgery scheduled with Dr Kelly on March 9th. I am not sleeping well and so nervous about how everything will go. I haven't even had the surgery and I'm stressing about the 10 hour journey back home. I really wish I could afford to fly first class! Also, has anyone asked for the anti-nausea patch that they can put behind your ear before surgery? It really helped when I had my gallbladder out. I'm also really worried that they wont have someone skilled enough to place my IV at Florence Hosp. To say I am a hard stick is an understatment. No wonder I cant sleep!lol

I haven't heard of anyone being overcharged! I am going thru Trish but she is not scheduling for him anymore. From what I understand he now has his own staff and wife co-ordinating for him. Cutting out the middle man! You can reach Dr Kelly directly by phone or email.

I will let you know how it goes so you know what to expect! I am so lucky that my sister is traveling with me and getting sleeved also!

After reading a few of the posts about Hospital Mi, I would like to hear any good/bad experiences at Florence Hospital. I plan to be sleeved there in March by Dr Kelly. Thanks DD