Caradina

I was sleeved on 3/22 in TJ with Dr. Rodriguez at INT Hospital through Belite Weight. It was... interesting. Not totally amazing, but definitely not a bad experience.

Dr. Rodriguez and team - He is amazing, professional and seems to really care. He held my hand and was very comforting. He and the other doctors all had excellent bedside manners and made me feel safe, cared for, and secure. I saw all three doctors every day. EVERY DAY! Dr. Rodriguez sat with us all on the couches on our last day to answer our questions and joke with us alittle. You sure don't see that from a surgeon in the States! I recommend him 110%. I was sent home with a typed surgical report and a DVD with my swallow test to give to my doctor.

INT Hospital and TJ - The hospital is SMALL and right smack in the middle of downtown TJ. I loved the colorful culture of TJ and was gooning out the wondow of the van and hospital the whole time. The hospital is exceptionally clean and has a comfortable sitting area with alot of windows. All of the Belite people were on the same floor so we all visited with and supported eachother. The facility seems a bit older than we are probably used to in the states, so the beds and other equipment may seem alittle antiquated. It didn't really cause a problem for me, but man, those beds SUCKED. I'm still having back issues 3 days after coming home. Just be aware.

INT Hospital's nursing staff - My only area of complaint. They were horrible. It wasn't just that they didn't speak English (across the board, none of them) but they were condescending, slow, were sleeping during the night shifts, did not check on me at all, almost never took vitals, often had to be reminded of my drug allergy, and who I was and what room I was in.... They were just bad. I'm angry that they basically had to make this review less than stellar. Because of them, I would say see Dr. Rod if you go to Mexico, but try to go to Juarez so it's a different hospital.

Belite Weight - They rocked! Everyone was kind and sweet and accomodating. It was amazing to work with so many people who have also had the surgery. The driver, Alberto was a trip, I enjoyed him very much. He gave us very colorful commentary on the scenery as we drove through TJ. I would reccommend Belite to anyone, absolutely. They also were there each day, making sure that we had everything we needed and just keeping us company. Very real and down to earth folks across the board.

The flight - The San Deigo airport is tiny and very comfortable. It was nice to not have to immediately deal with huge airport chaos upon starting my trip home. I had surgery Thursday night and flew home Saturday afternoon. I made it, but it was rough and I was very uncomfortable. I highly suggest taking an extra day to rest before you fly. I wish I'd taken that extra night in a hotel. Get wheelchair service! Not only does it allow you to jump all of the lines, but it makes sureyou get on the plane first and don't get jostled. I know alot of people said they were up to airport walking when they went home, but I was not! maybe it also is because I was pretty far from home, and had two flights, and over 8 hours of transet time.

My body - I'm doing ok. I have a small amount of pain if I swallow too much, and am struggling to control the acid. I'm also having weird, vivid dreams! I've already lost 8 lbs, and I'm excited to recover and get on with my new workout plans.