ristephens01

Awesome!!! I can't wait to be there!

Just got to the Lucerna hotel. Got sleeved on Thursday evening, a little later than scheduled because there were alot of babies being birthed, but they kept me in the loop with everything. The whole team showed up that evening when the OR was available and it was go time, even though it was late in the evening. I didn't mind I enjoyed walking to see the babies in the nursery . I can not say enough about how amazing the team Dr. Ponce has. Trish was there everyday and every step of the way. Dr. Sanchez my anesthesiologist cooled my nerves as he was taking me for my anesthesia by lifting his shirt and showing me his sleeve scars he got just recently. I was very weary of this whole process, but I don't think I could have been in better hands. Dr. Oscar a team member of Dr. Ponce was so awesome and such a genuinely caring man. We had very relaxed lengthy conversations several times. He was very informative and knowledgable. Dr. Ponce doesn't speak English, but that did not cause any problems. Dr.Oscar was there to translate and continuously pryed me of questions to give me all the information he could, especially when Dr. Ponce was in the room. I felt comfortable just having Dr. Oscar by my side. I will miss him and Trish. I really feel like they want me to succeed. Trish took my bestfriend out for the best tacos she's ever had and even dropped off a tamale at around 9 at night "just in case she was hungry". She was eating the cafeteria food and loved it .. the breakfast and chicken soup she had for dinner she said were both yummy. I'm not going to sugar coat it my first night was rough, which is normal in any surgery. The nurses were awesome though. I never had to ask for care and they were on top of my meds, which made it alot more bearable. I speak zero Spanish and never had a issue because of the language barrier. Some of the nurses speak English, but not all. I've worked in the healthcare industry my entire life, including hospitals and the ER. I'm not sure I would have gotten such attentive care in the US. So far, no complications and I feel really good today, despite just having surgey less than 2 days ago. No pain, except very subtle gas pains here and there. Had juice today and broth from Lucerna is delicious. The staff at the Lucerna hotel are also, very sweet and helpful. I had my surgery with Dr. Ponce at INT hospital and I can not say enough about how impressed I am. I'm ready to begin my journey and feel comfortable I have them on my side. The thing that really stood out to me about this small hospital was an experience I had as I walking upstairs to sit on the balcony while my bestfriend got breakfast. A Dr. I didn't recognize just came out to say hi and looked me over. He noticed my IV was not dripping from the walk..not holding it properly (my fault), since my bestfriend held it as I walked upstairs. He quickly sent someone to get me and took me back to my room and flushed it out, so it was dripping again. I was impressed..it's not like that at many hospitals. Needless, to say I didn't make any more trips upstairs without my IV pole. Lol Now, I'll touch on Tijuana. Im not going to lie I was weary, but it's been good. I felt safe and comfortable at the hospital and here at the hotel. Comfortable enough to let Trish takes on a shopping trip in the am before we fly out, which before I got here I was convinced I'd stay gridlocked in my room. My mind has definitely changed. I will continue to share my story and anyone with questions. I will answer any I can about my experience. With that said here I go.......a chance at a need life thanks to Trish, Dr. Ponce and his amazing team.

At the INT hospital now surgery today in 2 hours. I just to hope to come out safe and sound.

Thanks I def will... and I can't wait to see the scale moving! !!

Prayers... I will in that boat tomorrow. Emotions are running wild.

I'm on nothing but yogurt and water starting today. My surgery is Thursday. Its been okay all day. I guess, because I'm just excited and ready.

October 17th Dr. Ponce in Mexico

Also, congratulations to all of you on your success.

Thanks, everyone for your kind input. It means alot for ya'll to take time out to help me feel at ease. I leave in exactly a week . Excited, emotional and nervous, but so ready.

Thank you, and yes, all the research I've done so far has been mostly all great things. I just didn't see him mentioned on this forum as much as the other docs. Trish has been absolutely wonderful as well.

Thank you, very much for your reassurance. I feel like I've made the right decision, but still nervous.

And thank you, very much.

You, too. Keep in touch if you decide on Dr. Ponce and are scheduled around the 17th.

I agree. I'm scheduled for Oct 17th a little over a week. So excited, yet nervous.

Yes, I also have a friend at work that did and she is doing we ll. I did some youtube research and also on the WLS fb page and a lot of praises, so I hope I made a good choice.