Curtoña

But have a backup plan. Things can (and might) go wrong. My surgery went without a hitch, but I developed an infection at the drain site. Had to go to the ER on Christmas Eve, got more IV antibiotics, a CT scan to make sure I didn't have an abscess, then more antibiotics to fight the infection. The wound is healing well, but now I'm suffering from debilitating joint pain from a reaction to the antibiotics. **** happens. Have someone you can go to, please. At least for your peace of mind! Good luck!

Dang I had a great response that didn't upload. Here's the short version: I've been a foreign language teacher for 16+ years. I've taught French, Spanish and English all over the world. Rosetta Stone and Berlitz are ok for people who are planning to make a life change to another country. It is NOT a crash course to fluency right before your surgery. The stress of anticipation will hinder your learning. I'm not trying to tell you what to do. But that course will not give you the skills to effectively communicate in a hospital setting (or any other for that matter) in that short amount of time. On another note, $300+ is a LOT of money to spend for a non-contact language course. There are many free resources online, and my personal favorite as of late: duolingo. They have a waiting period for online, but if you download the app for iPhone or iPad, you can start learning now. It has French, Spanish, English, German, and I'm currently learning Portuguese. Arabic and others are rumored to follow soon. Good luck. I would say that their lack of English does not hinder one's experience much.

So I'm 6 days out from surgery, at home resting with my mom, the huz, and my 2 beauties, feeling (mostly) great. Still some pain, SOOOO hard to get in all my liquids, but looking forward to Friday when I can have anything that can go through a straw. (I'm looking at you, yogurt, lentil Soup and broccoli cheese soup with Protein powder!) The reason a lot of us don't write this week or two after surgery is because we're trying to get used to our new bodies. My challenges have been fluids, like I said, but also lingering surgery pain, mostly where my drain was, gas pains (yes they are evil), and utter exhaustion. Those combined are quite overwhelming. Also, I had surgery with Dr. Elias Jesus Ortiz at Mi Doctor and he's awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. It helped A LOT that I speak fluent Spanish because the anal b***h in me was able to know exactly what was going on at all times. One nurse spoke amazing English, but the others didn't speak at all, I'd say. I was accompanied by my anal b***h best friend, who happens to be an anal nurse, and not once did anything alarm her. Going to sign off for the night. I will eventually give a full report, but for now I'm going to get more fluids in, hug my family, and be so thankful for this new chance at life I've been given. Peace out sleevers!!

Weak. I'm seeing double still, but I had to correct myself!!!

Hi! I made it out of surgery. Mine was at 6pm, after waiting in the hospital ALLL FRIGGIN DAY!!!!! But so far that's my only complaint. I feel like I did about 400 sit-ups where my stomach is, but other than being week and a tiny bit of pain from the surgery and gas, I have no complaints. Will post more later when I'm not groggy from the anesthesia. But PHEW!! I made it to the other side!!

Made it to the hotel! So far so good! Going to have some broth and go to bed. Surgery tomorrow!!!!!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... My best friend's here, we catch a plane for San Diego tomorrow afternoon. Got a call from Abraham at A Lighter Me tonight to confirm my flight for tomorrow, surgery on Friday. Now there's no turning back!! Thank you all for your helpful words and support. I will keep you posted as much as I can. I feel like I'm going on some kind of space travel. You guys on the other side seem so far away in a different world, and yet I'll be there myself in just a few days. Here goes nothin'!!!

I know! I'm getting sleeved this Friday and hope all is well with the others. I'm assuming, though, that they're super busy trying to figure out their new lifestyle. I imagine that's going to be very time consuming.

Going this Friday to get my sleeve and wondered if the US service for AT&T and Sprint wireless was consistent at the Marriott and at Hospital MI Doctor. My best friend and I both have iPhones. Can anyone speak to this situation?

Just spoke to my coordinator. Ortiz/Lopez do not do the spinal block. Big relief for me!! I get why it'd be useful, but I'd rather not have anymore needles around my back, thank you very much!

Hello wonderful sleevers! I am scheduled for my sleeve with Dr. J. Ortiz this Friday. Super excited. In my medical history questionnaire, I listed my 2 previous back surgeries. While perusing this AWESOME forum, I came across a post of someone who had surgery in Mexico and got a spinal block for post-op pain. This is supposedly administer after you're under anesthesia. My question is this: is a spinal block normal procedure for sleeves in Mexico? I've contacted my coordinator, but I thought I'd check here as well. I'm concerned because I have 2 titanium screws in place of my L4-L5 disc. I've researched a little and found that the spinal block is usually administered between the L2-L3. Can anyone speak to this? Thank you!

I'm Dec 14 in TJ with Dr. Jesus Ortiz @ Mi Doctor! How are y'all doing with the pre-op? I'm either 100 on or off the wagon. I've lost only 7lbs since last Monday, but I've cheated. Making a new start today, and I'm not messing around anymore!! Glad to see everyone!

Yay us! I'm getting sleeved by Dr . Jesus Ortiz in TJ on Friday December 14. Sooo excited and nervous. Doing really well on my preop diet but not seeing it on the scale. Only 7lbs in 9 days. Was hoping for more. But it is what it is and I'm getting sleeved! Anyone else going to Mi Doctor on the 14th need a sleeve buddy? I'll be there with my (thin) besty for support, but it'd be nice to hook up with someone from here.

Hey thall! Good luck to you tomorrow! I'll be at the Marriott next Thursday for a Friday morning surgery! Hope all goes well for you. Which company did you go with? I'm going through ALighterMe. Do you have wi-fi at the hotel? What's that like? Keep us posted!