NotTelling2013

So let me start by saying a few words as to why I'm writing this. I was recently sleeved by Dr. Garcia in Tijuana and I am very happy with my results -- so far. If you want to read moment by moment blows of someones happy surgery, this isn't the blog. I've read every blog here and a majority are dead on accurate. But there's a lot no one bothers to mention and I wish someone had. Also, I'm posting this from a made-up user ID.... I read the boards daily and respond frequently, but prefer to keep some elements of my issues private (as you'll read). Thanks!! First, Waiting! I appreciate in the U.S. were go-go-go people who are comfortable with our busy, full schedules but in Mexico, there is NO scheduling at all! You sit and wait, and wait, and wait. The day of my surgery we were taken at 6:45 to the hospital, we waited until after 9am for the hospital staff to even arrive to check us in. Once in my room, more waiting; I didn't have my surgery until NIGHT! Despite numerous attempts to ask when (approx) my surgery would be - "soon" is the only answer I got. Want to go shopping after surgery, plan to wait. No one can tell you if or when or how long. I waited 2 whole days and then in a matter of minutes of a phone call, was expected to be ready. Second - Coordinators. Good luck. I saw my coordinator ONCE on the very LAST day. Once I was taken back to the hotel, I had questions I needed answered and despite my attempts (for over an hour) and the hotels attempts, no one could reach them. And their voicemail boxes were full - wonderful. What if I had an emergency? Third - Not Like U.S. Hospitals. Now I accepted this going in. BUT, if when waiting to be taken into ER I am awake and can see the person before me laying naked on the OR table - I'm sorry, I find that bothersome to several degrees. First, how many germs are flooding through those open doors? Second, if I was awake enough to see someone (who I actually knew from these boards and hotel), then who is seeing me? Not cool. Fourth - The Yucky (yes, the yucky truth - feel free to skip) No one bothers to tell you that your pee after your final leak test will be BRIGHT green for days - not an issue, but a heads up would've been nice. And the diarrhea - oh my stomach aches just thinking about it. It smells horrendous - like sick tummy. Its lasts for, I don't even know how long, I still have it, and its explosive. So yes, you probably will shart yourself. Just speaking the truth here. Again, I want to say I am HAPPY with my results ---- these were just things NO ONE bothered to mention and it would've been nice to prepare a bit better. So, bring a extra book, ask all your questions before you leave, ask to be drugged up before going to the OR and sit on a towel afterwards and you should be ALL set!

Not once did I say my experience was horrible. I listed my concerns. I didn't have an emergency, rather a question that was somewhat urgent. Yes, I should've been able to reach the coordinators, any time day or night, but OVERALL the experience was still recommendable.

I absolutely had NO intention of doing this, but the overwhelming critism and obvious lack of understanding to my orginial post REQUIRED clarification. #1: I do NOT regret my surgery, my choice in surgeon or coordinators. Not only do I stand 100% behind my decision, I highly recommend them AND have referred two other people. #2: Why from a fake name? I explained that. Yes, sorry, I'm posting personal information (and embarassing) about myself. But as I mentioned I post frequently and have made friends with people here and during my surgery. However, the #1 reason, the person I saw naked is here AND has not only read this post, but responded to it. I would never want to humilate someone. #3: My post was never, ever to complain --- rather show you a different version of the story. Everyone posts these moment by moment re-encounters of their surgeries, but leave out the yucky details. I have talked to NUMEROUS people who have all had VERY similar experiences as mine, yet never mentioned them. Perhaps I see the full picture - idk, I just wish someone had given me a heads up -- and I'm sure the maid at the hotel does too -- despite my best attempts to clean the sheets!! This was my attempt for you. #4: This is an OPEN forum --- however, no where does it allow nasty individuals the right to be so mean and hateful. And if that's you, get the HELL off my post - we don't wanna read your crap. We're all here for the same reason. Either were considered or have had the surgery and were looking for support and insight. No one needs harassement. I hope this helps in a small way... to the person I "scared" --- I'm truly sorry, please, please don't second guess --- it is TRULY the BEST thing I've ever done and would make the same decision every day of the week!!! Best of luck to everyone - and thanks for the support!