sheabh

3 weeks after surgery, I attended a wedding and then a banquet. Both times, I ate the protein and moved the food around my plate. No noticed and no one asked why I was eating to little.

Bob, I'm sure you will be fine. Mi Doctor is less than 3 miles from the border. As a matter of fact, I watched the traffic every morning I was there from my windown backed up to cross the border to California. I beleive the hotel (Hyatt) was less than 5 miles. Walmart was less than 1 mile from the hotel and my sister walked there several times by herself!! Other patients did too. My sister insisted on going with me, but I was perfectly willing to go alone. She had a wonderful time and was really impressed with the hotel, Drs., MiDoctor and everything. We (or she rather) ate at the outdoor food trucks, we walked around Tijuana and made purchases and not once did we feel threatened. There was a lot of car and foot traffic. Dr. Ortiz was very friendly and information and there were 3 doctors in the operating room during my surgery. I felt safe and confident. As I said, I've had no pain from the surgery at all, no naseau, vomiting, nor gas. Thank God! I've been up and walking since the surgery and losing weight and inches. When I was there, there were so many others there (coming and going) having the surgery. The day I was leaving, I met a husband, wife, mother and mother-in-law, who all had the surgery and were all doing fine. Just keep researching, let them read the boards, veiw videos on youtube and ask questions of us (they can ask me anything), so that they will feel more comfortable with you going. When is your surgery?!

Great Jenjo11072013, it's going to be great!! I had a great experience and still can't believe I'm still able to eat anything I want, but only 3-4 ounces!! Love it!! And you're going to to. Are you going through aligherme. If so, you're going to love Janese, Abraham and Eduardo!!! Tell them I said hi

I had surgery at Mi Doctor with Dr. Elias Ortiz on 8/19/2013. It was a wonderful experience! The hotel and hospital was nice and so were the Drs and nursers. I went through alighterme and the staff was fantastic! I haven't experienced any problems and an down 47lbs! There isn't anything I can't eat...LOL. So, I hope you all have a wonderful experience and all goes well with your surgery and recovery!!

Wow, you look great!! Congrats!

I went to Tijuana and it was fine. I did not go by myself, my sister insisted on going! But there were others there by themselves and didn't have a problem. I stayed in the Marriott and it was great! We even walked to the stores in the area and there is a lot of foot traffic! We all hung out together and it was nice meeting others on the same adventure! I think you will be fine!

Proudgrammy, you are funny!! I think..... yes you are! How is everything going for you?!

Hi Everyone! I just made it back from tonight from San Diego after having surgery in Tijuana, Mexico on Monday, August 19th! My experience was wonderful!! Thank you Lord!! My sister (support) and I arrived in San Diego on Sunday, 8/19 and was immediately picked up at the airport by Raoul with A Lighter Me. He took us to our hotel in Tijuana after a brief stop at Mi Doctor Hospital to pick up a patient that had been released that day. She looked great and said she was feeling fine. We got to the hotel, Marriott Tijuana and it is beautiful!!The rooms are big, clean and had a bathroom scale. Everyone went over and beyond, the staff was so friendly. As a part of my package with A Lighter Me, the hotel provides 3 cups of broth a day and 2 waters per day (free) to the patient and a 15% discount to their companion at the restaurant. Since we got there on Sunday, there was a Sunday Brunch going on and it was fantastic!! My sister loved loved loved the food, and I loved loved loved smelling, looking and watching her eat and describe the taste to me. LOL!! It did not tempt me at all. I stuck to my 3 week preop and was not hungry. By the way, I lost 23 lbs during preop! Okay, so we get the hospital on Monday and got all of my preop test taken care of and was the first patient to have the surgery. There were several, but the others scheduled were coming in the same day. Everyone that was going to be assisting in my care came into my room to introduce themselves to me (my room nurse, the surgery nurse, the anesthesiologist, my surgeons Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Sanchez at some point before my surgery. Oh, my room had two beds, one for me and the other for my sister! Dr. Lopez also assisted in the surgery, but I met him after I left recovery. My surgery went well, I did have to my hernia repaired, which I suspected my happen because i was taking Nsaids up to 3 weeks before and on an empty stomach. Something you should never do! Anyway, I had NO PAIN, NO NASEAU, NO PROBLEM DRINKING OR ANYTHING!!! Of course, that did not stop me from taking whatever medication they offered, but I didn't think I needed it. The coordinator from A Lighter Me, Janese was there and boy did I see a lot of her and the drivers, Abraham and Eduardo for A Lighter ME! They were constantly in the hospital checking on everyone that was there and making sure we had all we needed. Not once did I have to look for them or contact them for anything because they were always around, even late into the night! So, I'm feeling good. I did not walk for a few hours after surgery because I was just to sleepy. The hospital is small, so don't expect any long hallways to walk in! Tijuana was nice and the weather perfect! I left the hospital and went back to the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday and within an hour my sister, I and another patient we met, went walking to buy a few souvenirs. We walked about a 1/2 mile from the hotel and came back and did not feel in any danger. There were lots of traffic and people walking, especially school kids. There are a lot of food trucks about and my sister purchased some tacos! She says that everything she purchased was absolutely delicious and she travels A LOT all over! Oh, I forgot, even the food in the hospital at the diner on the first was the best for her! On Thursday, our coordinators took us shopping near the border. Now, the storekeepers will converge on you like crazy!!! But we did manage to get some items. There is a Walmart near the Hotel within walking distance. The rest of my stay was uneventful, I felt fine the entire time, I walked and managed to eat some broth and drink water and gatorade. I've not be hungry at all, but try to get in as I could while there. We check out on Friday and was taken back to San Deigo and our driver, Raoul took my sister and I to the car rental agency because we stayed an extra day in San Deigo. We went shopping and was out and I felt fine the entire time, no problems. My plane ride home was long, I had to switch flights, but flew a total of 6.5 hours home. I held a pillow to my belly most of the way, but otherwise, I was good. I'm home now, having a Isopure (it is so delicious) and I just wanted you all to know that all is well and you should feel safe to go to Tijuana. Now I just pray that my healing journey continues to be blessed. Thanks for reading this long post!!

rnursewillis, yes i do remember! And you're right, that was me with my sister!!! It was great, right?! Yes, please send the friend request so that we all can keep up with each other! How are things going for you?! Still no pain, gas or anything for me. I'm getting my liquids down without any problems, except that I'm probably not getting enough down. I'm just not hungry and am making myself drink all day. I've lost 6 lbs since the surgery, so all is well. How is everyone in your party doing?!

Oh, I forgot to say. After surgery, I weighed myself and I was 3 lbs heavier. By the time I got back to the Hotel, I was 1 lb less that my per surgery weight and now that I'm home, I'm 4 lbs, lighter! So 23lbs lost preop and 4lbs post op! Total lost 29lbs! My doctor said he expects I should lose 30-40 lbs the 1st month! and at LEAST 50 within 2!!!!

My surgery is on Monday, August 19th!!! I can't believe the time is here already!! Did anyone have problems using US dollars in Mexico and should I convert my money to Pesos. I planning to take some small denominations, I don't want to bring home a lot of pesos. So, was there any problems using US dollars at restaurants, hotels, or cab fare?

Where did you guys go shopping where you were able to bargain? Is there a flea market around or nearby the hotel? Marriott?

Great! Thanks for the information! I'm planning on taking small bills, 1's and 5's...may a 10 or two for the driver. I almost feel prepared!!!

Thanks everyone! I put a currency converter on my phone and Kindle. Are the prices there marked in us dollars or in Pesos. I saw on a posting where someone said they saw a box of cereal at the store for 40 dollars and I wonder if they meant pesos?!

CBee, My surgery is on Monday 8/19. So you'll probably be gone by the time I get there! My plan is to get there on Saturday and spend the day in San Diego and do a little sight seeing. I hope all goes well with your surgery! I had a choice of going on 8/5/13 but decided to go later so my sister can go with me. I'm excited and can't wait!

I'm getting sleeved in Mexico next month at Mi Hospita! I'm excited and on pins and needles! So, for those who have already gone to Mexico and had the drivers to take you back and forth. What is the average for tipping? Who do I tip? The nurses? The coordinators? I just want to make sure I have what I need to show appreciation for those who will be taking care of me!

Thank Kat! This really settles my mind a lot!!! I'm a planner and like to be prepared! Thanks everyone!

Thanks, it was suggested that I don't need to take more than about $100 in cash with me to Tijuana. That that should cover tips and some souvenirs. Small bills. Do you all agree? I will be there in Tijuana for 4 days.

Thanks SerendipityHappens, this helps a lot! I just needed some idea!

I'm heading to Mexico on 8/18/13 for surgery at Mi Hospita with Dr. Ortiz! How was your experience in Mexico?! How was your flight back to ATL? I live in Decatur and I'm excited to get the surgery! Please share!!! Thanks!