To be honest it was very simple. I flew in the night before into San Diego and stayed over night in San Diego because I arrived late. Was picked up next day at 9am. Cleared through customs no problem, didn't even look at my passport. Just to note just a quick note I did this by myself and traveled alone. Arrival at clinic did paper work and testing. That first part thing go very fast. Once I was ready then the waiting game began. Saw all the docs involve. If I remember quickly I went in around around 3pm. The pain was well controlled I was up walking laps by 6pm. Every hour I would get up till 2am and walk. Around 2am my pain was worse and I was a lil scared as I was throwing up ( small amount of blood in bile) so I requested something more as the doctor said I could request if pain wasn't under control. After a shot of morphine and something for nausea I had a good hour sleep and didn't have any pain since. Spent lots of time walking and chatting as I am very social. Had the drainage tube taken out on day two and headed to hotel. As my check in was delayed I went to Walmart and by the time I returned my room was ready. As I was patient and not cranky like many of the other people who were coming in she rewarded me for my patience with a room on the executive floor. (king bed great view). I spent lots of time walking and by the next day went shopping to Revolution. Other than the antibiotics I didn't use the pain or gas meds as they were not needed. Left next day at 6am a lil delay but no major problem at customs. I cannot stress enough walk walk walk. The people whom struggled more around me were walking very little. The others who were walking all seem to be feeling good. I was a little nervous about going alone but it wasn't that bad. Hope this helps.