Tonileigh

My experience: I left home at 3am and drove to Groome Transportation less than a mile from my home for transportation to the Atlanta airport. Although I arrived at the airport an hour before my flight I only boarded 5 minutes before takeoff. Atlanta airport is big and confusing and to top it off one of the escalators was broken so climbing the stairs with luggage had me sweating profusely when I boarded. I was sitting with two gentlemen and luckily I had the window seat. I had a layover in Charlotte and this time had an aisle seat with a tiny older couple. I slept most of the trip to San Diego. Upon arrival, Lizette ( wife of one of the owners) picked me up from the airport sidewalk outside of my baggage claim area. I was expecting Annette, however she had taken a day off and Ms. Lizette came instead. She found me rather than me finding her. She drove me and another girl, Tiffany to the clinic in Tijuana. The ride was pleasant in her White Mercedes. Crossing the border was a breeze. In fact we didn’t even stop in the medical lane We just drove straight thru. When we arrived at the clinic, Lizette left and the nurses took over. They spoke little English, some more than others, but enough. We immediately undressed and put on a gown. We were in the room together but there was a curtain between us. They took our blood and hooked us up to an IV for fluids and later for pain and nausea meds. I was really quite surprised at how quickly this process was. They put stockings on us that were really tight but that’s the point. We just rested for a couple of hours and then it was surgery time. I went first. I volunteered to do so. I figured the sooner the better so I could start recovering. They took me to another room for the procedure. The anesthesiologist who was very nice then gave me anesthesia. It took a few minutes and then I was out. I remember waking up with two nurses sitting in the room watching me. I guess they were waiting for me to wake up. I was then taken back to the original room. I had to use the bathroom a lot which was a pain due to the IV but I still went. I actually felt pretty good and was up walking around very quickly after surgery. The next day, however I felt bad. I was feeling the gas pains (thankfully I brought the Gas X strips) and just felt nauseous. My stomach hurt pretty bad and getting on and off the bed was painful. That afternoon we changed into our regular clothes and was taken to the recovery house. At this point, I felt bad and it hurt to walk to the car. The ride was bumpy as well. It was nice at the Recovery House though. We had our own room, furnished with a flat screen TV, recliner, desk, and bed. They also have free Wi-Fi. The best thing was the remote to the air conditioner. I had gotten hot at the clinic so it was nice to be in the nice cold room. I spent a lot of time sleeping and time on my computer. I watched a little TV. I felt hungry and ate some broth and drank some Gatorade provided by the nurse. After a while I realized it was the pain meds that were making me nauseous, so I refused any more. I wish I had taken liquid or chewable Tylenol with me. Day 3 I woke up feeling much better. In fact I was able to shower and wash my hair which made me feel even better. Before leaving we bought meds. They will give you Rxs that you can stop at a pharmacy and fill or you can buy from them. I chose to buy from them as the prices were good. I did not opt to buy the blood thinner it was $100 and I have had no issues with this before. I did get some pain meds (which also made me nauseous), B12 shots, and the antibiotics. I didn’t buy the nausea meds or the acid reducer because I had the same meds at home already. We were taken to the airport and dropped off right where we needed to be. We did have to stop at the border this time and show our passports. We were also asked if we were bringing anything back, including meds. We showed the meds and were told it was fine if they were for personal use. I arrived to the airport much earlier that my flight because Tiffany’s flight was earlier. This was fine with me though because she was afraid she would miss her flight and I did not have this worry. While waiting I got a pedicure and massage at Be Relax inside the airport. It was a nice treat. The flight home seemed long but it was not painful. I did get up to use the restroom so I could stretch my legs. I had some pains in my stomach for about a week but then all was well. I returned to work the Monday after my surgery, so about a week off. My job is primarily a desk job though. I am 15 days post op and doing great. I am eating soups, jello, smoothies, and protein shakes with no problem. I don’t seem to have a problem with getting liquids in. I am one of those that can drink a lot in a short period of time. I have also tried some potato salad and ice cream with no issues. I would highly recommend Longterm VSG for having the gastric sleeve. The price is amazing but so is the quality of care. In fact, I had conversations with Dr. Maytorena, the cardiologist, and the anesthesiologist the day of surgery. They will answer any of your questions and actually have time to talk to you. I am very happy with my decision.

I really like the smoothies at Tropical smoothie for a quick lunch. You can have them made with Splenda and can add a scoop of whey or soy Protein for a dollar extra. I also love the french onion Soup from Jason's Deli and grilled chicken nuggets from Chick fil a.

Didn't lose any preop but congrats to all who did!

Starting weight was 225 and I would like to lose 75 pounds to be 150. Surgery was June 2nd. Lost 9 lbs week 1. Will weigh again on Tues, 2 week mark.

My first bowel movement was 9 days post op and 2 stool softeners later. I didn't take a laxative although tempting, due to Dr. not recommending.

@@heatherloses My prep diet was just one week of high protein low carb. I believe they base it on bmi and other factors. It certainly wouldn't hurt to do a day or two of liquids. After seeing my liver in the surgery video, I wished I had have been more strict preop. There were no complications and my liver didn't look fatty but it was big and in the way. Could tell it made the surgery take longer.Just my observation.

I ate one bite of pizza..10 days post op..was a mistake. Eating soups just fine though.

Mine was June 2nd and I am eating yogurt and soup, which helps. Had the French onion soup from Jason's Deli yesterday and it was great. Gets easier when your Dr. gives you the ok for soft foods.

Wearing cute clothes, more energy, swimming with my kids, feeling attractive, and no more snoring.

At the surgery center you may share a room with one other patient but there is a curtain between the beds. At the recovery house you will have your own room, which is very nice. It has a bed, recliner, small desk and chair, television, and great air conditioning- I made my room nice and cool and slept great. Yaaayyyy! Another surgical buddy!! My sister and I are getting ours around dinner time (you'll probably already have had yours done by then?) I'm curious if they just stick us all in the same room the first night!!

I plan to post a very detailed description of my surgery but I have not had time just yet. To let you know though, I am feeling great! My travel home was a total of 7 hours with 5 and half on a plane and the other in a car. It did not hurt to fly. I would suggest to get an aisle seat on the way home if possible so you can get up and stretch your legs a few times. I was stuck in the middle but still made bathroom trips. I would also suggest to pack lightly...really lightly. I took a backpack with my belongings however it was stuffed full and it was really unnecessary weight that I had to carry through the airport. As far as clothes, I really only needed the outfit that I wore there and an outfit for home. I actually contacted Ruben today for a doctors note to return to work and got an immediate response. I went back to work on Monday, but apparently I need a medical release to be there. They know I've had surgery but do not know what kind. In fact, I have only told one person about having VSG and for now I plan to keep it that way. Will post more later.

Did this forum disappear for a little while? I kept getting an error msg.Anyway I am at the San Diego airport now getting a pedicure while waiting for my flight back to Atlanta..then a two hour ride back to Columbus. My surgery was Tuesday June 2nd with Dr. Maytorena. He and the other doctors were wonderful. No complications. I have had chicken broth , sf jello, and Gatorade with no problems. Water is a little harder but Ice chips are no problem. I definitely recommend LT VSG. I will post more when I am back home,and situated.

So glad I am able to get in on this low price. Wouldn't be able to afford it otherwise. 9 days to go! Preop diet starts Tuesday.

I am really nervous and excited too. I am scheduled for June 2nd...less than 2 weeks away.I am a single mother to 3 kids and that's the scariest part for me. I pray everything will go smoothly.

@@dorian122 Anything negative about the facility or your experience?

Scheduled June 2nd with Dr. MaMaytorena:)

@@cmhueto Thank you so much for posting pictures. The more I know the better I feel. Can't wait for June 2nd.

It's the one that says Centre Mexico Plaza?

@@tnkrrbl Okay thanks. The earliest flight from Atl arrives at 10 so I may need to leave out day before. Ruben suggested I get to airport at approx 9am.

For those that have already had surgery with long-term, what time did u arrive in San Diego and what time did you depart? I am looking at flights.

Yes Ruben is the only one I have corresponded with. I usually receive a response within 24 hours or less.

I have been taking Contrave for 5 weeks. I am not able to take the full dosage due to nausea. It definitely helped with my appetite at first but I have pretty much stopped taking it due to feeling sick on it.

My deposit was $300 also. I've already paid it and scheduled with Dr. M on June 2nd. Planning to go alone.

I was also told low carbs/high protein. Vitamins weren't mentioned. I don't drink or smoke either. When are you scheduled for?

@@cmhueto Great advice. I'm getting a passcard if possible. Don't want to hold anyone up crossing the border. My local post office doesn't have an appointment available til middle of May though so looking at other locations.