nomoretwinkies

Hi all, I'm scheduled for surgery first thing in the morning down here in Mexicali and thought I'd post what my experience has been so far, for any of you coming down here. I flew to San Diego this morning and was met at the airport by Ernesto, who was holding a sign with my name on it. All in all, he picked up three of us; me, one woman for her first fill and one woman getting the 'sleeve'. The drive from the airport to Mexicali is about 120 miles thru some beautiful, but desolate country. Ernesto takes some of those curves pretty fast, but he's very sweet. We three women chatted almost the entire way, and it was very comforting to have others going through the same experience. All three of us were traveling alone, which maybe helped with the bonding experience. Once across the border, we were taken immediately to Almeter Hospital. We left our luggage in the van and Ernesto escorted us inside. He took us to a waiting area and returned immediately with cups to pee in. LOL. O.K., that felt a little weird to be given the pee cup and directed to the bathroom by the driver! Nurse Lucy and Yolanda were waiting outside the bathroom and immediately herded us here and there to do bloodwork, EKG's and chest X-rays. Seriously, it was all done at high speed. None of the waiting waiting waiting you get in American hospitals and Dr's offices. At the end of all that, we sat in a small waiting area and Yolanda went over last minute paperwork and collected payment. Then Dr. Campos came in and gave us a briefing on our particular procedures. We were taken back to Ernesto who took us to our hotel, the Lucerne, which is clean and comfortable. There is a nice pool and three restaurants, and we were told to eat whatever we'd like, up until 10 p.m. We were also given an antibiotic and a relaxant to take tonight. We three women went and had some lunch, then took a short stroll around the neighborhood. We ended up back at the pool and talked for a long time about our particular situations. It was especially helpful for me to be able to talk to someone who had just been banded here a month ago. Leona and Leeann, if you're reading this, thank you so much for your support through such an anxious time. It helped more than I can say! Tomorrow morning we'll be met in the lobby by Ernesto at 7:00 a.m. to be taken back to the hospital. Gulp. I'll keep you all posted... Oh, a few things you might like to know: My cell phone (verizon) didn't work making an outgoing call, but my husband was able to call in to me. It's also helpful to have small american bills for tipping and meals. The internet connection here at the hotel is free, but I won't know if they have one at the hospital til later. I'll post again tomorrow after surgery if I'm able. Robin

Hi all, I'm less than a week away from my date, scared as hell, but excited too. I'll be flying to Mexico alone for my surgery and have a few questions about the post-op stay and the travel home. First, should I pack pajamas, or will I be wearing a hospital gown? Stange question, I know, but at home I sleep in the buff and will need to buy PJ's to bring, if needed. Second, just how uncomfortable is that plane ride going to be?! I mean, I'm not planning on wearing tight jeans for the ride home, but should I pack a mumu? Any input will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Robin

Thank you all so much for the info. I'm one of those people who likes to be uber-prepared, so the more I know, the better. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Robin

Anybody else going to Mexico to be banded by Dr. Aceves that week?

Thanks for the info. Makes alot of sense LOL I think I'm too nervous to be thinking straight right now. I'm going to Mexicali and my surgeon will be Dr. Aceves. I'll be staying in a hotel for the first night, then 2 nites in the hospital (I think the hospital is called Almater). Fortunately, I'm only flying from San Diego to Albuquerque, a relatively short flight.

May 7th for me. Less than a week to go! Robin