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I decided to have weight loss surgery because I just couldn't loose the weight on my own. My highest weight was 291 lbs. and a BMI of 45. In August after lots of research and questions I decided to have my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Kelly. I put my deposit down on August 14, 2010 and started making plans. My surgery was sheduled for November 19, 2010. Started my pre-op diet on November 10th and that included yogurt, sugar free Jello, broth, and Protein shakes. Ten whole days of only liquids! I didn't think I would be able to do it but guess what I did do it! I never cheated once! Everyone was so supportive and really encouraging. There were days when I daydreamed about ribs and nights when I dreamed about hamburgers. It got easier by the Wednesday before surgery thank goodness. November 18th and I was all packed and ready to go. I was not not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight that night. My flight was scheduled to fly out at 6:00am to San Diego, California where I would be picked up by my patient coordinator and then driven to Tijuana, Mexico. My flight was great and I arrived in San Diego at 9:45am or so and called Laurie my patient coordinator to let her know I was there. Once Laurie arrived she introduced me to three patience that where on there way back home after having their surgery. It was nice to meet actual patience that had gone through this process. Next we traveled across the border to Tijuana and went straight to the hospital and got settled in our rooms. I met Dr. Kelly and he asked if I had any questions. He speaks perfect english and answered all my questions. All the nurses are super nice and polite but don't speak any english. I didn't really have any communication problems with any of them. After that they did an echocardio gram to check my heart, then a chest x-ray, drew blood, checked my vitals, and put my IV in. Finally, I was wheeled down to surgery and then I was out. Next thing I remember I was waking up and was trying to throw up a little into the bed pan. Then I went right back to sleep. Finally woke up enough to access what I had done and then pretty much slept the rest of Friday. I was able to get up on my own and use the rest room sometime in the middle of the night. Saturday, I was able to get up and walk the hall several times then I slept off and on. Sunday morning, November 21st, I got up and took a shower and walked the halls again. Then Dr. Kelly came in checked me over, then removed the drainage tube and my IV. Next I was taken down to have my Berrium leak test done. That stuff is soooo gross but it is something that has to be done and I did it. YUCK! The leak test was good and they gave me a copy of the images of my new small stomach. After the leak test we checked out of the hospital and they took us to a hotel where we were able to eat some chicken broth. Now remember I had not had anything to eat or drink since Thursday at 10pm and it was now Sunday afternoon. That chicken broth tasted so good but I was only able to eat about 8 spoonfuls of it and took the rest to my hotel room. I was not in any pain by the way and was able to use the restroom and walk with no help from anyone. Dr. Kelly came to the hotel to talk to us about taking our medications and follow up care. My patient coordinator, Laurie, came to my room and chatted with my for about an hour and then we made plans as to when we would leave the next morning for the airport. Monday, November 22nd, we crossed the border with no problems of course and the wait was only about 35 minutes long so we got to the airport earlier than expected. My flight back to Houston was no problem at all; I had been worried it would be painful but I slept most the way back. Finally got home to my house about 7:30pm and got to hug my family, which was awesome. Check out my pictures below. That was my experience, if you have any questions please feel free to ask! Thanks, Amanda Go to San Diego Me on the plane Outside INT hospital My bed and room at Hospital Me almost ready for surgery My bed after surgery Me after surger Getting ready to cross the border from Mexico to the USA.

Thanks for the ideas NtvTxn. I am getting a little travel pillow for sure for the flight back to Houston. I am making a list of things to take with me and I appreciate the help. Amanda

Hi, yeah that was an old post. I am going with Dr. Kelly at INT. I was originaly scheduled with Dr. Lopez but switched to Dr. Kelly. See you soon. :clap:

I am looking forward to the following: 1. Walking through a restaurant without picking out a path first because I can't fit between chairs. 2. Playing softball with my daughter 3. Being able to walk into any store and start shopping without having to ask were the "PLUS" sizes are. 4. Sitting in a chair and crossing my legs. I will be sleeved on November 19th. :clap2:

Congratulations on your sleeve. Glad you posted your experience, I am getting sleeved on November 19th, so I am reading as much as I can. Keep us up to date on how you are doing. Amanda :high5:

Congrats, I am glad you posted your experience on here. It helps those of us who are on here to learn.

Kerri, Thanks for sharing your experience. I am going by myselft to Tijuana on November 19th to be sleeved. Which Dr. did you have? I have Dr. Kelly. Do you have any tips for us regarding the whole thing? Thanks, AD :music:

:thumbs_up: That is great!! Congratulations!! :welldone:

Hi everyone, so I am going to have my surgery on November 19th and I want to make sure I am prepared. I need ideas and suggestions on what to take with me to the hospital for before and after the surgery. Also, if anyone flew after their surgery I could use some ideas on staying comfortable during the flight.