I'm Baaack from Mexico, OLE!

carolyn24seven · October 20, 2009

WOW! what a ride. Much more than I expected. I am home. Trying to find something to drink that A. does not make my ankles swell. B. tastes tolerable.. I am still on the anitbiotics so I wonder if that is what makes every thing taste bad. Except S/F pudding. Sweet things taste OK. I am wanting something hot so I have been drinking herbal teas. Now, does any one have this swelling problem? Even with low sodium Soups? Should I just make my own? seems such a waste as I can eat/drink only 1 or 2 oz at a sitting.

The Experience was quite different. I really liked the care I recieved. If you choose Dr. Almanza. I would suggest the option of the hotel. I did not care for the recovery house. Here is why. rooms are small/tiny. no air conditioning. barking dogs outside. one shared bathroom upstairs. food is prepared down stairs for all. When you cannot eat that is hard to deal with. My hubby stayed there the two nights I was in the clinic/hospital. When I was to come out, he got us into the Hotel. I was concerned as I would not have a nurse, but, the fine staff brought me my meds and juices and teas and all was perfect. Hubby got American TV (baseball and football) He could go down stairs and get any food and drink he wanted. American newspapers, with sunday funnies. The Hotel provided free popsicles, soups, yogurts for me. Our room had two queen sized beds all soft and comfy. I had a table to sit and drink my meals, LOL. The hallway was safe/great to walk around for exercize. Walked at 12 and 2 AM one time, and, I got up to three times around before I left. The last night there I felt good enough to get dressed and go down for dinner. The Chef made me special Soup, chicken broth blended with mashed potatoes. It tasted yummy. I am sure that is where the sodium overload started, but I loved that soup, all 1/4 cup of the huge bowlful they gave me..God I am still food obsessed, LOL I am sure the staff at the house does all this also. The nurse from the Clinic that did my IV came to the hotel and removed my drain tube. He was so good. (thanks again Edgar) I also had Sevier (on staff at house) come and give me a massage. He is excellent. My back was hurting and my right leg was numb from laying on my back for so long, so, he was a pleasant relief. Could not talk Hubby into massage, heehee.

Overall my rating for the experience is an 8. (1 to 10) Here are my reasons for 2 points off. I would have liked to see the hand cleaning stations on the wall inside the rooms. I would have liked the appratias used to come in sealed bags that the nurses opened in front of me. I would have liked the nurses to put on gloves and dispose of them in my room. I wish the cleaning crew would come in after each shower and disinfect. I was lucky to be first both days. I hated (one full point off here) the drive clear across T.J to get the Xray Leak test done. yes, I understand the necessity, I still hated that dam trip.There was a parade outside the lab, so surreal.

I know some go shopping and do stuff on their 3rd day, just not for me. I was finally ready on the 5th day. Felt good and upbeat. Finally felt good about what I had done. Met a lady that was escorting two friends having sleeves. (Canadian) She was 7 months out and looks soo cute. She is 5'7 and 165ish, So I have revised my goal to that. It has been so long since I was a "normal" weight I did not have a realistic goal in my head. I was 240 at weigh in, but 245 when I left. All the liquid retension I guess. Dr. Almanza got snippy with me under surgery,....I am a Moley person lots of raised moles. He asked my hubby for permission and they removed 4 from my lower mid section. Love that. Extra stiches, but who cares? Thinking of that,,,, did any of you remove your own stiches? Did that go OK? Gotta do that on the 25th or so.:crying:

So, that is my experience. Great, positive and LOVED the staff/people I delt with.. My hubby even liked it. He got to talk with several couples and Dr's about this whole deal and got a MUCH better attitude towards my weight. He is much more supportive in a positive way, for that I am truly grateful.

If I need any futher surgery, IE: Tummy Tuck, etc. I would go back there. But, I would drive straight to the Hotel and be picked up from there. Marriot, TJ. Hope that does not turn anyone off to this deal, it is the best. The nurses I had were so darn caring and good at their jobs. Ricardo was my assigned personal support staff. He spoke very good english and tried very hard to accomdate all my wishes. It all went well for me, hope it does for you where ever you choose to go. Just do not be afraid to get-r-done.

Onward and Downward---weightwise:thumbdown::001_tongue:

WingRider · October 21, 2009

Was the hotel an option they offered you once you were there, or did you know about it before hand? Did it cost extra? Reason I ask, my Dad is going with me. I want to go alone, but the family has unified against me and the only way they are supporting Mexico is if Dad goes with me. I feel really bad for him, I am afraid he is going to be uncomfortable or bored. It sounds like the hotel would be better for him and okay for me. Let me know

Bill

Malaika · October 21, 2009

Carolyn -

Thank you for sharing your story. I am glad you had a positive experience and that you are home. I didn't have the swelling problem you seem to be having - I did purchase low sodium soup; however it was still way too salty for me. I ended up making some egg drop Soup with tofu using low sodium chicken broth. I hope the swelling goes down soon and that you find something good to eat. You're lucky that sweet tastes good to you -- I still can't stand to eat much of anything that is the least bit sweet - especially Protein drinks!

stoongal · October 21, 2009

Welcome home Carolyn,

So glad you found the experience to be a positive one and that you were able to find such an accomodating hotel. I too heard the dogs and wished the beds were a little bigger, but it never occured to me to go elsewhere to recover, as I was alone. I too am curious as to what the extra expenses came to, as I am going back there with my family in January, and if it is not too much, that may be an option for us. Wonder if it cools down there in January? As I understand it, there are only 2 bedrooms on the upper level that share a bathroom, the others have them ensuite, with walk-in closets.

Yes, the smell of the cooking was quite poignant, but with the surgery, I really didn't want any, but the food did smell delicious!

How far away was that hotel? and did the recovery house staff go there more than to drive you and to take out your pouch?

Thanks in advance for answering our inquiring minds questions...

so nice to have you on the losing side, once again, welcome back.

Cheers,

Donna:001_cool:

carolyn24seven · October 21, 2009

Hi Bill, My husband found out about it while staying in the recovery house while I was in the clinic. I would reccomend it greatly for the two days after you get out. Your Dad might get alot out of staying with the various people at the recovery house. My husband sure did. The hotel was only 89. a night. the Program gets that great rate. Normally it is 277.00! For us it was the perfect soultion to a not so perfect recovery deal. I think you could negotiate the hotel deal in advance. Good luck to you.

Quest2lose · October 27, 2009

WOW! what a ride. Much more than I expected. I am home. Trying to find something to drink that A. does not make my ankles swell. B. tastes tolerable.. I am still on the anitbiotics so I wonder if that is what makes every thing taste bad. Except S/F pudding. Sweet things taste OK. I am wanting something hot so I have been drinking herbal teas. Now, does any one have this swelling problem? Even with low sodium Soups? Should I just make my own? seems such a waste as I can eat/drink only 1 or 2 oz at a sitting.
The Experience was quite different. I really liked the care I recieved. If you choose Dr. Almanza. I would suggest the option of the hotel. I did not care for the recovery house. Here is why. rooms are small/tiny. no air conditioning. barking dogs outside. one shared bathroom upstairs. food is prepared down stairs for all. When you cannot eat that is hard to deal with. My hubby stayed there the two nights I was in the clinic/hospital. When I was to come out, he got us into the Hotel. I was concerned as I would not have a nurse, but, the fine staff brought me my meds and juices and teas and all was perfect. Hubby got American TV (baseball and football) He could go down stairs and get any food and drink he wanted. American newspapers, with sunday funnies. The Hotel provided free popsicles, soups, yogurts for me. Our room had two queen sized beds all soft and comfy. I had a table to sit and drink my meals, LOL. The hallway was safe/great to walk around for exercize. Walked at 12 and 2 AM one time, and, I got up to three times around before I left. The last night there I felt good enough to get dressed and go down for dinner. The Chef made me special Soup, chicken broth blended with mashed potatoes. It tasted yummy. I am sure that is where the sodium overload started, but I loved that soup, all 1/4 cup of the huge bowlful they gave me..God I am still food obsessed, LOL I am sure the staff at the house does all this also. The nurse from the Clinic that did my IV came to the hotel and removed my drain tube. He was so good. (thanks again Edgar) I also had Sevier (on staff at house) come and give me a massage. He is excellent. My back was hurting and my right leg was numb from laying on my back for so long, so, he was a pleasant relief. Could not talk Hubby into massage, heehee.

Overall my rating for the experience is an 8. (1 to 10) Here are my reasons for 2 points off. I would have liked to see the hand cleaning stations on the wall inside the rooms. I would have liked the appratias used to come in sealed bags that the nurses opened in front of me. I would have liked the nurses to put on gloves and dispose of them in my room. I wish the cleaning crew would come in after each shower and disinfect. I was lucky to be first both days. I hated (one full point off here) the drive clear across T.J to get the Xray Leak test done. yes, I understand the necessity, I still hated that dam trip.There was a parade outside the lab, so surreal.

I know some go shopping and do stuff on their 3rd day, just not for me. I was finally ready on the 5th day. Felt good and upbeat. Finally felt good about what I had done. Met a lady that was escorting two friends having sleeves. (Canadian) She was 7 months out and looks soo cute. She is 5'7 and 165ish, So I have revised my goal to that. It has been so long since I was a "normal" weight I did not have a realistic goal in my head. I was 240 at weigh in, but 245 when I left. All the liquid retension I guess. Dr. Almanza got snippy with me under surgery,....I am a Moley person lots of raised moles. He asked my hubby for permission and they removed 4 from my lower mid section. Love that. Extra stiches, but who cares? Thinking of that,,,, did any of you remove your own stiches? Did that go OK? Gotta do that on the 25th or so.:001_wub:

So, that is my experience. Great, positive and LOVED the staff/people I delt with.. My hubby even liked it. He got to talk with several couples and Dr's about this whole deal and got a MUCH better attitude towards my weight. He is much more supportive in a positive way, for that I am truly grateful.

If I need any futher surgery, IE: Tummy Tuck, etc. I would go back there. But, I would drive straight to the Hotel and be picked up from there. Marriot, TJ. Hope that does not turn anyone off to this deal, it is the best. The nurses I had were so darn caring and good at their jobs. Ricardo was my assigned personal support staff. He spoke very good english and tried very hard to accomdate all my wishes. It all went well for me, hope it does for you where ever you choose to go. Just do not be afraid to get-r-done.

Onward and Downward---weightwise:thumbdown:

I'm glad to hear you're okay! taking out the stitches was definitely an experience. I'm still not sure I removed them all.

Quest2lose · October 27, 2009

Was the hotel an option they offered you once you were there, or did you know about it before hand? Did it cost extra? Reason I ask, my Dad is going with me. I want to go alone, but the family has unified against me and the only way they are supporting Mexico is if Dad goes with me. I feel really bad for him, I am afraid he is going to be uncomfortable or bored. It sounds like the hotel would be better for him and okay for me. Let me know
Bill

Hello Bill. Harvey finally put his point of view up on the site, check it out.

WingRider · October 27, 2009

Hey Quest,

Just read Harvey's response, that was great thank him for me for doing that.

Bill

carolyn24seven · October 28, 2009

yes, getting them out was....um, not the best thing I have done in a while. I had a followup Dr. appt on the 11th day post with my Dermatologist. I asked him to remove the stiches I could not get. He was kind enough to do so. Still do not know if I got the last one in the main port line. ???? Go to my knee Dr. tda so will ask him for a little help too.

thinoneday · October 28, 2009

Wow, your experience sounds great! Yes stitches can be a bit of a challenge if you've not done them before! It's great to know that they (Mexico) do other things as well. . . ummm, after my sleeve and weight lose, if I have tons of loose skin, I may just head over there to be fixed! Thanks for that enlightenment. . . I think antibiotics can distort the taste buds a bit!. . .good luck, hope you find your new journey enjoyable. . . keep us posted on your losses.. . .