What is the Emmanuelle/Jerusalem clinic like?

[2b4me 0]

Hi and Thanks very much for your post.

I'm glad to know you as well as CynCyn will be there and I really look forward to meeting you.

What do you think about yesterday's posts about Jerusalem?

[carolyn24seven 11]

Thanks very much for your replies! I've learned alot about what I should have to maximize comfort levels:

1. pre-op diet to detoxify, clean out digestive system and reduce glycogen in liver

2. heat source: heat pad and microwaveable heat wrap

3. gas-X

4. appropriate Spanish to ask for pain meds (Necesito la medicaci?n de dolor por favor)

5. warm, loose clothing

6. slippers

7. antiseptic spray and Purell-similar stuff

8. something to read or similar

I'm going alone so it will be great to meet up with CynCyn! And, I have to stay in San Diego for 2 nights before I can get back to the Island. I think I'll be all right on my own for that time.

Good luck to us that are going to have the surgery. And, I hope everyone has a joyful recovery.

I will make a suggestion here. ONLY since you are going to have to stay 2 extra nights before you go home.

Instead of staying in SanDiego, Stay in TiaJuana at the Marriot. Dr. B can get you a GREAT rate (about $80) The staff there is very used to WLS clients. Your room charge covers your food. Teas popcyles, Soups. TV in english. Have Sevier come over and give you a massage. You will feel very secure there I walked the halls anytime I was awake, in my jammies and robe. NEVER a problem or did I feel "out of place". The staff at the Hotel was soooo nice to me. My last night there I went to the dining room for dinner, they treated me like a Queen. I am sure Dr. B will help you with the arrangements. He is a dream to have on your side!

One other thing to add to your list of things to take. extra panties. and pads. You will want to change often. My Bag was at the recovery house. Darn it. My Husband thought to bring my toothbursh and paste, but, he could not remember to bring my jammies and undergarments. So, for the two days in the hospt, I was in hospt gown and hand washing my panties. haha now. not so fun then. minor inconvience, but, one that can be avoided.

Hope you have a great experience.

I did.

[2b4me 0]

Hi and Thanks very much for your post.

I'm glad to know you as well as CynCyn will be there and I really look forward to meeting you.

What do you think about yesterday's posts about Jerusalem?

[Jayciejay 0]

Hello There 2B4Me!

I just had my surgery on Jan 11. I am home now doing great. The most important thing I would suggest is take a carry on bag with or instead of Luggage. I packed my bag with all my necessities for a comfy trip. I arrived in San Diego my luggage never did. I have been home for 2 days now and still no luggage. So if you are able to take a carry on.... DO IT! LOL! The staff is great I had no problems communicating my needs to them. If you are concerned bring your laptop and you can google a translator. We found that out after we were at the recovery house. As for the Pain.... Perhaps I am a lucky one but I had no pain whatsoever after the surgery. There are gas bubbles which make it uncomfortable but the more you move around the quicker they go away. I threw up a few times but that is only because I said " No I never get sick from anesthetic" LOL. Murphy's law I guess. The facility is clean and bright. The doctor comes in daily to check and see how you are doing. They really go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable. I would recommend this facillity and the surgeon to anyone who asked.

[2b4me 0]

Hi! How are things in Fort Mac? I'm a born and raised Albertan!

How are you feeling? I hope all is great with you.

Thanks very much for the tips. And, yes! the carry-on is a must.

It's also so helpful that you spoke of the post surgery experiences to remind me of what can happen after anaesthetic -- yep, I checked that box too!

Could you please tell me, how did you feel after you left the recovery house and flying home? How much were you able to walk? Were you very sore? I ask because my plan is to walk and sit through San Diego Seaworld after I leave TJ. What do you think, please?

Thanks so much for your post(s)!

Cheryl

[Jayciejay 0]

Hello!

Things are usual in Fort Mac.. Work Work Work, not to mention Cold Cold Cold. LOL!

I felt great from the get go. The day after the surgery I was a bit uncomfortable from gas bubbles. But nothing I couldn't handle. I was able to walk around no prob after that. Each person is different though so you will have to judge that the day of your excursion. I wouldn't carry much more than your wallet and a bottle of Water though.

As for the flight home. I was exhausted. 18 hrs later I arrived home. Ask the flight attendant for the belt extender if you need it... it helps. Also see if Dr Betancourt will give your group a letter stating you had surgery and let the attendants know as soon as they showup to do preboard. Most times they will see if you can get a seat to yourself or at least nobody between you. That way you can stretch out a bit more to be comfortable. In the airports check to see if they have a juice booth because you can get a smoothie with protien powder added to give you an extra boost. Try to get one without yogurt though as you are going to be on Clear liquids. If not Walmart sells the protien to go by the biggest loser that doesn't taste to bad with COLD Water.< /p>

Don't hesitate to ask anything else. Talk to you soon!

[WingRider 1]

I just pulled up my shirt at the gate and they gave me a medical preboard pass with no issues. Still a full flight and I was next to someone, but at least I was in the front of the plane and got off quick.

Bill

Hello!

Things are usual in Fort Mac.. Work Work Work, not to mention Cold Cold Cold. LOL!

I felt great from the get go. The day after the surgery I was a bit uncomfortable from gas bubbles. But nothing I couldn't handle. I was able to walk around no prob after that. Each person is different though so you will have to judge that the day of your excursion. I wouldn't carry much more than your wallet and a bottle of Water though.

As for the flight home. I was exhausted. 18 hrs later I arrived home. Ask the flight attendant for the belt extender if you need it... it helps. Also see if Dr Betancourt will give your group a letter stating you had surgery and let the attendants know as soon as they showup to do preboard. Most times they will see if you can get a seat to yourself or at least nobody between you. That way you can stretch out a bit more to be comfortable. In the airports check to see if they have a juice booth because you can get a smoothie with protien powder added to give you an extra boost. Try to get one without yogurt though as you are going to be on Clear Liquids. If not Walmart sells the protien to go by the biggest loser that doesn't taste to bad with COLD Water.< /p>

Don't hesitate to ask anything else. Talk to you soon!

[2b4me 0]

Bill, that definitely is a classic WLS move! Good for you! :thumbup1:

Yes! Asking for consideration on the flight home is a great idea!

Janet, 18 hours? You poor thing. No wonder you were exhausted. Did you drive home from Edmonton?

I will be up by 3.30 a.m. to get off the Island at 6.00 a.m., getting to SD by noon. I know my surgery will be in the evening so it will be a very long day. On the way back, I'll be at the airport for noon and then I don't get back to the Island until after 11.00 p.m. I hope I am able to do as well as you did, Janet.

I'll have Water and clear Protein to put in it. But, no SF popsicles. It would be great if I could find SF Freezies that I could take down and get frozen in the SD hotel. Hmmm, I wonder if I could make SF Freezies? Use the vacuum sealer and its bags, filled with sf ice tea? crystal light?

4 more sleeps....:smile:

[momof6 0]

I am so happy that I found this forum/blog. I am new to this stuff but I wanted to share that I am scheduled for surgery on Feb. 16. I can't wait. I have learned a lot from reading everyones post's and the suggestions have been very helpful! I have had the best experiance so far with all of the staff at Jerusalem clinic. I was wondering if anyone can help me, I was wondering where in Tijuana is the clinic and the recovery house? My husband is coming with me who speaks fluent spanish but he wants to drive so I wanted to check out where the house and the clinic are for his benefit. I look forward to reading and learning more from everyone. :001_smile:

[carolyn24seven 11]

I am so happy that I found this forum/blog. I am new to this stuff but I wanted to share that I am scheduled for surgery on Feb. 16. I can't wait. I have learned a lot from reading everyones post's and the suggestions have been very helpful! I have had the best experiance so far with all of the staff at Jerusalem clinic. I was wondering if anyone can help me, I was wondering where in Tijuana is the clinic and the recovery house? My husband is coming with me who speaks fluent spanish but he wants to drive so I wanted to check out where the house and the clinic are for his benefit. I look forward to reading and learning more from everyone. :001_smile:

Hi, the guest house and old clinic are not far from the Marriot. THere is plenty of parking there, and the staff driver could pick you up there. You can get driving instructions from map Quest or Marriot for that matter. I know there is not much room for parking at the guest house. I do not know about the parking at the new Hospital, at the old one there was 0 parking. Good luck getting answers.:thumbup1:

[FabBy50 0]

I would call your coordinator and get the addresses that way you can Mapquest them and give you a better idea!

We look forward to hearing all about your trip!

QUOTE=momof6;29124]I am so happy that I found this forum/blog. I am new to this stuff but I wanted to share that I am scheduled for surgery on Feb. 16. I can't wait. I have learned a lot from reading everyones post's and the suggestions have been very helpful! I have had the best experiance so far with all of the staff at Jerusalem clinic. I was wondering if anyone can help me, I was wondering where in Tijuana is the clinic and the recovery house? My husband is coming with me who speaks fluent spanish but he wants to drive so I wanted to check out where the house and the clinic are for his benefit. I look forward to reading and learning more from everyone. :001_smile:

[momof6 0]

Thanks for the info! I did ask my coordinator and she didn't have "an exact address as Mexico addresses aren't really on the map". I will try Marriott! I can't wait to get on post surgery and tell "MY" story!! Thanks everyone for sharing!

Rachelle

[Tiffykins 673]

I would not recommend this clinic, I was there for the lap band and had severe complications, and they did not know what to do and I begged them to take me to San Diego Hospital and they would not.They let me lay there for six days unable to swallow my own silva. I was in severe pain and they did nothing to help me. To make a long story short, they had placed the wrong size band in the wrong place. I was there for several weeks and noticed the assembly line of rushed procedures, and my room at the recovery house was filthy, there was dust on the fan blades 2 inches thick. The floors were very dirty, cause my socks were black. Most people aren't there long enough to get the full picture. I spent two weeks and had 2 procedures that became very infected all wounds opened up while I was there. They only have small heaters and the little heaters kept blowing fuses every night. I had a hard time finding a Doctor in the States to help me, I had to have emergency surgery and had the lap band removed, the infection had spread through out my body. I am still not out of the woods.

I'm so sorry to hear of your experience. Hopefully, you'll get fully recovered, and if you need anything let us know if we can help.

[bkind 1]

I would not recommend this clinic, I was there for the lap band and had severe complications, and they did not know what to do and I begged them to take me to San Diego Hospital and they would not.They let me lay there for six days unable to swallow my own silva. I was in severe pain and they did nothing to help me. To make a long story short, they had placed the wrong size band in the wrong place. I was there for several weeks and noticed the assembly line of rushed procedures, and my room at the recovery house was filthy, there was dust on the fan blades 2 inches thick. The floors were very dirty, cause my socks were black. Most people aren't there long enough to get the full picture. I spent two weeks and had 2 procedures that became very infected all wounds opened up while I was there. They only have small heaters and the little heaters kept blowing fuses every night. I had a hard time finding a Doctor in the States to help me, I had to have emergency surgery and had the lap band removed, the infection had spread through out my body. I am still not out of the woods.

I'm so sorry for your trouble...who was your surgeon? How were they able to keep you there against your will? Did you have famiy there to help? What did Dr. B do? Who was your coordinator.. Did you report this to them? I'm very interested to know this...I hope you get well soon.

[2b4me 0]

I'm very sorry things did not go well for you and I wish you only the best and fastest of recoveries.

I know you're not feeling well and I'd bet you're not really feeling up to complaining to your coordinator and Dr B. But, this is what you must do. And, I hope you communicated all issues loud and clear to everyone while you were there.

It's good that you've posted your experience so others can read it and ask questions of you and the coordinators there.

Again, I wish you the very best.