NEW NAME? "Sleeved in Seattle"

[Ruby 26]

I am so grateful that you have written all this.. my surgery is next week.. and i am feeling better about it.. thank you so much for being candid and sharing..

Ruby

Blast! My post must have been too long so it cut of the part where we were transported to the hotel.

Nothing much surgery related there. We stayed at the Lucerna and it was very nice...both restaurants had impressive menus and maybe one day I'll return and get to taste. My father said they had the BEST Breakfast buffet he's ever partaken of. He paid about $17 US dollars....

Lorenzo, the porter speaks extremely good English and was very gracious.

I was visited by Dr. Kelly who reviewed my Xray and geekily talked too much about his techniques which are modeled after the French. I'm just gonna say what I said to him. "There are some things a woman doesn't want to know, Dr. Kelly." I am so freaking modest, I had a hard time looking him in the eye.

Trish took us to Revolucion Street which is really an organized tourist trap. I loved it. I bartered and bought a couple souvenirs for my family and a beautiful pair of Louie Vitton knock-off sunglasses. lol

Our room overlooked the main round-about and thoroughfare out front of the hotel. I think it was more dynamic than a poolside accomodation because we were lucky enough to be in town during the weekend that Mexico won its 2nd World Championship in Soccer which was followed by lots of radical drivers, honking horns, hanging out of doors and windows...all flying huge Mexican flags. There was also a large international Marathon that's course ran right past our hotel. It was prime spectator seating!

Ricardo called on Sunday to arrange for departure times. Mondays are notoriously busy at the border as many people are returning to work, so we allowed 2 hours to cross and another 2 hours for security at the airport. Probably in large part to all the revelry and celebrations of the night before, we made it from the hotel to U.S. soil in 38 minutes.

San Diego airport is amazingly easy to navigate and in under 10 minutes, we had made it from the curb, through security and to our gate. Delighted, we were able to get seats on an earlier flight and arrived home 2 hours early!

I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I'm so grateful to be this side of the surgery...but it went absolutely smoothly and better, FAR better than I could have expected. Anyone thinking of doing this...if you have any questions that I didn't answer about something, please feel free to ask. I wish you all the best and am eager to move forward with my second chance!! God bless you all, Susan.

[SeattleSue 25]

I am so grateful that you have written all this.. my surgery is next week.. and i am feeling better about it.. thank you so much for being candid and sharing..

Ruby

Thanks Ruby, It's very gratifying to know it was helpful. I spent a lot of time in the hall in my junrior high years for talking too much

[Alice 0]

I'm home! I'm home! Oh, it's so good.... Well, I promised details and I won't sugar coat it but I want to start by saying: I have no pain (except for the first day...) and was up and walking within hours of surgery, have no nausea or reflux. I'm drinking 40+ oz of Water, some broth, and eating Jello with no problem. I have NO hunger. I've been walking 1/2 mile or more per day.... If I woke up with amnesia and someone told me I had major surgery on Thursday, I'd say, "Liar."

RECAP: I'm a self pay, Mexico patient. My story "sleeve" story started about six weeks ago when I begrudgingly attended a WL Seminar to hear about the 'band'. I went thinking maybe things had improved and maybe, just maybe it was time to reconsider getting the band. Then, the clouds parted and heavenly music played~~Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Wow. Shiny. Must know more...

Fast forward to July 6. I fly out, San Diego bound with my dad in tow (resume includes lots of Mexico experience, big guy--big arms, street smart). I'm 43 and 19 years married with teens. So, there is no hang-up about hubby not being with me...he's just not the best choice for me because he cannot stand to not understand what's going on. Mexico is not conducive to making my baby a calm companion. No harm, no foul...he is happy to stay with the kids on this trip!

Before we hit the gate, Ricardo (our driver) is on the phone finding out if we are curbside yet. We agree to call as soon as we are...and sure enough, 2 minutes later we are safely ensconced in the silver Honda Civic, weaving our way toward the border. Ricardo speaks EXCELLENT English and is very knowledgable of the whole "sleeved in Mexico" process. He probably picks-up and delivers most of Dr. Kelly's patients...and he also runs for another. Anyway...all that to say that he is an excellent source of info, he's got the Doc's on speed dial, and is professional in that he calls ahead to confirm details with you. Good guy! As a side note, if you mention the theory that chewing gum is NOT allowed because it causes your stomach to make and release stomach juices/acids, he will have to pay me a royalty. So I appreciate your help there.

Arrive florence Clinic and are met by Trish as Ricardo delivers us to the reception area. The bldg. looks just as pictured on the exterior, the garden/courtyard is nice. I would liken the reception area to a 'nice' office or professional bldg. That changes as we are led to our room in the back corridor. The impression is less professional office and more motel. It's clean and you'll have everything you need, but really...it's like a motel room with surplus hospital furnishings.

I'm given yet another health history form by the head nurse, Jessica. She speaks very good English also. Trish is a bubbly joy, Dr. Kellly is quiet and trying to greet me and give instruction/answer questions, Jessica the head nurse is speaking rapid spanish to a trio of nurses, and things are frankly, CHAOS. Everything happening at once. I found it amusing that no one respects that the Dr. is speaking and everyone has their own agenda. It feels like I'm standing on some trading floor. Eventually Trish and Dr. Kelly leave...and I'm left filling out the health history form that Jessica was requiring.

There is some discussion about whether I will or will not have labs tonight, the people have gone...then they are there...then I am getting my IV so they can kill 2 birds with one stone. Take blood, get I.V. si? hahahha Let's just say that I am one of those that has to hydrate well before having blood drawn. So, as Maria (not so good English...Ok, virtually none) is trying to find a vein in my right hand, I'm suggesting she try my left as I am right handed and will need that hand for things. Important things, like wiping my butt? OK...I know that there is one or more of you out there that are worried about the 'bathroom logistics/gymnastics' of dealing with hygiene will having several incisions in your belly. Am I right?

Maria can't locate a vein by touch and understands enough of what I'm saying to move to the left hand. After about 10 minutes, she decides she needs to find someone 'to help' si? Si!

In about 2 minutes, Maria returns with 2 other nurses. Oh great, this one is NOT listening to my suggestion of 'left hand please' and Maria cutely tries to convey the same message. NOPE, guess the boss has arrived. She massages my hand for about 10 minutes and is pumping the 'ball' of my thumb. She's in. I have half a roll of tape now on my right hand holding this fragile accomplishment in place. Bathroom issues are now raging in my head as, gulp, I have also started my period that morning. OMG This is NOT going to be OK. Si? NADA!

-----I gotta take a break and go to bed. I'm tired after my trip today and need to take a shower! A loooooooooooooong shower followed by a looooooooooooong sleep in my own bed. I'll finish tomorrow.

[Alice 0]

Omg you are awesome writer!! I am getting sleeved on sept :-) thanks for all your help/ laughs..keep us posted on your journey :-) I am having a hard time with anemia my levels are at 5.6 :-0 I am on steer blood and boosting me up fast!!:-/ I am seeing a blood specialist in town at the cancer clinic !! What did you eat for the pre opt diet ?

[SeattleSue 25]

Omg you are awesome writer!! I am getting sleeved on sept :-) thanks for all your help/ laughs..keep us posted on your journey :-) I am having a hard time with anemia my levels are at 5.6 :-0 I am on steer blood and boosting me up fast!!:-/ I am seeing a blood specialist in town at the cancer clinic !! What did you eat for the pre opt diet ?

Hi Alice,

My Ferritin (?) was very low 6-7, but it was the hemoglobin count my surgeon was concerned with. I took Iron gluconate (OTC) 325 mg twice a day (one in the morning for about 2 weeks, then I added a second at night when I was adjusted to the first).

As for pre-op, my surgeons plan was this:

2 weeks prior 2 to 3 Protein shakes per day (min 15 grms Protein per drink)

dinner - salad with small amount of protein (ie., fish or chicken)

3 Day's prior Clear liquids only: Water, broth, SF Jello, Tea, Decaf coffee (no creamer), juice (apple or cranberry)

12 hours prior NO food or drink

[Alice 0]

Thanks sue for your help! My hemoglobin is low as well !! I want to start with my preop stuff to loose a bit before I start( just to feel healthy) . I need to get my hemoglobin up I am taking extra B12 and pro ferrin !! Did you have a hard time with the liquids only? I am scared to pay all that money and not loose any weight:-( that would be my luck!! I can't seem to loose more then 5 pounds :-0 I am praying that it works for me( the sleeve) :-) thanks for your help

[Alice 0]

Thanks sue for your help! My hemoglobin is low as well !! I want to start with my preop stuff to loose a bit before I start( just to feel healthy) . I need to get my hemoglobin up I am taking extra B12 and pro ferrin !! Did you have a hard time with the liquids only? I am scared to pay all that money and not loose any weight:-( that would be my luck!! I can't seem to loose more then 5 pounds :-0 I am praying that it works for me( the sleeve) :-) thanks for your help

[mommy2six 2]

Thank you so much for telling it all. I am researching different doctors in order to have the VSG surgery and you have helped me a lot. I was wondering about Dr. Kelly--he does has the cheapest rate out there and I was wondering what the "catch" was. Do you have his website? And most importantly if you had to do it all over again would you choose to go back to Dr. Kelly? It is hard trying to decide what Dr. to go with. Also what kind of post-op care do you need when you get home? Can this be done by my PCP? Thanks!

[Miss Hope 1]

Your story has me excited for my own surgery in 23 days! Thank you so much for sharing and I can't wait to hear more stories as you travel this journey!

[SeattleSue 25]

Thank you so much for telling it all. I am researching different doctors in order to have the VSG surgery and you have helped me a lot. I was wondering about Dr. Kelly--he does has the cheapest rate out there and I was wondering what the "catch" was. Do you have his website? And most importantly if you had to do it all over again would you choose to go back to Dr. Kelly? It is hard trying to decide what Dr. to go with. Also what kind of post-op care do you need when you get home? Can this be done by my PCP? Thanks!

Price (at least low-bidder) was never a consideration in my look for a surgeon, so I'd be surpised to hear he is the least. I paid $6,100 because of my BMI/additional testing and an extra night (which was my choice to arrive the night prior). Anyway, I would do it all again and infact, think I may be travelling with a girlfriend in August so that she can also be sleeved. This is sort of "new" to her, so I am encouraging her to do her research for herself.

[mommy2six 2]

Price (at least low-bidder) was never a consideration in my look for a surgeon, so I'd be surpised to hear he is the least. I paid $6,100 because of my BMI/additional testing and an extra night (which was my choice to arrive the night prior). Anyway, I would do it all again and infact, think I may be travelling with a girlfriend in August so that she can also be sleeved. This is sort of "new" to her, so I am encouraging her to do her research for herself.

Thanks! That is what I needed to know! Price is kind of a consideration for me but more importantly is the Dr. --so far Dr. Kelly is the cheapest (with the most creditials). Thanks for your response. I have been researching Dr's since May of this year.

[Julie76 251]

I laughed so hard I had people coming in my office to see what I was doing! I'm really happy for you and you have a wonderful attitude.

[LiLi 4]

Wow! I'm so happy you're doing so well. I agree with the others that you have a true flair fo writing. I couldn't wait to read the next post. I hope your recovery continues to go well.

[SeattleSue 25]

Hahahaha Julie...thank you. This was good timing to revisit the post as I just returned from Tijuana for a second time. I travelled as a companion this time for my very good friend who just got sleeved by Dr. Kelly too!

I am so glad I wrote this too, because my girlfriend new EXACTLY what to expect at every step. I think just about all of us are paranoid about sending monies to foreign countries and most certainly, putting your life in the hands of someone you've never met face-to-face... No bragging, but it takes a pretty courageous person to cross the border to do something like this!! I obviously had those, "are you out of your stinkin' mind" moments! Because we did not go through any broker (i.e., American Coordinator) because my friend was my referral, there were some bugs to work out as far as finding the most efficient payment process, etc....but it all worked out wonderfully. My girlfriend, knowing my experience...didn't have all those concerns that others may have had, not knowing a real patient who had lived to tell their story! hahaha

Dr. Kelly is building a private practice after having left a very successful career at the beautiful Angeles Hospital. Things aren't "super slick" using Trish...at least not from a "polish" aspect...but they are working out some procedural things and what IS impressive, is the personal care that you receive. Trish now physically works for and has an office at florence Hospital. I come to think of her a friend of the family. She's a remarkable woman.

Anyway, my friends trip was almost identical to mine...her recovery was also exceptional and we were laying poolside at the Lucerna when she looks at me and confesses..."I feel so good! Part of me actually thought you were lying about how good you felt!!" Hey, what are friends for!! teeheee

As a newly sleeved patient myself, I was a little concerned about what I would eat; especially since I need to focus on Protein and I'm a woman. I'm not so brave (or stupid) to go wondering off campus by myself in search of food. I was fully prepared to live on Jerkey and cheese sticks...but not to worry, I was driven anywhere I needed. Trish took me to Breakfast and I had a fantastic Chili cheese Omelette...she took me to market so I could get cottage cheese, yogurt, Pork rinds and anything else my little tummy desired. She was wonderful. We had a blast..

It's funny...Dr. Kelly is the only other person besides my family who gets away with calling me Susie.

As a side note, when you book directly through Trish (which I had also done...but paid by credit card through the other coordinator...), you are picked up by a professional driving service. The driver meets you at baggage claim and has a sign with your name on it. This is for those that read my story...I just wanted to update you, because I expected something else, not realizing that because I had used the other website merely to make my deposit (I never spoke to them or ever had contact with them) they did arrange some of the details and apparently were paid the booking fee. Going directly through Trish, there are some minor differences, but I would call them improvements. Before, I wasn't processed at the border as a medical patient, this time we were and were expedited through a MUCH shorter line of cars.

[dawnr 16]

Susan, I enjoyed your story it was so very vivid. I laughed at so many of your experiences and was almost jealous I couldn't relate with something funny from my own sleeve surgery. I had mine done in Colorado in a "perfect American" hospital...boring by comparison.

You should indeed write a story of your life, anything you write when expressed as you did in the story of your sleeve surgery would surely be a best seller. You are a very talented writer. I am glad all went well and your are home and looking forward to your second chance at life. Please keep writing with more information as you go thru the trials finding new foods and new ideas of how to eat. Thanks again for the great laughs.