My Trip To Mexico For My Gastric Sleeve Surgery

[Shoppingbeemom 31]

I was picked up at a meeting point outside of the San Diego airport, along with the other people who were having surgery that day. We greeted each other and asked what procedures we each were having. We also got to meet the people coming back and they reassured us of there time there. It was a breeze getting into Mexico. We all had our passport, but no one had to give them to anyone. I did see the Mexico military with guns, however they looked non-chulante about it all. We drove through the city until we came to a strip mall. It had the clinic, a pant store, and a negligee store. We joked about going there and getting nighties after we hit our goal weight. There is also a Cost co behind the clinic, I can't remember what else may be there. The clinic is small, but very clean. We were immediately put into surgical booties so to not bring in dirt. They asked us to each fill out a form and for ID ( to make sure who paid for the surgery got their surgery ). They then took our blood in a room off the entry area. The only other doors is to the 1/4 bath ( very small ) and to the stairway. Usually they do the surgeries from lightest to heaviest, however I elected to have Dr. Lara do my eyes at the same time, so I was last to have my surgery. I was asked up stairs and they showed me my room. There were two beds in every room up stairs ( some people are in rooms downstairs ). They gave hospital gown and wrapped my legs, and put in a IV, while I waited to get my EKG by a very nice older Dr., who smiled often and spoke English slowly, but accurately. Dr Almanza came and told what to expect and was very nice, then Dr. Lara came and explained what he would be doing and how to care for my eyes after the surgery. My nurse then came to get me for the surgery, which was downstairs. I climb up on the surgical table, It had arm areas in which they asked me to lay my arms. Then I was out. I woke up and they asked me to sit up for awhile, then I walked back upstairs ( with my nurse ) and back into bed. I have had issues with anesthesia before when I had my hysterectomy. I hadn't said anything to Dr. Almanza about it because I didn't connect vomiting to be from the anesthesia in my previous surgery ( I thought I was getting sick from the pain after my hysterectomy ). I connected the dots as I was starting to dry heave. With in seconds a nurse was there to help me, all night long a nurse would be there the minute I sat up to get sick and would help me. I did not get that kind of service in the states and I was very much impressed on how well they took care of me. By the way I also counted them mopping the floor that one night 3 times. The next day we all got up and got dressed to go to the recovery house. At this point I had a drain in me and had to hang it on my loose lounge wear pants. We went to a secured town house where we meet a nurse, a cook,and a housekeeper. We were given a bed and I went right to sleep ( I forgot to tell you, your driver picks up your luggage at the meeting point and you don't have to lift it until you get back in the airport ). They gave me the medicine when I needed it and offered otter pops and broth. I met with people who had surgeries before me ( 2 of them were in the medical field ) and they were very perky and went shopping. The next day we had a leak test, you drink awful stuff at the house, then when they go to take your xray you have to chug more awful stuff that made me and 2 others hurl ( it gave one woman the runs, so she rinsed herself off at the xray clinic and wrapped a sweater around her waist). I opted to purchase the xray. We then went back to the surgical clinic where Dr. Almanza checked each xray and a few people did an endorsement for his web site. We went back to the house and met more people who have just had their surgery. I took a small nap and latter went shopping ( if you like the old fashion haggle this if FUN! ) The next day was the day to leave. They collected the luggage and we went to wards the airport. Going back into the U.S. they took our passports and we waited till the officials gave them back. personally I thought there would be a bigger deal, at least a face to face. We drove to the airport, they gave us our luggage and we were on our way. I stayed at the Hampton hotel at the beginning and the ending of my trip because I don't live in the area. In the San Diego area I went to the museums and had fun. I would recomend Dr. Almanza.I hope this is helpful.

[nousername 6]

I was glad to read your post. My surgery is scheduled for Jan 15 with Dr. Almanza. He was recommended by a dear friend of mine who went down in Oct for the vertical sleeve.

Thanks so much~!

[Shoppingbeemom 31]

You're welcome, have a great time!