Update on my surgery with Dr. Garcia!

[Rohler1520 119]

So here are some more details...and I had to laugh at loud at all my typos in the first post' date=' haha! I forgot to add that last night they brought me some sleeping medicine by request, I think you have to ask for it, they don't just bring it. It knocked me out...but it also gave me my first experience of the foamies. I guess I had to learn what a sip really is...when people say sip they literally mean like a tiny baby kitten. Was didn't vomit, but sure felt like I could. I had the same experience when I brushed my teeth this morning, even tough I didn't swallow anything. Started foaming really badly and then got some strong hiccups.

I did the upper GI earlier this morning which wasn't bad at all. You drink this clear sweet stuff. Don't be worried about it. If you can't finish the whole cup that's okay! Came back upstairs and have been doing laps in the wing ever 90 minutes. Come back to my rom and do breathing exercise and then take a nap . Quite the life, haha! They gave me ice chips around 1:30 which felt so Good on my dry tounge. And the heparin shot, which you barely feel, the needle is very tiny! They also give you levaquin through your IV to stave off any chance of infection. A few minutes ago they brought me three medicine cups of liquid (yeah!). One blue Gatorade, one iced tea, and one apple juice. I've only made it through about half of the Gatorade and I feel full. The nurse says that good, and just take my time with them. At this rate I will probably drink them all night!

I really can't say enough about how pleased I am with the care here. Everyone is SO nice. And if you need anything they come right in. I will be honest though, I am very friendly and polite too, so that might be helping as well. There hasn't been too much of a language barrier so far with any of the nurses, although some do speak much better English that others (my day nurse and I just finished a lengthy chat about our love of the show Glee if that gives you any indication )

My mom was also telling my dad how impressed she is with the care...she was very nervous initially. Speaking of phone calls...ach nurse station has a phone you can use anytime to make international calls. There is also an 800 number for the hospital that your friends and family can call and will be transferred to your room. Wifi is working great and I have been face timing multiple times a day with my husband and son back home. I'll be doing the blue dye test at 6 pm tonight and then drain comes out shortly there after. I will continue adding details as time goes on! Glad this helping everyone. Also user MikeRoss is here with me and he is doing great! He is on the 4th floor and I am n the 3rd, but they took me upstairs to check n m since he is traveling alone. He said "this whole surgery wasn't nearly as bad as he expected" and he to is very pleased with his care so far.[/quote']

Thank you for all the great details. Glad you're having a great experience. Can't wait till it's my turn. What and where has your mom been eating, besides the Breakfast at the hotel? Just wondering where our family members can eat.

[Armywife29 90]

Thank you for all the great details. Glad you're having a great experience. Can't wait till it's my turn. What and where has your mom been eating, besides the Breakfast at the hotel? Just wondering where our family members can eat.

She has been having some AMAZING meals at the cafe downstairs in the hospital. Yesterday she had a grilled chicken sandwich, potato salad, chips and a soda for $8.75. This morning she had scrambled eggs, ham, has browns, coffee and orange juice. And this evening she got stir fry chicken and vegetables over rice and a side salad. She said it was delicious, and she is a picky eater!

[Tim H. 168]

Glad to hear you're doing well. I really appreciate your updates. I'll be having my surgery with Dr Garcia on March 18. I have a couple questions. Is your mom staying in your hospital room with you? how comfortable is it for her? My mom will be accompanying me and I don't want her to be uncomfortable. Also how loud is it there at night? Would it be helpful to bring earplugs and a sleeping mask?

[AngelEyesInNJ 186]

Awe, I am glad to hear you are doing great. I had the same problem with the IV, they had to put it in when I was in the OR. I am loving the updates, keep them coming

Only thing that is weird is my sister and I were both able to use the wifi at the Marriott without extra charge. Also, when ordering I think if Mom mentions you guys are with Ready4Achange there is a 15 or 20% discount I think. I recall my sister mentioning something like that just know there is a discount.. I was sleeved on 11/8 so I don't think it would have changed.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[whatwillBwillB 7]

Hey everyone! I just wanted to update everyone on my experience so far. I know on the roll call there were some questions about the Marriott' date=' so I will start there. We arrived on 1/21 and everyone was very helpful, I DID opt to give them my credit card number to hold for incidentals, but I believe this was optional. My total bill for the first night was 27, and that included Internet for my mom (the complimentary code is only good for me device, and I wanted her to be able to use her iPad as well), my moms room service breakfast (13) of an omelet, fruit plate, toast, coffee, and orange juice, and my mom buying a soda from the mini bar later that night. I didn't think 27 was unreasonable for all that.

Make sure to bring lots of 1 & 5 for tipping bell man, room service, and drivers. I tipped the drivers 5 per trip and bell man 3, room service tips obviously depend on the amount of your bill. We were instructed to be in the lobby at 10:15 am on 1/22 to go to the hospital (MiDoctor). The shuttle was very punctual and it only took us about 5-7 minutes to get there. Once inside we came to the third floor administration to turn in paperwork and were brought to our rooms. I used Ready 4 a Change and Melissa was waiting for us as soon as we got here. She is adorable and EVERYONE has been so friendly and helpful!

The only bad thing was that they couldn't get my IV in...and tried twice which hurt like hell. But Dr. velasco said they would just do it in the ERnafter I was put to sleep (fine by me!). The phlebotomist who took my blood draw was VERY good. I barely felt the stick. And she wore latex gloves the entire time. All of the nurses have been wearing gloves and using the hand sanitizer at the nurses station, I have seen them use is before entering each room.

Dr. Cabrera was awesome! So warm and friendly...and good looking, great personality! We walked me through everything regarding anesthesia. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Champos were more amazing then I could have hoped for. They were both soooo nice and patient. Dr. Champos speaks slightly better English, but I had no trouble at all understanding Dr. Garcia.

They took me in for surgery at 3pm and I was back in my room by 5pm, after spending a while in OR recovery. It took a while for the grogginess from the anesthesia to wear off and I had a good bit of gas sitting in my chest between my breasts that was REALLY uncomfortable. Felt like an elephant was sitting there. I walked the wing twice last night which really helped! I started burping gas up almost immediately. And today I have very little to no gas pain.

One this I have noticed is that the nurses here are very respectful. My assigned night nurse Dania was quiet as a mouse when she came in throughout the night to changensalinenbags and pain meds. She quietly asked me ow I was doing sodas not to wake my mom or disturb me too much from my sleepiness. I really appreciated it.

I also was able to make it the bathroom to pee on my own several times through the night, which I took as a good sign. I woke up early this morning (7ish) and am feeling really really good. No pain really at all. Took a long walk around the wing and am now settled back in bed. Think I might take a nap and then they are going to come help me shower. Looks like I will be doing the upper GI later today and then they will start me on ice chips as lngmas that comes back clear!

I will be sure to keep everyone posted through this thread as the week progresses!

Lauren[/quote']

Thanks for these details! I will be there next week my surgery date feb 4th and this really helps! Congrats on taking this step and much luck in your new journey!

[Armywife29 90]

Glad to hear you're doing well. I really appreciate your updates. I'll be having my surgery with Dr Garcia on March 18. I have a couple questions. Is your mom staying in your hospital room with you? how comfortable is it for her? My mom will be accompanying me and I don't want her to be uncomfortable. Also how loud is it there at night? Would it be helpful to bring earplugs and a sleeping mask?

Yes, my mom is in the hospital room with me. She has her own bed, and has had no problems at all sleeping. I do recommend ear plugs and a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper. The hospital isn't noisy, but the traffic outside in the morning is, lots of honking horns and such. There is a window above the room door which lets in a good bit of light, I had no trouble sleeping but I can see how it would bother someone who likes it very dark to sleep.

[JeniM73 56]

Great posts. I'm happy that everything has gone so well. Your posts are very informative and have put my mind at ease, at least somewhat. I'm still so nervous but I think its more because I will be without my husband. It was nice of you to check on the other patient traveling alone. I'm scheduled for February 22nd. It can't get here fast enough. Keep posting and I hope you have a quick recovery.

[Beth Williams Jarvis 1]

I had my sugery on 1/14 also at Mi Hospitol with Dr Garcia, I had excellent care while at the hosp. and the hotel. I had trouble with my blood pressure being elevated after surgery & through the night but the dr, & nurses kept very close eye on it, gave me medication to bring it down and anxiety medication also. I had very good nurses but 2 special ones Samantha and Olga I just loved them. After returning to the hotel on thursday Dr Luna came to check on me that evening to double check my blood pressure, then returned in the am to remove my staples. I was very happy with all the services with Ready4Achange ! I have had small amount drainage from one of my incision upon my arrival home, Dr Luna has been in contact with me by email regarding this.

[Tim H. 168]

Beth, thanks for the update.

[scsleever 104]

Thanks, Beth. Your post really helps to put my mind at ease. I'm scheduled with Dr. Garcia on February 21st. I'll be on my own, so it's good to hear that you were well cared for.

[Timeforachange 15]

Thanks for all the details... I'm scheduled with Dr. Cabrera on Feb 9th. 2 weeks to go!

[mikeross 216]

Hello armywife29, so sorry I was unable to say goodbye to you and your adorable mother. After so many sleepless nights, it finally caught up to me Friday, I ended up sleeping all afternoon into the late evening. my journey home started at 8am the following morning. Just wanted to thank you and your mother for making the experience a little more comforting for a patient traveling alone. I felt a little at ease knowing you two where there while I was getting sleeved, I wish you the best and a speedy recovery.

[nurseghana 167]

Hey everyone! I just wanted to update everyone on my experience so far. I know on the roll call there were some questions about the Marriott' date=' so I will start there. We arrived on 1/21 and everyone was very helpful, I DID opt to give them my credit card number to hold for incidentals, but I believe this was optional. My total bill for the first night was 27, and that included Internet for my mom (the complimentary code is only good for me device, and I wanted her to be able to use her iPad as well), my moms room service Breakfast (13) of an omelet, fruit plate, toast, coffee, and orange juice, and my mom buying a soda from the mini bar later that night. I didn't think 27 was unreasonable for all that.

Make sure to bring lots of 1 & 5 for tipping bell man, room service, and drivers. I tipped the drivers 5 per trip and bell man 3, room service tips obviously depend on the amount of your bill. We were instructed to be in the lobby at 10:15 am on 1/22 to go to the hospital (MiDoctor). The shuttle was very punctual and it only took us about 5-7 minutes to get there. Once inside we came to the third floor administration to turn in paperwork and were brought to our rooms. I used Ready 4 a Change and Melissa was waiting for us as soon as we got here. She is adorable and EVERYONE has been so friendly and helpful!

The only bad thing was that they couldn't get my IV in...and tried twice which hurt like hell. But Dr. velasco said they would just do it in the ERnafter I was put to sleep (fine by me!). The phlebotomist who took my blood draw was VERY good. I barely felt the stick. And she wore latex gloves the entire time. All of the nurses have been wearing gloves and using the hand sanitizer at the nurses station, I have seen them use is before entering each room.

Dr. Cabrera was awesome! So warm and friendly...and good looking, great personality! We walked me through everything regarding anesthesia. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Champos were more amazing then I could have hoped for. They were both soooo nice and patient. Dr. Champos speaks slightly better English, but I had no trouble at all understanding Dr. Garcia.

They took me in for surgery at 3pm and I was back in my room by 5pm, after spending a while in OR recovery. It took a while for the grogginess from the anesthesia to wear off and I had a good bit of gas sitting in my chest between my breasts that was REALLY uncomfortable. Felt like an elephant was sitting there. I walked the wing twice last night which really helped! I started burping gas up almost immediately. And today I have very little to no gas pain.

One this I have noticed is that the nurses here are very respectful. My assigned night nurse Dania was quiet as a mouse when she came in throughout the night to changensalinenbags and pain meds. She quietly asked me ow I was doing sodas not to wake my mom or disturb me too much from my sleepiness. I really appreciated it.

I also was able to make it the bathroom to pee on my own several times through the night, which I took as a good sign. I woke up early this morning (7ish) and am feeling really really good. No pain really at all. Took a long walk around the wing and am now settled back in bed. Think I might take a nap and then they are going to come help me shower. Looks like I will be doing the upper GI later today and then they will start me on ice chips as lngmas that comes back clear!

I will be sure to keep everyone posted through this thread as the week progresses!

Lauren[/quote']

Wow I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time out to give me and all of us this information you really have shown me that I am making the right decision I wish you good luck

[Armywife29 90]

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update! We are in San Diego awaiting our flight hme now (flying first class! Yippee!). My recovery has gone SO smoothly! I feel very blessed to have had such an easy time of. I'm not sure if it's because I have had two previous abdominal surgeries or not (appendectomy and c-section) but I seem to have rebounded pretty quickly.

My drain site is almost all the way healed! They said it could take two weeks, but looks like it will only be about 6-7 days for me. I credit my very careful wound care once released from the hospital for this! I brought neosporin, a small bottle of antiseptic spray, and the extra large antibiotic band aids. I cleaned my wounds each day with dial antibacterial soap in the shower and then let them air dry. I kept my drain site covered in the shower because you don't want any Water eating in there and then uncovered immediately after getting out. Once the sites were dry I treated with neosporin and the spray. I also made sure to bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer. If nothing else PLEASE pack these items! They are very small, but can make a world of difference. Wound infection is Dr. garcias most common complication. They send you to the hotel with gauze and tape which is helpful, but no cleaning stuff.

As far as packing list, I packed VERY light...but still felt I overpacked. The items I used and brought were:

Clean underwear for each day

2 lounge sets (the loose pants and zip up jacket style) with clean tank top to wear underneath each day

One pair pajama pants, 2 pajama tops

Tennis shoes

Flip flops

Slippers

Gas X strips

Hygiene items (you don't meet much unless you are particular, they provide Shampoo and conditioner at both hotel and hospital). Definitely bring deodorant!

The stuff at the hotel is all bath and body works!

iPad and charger (FaceTime worked great, no need for cell phone really!)

3 soft bras, two sport style and one sleep bra

Small bag of makeup...just used foundation and mascara most days.

Ponytail holders! I didn't "do" my hair at all while I was there

And the wound care items I mentioned earlier

Also my PCP prescribed Nexium and that stuff has been a god send!

Light cotton robe (a must for the hospital!)

I wish I had brought a couple packets of crystal light (but only like 2 because you really won't be able to drink much at all)

I also brought a larger 24 oz tervis cup which I used a lot for sipping, the kind with travel lid.

Hope this helps! This really was all I needed and used. I only wore the hospital gown, robe and slippers while I was at MiDoctor.

[Rohler1520 119]

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update! We are in San Diego awaiting our flight hme now (flying first class! Yippee!). My recovery has gone SO smoothly! I feel very blessed to have had such an easy time of. I'm not sure if it's because I have had two previous abdominal surgeries or not (appendectomy and c-section) but I seem to have rebounded pretty quickly.

My drain site is almost all the way healed! They said it could take two weeks' date=' but looks like it will only be about 6-7 days for me. I credit my very careful wound care once released from the hospital for this! I brought neosporin, a small bottle of antiseptic spray, and the extra large antibiotic band aids. I cleaned my wounds each day with dial antibacterial soap in the shower and then let them air dry. I kept my drain site covered in the shower because you don't want any Water eating in there and then uncovered immediately after getting out. Once the sites were dry I treated with neosporin and the spray. I also made sure to bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer. If nothing else PLEASE pack these items! They are very small, but can make a world of difference. Wound infection is Dr. garcias most common complication. They send you to the hotel with gauze and tape which is helpful, but no cleaning stuff.

As far as packing list, I packed VERY light...but still felt I overpacked. The items I used and brought were:

Clean underwear for each day

2 lounge sets (the loose pants and zip up jacket style) with clean tank top to wear underneath each day

One pair pajama pants, 2 pajama tops

Tennis shoes

Flip flops

Slippers

Gas X strips

Hygiene items (you don't meet much unless you are particular, they provide Shampoo and conditioner at both hotel and hospital). Definitely bring deodorant!

The stuff at the hotel is all bath and body works!

iPad and charger (FaceTime worked great, no need for cell phone really!)

3 soft bras, two sport style and one sleep bra

Small bag of makeup...just used foundation and mascara most days.

Ponytail holders! I didn't "do" my hair at all while I was there

And the wound care items I mentioned earlier

Also my PCP prescribed Nexium and that stuff has been a god send!

Light cotton robe (a must for the hospital!)

I wish I had brought a couple packets of crystal light (but only like 2 because you really won't be able to drink much at all)

I also brought a larger 24 oz tervis cup which I used a lot for sipping, the kind with travel lid.

Hope this helps! This really was all I needed and used. I only wore the hospital gown, robe and slippers while I was at MiDoctor.[/quote']

Thanks that is very helpful