Re: Surgery on 09/16/11

[Guest guest]

My surgery is the 15th so I will be there!

I'm have those same feeling so I'm feeling you!

>

> Hello everybody....

>

> My surgery date is 09/16/11 and I'm so anxious, and can't hold my self,

> I'm extremally nervous, happy,emotional, o my gosh what a roller coaster of

feelings. I would like to know if someone else will be there from the 09/15 to

09/20. I'll travel by myself for the first time im my life!!! Also I would like

to ask the WLS " PRO'S " what should I buy for my liquid diet before I leave home?

and also what kind of vitamins should I buy? Please pray for me, I've beeing

overwheight my whole adult life and have plans to lose 120 lb.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I went by myself, and it was my choice to go alone. I promise you that you are going to be just fine! You really are NEVER alone. Ernesto will pick you up at the airport and most likely there will be other people who are going for WLS in the van too. This is a chance to get to know other. You ALL have the same thing in common. Ernesto is really fun and will point things out along they way. Tell him that Suzanne said Hi. Ernesto will take you to the hospital for your tests, then Ernesto takes you to the Hotel. Plan on getting together with the other for dinner. Another chance to talk some more--get to know these people. Then Ernesto picks you up in the morning and returns you to the hospital--they get you ready for surgery. You have your surgery and they take excellent care of you. When it is time to go home Ernest takes you back to the airport. This is going to be a life changing event for you. NEVER look back because it just keeps getting better each day. I will admit the first month is the hardest to do. Keep coming back to this board and asking questions telling us how you are feeling.

Before having the surgery it is quite normal to have all kinds of feelings and emotions. We have all had the very same ones that you are having. You are NOT unique in that you are scared, excited, happy, can't wait for it to happen,. You keep asking yourself are you doing the right thing, what will other think? Who cares what others think. This is ALL about YOU and NO one else. Don't allow anyone to bully you or make you feel ashamed about having WLS. There are a lot of people put there who are jealous and are NOT very educated when it comes to WLS. When the time is right you can start to tell them about what you have done and educated the uneducated people.

I am sending you some information on what to pack when you go to Mexicali for WLS. They are only suggestions.

Hugs,

Suzanne

Sleeved 10/21/2008

Lost 105 pounds.

Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves.

1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no water required—nothing difficult to swallow either.

2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry.

3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask.

4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs.

5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like.

6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases.

7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only r that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great.

I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home.

9. As far as money someone suggested I bring about $45.00 to $50.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali. I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home. I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might appreciate the cash as a gift. I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk. The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec.

10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home.

11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home.

12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage†and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery.

13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you wan I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink.

14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too.

15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips.

If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too.

Also adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home.

Suzanne

This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information

I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom.

I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack!

In a message dated 8/30/2011 11:23:35 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, silvaariane@... writes:

Hello everybody....My surgery date is 09/16/11 and I'm so anxious, and can't hold my self,I'm extremally nervous, happy,emotional, o my gosh what a roller coaster of feelings. I would like to know if someone else will be there from the 09/15 to 09/20. I'll travel by myself for the first time im my life!!! Also I would like to ask the WLS "PRO'S" what should I buy for my liquid diet before I leave home? and also what kind of vitamins should I buy? Please pray for me, I've beeing overwheight my whole adult life and have plans to lose 120 lb.

[Guest guest]

I will be there then - I am arriving on the 15th - is that when you're getting

into San Diego?

I had surgery (banded) with Dr. A in February - so this will be my second trip

to Mexicali.

I went alone my first time, too. Nothing to be worried about at all.

>

> Hello everybody....

>

> My surgery date is 09/16/11 and I'm so anxious, and can't hold my self,

> I'm extremally nervous, happy,emotional, o my gosh what a roller coaster of

feelings. I would like to know if someone else will be there from the 09/15 to

09/20. I'll travel by myself for the first time im my life!!! Also I would like

to ask the WLS " PRO'S " what should I buy for my liquid diet before I leave home?

and also what kind of vitamins should I buy? Please pray for me, I've beeing

overwheight my whole adult life and have plans to lose 120 lb.

>

[Guest guest]

My surgery date is also set for Sept 16th ! We can do it together !

[Guest guest]

You can do this...if I can, anyone can! I will be there the 14th - 18th. Just

focus on the goal and you will get through it! What surgery are you having?

Debra

>

> Hello everybody....

>

> My surgery date is 09/16/11 and I'm so anxious, and can't hold my self,

> I'm extremally nervous, happy,emotional, o my gosh what a roller coaster of

feelings. I would like to know if someone else will be there from the 09/15 to

09/20. I'll travel by myself for the first time im my life!!! Also I would like

to ask the WLS " PRO'S " what should I buy for my liquid diet before I leave home?

and also what kind of vitamins should I buy? Please pray for me, I've beeing

overwheight my whole adult life and have plans to lose 120 lb.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone

My name is and I just found this group a few minutes ago (thanks ).

I too am having my surgery on the 16th, arriving the 15th. I arrive at the San

Diego airport at 8:20 Frontier Airlines from CO and travelling alone too. We

will do this together!!!

See you soon

> >

> > Hello everybody....

> >

> > My surgery date is 09/16/11 and I'm so anxious, and can't hold my self,

> > I'm extremally nervous, happy,emotional, o my gosh what a roller coaster of

feelings. I would like to know if someone else will be there from the 09/15 to

09/20. I'll travel by myself for the first time im my life!!! Also I would like

to ask the WLS " PRO'S " what should I buy for my liquid diet before I leave home?

and also what kind of vitamins should I buy? Please pray for me, I've beeing

overwheight my whole adult life and have plans to lose 120 lb.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi !! Glad you found it!From: mbarkenbus <michelle@...> Sent: Wednesday, September 7, 2011 10:26 PMSubject: Re: Surgery on 09/16/11

Hi everyone

My name is and I just found this group a few minutes ago (thanks ).

I too am having my surgery on the 16th, arriving the 15th. I arrive at the San Diego airport at 8:20 Frontier Airlines from CO and travelling alone too. We will do this together!!!

See you soon

> >

> > Hello everybody....

> >

> > My surgery date is 09/16/11 and I'm so anxious, and can't hold my self,

> > I'm extremally nervous, happy,emotional, o my gosh what a roller coaster of feelings. I would like to know if someone else will be there from the 09/15 to 09/20. I'll travel by myself for the first time im my life!!! Also I would like to ask the WLS "PRO'S" what should I buy for my liquid diet before I leave home? and also what kind of vitamins should I buy? Please pray for me, I've beeing overwheight my whole adult life and have plans to lose 120 lb.

> >

>