April surgery... my story

First and foremost , I cannot give enough credit to Dr. Rod and his staff. I feel that they have saved my life. I am already make great progress and informing everyone I meet about the wonderful care I recieved and information that was given to me. I also want to thank Barbara for all her assistance in my journey. My journey has been very long in trying to get wls. I finally decided to do it in Mexico in April after hearing of the wonderful experiences from prior patients. I contacted Barbara and it was a go-go situation. I started on my way down to Texas via a long car ride. We started out early on April 17th, due to my grandfather being in the hospital. We got to Texas late that evening and decided to stay in a hotel. Before we reached the hotel we got a horrible phone call that my grandfather had passed away. This was bad news and made the situation even harder because I had my mother and my brother with me. I was prepared for the worse just in case my mother had to fly back home. The next morning I contacted Barbara and she was so awesome in assisting my mother and I in getting a flight from Texas to Indiana so that my mother could be with the family in making arrangements. My brother and I were going to stay and drive back. April 18th we got to Barbara's house and she then drove us to Del Rio. The hotel was nice and then we hopped over the boarder for a wonderful dinner. It was beautiful. I was so pleased with how everything was going despite my grandfather passing. Then back to the hotel for the night. I know that I was going to have blood work and my veins are tricky so I made sure to drink lots of water that evening. April 19th I woke up and took a shower. I concentrated on washing my stomach with antibacterial soap for at least 5 minutes. I always like to overdo things so I washed it 2 times for 10 minutes. Better safe than sorry. Then making sure everyone was awake and packing my mother's stuff up. Over the boarder we went. Barbara had informed Dr. Rod of my mother having to fly home that afternoon due to the death of my grandfather so Dr. Rod did my surgery first. Dr. Rod came into my room asked me if I had any questions, then asked my mother and brother if they had any questions. He was very good at his bedside manners. I could not have felt more comfortable with my decision to have surgery in Mexico. I got some blood taken and then next thing I know I was waking up trying to grab the side of my bed with my mother and brother staring at me. I did not have much pain at that moment, but I was still woosey from the medicine. I knew the surgery was over and I was waking up, what a good feeling. My mother and brother stayed in the room with me and asked me questions. I so wanted to get up and walk right away but for some reason I did not. MY family went out to lunch with Barbara and I was in the room and decided to call the nurse. She helped me walk to the bathroom. I had some tenderness of my midsection but what else would I expect after having surgery. Then my family got back and I was able to eat some ice chips because I walked to the bathroom. From that moment on, I was cruisin the halls. I am so a people person anyways that even though I was not good at Spanish I was communicating with locals with hand jestures. I was able to get off of my IV before bedtime. I was sooooo happy to not have to lug around the pole when I was walking down the hall. Then my mom left for the airport and I was stuck with my brother. I do have one suggestion, make sure to bring BEANO for anyone who has a bad reaction to refried beans. I think I was walking the halls for fresh air more than my exercise purposes. Needless to say my brother stunk me out of the room more than once. Next morning, we loaded up and were ready to go. Over the boarder we went. No trouble with customs. Then to Wal-Mart for a short walk. It was so nice to begin my day on such a good note. In the meantime my mother made it home and they were planning the funeral. The family decided to hold the funeral on the Saturday when we got back from Texas so that we could attend. From Wal-Mart we went to our hotel. Got checked in and again I was stunk out of my room from my brother. Thanks bub. But hey the exercise was good. We had a wonderful room, right by the highway. Even though it was not good to do we slept for a few hours and then left for Indiana. I know I wasnt suppose to, but emotions were running my decisions. We drove from 9pm on the 20th to 7pm on the 21st to reach Indiana for the viewing of my grandfather. My brother was sooo tired so I ended up having to drive some as well. BOTH WERE NOT RECOMMENDED BY THE DOCTOR OR BARBARA. Granted I am alive and doing well but I would not suggest following what I did. It was a rare situation and pretty much I made my choice. I loved the aftercare gift that was given to me. It made my ride home a heck of a lot easier. I did stop and walk every few hours. I never did take any additional pain meds. I have been in good spirits since the surgery. I have lost a total of 33 pounds and am 2 months out. I do 3 meals a day and get my protein in. I am now working on getting some exercise worked into my schedule. I am doing awesome and people are noticing. Thanks to my Doctor Rod and my angel Barbara. You two are such a godsend. May the Lord Bless you with many many gifts -Amy A in Kokomo, Indiana

Im so glad you did well and it went great , sorry to hear about your death in the family during it. and shame on you for driven , but i can understand why you did it. im just glad your safe . Good Luck in your journey !!! hugs ~ jenn

Amy, Glad to hear that you are doing well dispite your rough start. My condolences on your grandfather passing. I was wondering though, only because I've seen this on the OH lapband forum as problematic, is if you are/were able to find a local doctor to do your fills? I'm sure you covered all your bases but I've never got to talk one on one to a bander done via Mexico and was just wondering what "special" cir****tances you've had to pre think ahead of since your surgeon is so far away. In other words - Educate Me Plz, hahahahah!!!!

Amy First let me also send my condolences for the loss of your grandfather. Glad to hear that you are you are back here in Kokomo and doing really great. Just keep up the good work and your journey will go well for you. Dan