I have my surgery date!!!!
I want to thank those of you on OH that have been so helpful to me. I have decided to have the lap band with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey on SEPT. 15TH! I am so excited and am trying to prepare myself. I am trying to compile a list of things to take with me. Is there a site here that gives you a list of things to take with you for surgery? I did receive some things from Dr. R., but I have read some additional things that people have taken that were helpful to them while they were there. I am planning on spending a week there and hopefully feel well enough to incorporate a mini vacation as well.
Thank you all and here's to me! 
Ally
Ally 
Hi Donna,
Here are a few things that were sent to me. I hope this helps. Congrats on your surgery. You are going to be just fine and I wish you a speedy recovery. Let me know if there are some other things that I should add to my list 
I have been to Mexico sereral times, and have never had language problems in the larger cities. It would probably make you feel better to have a translation dictionary with you. The doctors in Monterrey all speak very good English so I am not too concerned. Go with a good, and positive attitude and know that you are beginning a new journey in your life. You have made the right choice because it is YOUR choice. This is the beginning of many more decisions and choices that we will have difficulty with in the future. You will be fine and on the loosing side soon. Stay in touch, I will be anxious for a report!
ALLY
10. THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU TO MEXICO
Try to get everything in one carry-on suitcase with wheels. It is possible and will make your time at the airport much less of a hassle, particularly on the trip home when you?re not in the mood.
Meds you take normally
Comfy clothes to go home in (you will have small incisions around your waist area)
Handy items - Slip-on shoes/slippers, Robe, PJ's, gown (see ?while in the hospital? below) Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries
For the ladies...?leisure? bras are a good idea, or a tank top with built-in ?shelf? bra (underwire may not be comfortable for the first few days.)
Suggestion - Bring about $100 in cash (mostly in ones and fives for tips and because change is given in pesos for anything else you buy using cash)
Debit/credit card (It might be a good idea to call the 800 number on the back of your credit card before you leave to tell them that you will be using the card in Mexico, or they may deny the charges thinking it?s being used fraudulently
Glasses (you can?t wear contacts in surgery and you won?t want to mess with them during the post-op hours)
7. CELL PHONES
How did we survive before cell phones? You will probably feel more connected with friends and family while in Mexico if your cell phone works there. Not all cell providers will work seamlessly but some do very nicely ? Verizon, AT&T? We suggest you check with your provider and check availability and instructions. A frequently used approach is to change your plan to international coverage for the length of your stay and switch back when you get home.
Please make sure we have your cell phone number also.
The other options for calling the USA while in Mexico are: a long distance calling card ? you can get them at Wal-Mart or just dial from the hotel (which will be more expensive but works).
9. PASSPORT, OR STATE ID/BIRTH CERTIFICATE
You will need your passport with you at Immigration and Customs coming into and going out of Mexico. If you do not have one, your state ID (ie. Driver?s Liscense) and your Birth Certifcate will be accepted.
While in the hospital - We recommend you to bring a pair of comfortable pajamas or a nightgown that is easy to put on and take off. We also recommend you to bring your personal hygiene items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. A good book or magazine might also be a good idea. And also the medication you are taking. The rest of your belongings can be stored at the hotel if you wish.
I have been to Mexico sereral times, and have never had language problems in the larger cities. It would probably make you feel better to have a translation dictionary with you. The doctors in Monterrey all speak very good English so I am not too concerned. Go with a good, and positive attitude and know that you are beginning a new journey in your life. You have made the right choice because it is YOUR choice. This is the beginning of many more decisions and choices that we will have difficulty with in the future. You will be fine and on the loosing side soon. Stay in touch, I will be anxious for a report!
ALLY
10. THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU TO MEXICO
Try to get everything in one carry-on suitcase with wheels. It is possible and will make your time at the airport much less of a hassle, particularly on the trip home when you?re not in the mood.
Meds you take normally
Comfy clothes to go home in (you will have small incisions around your waist area)
Handy items - Slip-on shoes/slippers, Robe, PJ's, gown (see ?while in the hospital? below) Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries
For the ladies...?leisure? bras are a good idea, or a tank top with built-in ?shelf? bra (underwire may not be comfortable for the first few days.)
Suggestion - Bring about $100 in cash (mostly in ones and fives for tips and because change is given in pesos for anything else you buy using cash)
Debit/credit card (It might be a good idea to call the 800 number on the back of your credit card before you leave to tell them that you will be using the card in Mexico, or they may deny the charges thinking it?s being used fraudulently
Glasses (you can?t wear contacts in surgery and you won?t want to mess with them during the post-op hours)
7. CELL PHONES
How did we survive before cell phones? You will probably feel more connected with friends and family while in Mexico if your cell phone works there. Not all cell providers will work seamlessly but some do very nicely ? Verizon, AT&T? We suggest you check with your provider and check availability and instructions. A frequently used approach is to change your plan to international coverage for the length of your stay and switch back when you get home.
Please make sure we have your cell phone number also.
The other options for calling the USA while in Mexico are: a long distance calling card ? you can get them at Wal-Mart or just dial from the hotel (which will be more expensive but works).
9. PASSPORT, OR STATE ID/BIRTH CERTIFICATE
You will need your passport with you at Immigration and Customs coming into and going out of Mexico. If you do not have one, your state ID (ie. Driver?s Liscense) and your Birth Certifcate will be accepted.
While in the hospital - We recommend you to bring a pair of comfortable pajamas or a nightgown that is easy to put on and take off. We also recommend you to bring your personal hygiene items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. A good book or magazine might also be a good idea. And also the medication you are taking. The rest of your belongings can be stored at the hotel if you wish. 
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