Going to Mexico Alone - Would love your feedback:-).

I have tried to read a lot on this forum so please forgive me if this has already been answered a million times.  Since my husband is the only person that knows about my WLS, I am now considering going by myself so he can stay home with the kids.  I am having surgery with Dr. Alvarez, and would love any feedback about going alone.  Thanks so much! 

Texasgirl73

I had a friend who did it alone. Even she said she wouldn't advise it but she was able to do it. She drove to my house which is about an hour and a half a way, spent the night, and caught the plane the next morning. On her trip home, she drove home the same day she landed..wouldn't spend the night. She was in Mex for a week.

--gina

I would say it depends on how you are with pain and how you heal. I personally could not have done it alone but then again Im a wimp lol

I appreciated have my husband with me.  He helped me up and down.  I don't think I would recommend doing it alone to anyone.

Good luck and be sure to keep us updated on your progress.

Linda

 Does he have a driver to pick you up and take you to the airport?  I just got home from two weeks in Mexico having plastic surgery.  I'm glad I did not do this trip alone.

I would have been fine having my VSG in Mexico alone.  I had surgery on Wednesday. Went home Thursday.  Was on the treadmill on Sunday and back to work on Tuesday.

How is your pain level?  How are you emotionally?  Do you rely heavily on your husband for support?

On my recent trip to Mexico, I had an iPad and skyped daily with my son and friends.  They were great company.  I called all of my girlfriends for two weeks using the Skype phone and it cost less than $10.00

You have lots of options to help you not feel alone.

Thanks for the input, it helps.  I have a pretty high tolerance for pain I think...but I guess I'm a little worried about this surgery.  I had a hysterectomy laproscopically (sp) a year a go and I was back up walking with in 6 hours, and was never in much pain.  I actually was on a horse in 13 days post op.  That's the only thing I have to compare it to, but know it will be much different.  I'm worried about having to "fib" to my in laws or anyone else that we would have to make arrangements with.  If I could just go alone then at least my husband is with the kids and I won't worry about them.  Please keep the input coming, it really is going to help with my decison.

Jamie

Why not talk to your patient coordinator and see who else will be there when you are? You can contact them ahead of time and strike up a friendship and they will probably have someone with them who can also keep an eye out for you. You might also find someone on the VSG or Mexico forum going the same time as you. There also may be a fellow Alvarez patient who lives on the other side of the border who would be glad to come visit you.

I've seen people do this on OH so you won't be the first one.

Another solution is to find a friend to come with you. You'd have to tell them you are getting surgery but I bet there is one other person out there you can trust besides your husband.

My own experience is you don't really need anyone unless something goes wrong. So you most like you can get by without someone but it's really a good idea to have someone looking out for you just in case.

I totally understand how scary this decision must be. I do know a woman (A client of mine) who was a real "lightweight". She was about 30 or 31 BMI.
Once she found out how I lost weight she was convinced this was also her answer to her obesity issues. And due to a low bmi, my surgeon advised against that route for her but gave her information in Mexico.
She chose to go with Aceves. drove to the airport (2 Hrs.), flew solo on a Sunday, had surgery (VSG) on Monday, flew home on Thursday and drove herself home. We live in New York, so no easy hike. She did remain home resting until I think the following Tuesday, and is doing fantastic.
Everyone is different, but hope this helps.

A little stretching of the truth maybe?? A Mexican vacation with hubby might work for all of you. You WILL be in Mexico with your hubby and won't be at work..... that is up to you. Physically I didn't have support during the day and didn't feel like I needed it, but I was in my own home and that was emotionally best for me. My kids were home after school and could cook and do anything else I needed.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best!! 

I am a nurse for 20 plus years and I am opting to do it myself as well in Mexico.  I am going to Dr U for a DS.  I have been in contact with a few on here who Had gone to him and I feel comfortable.  I have emailed him and he has responded to multiple emails which shocks me as you would think he was to busy to mess with me a no body from his stand point.  With in his emails he showed concern for my well being.  I currently have a failed lap band and he was clear if the band migrated he would be unable to perform the ds but only remove the current band for 5 K.  It is because of my interaction with the Dr via email and the folks on here who have been to him that I am comfortable with going a lone.  The phrase NEVER SAY NEVER Applies big time in my particular situation.  I was a person *****fused to consider Mexico as I select my lap band doc through the AZ top Docs.  I would never consider being under sedation in another country.  Well Dr Simpson (top surgeon in phx for lap band) referred me to Dr Ortiz for a placation or sleeve.  When I received his response I was outraged:)  After I got over myself I started doing the research and since I have a low BMI I reconsidered.  I started to research surgeons and it appears Dr U has done more of the DS then my local docs.  What sealed the deal for me was the fact he required me to stay 10 days and he believes in doing a test to check for leaks before I leave although he does it when you are still in or.  I am a case manger and the moment a GB comes up we are told to ask if they have had gastric bypass and if so we decline or deny the claim in most cir****tances.  Dr U will remove my GB since there is a 90 percent chance of a problem with quick wt loss.  Since this is a process of his it made me feel good he will also remove my appendix which we need neither so why not.   If all goes text book I will spend 4 days in the hospital and then at a hotel which they recommend and have Pt's in all the time.  They have this down so well because they do the procedure frequently with USA Pt's.  The Doc was even able to email me the exact miles if I wanted to drive.  Personally I would rather fly I would not be willing to drive for 6 hours by myself post surgery but I am willing to fly.  I am a safety first person and I feel very comfortable with my decision.  In my opinion the gal who suggested contacting the doc office and seeing who may be having the procedure at the same time is a brilliant idea.  Any one who has decided to go to Mexico has had the same pang we have and would understand.  I think there is a kinship with fellow Pt's who have suffered like us related to wt.  On this board I have found such welcoming people and I believe that is what you would find on the day of your surgery if you chose to reach out and ask if any one else was having the procedure on the same day as you.  If they say they are unable to release the Pt's information then I would ask if they could forward your phone number to the person and see if they call you.  I hope this is helpful and puts your mind at ease.  I did first consider using a medical tourism facilitator however they suggested someone else other then Dr U and hands down this is the only surgeon in Mexico on this site they suggested for the DS and I was not going to not trust the veterans on this site.  Considering I had so much faith in my doc here in the states and where did it get me just a loss of money and feeling like a loser because it did not work for me.  I wish you the best of luck.  Donna