I'm Melting...

I'm 35 or 36 pounds down depending on which scale you believe. I'm still having peeing issues but I heard that's normal after a surgery... damn catheters. I had a kidney stone and ended up in the ER. I figured I would. I had them before surgery and I know I haven't been getting in enough H20. Must. do. Better. After antibiotics and some really good pain drugs I'm starting to feel a lot better. I'm about 85% but I think I would be even better if it wasn't so damn HOT! It's been over 100 for days and today it's supposed to be 108 degrees... maybe its not the surgery at all making me lose weight... maybe I'm really melting from the heat. I hate the summer. I need to move where its cold. Alaska is looking good right now. Plus it has the added bonus of having 3 men for every 1 woman. My clothes are all baggy which is fine for now because its HOTTER than you-know-where. I'm still wearing a binder so that's an extra layer of clothing I don't usually have to deal with. Some things really amaze me post surgery... how little I eat and am completely full on, I can walk! I sleep 100% better, a lot fewer headaches, no acid reflux, and great blood pressure. Wows already!

Aren't you supposed to be cold after surgery when is that gonna start???

On another note: I put in my notice at work. I know this is the right thing. I'll miss some of the staff and the children of course but I need a change.

Highlights of the day:
I'm sure it's cooler here than the fiery pits of hell. Well maybe.
The ice trays are full.
I could be in Palm Springs or Phoenix or Death Valley.
I ate zucchini for breakfast and it tasted great (my first veggies)

Listening to: the fan. Thank God for electricity!
QOTD: How do the Amish stay cool???

SOTB Surgery List

A pic of Dr. A's Apartment, Bambi (Dr. A's driver) and Rosella (Dr. A's daughter and assistant)

SOTB What to bring list

This is a list of several items I found useful/necessary when I was SOTB (South of the Border) having my RNY. Hope those of you that are headed south find the list helpful.


Lip Balm
Liquid Body Soap (easier than bars)
Shampoo & Conditioner
Feminine Products (even if you just had your cycle most get a repeat performance shock of surgery I guess)
Bath robe (for walking the halls)
Slip on slippers or flip flops
Tank tops for under your binder/T-shirts for over
Loose fitting soft elastic waist pants
Passport (1/2007 required only if you fly in, after 1/2008 it will be required even for land travel) otherwise it's Driver's License and a copy of your Birth Certificate
Plenty of $1, $5, and $10 US bills (no need to change money)
Calling card that works in Mexico or add a plan to your cellphone for making calls inside Mexico.
Plastic garbage bag for dirty clothes.
Digital camera for taking pics of your scar (you know we all do it LOL)
Ipod passed the time.

Dr. A specific: If you are staying in Dr. A's designated apartment you will have internet access. A pay phone is only steps from the front door of the apartment. A Gigante supermarket is just a few blocks away. So is a laundromat. There's a park a block away which is a great place to get your walking in.

Dr. A's apartment kitchen is stocked with a bunch of packaged and canned goods but I found I used: Decaf Tea Bags, Chicken Broth and
Water bottles (I brought a few and then bought some @ Gigante)

For additional pics of Dr. A's apartment feel free to email me.

Ensenada

Ensenada and Dr. Aguirre was an absolutely great experience. Dr. A was wonderful and thoroughly explained everything. He made me feel very at ease. He is an excellent surgeon and a warm and caring doctor. His staff is wonderful. His assistant Rosella is the sweetest girl! She is Dr. A's middle daughter and she makes all the arrangments. She was so nice and came to visit me everyday! The nurses at the hospital were fabulous, caring, and attentive. I had Alejandra and Sonia and they were the best! I also had Alejandra for 4 days of private nursing visits (around $45 a day). Cardiomed is spotless. My private room (with marble floors) was HUGE. I was truly treated like a princess. I also can't say enough good things about Bambi (Dr. A's driver). He is a wonderful person and definitely the way to go. Please feel free to email me I would be happy to share my experience or answer ANY Q's...

Here are a few FAQ's:

How much was it? The cost was $10,200 plus I paid $800 to stay in the doctor's designated apartment with private nursing visits for 4 days.

How does payment/choosing a date work? I contacted Dr. A's office (you email or speak with his daughter Rosella who sets everything up) She will give you the available dates the Dr. has open and if you stay at his designated apartment whether that is available (I highly recommend this) and books your date. You send a $500 deposit to a San Diego bank and bring the rest down (cashier's checks) when you go for your surgery. I chose a date based on my availability so it was about a month or so (from contact to surgery) but I could have had the surgery as early as two weeks from contacting him.

What pre-op testing is required? The first night you are in Ensenada you visit the hospital and have a physical exam, urine, blood, etc. done. I brought down my past labs for a comparison but it's not required.

How long did you stay? You need to stay 9 days total in order to have your drain and sutures removed.

How are you? Any regrets? I'm off all medications (I was on 8) My high blood pressure, acid reflux & sleep apnea are gone. I feel great! Only regrets are not doing it sooner and if I had to do it again I would bring someone. I went alone and was BORED!! I would have liked some company.