Family & Friend Support

**relkins2** · 01-23-2013 03:05 PM

I plan on getting my surgery from Dr. Almanza in Mexico as well. It has been extremely hard discussing this with my family. They are behind me having the surgery, but they are not supportive of going to Mexico to have it. I have been researching the surgery, along with reading opinions and experiences with this doctor. I am ready to have the surgery and comfortable with my decision of location. Any tips on comforting my friend and family about my location choice?

**workinprogress40** · 01-23-2013 04:33 PM

I dont have any tips, but i think as long as you are comfortable with you decision thats all that really matter, i dont mean to sound rudE guess before i had surgery with Dr. ALMANZA I DIDNT CARE ABOUT ANYBODY ELSE FEELINGS.BUT I CAN SAY IS YOU WILL BE IN GOOD HANDS THEY WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU NOT ONCE DID I WORRY ABOUT MY SAFETY. I HAD MET A PERSON ON THIS WEB SITE WHO LIVE NOT THAT FAR AND WE TALKED AND MET EACH OTHER AT THE AIRPORT AND HAD OUR SURGERY THE SAME DAY AND NOW WE ARE PLANING TO GO BACK TO MEXICO TO GET THE MOMMY MAKEOVER.

**fatgirl** · 01-23-2013 05:32 PM

do what makes you happy and they will end up being happy for you...good luck to you!!

**HoosierGirl** · 01-26-2013 05:30 PM

Having the exact same issue with my folks. They don't see a need for surgery and going to Mexico adds more worry for them.

The bottom line is that they have not done all the research you have done, they are not understanding what the surgery is and the patient's responsibility to make it work. Basically, they are being protective out of fear of the unknown.

I think you can respect their opinon and not agree with it. But, it can be tough when those closest to you are not supportive. My heart goes out to you....I completely understand where they are coming from AND how it feels on the receiving end. Keep your chin up!

**Socaldixiegal** · 01-27-2013 09:41 AM

I initially started out having my surgery locally. My small support group was supportive - at least after some of the initial "are you sure" type questions. Then I switched to Mexico, which even I had initially opposed, but the price difference was enough to make me start researching.

So, here's what I did. I shared with them that I had changed surgeons and provided all the reasons and his credentials. They were impressed. Then I told them where he was. Some mixed reactions initially but after a few discussions they came around. I asked them to explain why they had concerns about Mexico. Mostly, people can't put it into words because it's based on years of stereotype and prejudice. Seriously, what's everyone's typical reaction when you say Tijuana? It's not good!

**Texas Girl** · 01-28-2013 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by Socaldixiegal

So, here's what I did. I shared with them that I had changed surgeons and provided all the reasons and his credentials. They were impressed. Then I told them where he was. Some mixed reactions initially but after a few discussions they came around.

This is very similar to what I did. I handed over all my research on Dr Ortiz to my family and said "find me a reason to NOT do this". They couldn't! And they were 100% on board after that, because they were no longer ignorant and they saw clearly the credentials behind my surgeon.