If you went alone to Tijuana for surgery.....

[Mags2113]

Hi, I am having surgery in Tijuana on 9/23/16. I am going with my sisters, but we are all having surgery. We are not taking anyone to help us. Many people have told us that we should take someone to help with luggage and phone calls. My question is, if you went alone, how did you do it? Did they carry the luggage for you after surgery? Did they keep your cell phone for you and give it to you after surgery so that you could make a phone call to your loved ones? How did it all work. Any information will be appreciated. Thank you. I am getting really nervous and just thinking of all the little details.

[miamiblake33]

I went alone! I don't regret it at all. I had luggage with wheels, so after the surgery I just wheeled it into the airport. You can walk, and wheel you just can't lift anything. My luggage was a carry on so I had the stewardess lift it and take it down for me. I plugged my phone into the wall before my surgery and it was there when I got back. They give you a locker in your room before you go in for the surgery. I never had a problem making my own phone calls, emails...etc. So many people go alone. I met an amazing bunch of people while I was there. We all look out for each other. My roommate was awesome. I think you will all be just fine.

[Mags2113]

Thank you Miamiblake33!! That really helps me! So I am assuming that the room you wait in for surgery is the room you recover in, so all your things are there?

[miamiblake33]

Yes! Same room. I'm sure you will be in a room with your sisters. I would definitely request it.

[Yellow Rose]

Everyone is very helpful with helping you lift things, retrieve things and helping you in and out of vehicles. You'll do fine.

[azladyrider]

I went 4 years ago too - no issues. I used an app called Text Plus which turned my tablet into a "phone" so I could make calls and text to people here in the US since my plan didn't include Tijuana. I flew in the afternoon before at their request since I was the 1st surgery of the next morning (surgery was Thursday) so they got all of my labs and blood work etc done the day before. They put me up at the Hotel Ticuan then came and got me and another gal the next morning who had also flown in the afternoon before. The regular San Diego group wasn't coming in till 11 or so. Surgery was at 8 am then shortly after I woke up I went to the recovery hotel that first nite - got up the next morning and used my laptop for a bit waiting for them to come get me to take me to the Hotel Ticuan again (at my expense) then I worked a bit and went out walking/shopping on my own. Rest of the time was spent to and from testing and then Saturday morning the final leak test and I was back in San Diego flying home at noon. The TSA in San Diego is used to seeing the surgical people come through so (I need a wheelchair anyway due to a back issue) but they didn't even make me get out of it or take my shoes off nothing.... I don't recall if I lifted my laptop bag up to the overhead or not - probably did - I only took my laptop and large purse - no luggage - stuck a pair of leggings in the laptop and a long top and that was all I took - I wear tank tops with built in shelf bras so I had the one I wore the whole time no biggie

[KariVSG]

You will have your sisters there as your support system, you will all be their for eachother

[americangrrl]

I am also going alone... I would luv to have my daughter come, but she will be in school, and I do not want her to miss a week, not to mention the extra expenses would b more than I can really afford right now... My husband would go, but he will have to work and take care of the kitties....so ... I will go alone.. It is good to know (whew) they really help every step of the way tho.... I figured they have ppl to help, but I have been concerned about that myself...I already had the arrival back home figured out, cuz my husband will come into the baggage area to help me... I had also been wondering about who watches my stuff while I'm in surgery and recovery... a few more of those questions have now been answered for me as well..

[Mags2113]

I am also going alone... I would luv to have my daughter come, but she will be in school, and I do not want her to miss a week, not to mention the extra expenses would b more than I can really afford right now... My husband would go, but he will have to work and take care of the kitties....so ... I will go alone.. It is good to know (whew) they really help every step of the way tho.... I figured they have ppl to help, but I have been concerned about that myself...I already had the arrival back home figured out, cuz my husband will come into the baggage area to help me... I had also been wondering about who watches my stuff while I'm in surgery and recovery... a few more of those questions have now been answered for me as well..

Yay, I am glad I am not the only one with questions :-) I am glad I can help.

[Blove2012]

My sister and I had surgery together at OCC but I'm sure very similar experience. Be sure to take something for gas and only take carryon with wheels. Also take walking shoes as you will be walking around town. OCC has private rooms but my sis and I requested we be together. I'm so happy and excited for you!

[Journey Tobeme]

I went alone. The driver lifted my luggage and got it into the airport until I got a cart. He stayed until I checked in and then he left. I had my cell phone. The head nurse put all valuables into a safe and retrieved them when we asked for them. I made calls myself but I have a Mexico/US plan so it was no extra cost for me. I walked to the store and to buy broth by myself. I loved being alone. I had no one to entertain or worry about but myself.

[michael95472]

I went with my wife, but would have gone alone if needed. We used facebook messenger to communicate to everyone and each other because the hotel and the hospital both had free wifi. I would make sure everthing is downloaded and working before you head off to Mexico. ( facebook messenger,google messenger app, netflix,HuLu, any movies or games)

[Gingersnapp]

Glad I found this post. I am going alone this Friday, so glad it will be easy.

[hammerct]

How does OCC do follow up visits?

[Blove2012]

I had a barium swallow test on my third day post op (surgery on Friday, test on Monday) and was released to go home. I had no stitches or drain tube so had no necessary hands on after care needed. Since that time, I have communicated with OCC on a regular basis (now about once a week) through email and phone calls. This should continue for the first couple of years. Contact them through their website for more info -- Obesity Control Center.

Best wishes.