Fabi Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 Hello everyone!!! well as you can see in my ticker ill be banded in a few days, but thats not the problem, the problem is thats now that my surgery date is just a few days away it finally hit my mom that Iam actually going through with this and now shes scared to death of me going alone to TJ she keeps telling me of all these bad things that can happen and to postpone the surgery untill I find someone to go with me, which is something I dont want to do since I waiting for years for this day to come but all that stuff shes been telling have me thinking now and I am having second thoughts about going, so I just want to hear from others that like me went alone and came back home safe, I just want to know everything will be alright and that I shouldnt be scared of traveling alone to OCC Thank you so much for reading!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferJS Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 I saw that you are from South Florida...as am I. I just wanted to reach out. I did not travel alone (I convinced a very good friend to come along). However, it was a beautiful experience, a great trip. I was scared as well but it was pretty tame! I think you will be fine. What airline? Flying into SD airport? The two drivers for the OCC are FABULOUS. They know we are nervous and are somewhat supportive (they were quiet). They will treat you well. I felt that if anything were to go wrong, they would 'have my back.' But again, it was very very tame. Nothing weird. The small area of Tijuana seemed fairly safe. I refused to go anywhere but the hotel and clinic. Oh, well I did venture out to Starbucks across the street from the hotel...the only scary thing was TRAFFIC. You feel like Frogger (from the 80's video game)...lol....I think someone said that on here...lol. I will pray for you. You will do fine. I had my surgery January 19, 2009. So my experience was recent. I think the scary new reports stem from the Texas/Mexico border. I have heard very little about the borders we crossed. That is not to discount any violence that does occur there. Again, I really think you will be fine! On to your new life.....! Now go and get banded! Have fun! BIG HUGS! Jennifer Hello everyone!!!well as you can see in my ticker ill be banded in a few days, but thats not the problem, the problem is thats now that my surgery date is just a few days away it finally hit my mom that Iam actually going through with this and now shes scared to death of me going alone to TJ she keeps telling me of all these bad things that can happen and to postpone the surgery untill I find someone to go with me, which is something I dont want to do since I waiting for years for this day to come but all that stuff shes been telling have me thinking now and I am having second thoughts about going, so I just want to hear from others that like me went alone and came back home safe, I just want to know everything will be alright and that I shouldnt be scared of traveling alone to OCC Thank you so much for reading!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jnlebean Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 Oh, you will be just fine! I went to the OCC last Monday for my first fill. The driver picked me up from the airport and took me to clinic, then to the hotel. The only part that was nerve racking was crossing the boarder from Mexico back to the States, you wait in line and go to see the customs people then you have to get your bags scanned and then you have to walk out and over to the parking area! Walking to the parking area is werid cause there are lots of people crossing and some are very poor. But I was lucky to be with a guy that was also being driven to the airport, he had his first fill as well that day! Him and I stuck together! No one talked or bothered us! You will be fine!!! Don't listen to the travel advisories yes there are problems but what city doesn't have problems! Take the warnings as just that adviories! Be a smart traveler! Once again I have gone twice now, once was with my mom and I have had absoultly no problems! Even the hotels are save and clean! The drivers are very nice and will tell you exactly what you need to do! Jenelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jnlebean Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 Sorry just re-reading my post! I think I made it sound like crossing the boarder was bad, but its not bad at all!! Really no problems! I think Jennifer is right in saying that a lot of the advisories are coming from texas/mexico! Welcome to your new life! Jenelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubadude Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 Don't postpone it! You will be just fine. They pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. The Marriot and Lucerna, as well as, the clinic are in the business district. They pick you up at the hotel and transport you back and forth. The only time you have to get out of a vehicle is when you cross back over to the US. The driver will drop you off at the end of the walking line. Which in our case was almost at the door to the US Border patrol. We stood in line for maybe 10 minutes, showed our passport, scanned our bags and walked on through the building and up the road where the driver was waiting. Our driver had a radio and took us to another border crossing in TJ where the line was shorter. That was my only concern was getting back into the US before we had to be at the airport. Until my surgery date, I had never been to TJ. The night before we left, the news was running stories of the drug cartell violence. I will admit I was a little concerned. But, TJ is a huge city and the places we went it was very modern. It didn't look much different from some of the major cities here in the US. TJ has 4 million people. Like any other city they have their crime. I think the key is don't go to places where this activity is. Just like in your own town I am sure you know where the bad areas are. In TJ, if it looks bad, don't go there. The bottom line is, unless you want to get out and do some shopping you will be escorted everywhere you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FindingMeAgain Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 Hello everyone!!!well as you can see in my ticker ill be banded in a few days, but thats not the problem, the problem is thats now that my surgery date is just a few days away it finally hit my mom that Iam actually going through with this and now shes scared to death of me going alone to TJ she keeps telling me of all these bad things that can happen and to postpone the surgery untill I find someone to go with me, which is something I dont want to do since I waiting for years for this day to come but all that stuff shes been telling have me thinking now and I am having second thoughts about going, so I just want to hear from others that like me went alone and came back home safe, I just want to know everything will be alright and that I shouldnt be scared of traveling alone to OCC Thank you so much for reading!!! Fabi, I live in Miami, I am 27, and I went all alone. The OCC is there for you from the time you get off the plane to the clinic and then to the hotel. You really don't need to leave the hotel for anything (bring $ because it is a little high priced). The following morning the OCC picks you up from the hotel and takes you directly to the clinic. The nice thing is that when you get picked up from the airport they take you right to OCC for your labs, so generally you get to meet everyone that is having the surgery with you. I met an entire family and spent the two days with them. We are all still very close and I have visited them often. That might be partly because I started dating one of them ;-) but all in all you will feel bonded because you are all going through the same experience. I brought along a little diary to record my experience and to give me some comfort. Don't worry about TJ though. Please don't go off by yourself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FindingMeAgain Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 When crossing the border back in to the US, I started to get out of the van and I was still a little sore. I kind of grimaced and the border officer said "are you ok", I replied "yes, I was in Mexico because I had surgery". She said "why didn't you say so get back in the van." I just need to see your identification. I didn't have to go through any troubles. I am not saying this will be the case, but it could happen. Pack light. It is so much easier!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 I was banded a year ago and went to the OCC alone. Hubby had to stay home with our daughter. You're shuttled everywhere you need to go, the only time you'd be alone is if you go off shopping or something by yourself. [i wouldn't do that, I'm sure there would be another bandster to go with.] You'll be fine, I understand that you're afraid, but you really don't have to be. The only time you'll actually be alone is your hotel stay and if you're staying at the Lucerna, they are AWESOME! The hotel is beautiful and much of the staff speak english very well. Pack light and my best advice would be to take a suitcase with wheels. I took tea bags and boullion cubes with me to make in the hotel room. I can guarentee that you'll be posting on here after your surgery....' I don't know what I was so afraid of!!!' Best wishes, Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tootsie_lou Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 Fabi--Please don't be scared. Like the Darlene said, after it is all over you'll be wondering why you were worried. You HAVE to do this--so you will be FABI-ULOUS!! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself ) Many are praying for you! Diana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsParris Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 I took the chicken broth powder with me for my surgery. And it tasted just as good as the chicken broth in the hotel restaurant and it was much cheaper. Don't worry. You will be fine. They take great care of you. Good luck with your surgery. Kimberly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbynnoel Posted March 10, 2009 Report Share Posted March 10, 2009 (((((((((((((((((((((Fabi))))))))))))))))))))))) Hugs to you. I like what Jennifer wrote...you'll be "fabi"lous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealmagnolia Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I am having the same worries. I will also be traveling alone. At first I was scared, but now I am thinking that 2 days without kids may be kind of nice. I wish we would be there at the same time, but I won't be going until April. I wish you the best of luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickiruss Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Hello everyone!!!well as you can see in my ticker ill be banded in a few days, but thats not the problem, the problem is thats now that my surgery date is just a few days away it finally hit my mom that Iam actually going through with this and now shes scared to death of me going alone to TJ she keeps telling me of all these bad things that can happen and to postpone the surgery untill I find someone to go with me, which is something I dont want to do since I waiting for years for this day to come but all that stuff shes been telling have me thinking now and I am having second thoughts about going, so I just want to hear from others that like me went alone and came back home safe, I just want to know everything will be alright and that I shouldnt be scared of traveling alone to OCC Thank you so much for reading!!! I am sure your mom is concerned and she has every right to be, I was there last week with my husband and there were at least 2 if not 3 people that did it alone, while in the surgery center you can use the internet and the phone to call whom ever you would like where ever they may be, I wish you the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealmagnolia Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I am sure your mom is concerned and she has every right to be, I was there last week with my husband and there were at least 2 if not 3 people that did it alone, while in the surgery center you can use the internet and the phone to call whom ever you would like where ever they may be, I wish you the best! Do I need to bring a Laptop or do they have some that I can use there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jnlebean Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I know the hotel has computers you can use! If you have your laptop you might be able to plug in wirelessly. Jenelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabi Posted March 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Thank you guys > for your support Iam going to print these replys and show theme to my mom or sould I say translate theme to her lol I feel so much better, but I almost had my surgery postponed :lb12: I havent lost all the necessarry weight but I spoke with Dr,Miranda and the surgery still on yaaay!!!! O and dont worry about the Fabi-lous I get that everywhere my whole name is Fabiola and some people cant say it so they just call me FABULOUS which is fine with me Stealmagnolia when is your surgery? I might be going back in april for my first fill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calicat Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I went by myself - left hubby and child at home. I had many offers from aunts, step mom, friends, co-workers, etc. But I chose to go by myself and it was a safe and enjoyable experience. I would do it again alone Here was my story I posted... http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=5788 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealmagnolia Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I know the hotel has computers you can use! If you have your laptop you might be able to plug in wirelessly. Jenelle Thanks for the info. Any suggestions on things that I need to pack would be greatly appreciated. Kerri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGsMom Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 There were 2 women getting banded the same day as my daughter that travelled alone. They seemed perfectly fine! The OCC takes very good care of you and you really wont need the extra help. Dont go anywhere alone....dont try shopping. But the hotel and the OCC seemed perfectly safe to me. I would suggest picking up some gatorade or vitamin water on the way...you might need it in the hotel after surgery and they dont have them there. But room service at the Lucerna was happy to provide broth (tell them you are a patient of Dr. Ortiz, and they will know exactly what to bring you. When I ordered broth for my daughter they also brought her apple juice.). I was able to walk across the street and get gatorade, but you probably wont want to. The border was perfectly fine! The presence of Border police is overwhelming! We felt perfectly safe! Just pack light since you will have to lug your own suitcase through (otherwise the OCC drivers will handle ALL of your bags for you! And the hotel staff wont let you touch even the smallest bags!). Stick with your plans! You will be just fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifestartsnow Posted March 21, 2009 Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 There were 2 women getting banded the same day as my daughter that travelled alone. They seemed perfectly fine! The OCC takes very good care of you and you really wont need the extra help. Dont go anywhere alone....dont try shopping. But the hotel and the OCC seemed perfectly safe to me. I would suggest picking up some gatorade or vitamin water on the way...you might need it in the hotel after surgery and they dont have them there. But room service at the Lucerna was happy to provide broth (tell them you are a patient of Dr. Ortiz, and they will know exactly what to bring you. When I ordered broth for my daughter they also brought her apple juice.). I was able to walk across the street and get gatorade, but you probably wont want to. The border was perfectly fine! The presence of Border police is overwhelming! We felt perfectly safe! Just pack light since you will have to lug your own suitcase through (otherwise the OCC drivers will handle ALL of your bags for you! And the hotel staff wont let you touch even the smallest bags!). Stick with your plans! You will be just fine! Hey TG'sMom - I think I was one of the women who got banded the same day as your daughter. I did travel by myself and I made it home safe and sound! I can't say I wasn't concerned, I just didn't leave my room while I was there and I felt very comfortable and safe with the drivers. You're so right about the border patrol - holy cow! I didn't stay at the Lucerna, I stayed at the Mariott and they, too, had everything you would need. I only wanted water at first and that was just fine for me. I would have preferred to have someone with me - but I did just fine. Its such a short amount of time anyway - just stay in your hotel and don't venture out and that will make you feel even more secure. That's what I did. Good luck! TG's Mom - I hope your daughter is doing very well. She seemed so motivated and mature! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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