Lipo and TT Revision - Tijuana, MX

I have been following multiple doctors as well as my final doctor of choice for some time now. Nevertheless, I have concerns about privacy on Real Self (more about that later), and so I finally decided to create a new acct before ultimately participating in a more thorough way. I am so very, very grateful to the many brave members who have honestly shared their experiences that I feel I should do the same to the degree that I can be comfortable. So now that my surgery date is very near - I'm ready.

At first I thought the date would never get here, and now it's right in my face! Sure, I'm a bit anxious, but I'm mostly very excited. I want to say a few things about how I am preparing based not only on what I learned from my doctor but from other doctors and other Real Self members. Dr Cardenas wanted me off of all hormone replacement. It was a wise choice on her part, and it made me wonder why none of the other doctors mentioned it even though all my medications were disclosed on all my paperwork and consults. I did a LOT of consults! I stopped the hormones a couple months ago, and I stopped all vitamins/supplements at least two weeks ahead. (I really miss the magnesium and calcium!) I don't know when I get to start those up again. I purchased the required compression socks on Amazon but got the open-toe ones, because for some reason I can't sleep with my toes smashed, and I've been instructed to start wearing them, day and night, two days ahead of surgery. These ones are the appropriate weight/compression for surgery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM20UPQ I've been exercising (always do anyway), but I've had a greater level of commitment to keep healthy. I always eat well (more on that in the next post about BCRH). I also bought a Franato based on another member's recommendation (different doctor). This Franato has nothing to do with upcoming surgery, and it's not a medical grade garment at all. It's just a typical body slimmer that some people found helpful after the full-compression phase. It will be many weeks (months?) before I'm ready for the Franato, but I wanted to wrestle into the thing now, *before* I might be too sore to try. And I can say I successfully sized it without needing a return. That item is here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FIYU0Q2 I have most of my essentials packed, I bought a couple magazines for when I feel coherent enough to read during recovery, I've loaded my phone with a couple movies, and I'm bringing my earbuds so as not to disturb others during their recovery. I've got my phone carrier arranged for calls and texts to/from Mexico and my US number. I've informed my credit card company and bank of my travel dates - even though my surgeon and BCRH request cash. I just really don't want to get stuck without being able to use my cards if necessary. So, I'm pretty much ready - until I start to think I'm ready - which is when I start to think I may have forgotten something. [wince]

Confession: I'm one of those low-carb, no-sugar people. I'm at a normal weight now, but at one point in my life I weighed over 200lbs. I know, very well, what I can and cannot eat to maintain even just an average weight. At the same time, I'm not someone to complain. I never ask restaurants to change menus, etc. If I'm traveling, I shut up and eat like a traveler. I figured that while I was in Mexico, I would graciously accept whatever they serve me - and I packed digestive enzymes to help me along the way. Then I get a note from the recovery house that says something like 'Be prepared to change your eating in service of your health and recovery [...]' And then here is an exact quote: "We do not serve pasta, flour, or bread." AWESOME!!!! How did I get so lucky?! Yeah! Let's hear it for the recovery house!