In Mexico, surgery in less than 4 hours!

 I'm in Mexicali and my surgeon is Dr. Juan Arellano Ramos.  First of all let me say, I've have been treated like royalty down here.  There have been times when I looked at my husband and we're like "Can you believe this ****" I was picked up in San Diego yesterday, dropped  off at hospital for pre ops ,  the taken to this marvelous hotel (Hotel Lucerna) where the act like I'm royalty!  After lunch we swam in the pool, went to grocery and then casino across from hotel.  Dr. Arellano and his assistant came to my hotel room last nite to meet me and discuss what is happening today, b/c he was in surgery all day and couldn't stop to meet me during my pre-ops.  Where in America would this happen?  NO WHERE. While he was visiting me, we all got off track talking about culture differences and the subject of food came up.  I saw his eyes gloss over, I remembered he was in surgery all day, and I asked,,, have you eaten today?  he smiled and said, no!!!   He hadn't even eaten but came to visit me!  I'm in love.  Plus he looks like a healthier, better looking Marc Anthony. HAHAHA.  My husband is cracking up at me b/****ep commenting on how many handsome men are here!  I've felt safe my entire visit, every one is nice and friendly.  If we go to diner or out and someone doesn't speak english, they just get the manager who does, its been a pleasurable experience.  I would like to say that I did all of this on a leap of faith.  I met a wonderful lady, Michelle Mexicali, some of you know her as wasabubblebutt.  She's walked me thru every single step and has left no stone unturned.  I will forever be greatful to her.  

Glad to hear it's going so well so far. Good luck with the surgery!

So glad to hear everything is going well - that's such an important part of the whole process.  Praying for an uneventful, completely successful procedure and a smooth and speedy recovery!!

 I LOVED the Hotel Lucerna! What a great place with great staff.  They treat you even better post op! 
Good luck with your surgery today! 

How wonderful your experience has been. Wishing you a speedy recovery

I'm so excited for you!  wishing you the best!

I had my lap band done in Mexico in 2005, Everyone was freaking out and noone believed me when I said that it was the best care I had in a hospital ever.......   Best of luck to you....... I am being sleeved next tuesday :-) 

I too had my surgery in Juarez, Mexico and you're right...I would have never gotten the care I did there anywhere here in the US! I would have been kicked out of the hospital after the 2nd day and on pain meds as well. As it was I was off of the IV and pain medication the next day with no further problems. Meds are so different there then they are here. I would recommend surgery in Mexico any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Congrats on the surgery and beginning a new adventure in your life!!! 

wow!!! I'm so glad I found this post.... I was hoping to find a patient of Dr. Arellano on this site. I ran into a couple while on vacation in Cabo and they spoke so highly of him, in fact, that conversation prompted my interested of having WLS.

I hear good things about a few surgeons in Mexico, but there's nothing like speaking to an actual patient... in person. And now, after reading about your wonderful experience.... makes me feel that Dr. Arellano might the perfect choice for me. No doubt!!

You never know how you can help others just by posting a few words on a website.Thanks for sharing!!

 He is such a sweetie, he's very shy and soft spoken, but a genius in the OR!  and Dr. Dewer is a wonderful person too!  and she has the sleeve!  It is scary at first, being in a completely different culture, but I don't regret going there for a second! Best Wishes!!!