Loving The Sleeved Life...

So now that we are out of the hospital I figured it would be a good time to write a bit more about the last few days. So after quite a bit of traveling, from Orlando to LAX then to San Diego, we were picked up by Alberto the driver and taken into Tijuana. They were running behind so I didn't go straight to the hospital. Instead my coordinator took me to her hotel room , so I got to see the hotel I would be at today.

The hotel is very nice and comfortable, though admittedly I am having trouble getting comfy to take a nap.

Anyways, So finally they were ready for me. I get taken to the INT Hospital, am prepped for surgery and get all my pre-op testing done. After they finish testing, I was left in my room with Madi to wait while they got results back and prepped everything else. I broke down and cried, feeling bad that I have gotten to this point of needing the surgery to begin with. (This is normal I think though). Dr. Rodriguez came in and was so nice and kind and put my at ease.

Shortly after, the anesthesiologist came in and talked to me, then it was off to surgery. Surgery went well according to the Dr and was very text book procedure. When I came to though I was nauseated and in pain and quite fussy with everyone, though honestly I don't remember most of this. The next day however was much better. I still needed pain and nausea meds but I could walk around just fine and felt much better. I have since been tolerating first ice chips then fluids quite well. Later that day they did my barium swallow and it came out successful , no leaks!

Last night I had some trouble sleeping but overall any pain or discomfort was handled quickly by the staff. Today they released me and I am now at the hotel relaxing. Madi is finally getting sleep on a decent bed instead of the little bench they have in your room. I am feeling very upbeat and happy I did this today. I feel like I did the right thing for myself and have no gained some power back over my life. It won't always feel easy I am sure, but I think that this was the best decision I made for my life right now.

I have uploaded pics from both the hospital and the drive into TJ on flickr, so you can check them out here.

Heading to the Airport!

About to leave for the airport now! See you all on the sleeved side!

As one of my OH buddies posted for me :

Going to Mexico

And I’m gonna get sleeved

Going to Mexico

And I’m gonna get sleeved

Gee I really love life

And I’m gonna get sleeved

Going to Mexico with love

Spring is here (ooo-ooo-ooo)

The sky is blue (sky is blue)

Birds all sing (oh the birds all sing)

Like they do (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)

Today's the day (wah-hooo-oooo)

I'll say "I do" (ooo-oooo)

And I'll never be obese anymore

Because I’m

Going to Mexico

And I’m gonna get sleeved

Going to Mexico

And I’m gonna get sleeved

Gee I really love life

And I’m gonna get sleeved

Going to Mexico with love

Bells will ring (ri-ii-iing) (bells will ring)

The sun will shine (hey hey hey yeah) (the sun will shine)

I'll be hers (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah) (I'll be hers)

And she'll be mine (oh oh oh oh oh oh oh) (and she'll be mine)

We'll love until (we'll love until) (hey hey hey) (we'll love until)

The end of time (ooo hooo) (the end of time)

And I'll never be obese anymore

Because I’m

Going to Mexico

And I’m gonna get sleeved

Going to Mexico

And I’m gonna get sleeved

This needs to be said....

More passport drama has risen it's ugly head on the horizon. Hopefully we have avoided me going alone, but yesterday this was a real possibility. About 182 dollars later, Madi's passport SHOULD get here before we leave. Sadly I still can't say that it will be here for sure... what can I say? Sometimes you luck out and get your passport without issue, within 1 month. Other times you are just not so lucky.

So I am writing this post for the latter group. If you are having surgery in another country, this post is for you. I am even sticking this in the resources tab as I feel this is so important.

So first and foremost, IF you are seriously thinking of surgery in Mexico (or any other country for that matter) but have not made any plans, I would suggest you get your passports NOW. Don't wait. If you are researching doctors and looking at financing etc, get your passport NOW and whoever is coming with you's passport...NOW.

Just so we are clear... GET YOUR PASSPORT AS SOON AS YOU CAN!
DO NOT go by the "average processing times" listed online. If something comes up, and they feel that you need to be singled out and provide further info, this resets that processing time. This makes 4-6 weeks turn into 12 weeks.

GET THE BOOK & EXPEDITE! I thought that getting the passport cards would be the easiest thing. They were perfect as we are being driven into Mexico. Well mine came, no sweat, right in mid-March. Even after submitting her app within the proper amount of time, AND THEN submitting the additional documentation with OVERNIGHT shipping...Madi has no passport card still and has been told that the passport card WILL NOT get here before we leave. FYI too, they cannot expedite those. Get the book, expedite (they give those priority...because its all about the $$$ unfortunately). It may cost more but hopefully you will have less headaches.

If you are like us, and didn't order the passport book, and did not expedite, but are dealing with the strong possibility of NO passport... within 14 days of your travel date CALL the National Passport Information Center. You can upgrade to a passport book and expedite after the fact. Just be prepared to pay for it. We had to pay approximately $182...as soon as it is processed (within 5 business days..but often i hear they can be a little bit quicker), it will be overnighted.

If you are having fears that it will not get here in time, or if you have received communications stating they need further information, I would NOT HESITATE to contact your local congressman or state rep. They many times can at the very least get more people looking into where your passport is and have staff members that handle this type of thing daily.

You can look up your local officials by zip code, here.

When writing your letter, be polite, be professional. Here is a guide to writing them.

Finally, DO NOT GIVE UP! Keep calling the National Passport Information Center.

Keep checking your status here.

TO CALL:

From the United States: 1-877-487-2778 TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793

Automated Passport Information is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Speak with a representative Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., EST, excluding federal holidays.

EMAIL THEM HERE!

If you are facing any issues with getting a passport for either you or your companion I sincerely hope this helps you! If anyone else has more tips PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE THEM IN THE COMMENTS!

<3

Jenn

***************UPDATE!!!!***************

We recieved Madi's passport this morning! 24 hours after upgrading to expedited passport book! SUCCESS...well minus having to spend a crapload more :(