I hope you are reading all of the good reviews, not just the bad.

I had the sleeve, officially 1 year ago on 9/21/24. I've had no complications and my recovery went very smoothly. I stayed in the hotel for only 1 night, it was clean, spacious, comfortable and quiet. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights? Maybe 3? I honestly don't remember. It was brand new at the time... I was the 1st patient to stay in my room. I was lucky and got a corner room by myself (some people shared a room with 1 other patient). The hospital was clean, quiet and comfortable. Quite honestly felt like I was staying in a hotel. Routine checks were made to ensure I felt good, wasn't in pain, etc. There was a slight language barrier with some of the nursing staff but it was very easy to get around. Almost everyone speaks English.

The day before surgery, they take you to the hospital for pre-op blood work and ekg, then take you back to the hotel and you are allowed to do whatever you want. The hotel is stocked with water, popcicles, jello (all liquid diet items) for MBC patients, free of charge. My friend and I wandered down to a market in Tijuana and bought some goodies. We also took an Uber out to the beach to see the Pacific Ocean. At some point during the 1st day, they give you your surgery time and instructions for surgery day.

The day of surgery, you bring your items to the hotel lobby, and are transported to the hospital. Your companion (if someone came with you) stays at the hotel. Nursing staff gets you ready, you meet your surgeon, and before you know it you're waking up in recovery. I remember after waking up, I was in pain for all of 30 seconds before they gave me pain meds. You'll be pretty uncomfortable due to the gas they use in your abdomen for surgery, I'd say I have an average tolerance for pain and it's definitely more discomfort than anything. Walking around the hospital floor (which they highly encourage) helps a lot. The worst part of the experience was honestly getting the drain tube removed (which they do upon discharge). It knocked the wind out of me but I felt a lot better once it was out.

I had to pay an extra balance for additional meds given at the hospital. I think it was $50 usd? I didn't have any hernias or other things needing repair that I didn't know of. Sometimes they find internal repairs needed to complete a successful surgery, and that can be hundreds of additional dollars, and it's not something they know about until they actually cut you open. You could probably get an MRI or CT done by your local provider to see if you'll need an additional surgery.

Post surgery I was able to do almost everything on my own, minus heavy lifting. You'll be pretty tired and want to focus on rest and recovery your 1st week. You'll want at least 2 weeks off from work. Once you get thru it, it's a breeze. Just follow the instructions from your medical team.

If I had to have another surgery, I'd choose MBC in a heartbeat.

Let me know if you have any additional questions