Magrets surgery Diary w/Dr.Lopez,Corvala

margretr · 07-28-2004, 11:36 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm home now and wen't through with the surgery. I'm so blown away by the support/firestorm created since I came on this site. Ist of all I wan't to thank everone, for the advise and the 2 cents didn't hurt either.

I want to be very objective about what has happened to me since Sunday July 25th, when my husband and I arrived in Tijuana. I've decided to make a diary of the experience outlining all the important details. Please comment on any similarities or breakdowns as you relate your own experiences.

Sunday July 25th,2004

We arrived in Tijuana at 8:00pm and checked into our Hotel. The Hotel had previously been reserved for us by Nora. Hotel Lucerna is a very nice place a 3 star hotel by Expedia standards www.expedia.com for more info. we were greeted by an english speaking bellman and front desk person. When my husband gave him our name, he looked us up and mentioned, you're in town to see Dr. Lopez? We nodded yes. he said, I have selected a room on the 1st floor away from the trafic circle. (By the way those traffic circles are the equivalent of the tea cup ride at disneyland. I suggest making sure everyone brings an aggressive driver to make sure you'll get out alive!! also they are very busy and noisy)

So far so good, again the room was very nice. we noticed the phone was blinking, as message from Nora was waiting for us. In her message she welcomed us to Tijuana and reminded us of her local # to call if we had any questions. having so many and no energy left after the drive, we decided a good nights sleep was more important.

Monday July 26th 2004.

8:00am: We were awoken by the phone ringing. My husband answered, and it was Nora, She was pleasant and spent the 1st part of the conversation asking about the drive and the accommodations etc.. She then shifted into an overview of the days events. Our original pre-op appointment with Dr. Lopez was at 9:00am however, she said he was in surgery at the local Government run hospital and wouldn't be in till noon. I didn't worry too much, actually I was relieved by the delay. The thought of being closer to making my final decision was scaring the shit out of me. (am I allowed to say "shit" on this site?) Nora mentioned that we had to meet the Cardiologist and have 1 last blood test per the request of the nutritionist we had seen on the previous visit. Nora then suggested coming in between 9:30 and 10:00am. We split the difference and arrived at Lopez's office at 9:45am. The woman at the desk remembered who we were and also greeted us very warmly. She told us right away Nora was on her way and would arrive in 15 more minutes. My husband jokingly piped in (would that be mexican minutes?) not getting the joke she smiled politely and continued with her work.

10:00am rolls around and in walks Nora, She was very polite and asked us how we were feeling we talked about nerves and pre-op jitters. It turns out that she had her gall bladder removed by Lopez a week earlier. My husband reminded her that we needed to have a pre-op consult with Dr. Lopez before agreeing to have the surgery. Nora was very supportive of that request and indicated that she would let Dr. Lopez know when he came in. I asked if Dr. Carmen was going to be there too. Nora informed us to our disbelief, Carmen no longer works for Dr. Lopez. Naturally we wanted to know why, She simply stated it was a mutual decision that she move on. We left it at that. My mind began to swirl with reflection about all the postings and negative feedback about her. could that have had anything to do with it? And if so, some of those stories also mentioned Nora too. My husband must have been thinking the same thing too, because at that very moment he looked at me and said upper management always gets the ax first. Makes sense to me, My husband was an HMO health administrator for 10 years before becoming a financial advisor (Not a gratuitous plug, don't shoot me) If anyone understands the inner workings of healthcare management he does. My mind was eased actually knowing Carmen was no longer there.

Nora, suggested we go to our 2 pre-set appointments. The cardiologist was already scheduled at 10:30am which gave us just enough time to get the blood test. All the pre-op appointmets were in the same building as Dr. Lopez office so we did'nt have to go far. ( by the way the building had secured parking, and they validate too!!) Nora accompanied us to both appointments and stayed with us until we were called in to see the Cardiologist. she reminded us to go back to Dr. Lopez office as soon as we were done.

11:15am We returned, Nora was waiting for us and invited us to come to the back of the office. By this time my nerves were creeping up on me again. (I'm sooo glad my husband was there, he's been my rock through this whole thing.)

Nora decided to use the time to re-fresh us from our 1st visit. She started off by saying I'm sure Carmen covered everything, but lets go over everything one more time, by that time Dr. Lopez should be here. So, she proceeded to speak to us as if it was our first visit. My husband and I sat attentively listening to everything. she was nice enough to speed through what we clearly understood. She also covered sooo much more info than Carmen did. I really felt like I could do this!! Then she said, have you seen the band? and we said yes, but lets have another look at it. Nora let us look at it as she had us watch a computer video of the whole process. I was immediately amazed on how simple it looked.

12:00 Dr lopez walks in and for a short guy he can command a room. I mean I felt so nervious just looking at him. Dr Lopez though was very polite and also seemed to be interested in our drive and accommodations and also asked about our family, their involvement in the decision to have the surgery. he was concerned about how our 8 and 10 yr old might feel if they knew I had this surgery and even gave a few common sense tips. My Husband began the conversation. We are very concerned that the office has public relations issues regarding staff and aftercare. We reviewed several opinions placed on Lap Band talk.com Dr. Lopez stated at that point. I know how you are feeling, I'm very frustrated too. Nora has been keeping me informed. She's been reviewing those postings. i also have a representative, Debbie who's been keeping me informed as well. She's been looking at all the Lap Band support sites. 1st of all let me say, I rely heavilly on my staff to follow up and keep me up to date on my patients. I'm a surgeon, it's my life. So when I realized there was a concern that big, I reacted. As you can see Dr. Carmen is no longer here. She has been replaced by Dr. Gabby, who in my opinion is more mature and considerate of my patients. In fact you will meet her today, she will assist me with your surgery. O.k. I then my husband proceeded with many of the questions I posted just a few days ago. Do we get an aftercare kit? Rx's? what about a post op report? medical records? emergencies? follow up visits? etc. port failures? rejection? contact person? credentials of his surgical team. Medica Norte? their staff? (medica Norte is there the surgery was scheduled)

Dr. lopez answered them all to our satisfaction. In fact he did so with such confidence and re-ssurance, really began to relax. Nora occasionally added footnotes to his answers. I mean they were in sinc. They definately made a better team then with Dr. Carmen. (by the way Nora is a med school student) At that point my husband and I had no other questions, and Dr. Lopez said we would meet his entire team before having the surgery. He assured us again that the surgery would be very routine. At that point he asked us for permission to proceed with the surgery. We said yes almost simultaniously. ( I gotta tell you, the feeling was not as horrible as what I was feeling while watching my husband navigate those traffic circles!!) So we began the process of signing the consents and releases (all english!!) and Nora explained evey point on the consents. My husband kept squeezing my hand ( a signal that he felt good too) Once we got that out of the way we paid, by the way we paid less than many of you since we opted for a surgery center-Medica Norte. He gave us the option of Sanoviv hospital during the 1st visit last month and the price tag that came along with it. He mentioned that if my BMI was over 40 I would have had no choice than to have the surgery at Sanoviv. He's performed several surgeries at sanoviv since our 1st appointment.

Around this time another woman entered the room. Nora introduced us, her name was Michelle the surgical nurse who would be assisting Dr. Lopez. she was there to pick up the supplies for my surgery. she was very nice and seemed knowledgeable. She was the one who selected the band Dr. Lopez would be using. (they come in different sizes, depending on a patients girth) Once she was satisfied with her choice she assured me everything would be fine, and looked forward to working with me. she announced she was headed for Medica Norte for the pre-op.

By this time Nora was busy typing the pre-op instructions for the Medica Norte Staff. She assured us that the staff was as top notch as at sanoviv. Michelle, also works at sanoviv and frequently assists dr. Lopez and dr. Ortiz. apparently she's one of the most requested. Nora, told us it was time to go to pre-op and handed us an envelope. In the envelope she explained was a letter with pre-op instructions,copies of our paperwork, more nutrition info (post-op) 1st 3 days, and said we'd be getting more after the surgery. So we left.

Hotel Lucerna is right across the street from Medica Norte. (Note: Dr. Saldana who runs Medica Norte referred us to Dr. Lopez originally) So we were at least familiar with the office but not much else. we had our hospital bag pre-packed with magazines and snacks for my husband. Oh, and my stuff too. By the way all of you contributed ideas of what to pack. In short I was ready to supply medical care to hundreds if a bomb dropped on us.
(thanks)We walked to Medica Norte, It really helped take away the jitters that were so frequent. I mean that walk was so empowering for me. For better or worse I was gonna do this and my husband (Gabe) was with me every step of the way. I think he was looking forward to the lifestyle change too. He's 6-4, 275 I know he feels like we are both having this surgery and for the right reasons. He want's to follow the diet with me, but I won't let him till I get to the mushy food stage. He'a runner and a pretty athletic guy. So I don't want him hurting himself trying to keep me motivated. He's gonna need his strength to take care of me. (thank god he can bench press 300 lbs).

I'll continue with the 2nd half tommorrow. right now I'm wiped out.

Love Margret.

Vera · 07-29-2004, 12:11 AM

I am so delighted reading your documentary!! (Diary)
Simularities with an other doctor 600 miles away.
I love your simplified foot notes to what we've been reading lately. Your Husband must be a great guy.
Your so together!
Congratulations and welcome home

New Hope · 07-29-2004, 04:09 AM

Margretr, Excellent post! I can only hope that you are a regular new bandster. Forgive me if I seem somewhat suspicious after previous other postings. Best of luck to you!

New Hope · 07-29-2004, 04:39 AM

We've all been very concerned over you having surgery w/Lopez, despite numerous warnings from his patients w/ serious complications. What did you mean when you commented, on 7/24 (on Diane Lee (Beck) thread), that you "weren't looking to be a litmus test for improved care?" Had you been told that Lopez was improving his surgical aftercare? If so, by whom? At that time, you had 17 "immediate concerns". Were all those answered prior to surgery? Were you satisfied with those answers? Will you be continuing your aftercare w/Lopez or a CA fill dr.? Are you or will you be working w/ Lopez in any form (referral, liason, etc.)? Again, I do hope that you have an uneventful recovery and wish you nothing but the best!

**Alexandra** · 07-29-2004, 08:14 AM

Margret, I'm glad everything went well and you were confident in your treatment. Having a husband like that at your side can't hurt, either! :D

Take care, rest a lot, and let us know how you're doing when you have time. Sleep tight!! :D

Penni60 · 07-29-2004, 10:55 AM

Margret: I am so happy that everything went well. Please come back when you feel up to it and give us an update on how you are recuperating.

Thank you for the insight into your interaction with Lopez' and his staff. Let's hope this is a sign of change.

DeLarla · 07-29-2004, 11:29 AM

Margret, you're really lucky. They seemed to give you their extra-special-patient deal, because my experience was quite different. They zipped me through each part. Dr. Lopez spent very little time with me, though his presence actually calmed me because he's so friendly.

Nora must have been given a polish job, because she seems to have really taken care of you, too.

I wonder if he'll take some special time to contact his old patients, as well. Actually, I'm only two months old, so it would be nice to get an apology from his office and some restitution now that he's admitted there's a problem.

Now to the important stuff... how are you feeling?

leatha_g · 07-29-2004, 11:38 AM

Welcome Home and please keep us updated how you are doing!!!

margretr · 07-29-2004, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by New Hope
We've all been very concerned over you having surgery w/Lopez, despite numerous warnings from his patients w/ serious complications. What did you mean when you commented, on 7/24 (on Diane Lee (Beck) thread), that you "weren't looking to be a litmus test for improved care?" Had you been told that Lopez was improving his surgical aftercare? If so, by whom? At that time, you had 17 "immediate concerns". Were all those answered prior to surgery? Were you satisfied with those answers? Will you be continuing your aftercare w/Lopez or a CA fill dr.? Are you or will you be working w/ Lopez in any form (referral, liason, etc.)? Again, I do hope that you have an uneventful recovery and wish you nothing but the best!

Hi everone,

Well I'm feeling alot better today I've been catnapping frequently, since I have absolutely nothing on my plate (literally) till the 4th when I return to work. Any way before I continue I'd like to address the posting above. My comment about not being a litmus test was implied. I was putting together questions that were based on your experiences. I fugured that all the questions I asked were at the core of the aftercare issue. So naturally I didn't want to experience any of the negatives, which is why I asked them. My reasoning was that If I addressed them to Dr.Lopez, he'd step up and make good knowing the issues were out there. As you read in the 1st part of the diary, He already was addressing the issues when I brought them up. I guess timing has alot to do with your correlation of how things unfolded.

Anyway, I want to remain objective for a couple of reasons. 1st, we owe it to any members of this site or casual visitors to share our experiences good or bad. So they can compare the pro's and cons of having surgery in the U.S. or Mexico. One thing that is extremely prevalent is the fact that many of us have had to go Mexico to have this surgery either because our HMO would'nt pay for it and going to a private American Doc charges way too much (ave 18-20k) in Calif alone!! In addition, they'll make us go through a 4-6 month program to make sure that we're mentally and physically ready to have the surgery. Is it fair say that many of us wanted surgery the next day (if we could) once we decided it was the way to go?

So, in reality Mexico for many of us has been the best alternative. either because of cost, reduced wait to have the procedure, or the privacy concern. So for whatever the reasons, people come here to get advise or compare experiences We have an obligation to them to help them make good choices. Afterall, we've already had the surgery. Our lives are for the most part better, our immediate outlook for the future improved, and as far as weight loss success stories. I can tell our group kicks ass over weight watchers, slim fast, crappy frozen food, back breaking excercise with barbi at 24 hr fitness,starvation diets, every diet pill-fad MEN have invented for us. I've tried them all and spent more then the cost to have my surgery. Nothing ever worked, long term.

We owe it to those people who come here concerned and frightened like I was, We need to empower them to do the right thing for (them). They need to know that whether going to Mexico or the U.S. or any where else in the world. The surgery process is not perfect. The people who treat us are not perfect. The outcomes are not perfect. As far as I can tell there are way more success stories here than horror stories. The risk outwieghs the consequenses.

lets look to help those who need to be lifted, encourage those who need to find inner strength. Most of all eulogize who we were and love ourselves for who we are becoming.

I'm writing all this to each and every one of you, You have all inspired me in ways I could not have done on my own. I have used all your experiences to make my own--better. I have learned from your stories, and have tried to duplicate any positives, so I could have some sembalance, some re-assurance that everything at best; would turn out alright. So far it has.

Thank you for everything!!!

Love Margret

P.S. By the way when I can start having sex again, I woke up feeling well, you know... (I guess thats a good sign I'm doing o.k.)

La_madam · 07-29-2004, 05:52 PM

Margaret I'm very please to hear how well thing went for you with Dr. Lopez. I will admit I was concerned since you posted in the middle of a Lopez fest and the responses werent the best ..Congratulations and I wish you much success and happiness with your band..

Penni60 · 07-29-2004, 05:54 PM

Margret: I applaud your last post. IT is true we need to inform and enlighten potential Lap Banders of the options out there of where to have the surgery.

I in no way and unhappy with the initial surgery I experienced. I am still happy that I had the band placed and with whom I had it placed. I am now happy with the aftercare I am receiving from a Local Surgeon. In hindsight I should have been smarted and set up the aftercare before having the initial surgery. I encourage all potential patients going out of their home state or country to set up local aftercare for ease and peace of mind.

Inamed can help with that list of doctors that will accept you as a patient. They are so helpful with any issues regarding the LAP BAND.

Thanks Margret for your insight into this wonderful and sometimes shocking experience of regaining our lives and health.

nightingale2u · 07-29-2004, 07:05 PM

Margret... I think you might want to wait a little bit longer before you do the horizontal boogie. :) My Surgeon didn't give me an exact time frame but I figured that I might want to let the stitches holding my port in place heal first. Perhaps contain the friskies for a couple of weeks and then let the hubby do all of the work!;)

Wishing you a speedy recovery so you can GET BUSY with your dear husband...

Darcy

New Hope · 07-30-2004, 03:42 AM

Margret, Congratulations on being banded and doing so well! Hope you will continue to heal without any complications. What type of work do you do? Your thoughts are so thorough and well-documented.

margretr · 07-31-2004, 08:34 PM

I'm sure by now some of you are wondering, o.k. where's the rest of Margrets diary? It's amazing how much laundry piles up when you're out of comission.
Anyway...

2:00pm As soon as we arrived at Medicia Norte I handed the paperwork to the front office person Nora gave me and sat in the waiting room for about 5 mins.

They called me in and showed me my room. The Room seemed nice, 2 beds and a bathroom inside. Nobody else was in the other bed so I had a lot of privacy. They immediatly asked me to put my
gown on and hooked me up with the IV. The Anesthisioligist came in about 15 mins later and asked the standard questions. Have you ever been under any anesthesia? Was there any complications? What kind of anesthesia was it? Are you allergic to any kind of medications? Are you taking any kind of medications? After I answered all his questions he said he'd see me in surgery.

3:30pm We waited a hour (which again didn't bother me too much because the reality of surgery kept me tense, so the additional downtime was nice). I read a little to keep my mind off things) Dr. Lopez came in and said there had been a delay in the surgery room and it will be another 20 mins. (It seemed to take FOREVER!) But, 25 mins went by and they came in for me. I walked into the surgicial room and saw Michelle, Dr. Lopez, the Anesthisioligist and few other people I never meet( I'm sure they were the rest of the surgical team). I layed down and the Anesth. stuck a needle into the IV. I asked him if that was supposed to make me relax. He said it's like having 3 margaritias and 2 shots of tequilla all at the same time. "Strawberry margaritias" he then said. After that, I have no memory of what happened, thank god! I don't even know how I got back to my room.

5:00pm My first memory after the surgery was a nurse putting more"juice" in my IV (pain killers). I saw my husband sitting on what looked to be a very uncomfortable chair, he said he spoke with Dr. Lopez and everything went just fine.

They kicked my husband out at about 8:00pm, I wasn't the best of company. I kept going in and out of a deep sleep. I looked up at one point and saw Dr.Lopez, Nora and some other lady I don't recall ever meeting.

The first night felt very long even though, I was doped up. The
nurse kept checking in on me, it felt like it was about every hour
but hell, I was doped up! I seem to have been on a regular
"juice" schedule and didn't mind one bit! By the way I think her name was Senora, because I remember my husband speaking with her and every time he asked a question he always said excuse me senora. (just kidding)

7:30am July 27th When morning arrived, Senora brought me water with a straw. The 1st sips went down fine, (good, I was really worried!) She asked if I needed to use the restroom. (I thought, well I haven't gone since yesterday I should probably try). She adjusted the bed so it would be easier to get up. Trying to get up took at least 5 mins.
IT WAS VERY PAINFULL! Anyway I made it to the bathroom like
I was a woman in my early ninities, but I made it. It was a long
walk back, 4 feet maybe but hey, it took a while. When I got
back in bed, I noticed they had brought a wonderful array of
liquids. Apple juice, chicken broth, tea and jello. I started slowly
and all went down ok. I didn't drink much, I didn't want to
push it or have to go the bathroom right away!

8:00 am Dr. Lopez came in to check up on me that morning. He checked my incisions and asked how I was feeling. I asked him why I suddenly had some much phlegum in my chest, it was causing me to cough and that was painful. He explained the tube they inserted down my throat during surgery was probably irriatating my throat. The phlegum was caused by the anesthesia and will soon go away. The best thing I could do, he said is to walk down the halls to get my lungs back in sinc. Easy for him to say. He said Dr. Gabby will be in later this morning to
check up on me.

11:00am Dr. Gabby introduced herself and told me she assisted Dr. Lopez yesterday with my surgery and everything went very well. I then recognized her as the other woman looking in on me with Dr. Lopez and Nora the night before. She was very nice, looked very young to be a surgeon. I was surprised she had no accent what so ever. She wanted to see how the liquids were going down and make sure the nurse would help me take a shower and clean my incisions. She said Dr. Lopez would release me at about 4:00pm if every still looks good. When she left, my nurse helped me get to the shower. I was ok once I got there. She gave me a clean gown and changed my sheets while I was in the shower. Nothing like a shower and clean gown to make a girl feel daisy fresh!

11:30am My husband came to visit I had him accompany me for a short spin around the hallway. Still very painful but easier than the first time. It turns out when all you have a liquids you pee
a lot! The short walk really did help ( make sure you bring
someone with you to ensure all your "ass"sets are covered).
I probably took 4 or 5 short walks and felt a little better
after each one.

12:00pm Senora brought some broth in. It seemed to hit the spot. I kept having sharp pains that would come and go, thank god for the "juice" schedule. The day of recuperation was pretty un-eventful, reading, laying around and talking with my husband, was very re-assuring. He only left once to eat lunch.

6:00 pm Dr. Gabby came back for another follow-up, she checked my chart and asked how I was feeling. I told her I was ready to go back to my hotel! She talked with Senora and asked her fill me up with one last shot of "juice". She said as soon as your IV is empty you can go. She also said Nora would come to our hotel and check up on me tonight.

8:00pm It felt good to be in a non-hospital setting. Nora came by at about 8:20 and gave me some painkillers to take every 12 hours (if I'm in pain or not she said). She also gave me the "after-care kit", post-op, prescriptions for wound care, phlegum, and the swelling around the incisions. She wanted to make sure I was comfortable. We asked for an "after-care kit" when we meet with Dr. Lopez the day before, I was pleased Nora took the time to prepare everything. Since Dr.Lopez used "glue" to seal the incisions. There was no real need for any bandages or gauze. The Hospital notes I was told, would be available during my 1st post-op check-up.

9:00am July 28th As we prepared to leave, Dr. Lopez called and
wanted to know how I was feeling. I'd completely lost my voice
by then, but as best as I could, I told him I was feeling much better.

10:00am We left to get my prescriptions filled and then drove home. Other than smacking my husband for hitting the bumps and turns too hard, we made it home ok.

Since the surgery I've tried to take it easy. I actually started a book and finished it! The book was very good by the way "Lovely Bones" It had some sad parts and I was trying not to cry which
only made my incisions feel worse, probably not the best choice
after recovery. I feel a little stronger everyday. Nora has called
twice since I've been home and that probably been the best
medicine so far.

To answer someone's question earlier, I do plan on making
Dr. Lopez my aftercare Doc, since he is only 2 hours away. Also
it's a good reason to spend the weekend in Mexico. He wants
me to go back in about a month for a check up.

Also, I was asked what I did for a living. I am a retail manager. My job involves lots of running around, dealing with neurotic shoppers, and out of control employees. yeah, I'm really looking forward to going back to work....

Take care everyone!!

Love, Margret

New Hope · 07-31-2004, 09:50 PM

Sounds like you had an uneventful surgery --- YEAH! I'm so glad that you're doing so well. Take care of yourself and please don't overdo. Don't forget to DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!