Scenes from my balcony - CheTica Ranch

Scenes from my balcony!

Part one - Costa Rica pre-op and register at the hospital

Well, it is so sunny and beautiful here in Costa Rica. I feel so fortunate to be able to return here (5th time). However, I had to visit with my doctor/surgeon who will perform the operation manana (a little spanish lingo - but without the accent mark over the first "n"). Well, we chatted and he gave me some preliminary instructions for getting ready for the BIG DAY tomorrow. He also performed an upper endoscopy procedure (sans sedation). Not real pleasant, but quite interesting. well, inside the stomach looks good - froma doctor's point of view, I guess. Looks gross to me. The I went over to CIMA hospital for three more pre-op procedures that I couldn't get before I left home - an EKG, a chest X-ray and another blood test (coagulation timing) and also buy, the best part of this pre-op stuff - a prescription of the old "pre-colonoscopy" favorite - Fleets laxative solution. I just can't wait till I get to drink it a little later today - NOT!!!!! Surgery is scheduled for 3pm tomorrow - need to be there a couple of hours beforehand for last minute pre-op stuff. I'll be back here to the blog asap!

Travel day

I left Sea-Tac Airport on a Continental flight to Houston at 8:20 AM. A good flight with no glitches. Arrived at George Bush International Airport about 2:30 PM local time. Enjoyed a 3 hour layover - first some lunch at Pappadeaux's Seafood restaurant. Yummy cajun style food. My flight to San Jose left at 6:00 PM. Another good trip and arrived at about 8:30 PM local time. Immigration and Customs was a snap. When you emerge from the terminal for your surface transportation, you are deluged with taxi drivers and others who want to help you with your ride to your destination. However, they are not obnoxious, but very friendly and helpful. I was waiting for Carlos Fernandez, a taxi driver, who my friend, Ruben, uses for his guests' transportation needs when Ruben or other CheTica Ranch folks are busy with other stuff. I know Carlos from the last time I was in CR in February of this year. Ruben couldn't pry himself away from watching an important soccer game (on TV), played at the new stadium in San Jose - Costa Rica vs Argentina, to come and pick me up. The Martins are soccer nuts!! I am now settling in to my cottage - "Bourbon Street" (New Orleans styling). I have a meeting with Ruben in the AM before I go see my doctor. This is quite an adventure. More later.

San Jose, Costa Rica taken in early February this year. I was there collaborating with my friend on a sales/marketing project for his property, etc. This photo was shot from the area of one of his competitors - Las Cumbras Inn.

A sunset photo shot at CheTica Ranch.

Still 6 days to go

I chose to try to beat this overweight problem head-on this time. I have considered surgery for a few years, and after using other diet methods, etc. I felt that this was the time. Since this kind of surgery is not covered by my Medicare insurance, I will be paying for this out-of-pocket - hence, the trip to Costa Rica. Why? The medical expertise and care there is as good as or maybe even better, in some case, than the US. It is also much less expensive.

Another reason why I chose Costa Rica is that I have had a friend who lives just outside San Jose who, with his family, owns and operated the CheTica Medical Recovery Center - a very well-known facility, primarily for people who elect to have cosmetic (body and dental) surgery procedures. The patients recuperate at various places around San Jose, but many come to CheTica because of its great reputation and the ambiance of the beautiful rural area where CheTica Ranch is located. Their website is http://cheticaranch.com. I will be among close friends and cared for by trained and qualified staff. I love CheTica. I have visited the ranch on 4 separate occasions for vacations.

The MGB? This procedure was developed by Dr. John Rutledge, Las Vegas, NV some years ago. He has performed this newer bariatric procedure over 4000 times with amazing success records. I have another friend here in Enumclaw who had an MGB by Rutledge 3-4 years ago. Although he was only about 35 years old then, he weighed about 430 lbs. He has easily lost weight and is down to about 250-260, I think. He is roughly 6'2" and looks and feels great.

I do have "butterflies" and will be a bit scared as the surgery gets closer, but I am confident that it is the best thing for me. I will keep this blog updated.

6 days to go

This is Friday, March 25, 2011. My Mini-Gastric Bypass surgery is scheduled for 3 pm, March 31. It will take place in CIMA Hospital, San Jose, Costa Rica. My surgeon is Dr. Carlos Quesada.