I was getting ready to check into the hotel, again with the help of Mario, and a beautiful woman approached and introduced herself as Alma . Alma was my contact person and she explained that she would go over what would happen in the next few days in the morning.  Mario set a time to meet the next day. I went to my room and settled in with beautiful views of downtown Monterrey . The next day Mario was there right on time and ready to take me to see the sights of Monterrey . It was a wonderful day of shopping, dining and lots of laughter. I really needed this since I was here alone.

 

I met again with Alma who explained everything to me that would happen. I asked her if she could please call my husband as soon as I was out of surgery and let him know that I was done. Alma agreed and was true to her word. The next day Mario took me to see the surgeon that would perform my life changing surgery.

 

Dr. Zapata was a kind faced man and made me feel right at home in his office. I was weighed, and told step by step about the procedure. I explained to Dr. Zapata that I had not slept well since I left home because of the excitement and he gave me something to help me. I went back to my room and dreamed of my surgery the next morning. Bright and early on Friday Mario was there waiting to take me to the hospital. We got to the hospital and Mario took over getting me registered and making sure everything was in place. As I waited I looked around the hospital which was the most beautiful hospital I had ever seen. Everything was marble and it was so clean you could have eaten off the floors. I waited about 30 min and I was taken into pre op. I was treated well and everything was explained to me in detail. The anesthesiologist came and introduced himself and was very nice. Dr. Zapata came in to see me and he set my mind at ease.

 

While I was waiting to go into surgery I heard a newborn baby cry and I thought to my self, “two new lives are starting today". I was taken into surgery and the anesthesiologist did his thing. The next thing I remember is being in a recovery room and Dr. Zapata telling me that the surgery was done and everything went well. I was so happy to hear him say that I was done. I had my band! After a bit of recovery I was taken to my room at the hospital. I entered this room and I was amazed. I had a room all to myself. The room was HUGE and the bathroom was just as spectacular. I was put into my bed and covered with a beautiful warm thick blanket that allowed me to be comfortable and rest easy. Nurses were always in and out checking on me and they brought me things to drink. It felt so good to sip on broth at this point.  Dr. Zapata came to check on me and told me that he would do an x-ray in the morning.  I was able to walk freely about the hospital and shower.  I spent time sitting outside enjoying the warm Mexico breeze. The nurses would come and tell me it was time for my pain medication so the pain would not catch up with me. I never had to wait for anyone to come to me for anything they were just always there as if they could read my mind.

 

The next morning I was taken to the x-ray department, shown exactly where my band was and asked to drink some contrast medium so Dr. Zapata could see it go through my new band. I was then released and Mario took me back to my room to relax and start getting used to my new life. In my room there was a basket with broth, a cup, juice, water etc. I was pleased that I did not have to worry about anything. I spent the rest of the afternoon walking and sipping. Dr. Zapata came to my room in the evening to check on me and give me all of the information I needed for my long journey home. We chatted for a while and I will never forget Dr. Zapata and the kindness in his eyes and in his heart.

 

Over the next few months I would go to the gym daily and eat according to my instructions. I was loosing weight right on schedule. My life had totally changed in a matter of months. I was no longer taking medications for diabetes, using my c-pap or craving junk food. I was a new me on my way to being the best I could be. I would get my adjustments when I needed them and I was looking forward to a new life. For the first time in my life I could sled with my son, play with my dogs, walk more than a mile and want to go more. I can sit in positions that I never thought I could.

 

I am a totally different person thanks to Ready4achange and everyone involved. I have a new, healthy life and I am just getting better by the day. I have lost 80 lbs in seven months and I don't worry about gaining it back. I have my band and my new lifestyle and I could not be happier. I just want to thank Ready4achange and everyone in Monterrey . Thank you for giving me my life back and my ability to be active and alive.

 

 

Please feel free to use this letter in any manner you see fit.

 

Susan Japink

 

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