A few questions regarding the clinic, etc...

[ckiki]

Ok, so I am asking this for my mother who is going with me next week. In case we have to stay all night at the clinic (my mom won't go back to the hotel by herself) is there any food places there, are next door? Or if she has to bring something, is there at least a vending machine where she might be able to get something to drink?

Also, is there a refrigerator in side the rooms at Hotel Lucerna?

Once I am picked up at the border, do we go to the hotel first to check in or do we go right to the clinic (I am being picked up at 8:00 am)?

After being banded, is gum chewing allowed? What about ice (I know that's a stupid question, but I thought I would ask..lol) I love chewing on ice.

Does the hotel restaurant take cash (american money) and credit cards/debit cards?

Ok I think that's it for now, just trying to get the last minute questions out of the way. I appreciate all of you, you are all so informative

[determination]

Ok, so I am asking this for my mother who is going with me next week. In case we have to stay all night at the clinic (my mom won't go back to the hotel by herself) is there any food places there, are next door? Or if she has to bring something, is there at least a vending machine where she might be able to get something to drink?

Also, is there a refrigerator in side the rooms at Hotel Lucerna?

Once I am picked up at the border, do we go to the hotel first to check in or do we go right to the clinic (I am being picked up at 8:00 am)?

After being banded, is gum chewing allowed? What about ice (I know that's a stupid question, but I thought I would ask..lol) I love chewing on ice.

Does the hotel restaurant take cash (american money) and credit cards/debit cards?

Ok I think that's it for now, just trying to get the last minute questions out of the way. I appreciate all of you, you are all so informative

Hi, I was banded 12/12 and I didn't see any vending machines in the clinic, nor did I see any close restaurants outside.

In my room there was not a refrigerator, I am not sure if any of the other rooms do or not.

I was taken immediately from the airport to the Hotel Lucerna. (By the by, when you stop at the border, the custom officers on the Mexico side will open the door and ask you where you are going. You just tell them that you are going to Dr. Ortiz)

The hotel restaurant takes cash, I am not sure about credit/debit cards. I saw mainly Americans or Canadians in the restaurant. The staff are all very gracious. You will find that anyone working at the Hotel is so helpful. Feel free to ask any questions to the Hotel Personel.

I can't remember who it was, but some on this sight suggested that I take cash. Especially in small bills.

[JudiM]

The hotel takes credit cards and american money.

Since it is so early in the morning, they probably will take you to the clinic since checkin time is later in the day. Also, if more are being banded that day, they will take them all back to the hotel. The hotel is so safe - don't have to go outside to eat. But others will have their companions too, so she can make friends with them and really feel safe.

No refrigerators in our room.

After surgery, they brought us popcicles - tasted really good. Can have as many as you want.

Hope this helps some,

Judi

Ok, so I am asking this for my mother who is going with me next week. In case we have to stay all night at the clinic (my mom won't go back to the hotel by herself) is there any food places there, are next door? Or if she has to bring something, is there at least a vending machine where she might be able to get something to drink?

Also, is there a refrigerator in side the rooms at Hotel Lucerna?

Once I am picked up at the border, do we go to the hotel first to check in or do we go right to the clinic (I am being picked up at 8:00 am)?

After being banded, is gum chewing allowed? What about ice (I know that's a stupid question, but I thought I would ask..lol) I love chewing on ice.

Does the hotel restaurant take cash (american money) and credit cards/debit cards?

Ok I think that's it for now, just trying to get the last minute questions out of the way. I appreciate all of you, you are all so informative

[Cujo]

I think having your mom overnight at the OCC might be a problem to start. . Assuming that gets okayed, there are no nearby restaurants but the front desk staff will order food in for you.

If Mom is not allowed she will take the OCC van to the hotel, the only time she will be alone is in her own hotel room. No safety worries.

Gum - My understanding is that gum is not recommended as it could cause serious problems if swallowed and gets stuck in the band area.

Ice - I don't recall any problems with letting ice melt in your mouth (clear liquid) , If its a couple crunches and then swallowing might cause some problems while on the liquid phase.

Pickup - with an early pickup I imagine they would go directly to the clinic.

Hotel restaurant - I signed everything to the room and then only paid out the incidentals once on check out. American money credit cards are accepted as well. I used US cash for my starbucks, going to the movies, Revolution Avenue, cabs and tipping.

[PAMMIE]

LIKE IN ANY CITY, YA HAVE TO BE CAREFUL, TELL MOM TO BE IN BEFORE DARK AND ENJOY THE NICER RESTAURNT BY THE POOL

CLICK ON WORLD NEWS ON THE LEFT. THEN CHECK OUT WHAT THEY HAD ON THIS EVENING ON THE "DRUG WARS RAGE IN TIJUANA"

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/

[karenlynn79]

I was banded a while ago, but they wouldn't let my husband stay overnight at the OCC with me............The hotel is really ok, she'll be dropped off right in front and can stay in her room.

[CindyLou]

They will let you go back to the hotel that night if you feel ok.

Also, I would check with the hotel upon arrival regarding a room upgrad which includes a microwave and fridge. We didn't know until our last day there that it was an option but it would have been a life saver.

Your mom can order pizza at the OCC to be delivered and I think McDonalds might deliver as well. (very healthy choices, I know...)

[Guest mansaw]

they deliver subway too

[tnm75]

Ok, so I am asking this for my mother who is going with me next week. In case we have to stay all night at the clinic (my mom won't go back to the hotel by herself) is there any food places there, are next door? Or if she has to bring something, is there at least a vending machine where she might be able to get something to drink?

Also, is there a refrigerator in side the rooms at Hotel Lucerna?

Once I am picked up at the border, do we go to the hotel first to check in or do we go right to the clinic (I am being picked up at 8:00 am)?

After being banded, is gum chewing allowed? What about ice (I know that's a stupid question, but I thought I would ask..lol) I love chewing on ice.

Does the hotel restaurant take cash (american money) and credit cards/debit cards?

Ok I think that's it for now, just trying to get the last minute questions out of the way. I appreciate all of you, you are all so informative

I would suggest that your stay one night at the OCC and your mom go back to the hotel. The couches in the rooms are very small. And, I don't know if it's allowed anyways. The hotel room for your mom will be covered. I think your mom could have Domino's delivered to the OCC. No refrigerators. But, not really needed. The restaurants at the hotel looked wonderful with good reviews! I chewed gum... but, I didn't really have gas pain issues. And, I had ice... especially on the flight home. Actually... I was given a cup of ice by the OCC nurses after surgery. Yes, the hotel takes American money.

Kristy

[JazzyJude]

Ok, so I am asking this for my mother who is going with me next week. In case we have to stay all night at the clinic (my mom won't go back to the hotel by herself) is there any food places there, are next door? Or if she has to bring something, is there at least a vending machine where she might be able to get something to drink?

> According to OCC ruling, no one stays in your clinic room except you. Your Mum can stay at the clinic while you are doing your preop prepping, surgery, and recovery, and then just before visiting hours are over, OCC will take her to the hotel in their own van. I STRONGLY suggest your Mum to go to the hotel as soon as you are taken in to surgery.

Also, is there a refrigerator in side the rooms at Hotel Lucerna?

> Not the regular rooms but like CindyLou says, you can upgrade your room for other amenities. You will need to inquire when your Mum checks in, after visiting you. NOTE: I STRONGLY suggest for your Mum to check in as early as she can to get the room she wants. First come, first serve deal.

Once I am picked up at the border, do we go to the hotel first to check in or do we go right to the clinic (I am being picked up at 8:00 am)?

> Not sure of your surgery schedule. I was to come to the clinic for preop the day before my surgery. So, when my hubby and I were picked up from the border, we went straight to the clinic for my preop stuff (EKG, meeting Dr Miranda, etc). NOTE: BE PREPARED! They may ask you to have your surgery a day earlier if they have time, like they did me. If not, then they will take you to the hotel to get checked in and be picked up in the early morning next day.

After being banded, is gum chewing allowed? What about ice (I know that's a stupid question, but I thought I would ask..lol) I love chewing on ice.

> Gum chewing is not suggested as it can create gas and you will be walking around trying to get those gas bubbles out of your system. And the possibility of you swallowing the gum is NOT a good thing. Having ice if fine...just not during meals. After your surgery, nurse will will give you a glass of ice chips to ease out from your recovery and help with your water intake before you start drinking. As Judi says, the Otter Pops popsicles are WONDERFUL!

Does the hotel restaurant take cash (american money) and credit cards/debit cards?

> Hubby put out a credit card for the hotel and we paid at the end of our stay. You can use credit cards and American money to pay for any items in TJ. If your devit card has the Visa logo on it, that is acceptable too. NOTE: It is SUGGESTED to take small bills, fives and ones. Don't whip out large bills like 10s or 20s, as most vendors will say they don't have change or some other excuses. Make it easier on you and think smart. If you are not going to go shopping, you won't need too much money. You won't be eating anything other than the wonderful tortilla soup (broth) at the restaurant, which caters to OCC's patients! The other restaurant is by the poolside and they have wonderful food there as well.

Ok I think that's it for now, just trying to get the last minute questions out of the way. I appreciate all of you, you are all so informative

> You are going to be just fine! I love the way you are planning in advance and get organized. Remember to pack LIGHTLY! Trust me, you will NOT want to tug your suitcase after surgery...NO WAY! This is your healing time and ANY strenguous pushing, pulling, or lifting will make you cringe a bit.