Gap in Employment vs Stamping in Mexico

[appyfizz]

Hi,

I am on H1B since Oct 2008 and was working continuously without any gaps until Oct 2009 except for a short vacation in Feb 2009. In Oct 2009 I went back to India for wedding and due to personal reasons did not come back to US. In July 2011 I came back to US and I have filed for an Extension which is under process.

1. Am I eligible to go for Stamping in one of the consulates in Mexico?

2. Do I have to be on Payroll even when I am out of the Country?

3. What questions can I expect and how to support my long period of absence?

Please guide me through