BajaMedGroup

You definitely have to visit your doctor!! Whenever one of my patients has these symptoms, I order some lab work and maybe an X ray with contrast to make sure everything is the way it should. Trust me on this one...see your doctor! If you have a medical question feel free to reply or PM me. Good luck..

This just shows you how uninformed or egotistical people are. It took A LOT of courage for you to go down the road you chose. Elective surgery is not for everybody. Plus, as you all know the surgery alone will not get you to your goal. It takes much will power and determination. Shrug it off...expect more of these individuals whenever you mention what you did. Keep your chin up!!

You are definitely in the right place! There are literally thousands of people here willing to offer a helping hand, myself included! If you have any questions be sure to post them...you'll see the support instantly!

I apologize, I was merely offering pointers and advice from somebody that knows many doctors in the area. Best of luck in your endeavors!! Have a great day.

Are you set on a certain city in Mexico? Have you considered Tijuana?

You are all right! Completely naked except for the fashionable cap and compression socks!! The gown comes off as soon as you dose off...don't worry every body in an OR is a professional doing their job.

Here is what I would do: 1. Take some cough medicine 2. DO NOT take aspirin or any blood thinners 3. Use some cough drops 4. Use a humidifier Unless you have a really bad and persistent cough do not worry. It is unlikely that a mild cough will cause your staples to loosen up. Bottom line if it is not that bad, follow the above steps and you will be ok. If you have ANY doubt whatsoever, make sure you contact your dr ASAP. If you have any specific medical questions, feel free to let me know. Best, Dr. JSA

Hey Terib...although it would be a bummer to have your surgery canceled, make sure you DO tell your doctor about this fever. You will receive antibiotics during and after the surgery, but you still have to be on the same page with the whole medical staff. Let's hope your fever goes away by itself, but you should take it easy these next few days. Best, Dr. JSA

Finding a physician that will do a VSG Having a BMI <35 will require some homework. The reality of all this is that the surgeon has a hard time finding an anesthesiologist that will want to do the procedure. When performing a VSG a cardioanesthesiologist is your best bet and the safest one...

It depends where you are planning on having the procedure. In the US there is some 'red tape' to overcome that is not always a reflection on your health. In Mexico and other parts of the world the most important factors are comorbidities and patient overall health. You might find a US doc to do it, but you will have to do some searching and a lot of paying. Check Florida and Texas, they might be good options. Best, Dr. JSA

What a ridiculous and unethical thing to say by an MD! This is a person who is supposed to be objective, empathetic, and reassuring to patients. It saddens me to know some people still think like your doctor. While in med school in the US I was taught by some impressively talented doctors. Once I came to Mexico, I met doctors equally trained and with the same abilities. Next time reply: "If Mexico is so bad, why is the US healhtcare system thinking about outsourcing in Mexico?" To end on a light note, yesterday a potential patient from the US asked me if we sterilize the equipment after EVERY surgery...I thought it was a joke

Books and magazines are a must!! A patient recently brought a knitting kit. I received a very nice scarf in return for the VSG!! Good deal no?

You guys are good! Pretty soon the medical advice will be futile...but I will 'chime' in a little. Based on the articles I have come across in medical journals (New England Journal of Medicine and American Diabetes Assoc), and from my own experience, I advise many patients to go with the VSG. Many of the key points have been addressed, but I also want to emphasize that the staples we use are extremely safe! On the patients we have operated on, we have seen no post-op bleeding whatsoever. In contrast, we have seen some post-op bleeding and malabsorption syndromes with RNY. I know many people criticize the VSG as a 'mutilation' surgery, but as some have already pointed out, the histoanatomy (composition/form) of the stomach allow it to become extremely elastic. As a result, in theory, the stomach can go back to its normal size. With the RNY we are actually 'rerouting' something in the body that was not meant to be in that form. In short: Depending on the patient history, I mostly advise the VSG over the RNY to my patients. Talk to your doctor so that he/she points out your own personal pro's and con's for each surgery. I hope I answered some of your questions... Dr. JSA

Both are great answers...I would also add taking some reading material. Most of our patients complain about the TV...we have satellite TV but patients want more english-speaking channels. Some books and maybe a magazine or two will do the trick!! Best of luck!!

Congrats on your surgery!! You will love the results...

Looks to me like Tiffykins nailed it! You are pretty much on the road to success with her plan. I would add to be in touch with your physician often (by this I mean once a month) if you feel like you are stuck. That is why we are here. Also, exercising is KEY...the VSG is not the magic pill we are all seeking. Throw in a little bit of physical activity and you will see wonders. Best of luck!

It is so ridiculous that VIRTUALLY everyone that tells others about their decision to have WLS, receives negative remarks. I understand the human nature of many to be negative, but why are people so self-absorbed that they do not want others to look and feel their best! It really upsets me when patients tell me these sorts of things!!!! As for all others out there...do this and do not even worry about the opinions of others. I used to tell patients to be up-front about this to everybody...but I have come to the conclusion that I was WRONG. What ever brings peace of mind to my patients is the right choice. Wheeew...

Haha....seems like most will opt out of this option!

Hi Shannah...looks like you are in the right place!! This place is amazing. Everybody is so nice and supportive. You will definitely find the answers, or at least the people that want to help you figure them out. I recommend this site to my patients all the time. I literally say, a large dose of will-power with a little bit of VST every day, is the recipe for success. I wish you the best of luck, and would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Hey Lananala...I am in the southern California area as well. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help out. Best, Dr. JSA

I am a doctor that trained in the US and I can tell you that my colleagues and I agree he is a good physician. He is not the only one...but you cannot argue with his results. That being said, if you have your mind set on him, go for it. FYI...the cost of living is definitely higher in Tijuana. I live here and can assure you of this.

Hi guys...I am glad people are being cautious about picking their surgeon and the city where they want their procedure done. I am also glad that patients like some in this topic had an experience like the one in Angeles Hospital. This comes to show that it IS NOT 2008 anymore. We moved on from that bad year in Tijuana. People have gone bad to work and we in the medical field are trying are best to convey that to the world. I feel your frustration to have to deal with the fact that you want to keep your procedure private...but on top of that telling people you are going to TIJUANA?!?! You will hear horror stories and people WILL be negative about it all. But if you can save yourself some hard earned dollars by having your procedure by highly trained physicians at excellent facilities...why not? You've worked hard to save your money or will have to work hard to repay it, so it is your choice. If there is something in common with the vast majority of our patients it is that they say something along the lines of: "Wow! I trully did not expect this kind of care.", or "This hospital is nicer than I would ever dream of.". The truth of the matter is that we are evolving and people are slowly finding out. Most of my colleagues have the illusion of having Tijuana become Mexico's capital of healthcare...and why not the international capital as well. Thus, it is in our best interest to deliver EXACTLY what we promise and to make sure our patients leave HAPPY. Long story short...say you went to a seminar, vacation, or that Copperfield magically appeared in your house...but if you truly want this, find a way to do it. Best of luck, Dr. JSA

Unless you have a medical condition which prevents you from having the surgery, my advice is to do it. This is a very safe procedure that is life-changing. Aside from looking 'better', you will be SO MUCH healthier. The complications are very few, and the rewards are too many to count...that is what I tell my patients!! So go ahead and 'take that vacation'...you will be glad you did. Best of luck!!

Funny...keep the goal in sight! Fight those urges and you will be glad you did when you look in the mirror in a few months. Stay strong, Dr. JSA

Hi all...when it comes to the use of straws, I have found nothing in the literature to either confirm or deny the claims that it is a 'no-no'. With our patients, we have not really discouraged the use of straws. As a matter of fact some patients find it easier to swallow liquids once they are cleared to do so. I will ask around with my colleagues, and will do more research myself. Until then, everybody is to follow THEIR doctor's orders. Best, Dr. JSA