kemo46

Have any of you taken up bike riding since you have lost your weight? I loved to ride bikes before my weight gain and it has been years since i have been on a bike. Have any of you had any problems riding a bike as exercise since your surgery? (after being released by your doctor of course). This is one of my goals after the surgery. I have begun to make a list of things I look forward to after the surgery that I have not been able to do for years. Thanks.

When losing the weight after surgery, what part of the body do you lose the weight first, second and third? I would like to hear from all to see where and what stages the weight was lost. Is it done uniformly , stomach, legs, arms or what? Thank you.

No Bathing? How long did your doctor tell you not to bath?

Men of course. Calling all men, did they shave your entire stomach area before the surgery? Thanks?

Thank you JamieLynn77, that does help knowing that. Congrats on your weight loss, i cannot wait.

Thank you. My BMI is 41. I will follow the pre-op diet to a T. I would not go through this and not follow the surgeons instructions, i want to try and eliminate any possible problems.The thing that i have read that is confusing, some surgeons have their patients on a 4 day, 10 day, 2 week or longer pre op liquid diet, why so much variance? Thanks again.

How many of you developed Gallbladder issues after surgery? What exactly about the VSG surgery would cause Gallbladder issues? The types of post op diet, lack of certain foods? How to avoid this? Thank you.

My mind is running crazy with all these questions now that I am getting close. What happens if the Surgeon starts the procedure laparoscopically but has trouble performing the surgery, does he stop or does he open you up and do major surgery? Does it depend on the surgeon? What would cause the surgeon to not be able to do it laparoscopically? Has this happened to anyone here on the forum? Thank you.

After your surgery, how long was it before you could get back to your normal activities? Running, lifting weights, in other words, doing things and not worring about ripping your stomach open? I think mentally, I would be scared that everything i would do post op would tear my stomach open and cause a leak, did you have the same fears and how long was it before you were back to normal and did not worry about it? Thank you.

Way to go Pasquini, i am not far behind you and the voices have already started with me. We have to keep our eye on the big picture. Kepp me posted on the pre-op and the whole process.

Hello SohieJaneB, I was in the same situation. I was going to use a well known surgeon in the Dallas area and I had the same situation with my wife. I have been researching this for a long time. The first thing i did was i get my wife on the forums and tried to educate her on the procedure. I then researched surgeons in Mexico since i was self pay. The first thing people think about when they hear Mexico is "underground". I have found that is not the case at all. The surgery cost 4.500.00 in Mexico instead of 12,000 in the states because we do not have to pay for the fancy hospitalsor the ridiculous mal-practice insurance premiums docotrs have to carry because of the suit happy people and the culture here in the states. I would never tell someone they should use a certain surgeon or go to a foreign country to have their surgery, that is research and a decision you must make with your family. It is the decision that was right for me and my family. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and i would be happy to give you any information. Good luck on your decision.

I have a question about the vitamins and supplements people are taking. I have not yet had my sleeve but i have read that some people take vitamins and some do not. Does the (VSG) surgery rob you of any vitamins or nutrients our body needs. Is it because we will be eating less food the main reason we would take them to make sure we do not have any deficiencies that our body needs? Do all surgeons encourage the patients that have had the sleeve to take these vitamins and supplements? My next question is how would you know what to take and how much without having another blood work up after the surgery? Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me and I am just trying to get educated on what to expect after the surgery. Thank you.

Quints, I have a question that might sound silly. I have read about issues with the Water in Tijuana or in Mexico in general for that fact. Tell me about your experience about drinking water in Mexico pre-op and post op. What about showering post up and the incisions, any issues? Do they tell you anything about the water? Did you remove your own stitches after the 10 days while you were at home or did you go to your local doctor? How did Dr. Almanza seal the stomach, staples, glue and sutures? Did he just use sutures on the incisions from the surgery, is there 5 total? Anyone else have any input about the water in Tijuana for drinking and showering after surgery? I would hate to have a successful surgery and then get sick from the water. Thank you.

Rootman, great post. I am getting ready to schedule my appointment with Dr. Almanza and hopefully have my surgery next month( passport). Could you tell me of your experience, good and bad. What was your expectations when you went and were you disappointed or surprised by the experience. What would you change, any tips? Thank you.

Yes, an extra 60.00 plus shipping. it will be worth it.. Louise at the clinic has been great in helping me get everything planned. I would never had thought i would consider having surgery in Mexico, now it seems logical.

That is the time I am shooting for but I have to wait on my passport. We would like to hear from everyone and their experience with Dr. Almanza. Thank you.

Hello all, I am new to the board and very excited to find this wealth of information. I have been educating myself for the last year on the different procedures. I have been around people that have had the band and the gastric bypass. Neither of those surgeries got me too excited. Once I heard about the sleeve and did more research, i feel I am ready to take the plunge. I was in the corporate world, lost my job and insurance. I was able to find work again but not the insurance that would cover the surgery. I have been researching the surgery down at Jerusalem hospital in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Almanza. I was apprehensive at first but If after more research and communicating with some past patients, i feel a lot better. If anyone has recently had surgery there or is scheduled, i would like to hear from you. The cost is a fraction of what i have found here in the states and their communication is great. I have just started my paper work and getting my schedule in order for the surgery next month. I would love to hear any input from anyone who thought about the surgery in Mexico or had the surgery down there. Thank you.

I am new to the forums and trying to get all my questions answered, this board has been great. My surgery has not been booked yet but i am getting very close. I question has to do with Water consumption and staying hydrated. I am not as concerned about post op, i am more concerned about 1,2,6 or more months out. Will i still be able to drink plenty of water and fluids or are they restricted from now on after surgery? Thank you.