Torias mom

Just curious, I am being sleeved by Dr Lopez in April, and afterwards will be flying home to NH. Almost as far as you can get from Mexico in the US. I'm a bit concerned about blood clots and flying. Before I was denied to have surgery in the states, the practice coordinator was going to have me on heparin for a month I think. I asked the coordinator for Dr Lopez about heparin shots and was told I wouldn't need them. Trust me, I'd rather not be giving myself shots, but if the local hospital was going to make me do them, and now with a plane ride involved, I'm being told I don't need them, I'm a little concerned. Just wondering if anyone has dealt with this? Should I ask him again when I'm there? Get some compression stockings and call it good? Thanks for any advice or experience you can share. Lisa

Surgery on April 12th in Tijuana.

Thank you Lucky! You're doing great! I can't wait to be on the losing side too!

I may have posted my intentions to get the sleeve here before, but I cant remember. But this time its for real! I have had a long road to get here. In 2007 I had a crap band put in. It did nothing for me. Well, I shouldn't say that, I have not had heartburn since it was put in, but other than that, no weight loss, just lots of stuck food and vomiting. No weight loss what so ever. I tried really hard to make it work, but as time went on slider food became the easiest, so I have gained. A few years ago I was all set to get the DS, I had a hospital about 5 hours away that was going to do it, but then a veteran DS surgeon joined a hospital just over an hour away, so I switched hospitals. The close on, during some pre-op stuff took my height as 6'1" instead of 61" at one point and when I told them to look at me, im no where near 6 feet tall, along with a failed lap band, they said the only thing they would do was fill the lap band, or find the leak and replace what needed to be replaced. At this point it was too late to go back to the far away place for surgery because they were booked and it was at the end of the year and I was losing the insurance that would pay for it. Last year at this time, I decided I wanted the sleeve, it just seemed like a much safer choice with great results. After checking with insurance, I was approved, and went thru all the testing and protocol needed by the insurance and the hospital. I got a week away from surgery, and then they called again to check with the insurance, only to find out they were given bad information and the surgery was not a covered benefit. It was employer excluded, from their self funded policy. I begged and pleaded and showed them how much money I had put out over the course of all the testing, deductibles, copays, etc, but nope, no surgery for me. Now, finally, I have the funding to go to Mexico. I have surgery booked for 4/12 with Dr alejandro lopez in Tijuana. I have the money, I've paid my deposit, and have made all the arrangements. Hubby and 9 year old daughter will fly to San Diego with me, come to Tijuana for the night and to to the hospital with me. After surgery, we will arrange for the shuttle driver to take Hubby and daughter back to San Diego, and I'll be staying at the hospital and the Marriott myself. I am happy with this decision. I know I've been told that it is a safe area, but I'm much more at peace with them enjoying San Diego. I booked the trip for them and have them staying in Old Town, and at this point I'm jealous and want to plan another trip to go there. I am so happy now that it's really going to happen, but even though it seems so far away, I'm sure the 3 months will fly by. I'm already getting nervous, oh no, what am I doing to myself? It will probably only get worse, but after so many, starts and stops, I can't wait. So this is how I go to this point, its been a very long time coming but now that its finally happening, so worth it. Anyone else going to be in Mexico at Mi Doctors on 4/12? Thanks for reading all my rambling. Lisa

Thanks for the replies. After doing research, hubby decided he and my daughter will stay with me the first night at the Marriott, and will come with me to the hospital the next day. After my surgery, the shuttle driver will take them back to San Diego where they will stay for the rest of the trip. I feel good about this. Lots more for them to do there. I'm almost jealous, I'm looking up hotels for them, probably in Old Town, and all the things they will be doing, I'm torn about wanting to stay another night or 2 in San Diego, or going home, but in any case, I like his decision. I'm fine with being in the hospital then Marriott alone, knowing they are having a good time. Lisa

Hi, I am looking to have surgery with Dr Lopez in April. My husband and 9 year old daughter will probably be coming with me, the alternative is I come alone and he stays home with her. That was the original plan but now he wants to come. Is the Marriott area safe for them to be walking around at? How far is the Marriott to the market place that people talk about? Is that easy to get to? Is it safe? I'd be fine going alone, or with him coming with me but to have my daughter there too, and with what you hear about, that concerns me. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks. Lisa

I had the band in 2007, no real issues except that it just never worked, could not get the right restriction, the only good thing that came out of it was no reflux at all since I had it. I'm now looking into getting sleeve but have to go to Mexico because my insurance will not pay, its an exclusion on the policy. You never know what will happen with your insurance, will you lose it?. Will they stop covering WLS? If you're already thinking that you may want to go the sleeve route, then just do it. Ive never heard a sleever saying they wished they had went with the band. But many, lots, have wished they had went with the sleeve. Good luck with whatever you choose. Lisa

Thanks! Glad to hear your surgery went well and that you are up and about. In regards to the wheelchair, I know of a least 1 airport that I was warned, the distance between gates is outrageous, (Atlanta) so I'll just make sure my stop does not include that, was just concerned about others that may be like that.

Hi, I'll be having VSG surgery Mexico, and I think I'll be going by myself. I'll be going to Dr Ortiz in Tijuana. I'm wondering what, and how much to pack. I want to have everything I'll need, but don't want to over pack since I'll be traveling by myself. Even if I have someone with me (maybe my mom) she'll be coming from Florida, and I'll be flying back home to New Hampshire, well, flying into Connecticut, where hubby will pick me up. He will need to stay home with DD while I have surgery. Should I get everything into 1 small bag and carry on, or check it. Will I need wheelchair transport between flights, I'll be having at least 1 stop. Any suggestions about packing, or even Dr Ortiz, will be greatly appriciated. Thank You!!!!!

Sorry, wrong board

I was banded on 7/31 and just came on the board to post the same question. I have 1.5 cc in a 4 cc band and feel completly the same as before being banded. I am feeling completly discouraged. I'm going on 12/5 for another .5 cc and am so hoping this will do the trick. Hubby keeps asking what I am doing wrong, and I tell him it takes time but in my mind I am wondering if this is ever going to work. I am up about 4-5 lbs since being banded, and everytime I see the scale going up I want to cry. I will be joining a gym this coming week, and I know exercise is very important, but I want the help from the band that I was expecting. Hopefully on Wednesday it will kick in. Ok, done now. LOL. Lisa

Thanks for your responsed. I have 1cc in a 4 cc band. They put in 1 cc to begin with then go up by .5 cc each time, so Wed will be .5. I can't see how that little bit will make much of a difference. I guess I can ask for a bit more. I don't think they do any fills by flouro. Isn't that part of an X-Ray dept? I go to the office building to get it done rather than the hospital where X-Ray is. The Gastric Sleeve is where they remove part of your stomach but don't have to "re-route" your intestines, like they do with the bipass. Basically your stomach, as a whole, is smaller, but works reguarly. (No malabsortion, no dumping syndrome) Anyways, Thanks to you guys!!! Lisa

Hi all, I guess I am just looking for some encouragement. I was banded on 7/31, and had my first fill 9/19. So far, I feel as though I should have gone for the gastric sleeve. I know that it takes a few fills to feel the effects of the band, but I am just really discouraged right now. I am going on 10/31 for the 2nd fill, and hope that I feel something but I am worried that it will take more than that. Will I ever feel the restriction?? I fight everyday to eat right, try to get my protein and veggies, drink all my water, but I do cheat with some bad things too. I can go hours without feeling hungry at all, but when I eat, I can EAT. Please remind me again how may fills people have had before it takes. Ok, thanks for listening. Lisa

I was banded on 7/31 and am off the liquid stage now, but one of the best things I found was Progresso "Healthy" soup, Southwestern Vegetable, pureed in the blender. I did not like the cream soups too well, but this was great, lots of flavor, and a little spicy too. I was told not to eat soup in its regular form with the band at all, the nutritionist said either the broth or the substance, pick one, so I will probably be blending up lots of it in the future.

I had my surgery on 7/31 (after having it postponed from 6/19-They called me the day before and told me a test came back abnormal-it was fine at retest, but I went thru the whole 2 week liq diet twice) anyways, I had to be there at 6:00 am for a 7:30 surgery, I didn't get nervouse until I got to the elevator. When I got to the waiting room I didn't even get to sit down, they just took me right to the surgery prep area. They started an IV, called my husband and daughter in, dd is almost 3 but it was way to early to take her to daycare first because I had to leave my house before 5:00 am. That went by quicky, but I had my husband leave me earlier cause dd was getting restless so they went to get something to eat. They had me pee one more time. I met my or nurse, the anestesiologists, and saw my surgeon 1 more time. I took the gas/oxygen and barely remember the lights in the OR. The next thing I remember was waking up in recovery asking for ice, which they gave me plenty, and it was very much needed. I waited 3 hours for a bed but I must have slept part of that time cause it went by quick. I finaly got a room and a few hours later my surgeon came in and said they usually keep band pt's overnight but I could leave if I wanted. I did decline, but It was great to know I did so well that I COULD leave. No real pain, but I did and am still taking my pain meds (occasionally now, but none today so far. and the gas pain was not too bad. Thanks to whoever said to get down on your hands and knees, rest a pillow under your belly and raise your butt in the air, lol, it really does work though. I have not had any problems drinking at all, and have to remind myself to sip, not gulp. Anyways, thats how my surgery went, and hopefully it will go as smoothly for you and all. Lisa

I had wanted to use the pre-canned shakes, but it was going to be way too expensive. I have tried a lot of different kinds of powdered shakes and I can't stand most of them but I LOVE the Unjury powder. I had been putting it in the blender with 1% milk, and some ice, and blended it all up. Tastes just like a shake. But I also tried it the other night with just water, and that was still delicious. The chocolate tastes just like chocolate milk. Vanilla and strawberry are very good too. They even have an unflavored one that you can mix with broth. If you're interested you can order it at Welcome to the UNJURY Homepage. Good luck.

Hi all, Thought I would just jump in here. I'll be banded on the 19th. I'll be going to Boston to my mom's next weekend to "indulge" before the pre-op diet I'll begin on the 5th. My b-day is the 8th, but I really want some of the Italian Rum Cake, so I moved my b-day up a week, lol. I also want 1 more Italian sub (made the right way, VT and NH made subs just don't cut it, lol) I have been on a really bad "Last Supper" kick since I got my date, and I feel very guilty, but I just can't help it. On the plus side, I do have my protein drinks almost stocked up. Unjury and EAS. They are not too bad. Along with the shakes I will be able to have 1 fruit, 1 veggie, and 1 starch a day. My 2 yo (almost 3) daughter is so excited to be able to share her Dora vitamins with mommy. Ok, I'll stop rambling now, but I just wanted to join in and say congrats to all the June Bansters.

Hi all, I live in NH (on the MA/VT/NH Border) I just got my approval call/letter Friday. I will be having surgery on 6/19 at Baystate with Dr Romanelli. I tried to call on Friday to ask a few more questions but with the holiday, the woman who helps me had left for the day. I was hoping to find out about what happens the day of surgery. My surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am, and she left a message telling me to be there at 6:00 am. Could someone who has had there surgery done there tell me what to expect during that time? I think the waiting that day will be the worst. Also, my letter stated I was authorized for out patient surgery. I thought they kept you overnight? I know I can ask these questions on Tuesday when they are back in, but I want answers now, lol. Thanks!!!!

Thanks all, for your advise. I don't have a problem with water itself, it just seems like with all the water they tell you to drink, I don't know if I will find the time to drink it all, especially if you have to sip throughout the day. I know it is possible but is seems like if I have to drink it slowly I will not get enough. Oh well, I'll have to learn, LOL. Anyway, thank you all, again.

I am still on the medically supervised diet, and it's going pretty good. At my last appt, the nutritionist said to make each meal last half an hour or so. Not a problem, I can do that. And I know that's how I will be eating after the band. Also, to make sure I eat 2 protien snacks a day. Also not a problem. I have been trying to eat those snacks in about 15 min. The tough part of the whole thing is getting enough water. If I can't drink half hour before, during, and half hour after eating, that is taking up a large part of my day. How much water are you supossed to be drinking, and if you are only sipping with the band, how do you get all that water in???? It seems like they tell you to make sure you drink enough, but I think I'd have to be awake 24 hrs/day to get it all in. LOL. Also, along with water, are you supossed to be drinking protein shakes too? I'm so confused.

Hi, I'm still going through the approval phase, (and am the mother of a 2 1/2 year old). When I met my surgeon at my last appt, that was one of my questions. He was great and his answer was "Do you want the medical answer, or the honest answer?" I told him both. He said, medically not for 6-8 weeks, but honestly a mother is going to lift her children. If it hurts don't do it, if you can manage, you will do what you have to do. I know this probably doesn't help, but it was the answer I got, and I guess the answer I was looking for.

Just wanted to say congrats, hope all is going well with you. I am going to be getting my band at Baystate also, with Dr. Romanelli. How was your experience with them. The program seems wonderful, but to have someone here firsthand who is going to Baystate is great. I am not yet scheduled, I have my 2nd appt with the nutritionist on 4/6 and will meet Dr Romanelli then. Ok, I'll leave you alone now, lol, it's just exciting because you are the first one I have seen that got their band at Baystate. Take care, Lisa

Thank you all, I guess I have done so much in the past week or so, now its waiting again. Oh well, I guess I have quite a bit more waiting to do, but I know it will all be worth it. I don't remember who's post it was, but someone mentioned that their doctor said to remember that at this point she will never weigh this much again. I loved reading that (thanks to whoever posted that) It gave me so much strength to get through this day, and will for the rest of my wait. Anyway, thanks for all of your kind words!! Lisa

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while , but now that things are finally starting to move along I'm gettting excited and nervous too. Last Wed I went for my first consult with the nutritionist, met one of the doctors, but not the doctor that will be doing my surgery, met the PA, and made my 2 months appt out for the next visit with the nutritionist. Since then I have scheduled a gallbladder ultrasound, and the psych eval., both of these for next week. From what I've read on my insurance coverage, I don't think I will have a problem with them paying, or doing a lot of jumping thru hoops. If I can just lose enough weight between now and my next nutrition appt I think things will move along pretty fast, hopefully. Now nerves are getting to me, but not too bad. Just have to keep my eye on the prize, lol. Anyway, just wanted to say hi. Lisa

Hi, I must have been posting my reply at the same time your were responding. It sounds like what you were wearing was an oximeter. Doing an overnight oximetry. It tests the oxygen in your blood to see if you are getting enough oxygen while you are sleeping. I am not a doctor, far from it, but I'm not sure that desating (drop in O2 levels) while you are sleeping has anything to do with WLS, or being overweight. It is generally used to test for pulmonary problems, but it may tell if you stopped breathing for a bit (drop in levels) but will not necesarily tell if you have sleep apneas. Again, good luck!!! Lisa