Buckeye Girl

Wow, I just found this forum and I'm so excited. I posted on another forum how God has given me a peace and how I prayerfully researched before making my decision and not all the response was positive. I understand that it is difficult for those who don't have a relationship with Jesus to know what I am talking about. I am going to Dr Almanza on Sept. 10. My hubby will be with me and that is also our 17th wedding anniversary I would love to read all about your experience.

How long does the drain stay in? I am having my surgery with Dr. Almanza, will I come home with the drain?

Just wondering if anyone else getting sleeved or already sleeved with this rare disease (syndrome). I was recently diagnosed with Dercums Disease, it is extremely rare. It causes soft tissue, benign tumors (Lipmoas) to deposit in various places in your body, usually under the skin, but sometimes they can attach to your organs. As they grow they push on nerves causing much pain, also your skin may feel bruised, but it's not. It is complicated to explain. It is known as a fat disorder. Being overweight doesn't cause this disease, but if you are overweight when diagnosed if progresses much faster due to the toxins your current fat gives off, producing more "Dercums" fat. My Dr. told me that weight loss surgery would decrease the chances of this becoming a debilitating disease by at least 70%. My insurance will not cover it, it is an absolute exclusion. So, since I am a self pay patient, I have no alternative but to go to Mexico. I am thankful for the self pay alternative. Oddly enough the specialist with the most knowledge and experience with this disease is located in San Diego, Dr. Karen Herbst. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you so much for the reply. The more I read, the more I am considering changing to the sleeve. My reason for going with the plication was I read somewhere that your body absorbed more nutrients with the plication, but I can take supplements and avoid those possible extra complications.

I will be there Sept.10th. I'm scheduled for the sleeve plication, however after reading some posts, I'm rethinking it, maybe the sleeve is better. Any thoughts?

Please post your experience when you return. I am taking my hubby with me, I think he is more nervous than I am. I'm a little nervous but I also feel like this really isn't the way I want to live any more and I have tried many diets and been very successful at times, only to gain it all back. My hubby and I are the only ones that know I am having this done in Mexico. I told family that I was flying to San Diego to have the surgery, so for now they are assuming that is where I am having it done. Once I return and all is well, we will enlighten them with the rest of the srtory. I just don't need to hear all of their opions right now since they aren't going to do research as I have, they will just have preconceived notions. I am interested in reading responses from your questions as well as your story when you return. Best of luck, I am praying all goes well for you!

I'm having surgery with Dr. Almanza on September 10th. I am very nervous, but excited at the same time.