raven_magnolia

Glad to hear that you're feeling better! I see that you used Dr. Nick, I'm having surgery with him on April 12. I'm from Canada so I haven't been able to attend a seminar or anything to get a feel for him. Were you happy with your experience?

I'm a Canadian having surgery in Texas next month and I've been calling around trying to find insurance that will cover me. I'd really like to have extra insurance just in case (god-forbid) something happens in surgery that requires additional treatment. I know the cost of medical care in the States is expensive and I don't want to end up with a huge bill. Does anyone know of any potential insurance providers?

Good luck everyone! I can't wait to hear how all your progress goes once we're on the other side.

I'm having surgery on April 12 with Dr. Nicholson and am really looking forward to it being here already. The anticipation is hard and I'm getting nervous. I'm starting a full-body cleanse that my Naturopathic doctor recommends, called mediclear, to make sure my body is in the best condition for healing. I'm trying to be as prepared for the changes as possible and have also started seeing a therapist to help me work through my food issues and any emotions that come up. I really need to face my food demons since I've been eating Haagen-Daz for supper every night this week because I knew I'd be starting a cleanse then a liquid diet right away.

I agree, to heal from a surgery like this I like that he's extra cautious and has patients stay on liquids longer. Although I'm sure I'll be cranky going through it.

I'm having surgery with Dr. Nick in April and I'm happy to hear good things about him. I'm traveling from Canada so I won't get a chance to have a consultation. This info is helpful.

I have decided to cancel my surgery date in Mexico (Dr. Aceves) and instead stay in the US. While Dr. Aceves has a great reputation and I was comfortable with him as a surgeon I really was never personally comfortable with the idea of going to Mexico. Specifically about the sterilization practices. Since making the decision to not to go Mexico the uneasy feeling in my stomach has gone away and I feel more confident with my decision to have a VSG. After doing some research I've decided to go with Dr. Nicholson in Dallas and was hoping to hear from some of his patents. How are your results? How did you find him as a surgeon? Are you happy with your after care? How was your experience like at Forrest Park Medical Centre? How many nights did you stay in the hospital? Given what you know now, would you choose him again to be your surgeon? Thanks!

I have decided to cancel my surgery date in Mexico (Dr. Aceves) and instead stay in the US. While Dr. Aceves has a great reputation and I was comfortable with him as a surgeon I really was never personally comfortable with the idea of going to Mexico. Specifically about the sterilization practices. Since making the decision to not to go Mexico the uneasy feeling in my stomach has gone away and I feel more confident with my decision to have a VSG. After doing some research I've decided to go with Dr. Nicholson in Dallas and was hoping to hear from some of his patents. How are your results? How did you find him as a surgeon? Are you happy with your after care? How was your experience like at Forrest Park Medical Centre? How many nights did you stay in the hospital? Given what you know now, would you choose him again to be your surgeon? Thanks!

Thanks so much for all your support! It's EXTREMELY helpful to reach out to understanding people who've been in my position. I did decide to schedule VSG with Dr. Aceves for early March 2011. This is going to be an exiting few months for me. I'm traveling to India for a vacation and then will be starting on this journey as soon as I return from my Indian adventure. @BlackBerryJuice - this sentence really rang true for me...."but in the end it always came down to the fact that I KNEW I would never get my weight under control on my own - and I'd only get fatter and more miserable if I waited any longer."

I've completely thought of telling my family, while they're supportive of things that are "good for me" I fear that it will take them a while to see this surgery as something that's good for me. My biggest fear is that they talk me out of pursuing it, which is why I was hoping to schedule it first then share the news. But since I'm stuck I think you're right.

I'm relatively new to this board. I've been reading the posts for a few weeks now and have found it to be very comforting. After researching the various options I've decided that Dr. Aceves is the best choice for me. I have a relatively low BMI and am not eligible for surgery in Canada. At first I was completely freaked out by the idea of traveling to Mexico for surgery. I feel very comfortable with that decision now. I haven't shared this with any of my family or friends. I'm afraid that they won't understand. I know they'll tell me that I'm beautiful the way I am and try to talk me out of putting myself in danger via surgery. I think that's why I'm chickening out calling Nina this afternoon to schedule an appointment for March 2011. I'm afraid that after I make my appointment I'll have to tell my family. How long did it take others on this board to be comfortable with their decision and book their appointment? I'm finding it's a process for me.