Cknorte

Yikes! So to all, confession....I was planning to have VGS surgery and then, canceled, postponed and rescheduled to have Sleeve Plication surgery..... I know the controversy associated with a "new" procedure, but everything was new at some point. I am excited, have spoken to Dr's and they've assured me the results are almost the same if not the same in terms of restriction and weight loss as with the sleeve, there's the hormone issue, but I can deal with that...... So here I go......I'm in the hospital, by myself, IV is in, tights are on, in a few hours I'll be "sleeved" Send good thoughts!

So after all that, I am installed in room. Surgery tomorrow and internet works! Now I can really start getting paranoid! See you all on the other side....wish me luck!

thanks, I guess it gives me something to fret and madly think about, instead of overthinking surgery..... I am soooooo excited and sooooo ready....and scared....and nervous....yay!

So I am on my way to TJ to have surgery, like literally on my first stop. I called my coordinator yesterday no answer, so I talked to someone in travel..... Checked what I should bring, is the internet access, is it wireless, etc.... Got ready, packed, etc.... I just like 5 minutes ago got the return call....."oh! if you are taking your computer you may want to take an ethernet cord, since it depends on which room whether you have wireless access or not...." Seriously:cursing:, I mean I know this should be the least of my concerns, but my laptop is my lifeline, I am going alone...the airport doesn't sell ethernet cords....now my hope is that the hospital IT staff can provide or I get a "lucky wireless room".... Grrrrrrrr..... Anyway...guys wish me luck.....here I go....

Wow! I just read your previous post! (SCARY!!!!) Congratulations on going through with what you think is the right decision for you.....and on overcoming such a traumatic experience. Please keep us posted on your success......

Good luck and keep us posted, I'm scheduled for the 15th with Dr. Corvala in TJ, so let's try and keep in touch and support all of those having this new procedure:biggrin2:.

I don't remember all the rules with the flex spend accounts, but I think that as long as you are using the money for a "medical" no reimbursable expense, it should be covered. I believe that even the treatment in Mexico and travel expenses to and from the treatment could be covered. Check with your HR benefits person, since a lot of this stuff is left to "interpretation".... Good luck!

Alex, thanks for doing this. Keep us posted on when the site is up and running.

Thanks for this. I think I'm getting pre-op jitters. I am so ready to make a change. I had waited to have WLS because I wasn't into RNY due to what I saw with my friends that had the surgery, they are on nutritional supplements forever. And I wasn't wanting the band, for the foreign object/maintenance thing. I am scheduled to have a VSG on the 14th with Dr. Aceves. I know it's the right thing to do, it's just that I am getting anxious and worried, and scared, and excited....you know the drill.... Thanks for the reply.

I am scheduled for VSG on the 14th, but now I wonder if I shouldn't look into plication? Anyone have any experience? I think it's just pre surgery jitters, but then again, if this proceedure is less invasive should it be something to look into? I just ran accross this: The Latest Innovation in Weight Loss Surgery Hospital Angeles Tijuana is proud to announce that it is home to the newest advancement in weight loss surgery-Gastric Sleeve Plication. The procedure is currently performed in limited clinical trial in the United States, and at Hospital Angeles Tijuana, where gastroenterologist surgeon Dr. Lopez Corvala proctors (trains) US surgeons in the plication suturing technique that many bariatric surgeons are calling the most exciting advancement in weight loss surgery since adjustable gastric banding. Early patient data demonstrate weight loss results similar to gastric bypass with no reports of complications. The procedure, best understood as an evolution of the more familiar sleeve gastrectomy surgery, offers weight loss surgery patients a number of very critical benefits: A less invasive evolution of the gastric sleeve procedure, plication is an ambulatory procedure ? no surgical drains, only 2 nights total hospital stay! No loss of stomach tissue - the 'sleeve' is created by suturing rather than removal (preserving nutrient absorption capability) No devices - no staples, no bands, no fills Reduced risk of early or late complications No complication from leaks or bleeding at the staple line (as compared to gastric sleeve) Does not impair patient dietary habits Early data (patients at 6-12 months post procedure) indicate resultant weight loss is comparable to gastric bypass

For me, the best sports bra I ever purchased and I will keep using post surgery is the Enell Sports Bra. Welcome to Enell They are pricey, but I can jog, do jumping jacks and I have the girls all tucked and no bounce.....it's the best investment I ever made!

Thanks all. I think it's just pre surgery jitters. I'll keep you all posted on progress, etc....... Thanks for the support!

Seriously! I am having surgery on the 14th, and my Dr. just requires a high Protein diet for 7 days. I start pre-op on Wed. But I have been going down the list. I am actually having a farewell to rice (my downfall). My PCP equates the feelings to those of having a death in the family or losing a loved friend. He's actually up-ing my antidepressant (have any of you met a "happy" fat girl?) So here I go...Today I started questioning VSG over RNY....but then I start going through the reasons why I didn't go for the bypass or band. I am ready for VSG, I am ready for control over my intake, and I seriously need a tool. I am happy I don't have to deal with maintenance or a foreign object, or I don't have to deal with malnutrition..... Here's to all of us....taking control of our lives!!!! yay!

So here's the deal...from someone who works in banking....if you transfer funds or take funds across any border, you are ok to do so, as long as you declare it....also...I am paying for my surgery in Mex, via wire transfer. I am wiring funds to a US account. My Mexican surgeon is accredited in the US, not that it matters but has a US bank account..; not that that has anything to do with his qualifications. I reasearched my Dr. I haven't been sleeved but am comfortable in my choice of Dr. I was raised in Mexico, I actually called my family in Monterrey and asked them to find me the best Dr. in Monterrey once I found out I didn't want to wait for the insurance and or the process to unfold in the US. They actually told me, that since I was in CA, why not just go to San Diego to Dr. Aceves....he had the best record they could find out. that even if I ddin't have my family around, I would have the best surgeon.

My surgery date is set. I am becoming a sleeve sistah on July 14th. I am determined and I know that this is what I need to do...... I am 5'5" and weigh in at 300lbs. If you looked at my medical chart, you would be impressed, all my numbers are great, with the exception that I am 300lbs. I am healthy as a horse, a fat horse that is..... I work out like a mad woman, I train for triathlon, I lift 2 times a week, and do cardio 6-7 days a week.....spin, swim, C25K....you name it... I am in great physical shape and am healthy, except that I am 300 lbs....and am 5 feet and half tall??? So can you guys imagine what I could do physically if I weighed less???? I mean, let's all face it, anyone who is heavy, is STRONG....it takes a ton of strength to lug around my 300lbs! So here I go.....I am ready and I am ready to be re-born! I am not a poor food choice eater, I don't graze, I don't have a sweet tooth, I eat mainly protein and healthy fats (but let's face it I am a severe volume eater - I can down a 16oz rib-eye as if it was air, or last night I had 1 1/2 lbs of skirt steak....I love my meat......I also love a good beer after working out, or a vodka soda......I know these are empty calories...but hey! right!? So I am so ready for this, I really am....I am married and my husband is also a big man...we were both to have surgery at the same time....he's backed out and going to try "on his own" again....whatever..... I have a few fears: Will I lose my husband over this? We will have been married for 10 years in November. We dated for 5 years before getting married.....we have a great friendship and he's actually being super supportive and excited for me. he knows that I have done everything "right" (calorie control, high protein, medication, naturpathic, exercise, etc.....) he knows I need to do this....but at the same time....we have our best times and our entertainment is BBQ-ing, or fixing dinner, or you all know...basically revolves around food.....we both are good cooks, and love to experiment! Today I started thinking.......should I go for a Bypass vs. Sleeve? And then the old hauntings came back in....with a bypass I would have a larger stomach, and would lose weight due to mal-absorption and some restriction....but eventually, once I lost weight, I could handle managing my weight....you know like when I was in HS, and I could manage being around 180-190....those 10lbs were manageable....but my 150lbs are insane..... I am going to drive myself crazy...I have these ideas of "what if this doesn't work for me?" Seriously...I have tried everything, and my PCP knows and vouges for it, which is why he's suggesting and supporting my surgery.....but I can drive myself insane.... Can anyone relate? What are your thoughts? How did you all deal with all the fears, demons, etc.? I'm going to Dr. Aceves on July 14th. I am going to do this. I just would like some feedback on if this is the right type of surgery, should I wait for plication, should i go for bypass instead...you guys all know....all the same fears forever..... I am so excited, I feel like a kid before Christmas....but at the same time I am super anxious and scared...HELP!

I'm scheduled with Dr. Aceves on the 14th! See you there!.... I am flying down by myself, and then my husband will pick me up in San Diego and we can drive home. I was told to pack lightly. I don't think I'll bring PJ's most people said they did their walking inside the hospital in the gowns they provide. Someone said that we could ask for an extra one to use as a robe. I plan on bringing a pair of flip flops, and my slippers. My heating pad, a good book or two, my computer, ipod and headphones. I think that's about it. Oh and a few packages of Gas-X the ones that melt in your mouth and chapstick. See you guys there. I am excited....and have already started stocking up my pantry. IsoPure, Gatorade Recovery 03, chicken broth. I am so excited I am giddy, and nervous and scared and just ready to get on with the rest of my life!

Hi all, I am new to this forum. I am scheduled with Dr. A on the 14th. I am a little nervous, but more anxious. I'll be going down by myself. Any tips, on anything during my stay in Mexicalli, and then how to deal with the travel home. It's a 7-8 hour trip for me......