Brittanysiemens

As a surgical assistant in the US, I can tell you there is no assurance that surgery here isn't prone to the same complications and infections as surgery in other countries. Unfortunately, it costs a lot to insure your practice in US, it costs a lot to use (or own) an OR, it costs a lot to do everything- this means that surgery will cost the patient more. It's extremely important to find a quality, qualified surgeon and team no matter where you have surgery. If you are going to a place you don't live, where you may not have the ability to pursue legally if you do have problems, it is even more essential to research. I found a reputable VSG dr. an hour away from my home in la who will see me to assure I'm healing ok, but I am actually not too nervous about my decision to see Dr. Kelly, as he has more experience with VSG than most surgeons in the US.

Ps: I have to say thank you to KellyL, you've been very helpful (more so than anyone working for a dr. could be) because you've personally shared a ton of your personal experience with Dr. Kelly with me! You've calmed my nerves about a lot, as have other contributors on this board.

At the end of the journey, it's Dr. Kelly performing the surgery with his team that truly effects the outcome, and though there is never a 100% safe decision with surgery, I'm more concerned with his facility, his skills and surgical track record than anything else. I feel confident it's likely I'll have the perfect surgery I want, and probably not have any major complications. That's in his hands, and in the hands of my body to heal right, and beyond that it's up to me to follow post operative instructions. With that said, peace of mind is important. I have been in corrrespondense with Sandy before and after my deposit was payed, and she's been helpful all the way thus far. But my main concern is my surgical team.

I've really enjoyed the help of my coordinator, Sandy, ( for dr. Kelly) thus far. So there ;P ...I'm happy to see everyone adores the people that have helped them through surgery, it speaks volumes about the practice as a whole.

Groovearmada- I love groove armada! I adore house music in general. Message boards tend to cater to rants and raves, people tend to not feel compelled to sign up for an account and post an average to good experience or opinion. I am quite excited (and naturally nervous) to get sleeved by dr. Kelly November 7th.

It's a question I've had too. I fully intend to post AFTER surgery as well, I can't imagine I'll want to do much else from my iPhone after surgery with Dr. Kelly. It's human nature to be preoccupied and scared presurgery, then post-surgery when everything is fairly (hopefully) routine and everything you were extremely worried about has passed..to not feel motivated to update.

It's a question I've had too. I fully intend to post AFTER surgery as well, I can't imagine I'll want to do much else from my iPhone after surgery with Dr. Kelly. It's human nature to be preoccupied and scared presurgery, then post-surgery when everything is fairly (hopefully) routine and everything you were extremely worried about has passed..to not feel motivated to update.

I booked with Sandy for Dr. Kelly, I'm taking my mom with me as my companion for my VSG. I'm an active "lightweight" (BMI 31), and I decided on VSG after researching plication and deciding it wasn't the safest and most effective option for me. I'd like (ideally) to do one WLS in my life if possible. Questions for everyone!: What "hurts" after surgery? The surgical site and your stomach? I've never had organ surgery (but I've had liposuction) and I found I was sore but able to function within a day. What about VSG is uncomfortable and keeps you out of work? Will (likely) I be able to drive the 2 hours back to la after I'm released and rested? When you were able to excersize or take long walks? I enjoy excersize quite a lot. Any other low BMIs out there? What were your results like? I hope I lose 1-2 lbs a week, but I'm trying to not set expectations. I know with low BMIs you lose slower, as you have less to lose. What were the 2-3 days in the hospital (or clinic) like? How out of it, and immobilized were you? Completely hooked up to IVs the whole time, or just simple drains/catheter? Do you have photos of your scars? I am not

The sleeve seems fantastic. I hope he will agree to perform the sleeve on me (bmi 32). Mexico is my best option, as I have no insurance. I think great surgeons can exist in any country, you just have to be very careful and go with someone with experience and a good track record.

I just left a message at dr. Kelly's office I may likely switch to him- The mexican dr. I am scheduled with charges quite a bit more, and I don't see why. I am only 31 bmi though, will dr. Kelly take me? I am fearful because his website states "a bmi over 40", I am working HARD to maintain this weight- I run, I restrict food, I have a trainer, and I'm on weight loss supplements.

I am scheduled for plication, but after reading and researching, I truly feel the vertical sleeve will be the best option with the best results. How long was your hospital stay? How long is recovery (when can I stop freaking out about leaks)? How much did it cost you? Plication was going to set me back 6900$, I'm hoping this won't be significantly more. What are the scars like? What are post op Dr. visits like? Do you need to be monitored after?