dooter55

I'm pre-op. are regrets around pain or wanting to eat and not being able to? Thanks!

Did anyone use a tummy binder for support getting up and walking around? I have surgery in a couple weeks and won't get a lot of down time. Was thinking about getting one it helps.

Welcome, epihEmmy84! Excited for you! Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress!

August is just around the corner! Early sleevers...sending good vibes your way!!

Congrats!!!

Yah dooter!!! Congrats!!! You look amazing already!

Congrats! Glad you had such a great experience. I'm going to dr. Alvarez in 20 days. Can't wait!!

I bought plastic but may go get metal to carry around when I travel.

Cost plus world market has tons of tasting silverware. About $1-1.50 each.

Congrats! I'm the 18th. Can't wait!!

You fly into san antonio and take a hotel shuttle to a hotel where endobariatrics driver, Rosie, picks you up and drives you the two hours to eagles pass. You stay in the hotel overnight and the next am she picks you up and takes you to the hospital. You stay there two nights and then she drives you back to SAT where you stay the night by the airport and fly back the next day. the hotels and transportation are included in the cost. They only thing out of pocket would be tips and food for you and your companion (if you choose to bring one - I am going alone but have been in touch with the two other people that are having surgery the same day as me).

Yes on the passport. I have heard some that just bring their birth cert and an ID or something but I don't want to get stuck. You arrive the day before surgery by noon. Get a ride to eagles pass, tx and I think labs are in the morning of surgery.

I am going to dr. Alvarez on the 18th. He is very experienced (over 2,00 surgeries, the MD i looked at in the states has only done a couple hundred). He is almost much less expensive (8,700 vs 14,000) and his office was much more responsive in answering my questions and scheduling surgery. Initially the thought of going to Mx freaked me (and my family) out but after tons of research, I am feeling much better. I've watched nurmurous videos on YouTube by dr. A and the testimonials from his patients. Susan, his coordinator has been wonderful in answering my questions quickly. His experience and what people say about his bedside manner really made the decision for me. I know that there are less expensive surgeons in mexico- i have seen a bunch in TJ and Baja ($5-6k) that others have went to and really liked the experience and were very happy with aftercare. I'm not sure how many surgeries they perform each day. Dr. A does 3 max according to his office. I've heard of some that do 6-10 surgeries per day. I don't know if I would want to be #10. Best of luck on your journey!!

I am having surgery in 22 days and am getting my stuff together What kind of binder do you use? Where did you get it? Did you wear at hospital or just at home? Thanks!!!

I am in charlotte too! My surgery is scheduled for august 18th by dr. Alvarez. We are going to be moving to Atlanta but not until next year.

Yah! I am getting sleeved by Dr. Alvarez on the 18th so we will cross paths! I am also 5'9" but weigh 220-225. My goal weight is 145 but I have never been that weight as an adult so we'll see!! Have a safe trip and see you in Mexico!

Glad you are getting some meds! I hope they work too so you get get some relief!!

Congrats!! So exciting! Those are going to to be too big in no time!!

I have been kind of freaking out about my medical insurance covering any complications from this surgery. I've looked on their website. It doesn't say anything about not covering elective surgery and complication coverage. I am praying that everything will be smooth sailing but IF something goes wrong, a long-term stay in the hospital (out-of-pocket) would be financially devastating. Does anybody know if this is typically covered or not?

Thanks, CaliKat. I've got some work to do. Emotional work is the toughest because I don't feel like I can "fix" it...change the way I think and react to situations. Let the fun begin

holy cow! you are amazing! is my math right? did you lose 70 lbs in 4 months?? Any tips for a pre-sleever? I am 5'9" and about 220 right now.

good luck! make sure to pack your heating pad, chapstick and biotene spray. I've heard they are life savers.

On a scale from 1-10, how difficult are the lifestyle changes after acclimation? I think about all the time, effort and self-hate that goes into my day now (what foods I should eat, which I shouldn't, am I really hungry or just emotionally hungry?, exercise, weight gain, guilt, etc). I know it will be a lot of work post-op but I hope the self-hate and constant disappointment subside, at least a little.

Wow! Congrats! You must feel so proud of yourself and all of your effort!