amykins

Yay! So happy for you! I am dreaming of boots that will go over my calves. Thanks for the thinspiration :-)

Wow! You are rocking that sleeve!

Hi Oconnell, The link above in this thread (for Dr Aceves patients) has helpful info for all sleevers.

My doc knows. He's seen my weight yo-yo over the past 5 years and knows I've really tried. He's a great doc and already requires yearly labs so I don't think anything will change. I scheduled a 2-week follow-up with him just to make sure everything is healing as planned. I will say I work with physicians for a living, and if you tell them you had wls they are not likely to ask where you had it done. Honestly, they don't care. They may ask your before/after stats, etc. Just tell them you had it and what you need from them. You are the patient, You have rights. Educate them for the next patient who comes along. Also, look for a younger physician. They are not so set in their ways, and also need your money to pay their student loans.

Just want to say hello and welcome. I'm pre-op so I have no words of wisdom for you. I'm going through the same emotions. Up and down...just trying to keep my focus on the end result: a healthy me :-)

Welcome! I'm pre-op and have found this site to be so very helpful.

You look great! I can't even imagine wearing a bikini but you look amazing.

Hi, I'm going alone but was lucky enough to find a sleeve sister from this site who is going at the same time I am. Check out the Mexico forum at the bottom if you haven't already. Or maybe Nina can help?

Mine is 35.7

Gotta love spellcheck! I stalked for months too and am so glad I found this group. The other site I have looked at seems to have a lot of fighting and negativity. Not everyone there is like that, but it gets tiring when I'm looking for positive energy for my journey.

I live in the Vegas area (Henderson) and will have surgery with Dr Aceves on 8/31. I've worked with physicians in this area for almost 6 years. I've met your surgeon and he is excellent. I didn't know he was doing the sleeve now. I thought he just did band and rny. There are very few wls surgeons in the area I would trust, but he is definitely one of them. The biggest complaint I've heard about him is that he turns most of the aftercare over to his team. That makes sense to me cause well, he's a surgeon. He can do what he does best and leave the aftercare to those who do what they do best. But some patients are kind of hurt by that. My ins doesn't cover wls so I'm go to Mexico with Dr Aceves. I have to be honest, if I had wls coverage and my ins didn't work with someone like Dr Atkinson I would self-pay anyway.

JenC, Do you need a prescription for the PPI you got at the pharmacy you mentioned above? And how much was it so I can bring enough money with me. Thank you, Amy

Congrats! I am having surgery with Dr Aceves on 8/31.

Thanks for adding me to the FB group Klyn, You have me on the list (8/31) with the sleeve buddy I found on this site. :-)

I am scheduled with Dr Aceves and was required to put a $500 deposit to hold my place. I have to bring the remainder by cashiers check when I come down there.

Wow! Loved it. It's so obvious you had so much love before and during your journey. You are smiling in almost every pic. You look amazing, especially in a bikini!

I worked an extra part time job and saved for about a year to pay for mine. It's hard, but you can do it.

I had mine removed a couple years ago when I was taking HCG. It seems too coincidental that every time I'd start another round, I'd get severe pain. Mine ended up emergency when my friend came in, saw me on the floor looking miserable and called 911. Is it a requirement that EMTs and FD guys be all hot and buff? Nice when I'm vomiting into their pink pan all the way to the ER. Anyway, the ER doc told me they had been having a serious upswing in gallbladder attacks over the past few months. I was too chicken to tell him I was loading for my next round when had the last attack. I really wonder if it had anything to do with the HCG or WLS? Too much for the system to handle?

I just want to say how much this thread has helped me in my decision-making process. I really appreciate how many people took the time to write honest responses to the OP. This would be a great sticky for anyone researching VSG. I don't know determinedgirl but I'm glad she asked her questions and I really appreciate the thoughtful responses. I too will print this thread and keep it for reference as I go through my journey. Thank you!

Mine isn't until 8/31 but I just wanted to say hi and tell you I'm nervous too. I just keep telling myself the first month may be kinda sucky (learning to sip, the dreaded week 2 or 3 stall) but for the first time in years I will actually let people take pictures of me at the Christmas parties. You are going to do great. Keep reaching out and researching and you will feel much better. Amy

Glad to hear you're both doing so well

My surgery date isn't until 8/31 but Dr Aceves charges $8750 for everything except airfare to San Diego. He's in Mexicali.

I honestly don't know the answer to this one. I have a body piercing and I don't know if I will have to remove it before surgery. I know I can go through airports but I don't know about ORs. Thanks

Thanks Sassypants! I will do that.

Hmmm. I've been called many things but not a freak. I think I like it!