shanda7182

Thanks for answering my question. I figure I might as well, I dont really have a reason to rush back, I mean this is a medically neccessary procedure so I dont see why it should be treated any different than any other type of procedure:001_smile: After all, I deserve it! I think I am going to take the 4 weeks off and be happy with it. After all, I cant take care of patients until I take care of myself first. How is your journey going VAngel, is it getting easier for you?

Hello everyone, I am scheduled to have my sleeve in September with Dr. Aceves. I have read that most people are different in taking time off, depending on how they feel, etc. I have taken 2 weeks of vacation off from my job, however I have short term disability insurance and they told me that if the doctor says I need more time off, etc that I will be paid for up to a year. (This is good to know, god forbid if any complications happen, etc.) What I wanted to know is, if you werent in a rush to return to work, what reasonable amount of time do you think would be appropriate to take off. I am thinking more along the lines of 4 weeks to allow my body to heal, learn how to eat, etc. Also, for those of you that used Dr. Aceves, do you all think that he would sign my form for me to get 4 weeks off? Im not trying to abuse time off but I work as a nurse and I also work long days and the demands of the job can be very challenging, I just dont want to push myself (especially since my job understands that I am having some type of surgery, they wont fire me or anything like that--of course they cant anyway but im just curious to get some responses. Thanks a million everyone

P.S. How was the flight back for you? Was it uncomfortable any motion sickness? nausea? vomiting?

Congrats on such a good surgery experience. My turn is in September and I am praying for a good and uneventful surgery as well! I am hopeful that you will reach your goal! I am afraid but I know this is something that I must do, I cannot control weight for a long period of time. Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress.:hurray:

Wow, That is such a great success story! I cant wait until I can have my sleeve.

As long as you follow the doctor's orders (the dreaded pre op) diet, you should be fine! Don't worry about it, you will be good to go! Good luck!

Congrats, glad to hear that your surgery went great! Keep us posted.

Good luck with your surgery, I pray that it is uneventful and that you will loose all the weight you want and bring out the "sexiness" that you desire! LOL. Seriously, I will in your shoes in a few months and I am nervous but as i am in my 20s as well and I am currently engaged, I cannot continue to live like this. I know that this is the right decision, if I could do it on my own kept my weight off a long time ago. I mean, who doesnt want to be thin for prom? LOL Take Care & Keep us posted

Good luck with your surgery and keep us updated on your progress. I wish you an "uneventful" surgery that will lead to 71 lbs of weight loss.

Girl, I totally understand where you are coming from! I keep having the same thoughts, its really annoying because I know this is what I need to do but I cannot help having the what if thoughts. I mean my biggest things is my health and second to that, I just really want to feel more confident in my clothes, etc. I want to be the confident women that I know can be. I have prayed about this as well and I believe that this is the right thing to do.

Cool, glad to have you here neighbor. Keep me posted on your surgery and all of that......How long do you stay on the liquid diet out of curiousity?

Hello, welcome to the forum. Im in the Houston area as well. In reference to your question, anything that you do according to the doctor's orders will help with liver shrinkage. The sleeve has been performed on much larger people, so I wouldnt be too worried about your current weight. Just follow what the doc says and you will be alright. Anyway, welcome to the VST family.

Good Luck, with everything, keep us posted. I was in your city this past weekend my fiance and I went to a resort down there. Conroe, is very beautiful.

YEP, I want to proudly state that im the big 26. LOL. Not many 20 somethings have the sleeve ive noticied. But its okay, we are trendsetters.....

Hi, Welcome to the board. I am soon to be sleeved as well but you will have the honor of going before me! Also, im in Texas as well! Keep us updated on your progress.

Wow, you got to goal in 6 1/2 months. That is awesome!!!!! Congratulations on your success. How difficult has maintaining been?

HI Margoboo, Im from the Houston, TX metroplex and when I was considering being sleeved there. I looked @ Dr. Alanis. He was very patient during my interview---he spent 45 minutes with me describing the procedure, etc, etc. His office staff is quite lovely as well. He had a relatively good special going on, when I booked with him. He's done about 850 sleeves with no leaks. I met a few of his patients and they had GREAT things to say about him. Also, his reviews (from my internet search) were great. I didnt read not one negative thing about him. However, I am no longer being sleeved by him. My reasons for going to Mexico were: 1. The surgeon (Dr Aceves) has an excellent track record 2. You get 3 nights in the hospital versus an overnight stay (with most Houston Drs...) 3. Dr Aceves basically guarantees his surgery (and complications will be covered if they occur). Sound like a great deal to me. Since I am self pay (im not sure if you are using insurance or not) I have to factor in the what-ifs......I wanted to feel confident that if anything went wrong I wouldnt have to file bankrupt to cover complications. Anyway, if you plan to stay in Houston for your WLS. I would check out Dr Audencio Alanis. He seemed to be the best deal going on in that area. I also checked out Dr. Garth Davis (From the TV Show Big Medicine). He and his father have a big time practice & their patients LOVE them. They work out of Methodist and Memorial Hermann. Their office just moved to the Katy TX area though. Anyway, he seems to have a good track record as well but I was talking to him for the lap band, not the sleeve. Good luck on your search....and you can PM me if you have further questions.....

Wow, you've lost 20.2 lbs already! Great job! I cant wait until im on the loosers bench. LOL. I would love to loose 10-15 lbs now but it seems that my body just doesnt want to loose anymore. I weighed over 300 lbs about 2-3 years ago and I have been stuck at this weight for about a year (~200 lbs now). Everything I do, I cant seem to loose anymore. Does anyone have any pre-surgical diet ideas. I typically follow weight watchers or your typical high Protein low carb diet but no results anymore! :sad0: Anyway congratulations on your success!

I dont think that ever happens in the U.S. LOL

Thanks, its good to know that im not GOING CRAZY! I guess, im normal then. :001_tongue:

Thanks WASa, I knew I joined this site for a reason. Sometimes, we just have to share our thoughts, anxieties (no matter how little or stupid) they may sound. Now I see how my patients feel prior to surgery, I have never had surgery......LOL I have not even been under for a dental procedure. But you are right, I am at greater risk by being overweight and this is something I know. Thank you for your continual words of encouragement, its greatly appreciated.:help:

I was wondering to those who went to another city, state or country for their sleeve surgery, did you ever wonder what would happen if your surgery wasnt successful or if something horrible happened? How did you handle those thoughts? I guess its kinda scary to have these thoughts and know that you will be far away from loved ones. I know, im a worry wart or are these thoughts normal? I have been considering all of the what-ifs. Im sure its pre surgery anxiety talking......

Its good to know that there is something on board to combat blood clots. LOL. I still cannot believe that I am getting all of that for the price! WOW, 3 nights in hospital plus one night in resort + a board certified surgeon = priceless P.S. I have set my surgery date with Dr. Aceves---- He approved me for the surgery and I was sent the preoperative information:::: Now, I just need to change my signature block. Thank You ladies for alllll of your help and assistance as I pondered my decision.

Cool, all I needed to know. Thats for the details, just wanted to make sure I won't become dehydrated or have a PE. LOL

Thanks for your report, your information made me feel more comfortable.