shanda7182

I have another question for Dr. Aceves patients? Okay, here is the nurse in me again..... 1. Did you receive blood thinners after surgery? Some surgeons use this, some dont. Most say, just ambulate. 2. Did you receive constant IV fluids? If so, what kind if you can remember? 3. Did you have SCDs on after surgery (They are these things that wrap around your legs and squeeze the blood up and down) they help to prevent blood clots? 4. Were you provided an incentive spirometer? (A little thing that you breathe into that helps to prevent your lungs from collapsing, etc. Okay, I think that is all I want to know. Thanks

Hey VAngel. I have a question for you. Since you are still on the post op diet thing, are you experiencing a tremendous amount of hunger? Ive heard that since the ghrelin hormone thing is gone--you dont have much hunger pangs. However, I just cannot imagine in my pre-sleeve mind how I Could not be hungry?? Thats too good to be true. LOL

The more I read, the more I learn. This is truly a great site for sharing stories and giving advice, etc. I appreciate all of you all's support.

Yep, Ive heard of those. I went to Puerto Rico in March and I just decided to get a Passport (but didnt need one) any way, they give you the option of getting a passport card vs. the traditional one. The passport card is more limited on where you can go, etc. I think its recommended for cruises, etc. Things like that. But it was less expensive than the traditional PP that we are use to. Also, did you get to do any site seeing where you were in Mexicali? I love to travel and I was considering going a few days earlier. Never been to San Diego,CA but have been to the LA area. So I was wondering if there was anything worth going early to see???? Might as well make a vacation out of it.:laugh0:

Oh ok, that is cool, we will probably get that one 4 him. Thanx for the info.

Wow Rose, you have had a very difficult road but FREEDOM is coming for all of us pre-opers. I am 26 and I feel the same way, I cannot imagine getting older and getting larger and larger. GOD forbid, I have not had any children yet, they say it just gets harder and harder (weight wise) after children. Well congrats on making your decision. Keep us posted.

Yep, that is important to know. We wouldnt want him to get stuck in Mexicali, LOL. Oh wow, he has his own UNIT? That is cool with 10 patients it sound like they have a low nurse to patient ratio and are able to be attentive to their patients. Thanks again for your update:thumbup1:

This may sound like a dumb question but do you need a passport to go to Mexicali? I have one, just thinking about my fiance'. I want to say that I read that you dont need one??? But that doesnt sound right.

Good for you. Its always nice when someone doesnt take advantage of you, that speaks alot of Dr. A's character. Wow, its alot of nurses on here, how cool. Thanks for the great update and information. I am just waiting to actually schedule my surgery date with him, with each post I feel more and more confident with my decision.

Wow, his ratings are phenomenal! I've never heard of such a doc.

WOW, I dont think I've ever heard of such a doctor (including the ones that I work with on a daily basis). LOL Well that makes it easier since my Fiance can stay in the hospital room with me. Some hospitals have very strict visiting hours, so I was not sure. This is getting better and better every minute, I truly believe that this is the right decision for me. :laugh0:

Thanks so much Vangel. Your words are so kind and genuine. It is so refreshing to be able to connect with others that have had similiar experiences/concerns. This site has allowed me to not feel alone or "crazy" about my decision to have the VSG or travel to MX for that matter. Words cannot capture my true appreciation. Good luck with your recovery as well. P.S. Do they allow a guest to sleep in the room with you? I was just wondering, as I would be bringing my Fiance and I need to know how to make arrangements for him. Thanks a million:thumbup:

Thanks to each of you, for your support. Although, I know these things to be true, its just difficult for me for some strange reason. LOL But I will get over it trust me! Because at the end of the day, none of them are financing this operation!

Thanks for your advice, it sounds like a good way to handle the situation! Good luck with your surgery and I will keep everyone here posted on mine.

Wow. you are a brave woman and my new hero. I know what its like to work 13 hrs at a hospital (my lord). I dont have enough energy to drive home let alone take a 6 hr flight. LOL I think you are right, I could always tell people that we are going to San Diego, CA for a 3 day trip. Well, I wouldn't be lying. LOL:001_tongue: Thanks for your help! I will keep you posted. I have already filled out the pre surgical paperwork and have emailed it back. Right now, im about 70% sure that I will have my surgery performed by Dr. Aceves.

Hi all, I've posted on here before....(you can read my thread under the this is my story section). Anyway, I cant believe that I am thinking of going to Mexico for my surgery. Not because they dont have good doctors or anything, its basically fear of the unknown. However, I know a great package when I see one.:001_smile: Im also a nurse and I am well aware of the appropriate level of care and skill that is needed for a safe surgery. I am tenatively scheduled for my surgery on 9-15 here in Houston, TX with Dr. Alanis. I am impressed by him and I enjoy being home with my family (If GOD forbid, anything was to happen). But I have been researching Dr. Aceves for about a week and I am overwhelmed by his good reviews, success rates, no leaks, etc. That is SOOO important when you are considering a surgeon and I know this. The two big things that made me start thinking about going to Dr. Aceves are: His stats and you get 3 nights in the hospital after surgery as opposed to one night in the hospital if I have it here @ home. Now, those of you who chose Dr. Aceves is it true that if you have complications that you wont be charged? I think I read something like that. (Please explain, if you know more) My dilemma is: my family WILL have a cow and two calves if I tell them that I am going to Mexico to have surgery. LOL. So I want advice on HOW to deal with this? To tell or not to tell? I feel that I am an adult but I would really like my family's blessings on this. My fiance however, is so supportive and told me that whatever I chose he will support my decision and travel along with me regardless where I chose.:confused1: So that helps. So to make a long story short, how did you all deal with your family and/or friends when trying to make a decision like this? I guess @ the end of the day, you have to DO what is best for YOU. Thanks for all of you guys support and answers on my pre-sleeve journey thus far.

Well, im glad that you enjoyed his seminar and got a chance to talk to him one on one! He was very patient (he even drew diagrams on my note pad) that I'd taken with me. He did not seem to be your typical money hungry doctor. To make a long story short he "kept it real" while we were talking. In reference to complications, since I am an RN. I believe that sometimes a person can "know too much". LOL I've thought about, what if I "have a pulmonary embolus, or what if I develop a stricture or what if my wounds dont heal correctly and I get an infection", etc, etc. At the same time, my chances of having a heart attack, stroke or becoming a diabetic are much greater if I stay this way. The reason that I say this is because I come from a family of large people that are "heart attack, heart disease and diabetic prone". If I dont do something im headed down that same road.:sad0: In the case of a complication (GOD forbid) Im thankful that I have a great protection with my job--- that will kick if if I am gone from work for 14 days and I will get paid for one full year (if needed) 90% of my salary. So with that, at least I will still get paid and wont be homeless!:thumbup1: Keep in touch, maybe you can schedule to be sleeved around the same time as me. We can be sleeve buddies.

Hello. I have not been sleeved but I will have it done in September. Im in Texas, but im in the Houston area. Just wondering, how was your sleeve experience: surgery, surgeon, pain, etc.

I know that feeling. But we must hang in there. I am scheduled for mine in September and ever since I have scheduled the date my emotions have been "on a roller coaster ride". But hey, I figure I have to DO Something. So when I think of it like that "I get excited". So we must continue to encourage one another. P.S. I notice that you are in my area, which surgeon are you using?

I know exactly what you mean. I was reviewing a patient's discharge instructions on that yesterday. And I remember thinking "How can I tell him how to do this, when I have not?" Its a real wake up call.

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe its because we take care of EVERYONE else except ourselves?? This could be a possibility. Maybe we are realizing that we MUST take care of ourselves first. I know that my weight went to another level of nursing school! We went to class, we ate and studied all day & night until graduation! LOL And as a nurse--there are so many presentations and companies that come to my job with Snacks, meals, etc. It is unreal! :001_rolleyes: Ive also heard that if you work the night shift, you tend to gain more weight. Maybe because you eat in order to stay up??? I work the day shift and its very busy but I guess its not enough. LOL But....NOW it is OUR time to SHINE! We are reclaiming our lives and our health.

Not from Arizona but I am an RN! :thumbup: I noticed that there are lots of nurses on here too! Nurses unite!

As far as the information above. The price for Dr Alanis includes (im memorizing what is on my paperwork, dont have it in front of me)-- 1. surgeons fee 2. anesthesiology 3. preop lab work 4. possible hernia repair (if neccessary) 5. possible liver biopsy (if needed) 6. possible cholecystectomy (if neccessary) 7. overnight hospital stay @ a bariatric center of excellence 8. surgery consult I will get back with you regarding if this covers the cost of complications--my guess is probably no. I guess ive just always figured if you are paying cash you are on your own. I was told which leak tests that he performs & they are written in my notes when I met with him (dont recall the exact ones, since at the time I had no idea what all that was). But I will get back with you.====I felt really comfortable when I went to visit with Dr. Alanis as several of his (sleeve) patients were in there for follow up appts and I was able to speak with them about their experience, weight loss, etc. One lady had her sleeve one year exactly on the day of my appointment and she had lost 120 lbs! WOW, she looked great and she was in her 60's!!!! :thumbup: As far as Dr. Garth Davis, MD----All I know about him is that his price includes an overnight stay at a bariatric center of excellence, surgeons fee, anesthesiology, preop labs, etc. I was intially meeting with him for the lap band and I was briefly told about the sleeve with him. However, I can and will find out more information regarding the specifics for the both of them. I love to help out fellow potential :001_smile:sleevers. Give me a few days to give you the exact stats for the both of them.

Kool:thumbup1:---Kudos to you. Im taking 2 weeks off as well and Im also a fellow nurse. So im not going to be in any rush to return to floor work.

Congrats to you!!! Who was your surgeon & would you recommend him or her.