AlaskaChick

When I went to Mexico for the sleeve, I met a woman who got the band. She had a lot of problems, she wasn't able to stop burping or get anything down. And when I say burp, I mean BURP! All night and all day constantly with no relief. Finally, the doctor went back in to look and see what was going on, she was inflamed (I think) and they had to scrape the wall of her esophagus and stomach wall. All the surgical gas was not escaping, so she kept on burping. Anyways, I know I am not describing it accurately. Just the best of my knowledge. She is still having problems (She had surgery on Dec 1st). She did ALOT better after the second surgery, however now she is showing these symptoms: -Pain on the left side She cant bend over, or get into a truck by her self. She says it is too painful. -The burping is back She burps loud enough and too often for her to feel comfortable to go to a restaurant. Even over the phone she burped from time to time... LOUD! I feel so sorry for her. :001_unsure: -Eating can be painful Soups go down just fine, any liquids. The solids are painful. Did anyone have these problems with the band? The reason I post this on here is because I want to give her some insights from someone who got a revision. Do you feel that the sleeve was better then the band? Its seems to me that her body is not adapting to a foreign implant. So maybe the sleeve is the solution? Thank You!

Why a new surgeon?

I had surgery in Mexico and I suggest bring these items for sure: A dvd portable player with movies or a TV series... really helps pass the time Slippers and socks a comfy pillow (I wish I had brought mine with me) plenty of reading material ear plugs (sometimes your neighbors may have their TV on loud Gas-X really is a must! Money for shopping (you will most likely feel up to it) a translator book, this was nice to be able to try to learn the language if you don't know Spanish. I think the nurses and doctors appreciate it also. You will not NEED it, but its nice for fun. I'm just that type. Your camera! A journal is nice too. It was soothing for me to be able to write my thoughts down. Those are some of my suggestions in additions to the ones above. Have a good time! It will be worth it!

I had a leak on my main incision a week after surgery. It was weird, I got up from the couch and smelled something like anti-septic and felt that my shirt was wet. After discovering that it was actually me (haha) I grabbed tissues and the fingertip spray. I pushed on the incision and squeezed for 10 minutes to drain it. It wasn't painful, just a little bit tender. It was just a pain because I had to keep checking on it and keep it clean. What worked well was putting a large bandage over it (one you would use for your knee). I would say that it took a week for it to completely stop drainage on its own. Last week I was looking at my incision and an inner stitch pushed itself out, when I tried to take it out I had some more drainage, but just a little.

I was wondering how everyone has done with their scars after surgery? I am very fair skinned and am somewhat concerned with the scars from the incisions. What is your experience? Has yours disappeared or is it minimal? My boyfriend had Lap Band and his scars are pretty dark and noticeable.

What the hell is a bowel prep? Like a laxative?

Hello Staffy! I am having my sleeve surgery on Dec 3rd, by Dr. Mario Alamanza at the Emmanuel Medical enter in Tijuana Mexico. My surgery is $5,000.00. My boyfriend had his lapband surgery done by him in May, and he has nothign but good things to say about him. He has gone down twice for a fill since his surgery. From what he has told me and through his photos, if he could do it again he would only change the surgery itself. He wishes that he had gotten the sleeve instead of the lapband. This was his experience: He flew into San Diego the day of the surgery, at 6am to get there by 9am. He then was greeted by the staff of the Emanuel Center at the airport, and rode over the border into Tijuana. The city of Tijuana is about 15 minutes from the border. The drive took app. 30 to 40 minutes to get to the hospital from San Diego. The driver and staff were very nice, in fact he has made friends with them! They first take you to a clinic (a separate building from the main hospital, but is part of Emanuel Medical Center) to get your blood drawn and your pre-op tests. The did an EKG, blood pressure, weight, height measurements, and more. after this they took him to Emanuel to meet Dr. Almanza and to speak to him. John also got to speak with the Anesthesiologist before the surgery. He was very informed on everything and how the procedure worked. The nurses prepped him for surgery with the IV and the gown. There are probably more details but this is from his story and what I remember. John actually woke up confused after his surgery (He went alone, I could not go with him), and yelled! Poor Baby! The nurse was there and was able to calm him down and explain where he was and make sure that he was attended to. He went back to sleep after awhile since he was really tired. They did wake him up and get him to a hospital room that was more comfortable to sleep in. I would like to mention here that this is where treatment in Mexico is different then the states. They did not automatically get him into a room, but they did after he woke up. Also, he had to walk to the room with a couple of nurses following him to make sure he was ok to walk. John did mention, that this was kind of weird, but he never did at anytime feel like he was not safe or attended to. After he woke up, they asked John if he would be ready to go to the recovery house. He was ready, and took a short drive to there. A recovery house is an actual house that is gated and well maintained like a hotel. There are four separate rooms with TV and a social room. It is equipped with a full kitchen and nurses on hand. From the pictures I saw, they are beautiful and look comfortable! What is also nice is Dr. Almanza came to see John and the other patients later that evening and the same day. Dr.Balencourt also came to visit and was a very nice man with great humor! John got great service, and also a lot of help and advice through Shirley. She is the hospital coordinator for Emanuel Medical Center. She is just AWESOME! She is available all the time is just such a delight to talk to. She called me to let m know that John was o.k. after his surgery and to answer all my questions. John recovered very well, and had some gas pains. He stayed down there for three days to get some post-op tests and to see Mexico. He went to the beach one day and had a blast! They drove him over the border, he flew home, and I picked him up at the airport with many kisses and hugs! I was so worried about him getting surgery in Mexico, but after hearing his story and talking to Shirley, I see that I had nothing to fret about. This surgery is going to add years to my Boyfriends life and mine. I would recommend surgery in Mexico for anyone who wants good service at a lower cost. I hope this helps you! If you would like more information of Emanuel medical Center: Emmanuel medical-Dr Mario Almanza

Hello All, My name is Tara, and I am having my surgery on 12/03/2009. I am very excited for the surgery, and have a great support group of family. My boyfriend got the Lap-Band surgery 4 months ago with Dr. Mario Almanza in Tijuana, Mexico. His experience went quite well, and the only thing I regret now is that I did not go with him and get it done at the same time. However, it may be a good thing in the end because I believe VSG will be the better choice. I am currently at 240 pounds and have always struggled with my weight. I am ready to no longer worry of future health problems because of obesity. As I am sure many of us can testify, my genetics is a major part of my decision for surgery. Both sides on my family have obesity issues, high cholesterol/blood pressure, and not to mention heart disease. The surgery for me is not about my looks. Even though I live in a society that see the average woman being a size 4 instead of a 14, and that it is socially "wrong" to be bigger, this is not my motivation. Quite frankly, I like the way I look and think I have a lot to offer as I am. But I do not want to be another health statistic due to obesity. My ultimate weight goal is 150 pounds. I have 90 pounds to lose and look forward to it! There are some questions that I have about the surgery: 1. My boyfriends major issue during recovery was gas bubbles that were quite painful. I can't find much research on this, but the doctor and hospital coordinator said that it is different for everyone. What was your experience? 2. I have also heard of a drainage tube that I will have overnight. This kind-of freaks me out. Does anyone know more about this? Any feedback would be much appreciated:thumbup:. Thank you!

Just an update... So my surgery is getting closer, and I am more excited then ever! My Mom will be coming to town to help me out after I get the sleeve done. I have about almost two weeks off after the surgery from work, hopefully that will be enough. Otherwise, I will have to take time without leave... I am getting prepared by buying some post-op stuff for my new diet. Gas-X strips, a pill crusher, Gatorade, juice, beef and chicken bouillon, and much more. My boyfriend is so supportive during all of this, and is giving me some good tips. I am glad he is coming with me. Other then surgery stuff, I have been working and focusing on my artwork. I started a website recently! And so far I have had two sales! I am super excited over that of course! This is the first time I have had an online store. If anyone would like to see my stuff, here is my website TKDeal on Etsy. Thanks to everyones support! I will update soon!

I'm 23! Your not alone!!!!!!

I swear by this stuff, it is absolutely the best Protein shake out there. My favorite is plain vanilla. The flavor pack works well and is not too bad in price. It tastes good in a fruit smoothie as well! Once your able to take in more of the "mushi" stuff. I am a very picky Protein Shake person myself. My boyfriend uses this Whey Protein even before he got banded. Hopefully this will help others trying to pick a good tasting powder!

My suggestion would be couples counseling. I don't like to meddle in other people's marriages and give advice that your husband is "abusive" or "manipulative". It sounds like to me you two got into an argument and you wanted to use the forum as a release. That is perfectly sound and understandable, but you are the only one who is in control of your life and marriage. That being said... A little bit about me and my relationship. I am not married, and have been with my Boyfriend for 4 years now. We have lived together this whole time, and are in love. I can see myself marrying him in the near future. However, I can tell you that we have had our share of arguments and up/downs. We have gone to couples counseling multiple times since we have been together. It makes a real world of difference, we are not even married but we want to ensure that we understood each other. If you had a good counselor, he/she may be able to help you two work together on your want for the surgery. This way you may be able to learn his concerns, and it may surprise you what they are. And in turn, he may be more understanding of your struggles. Hope this may help you-

Hello Hello! I am finding this site to be a great research tool as well as a support group. I am glad to hear that you did well at your surgery. I haven't had mine yet, not till December. Did you get your surgery in Cleveland?

Hello Amanda, I am 23 years old, and am in the same position as you. I am getting my surgery on 12/03/2009. The surgery cost $5,000.00 out of pocket. My insurance will not cover my surgery because I do not have any major health issues except for being overweight (like you). I looked into options, and after seeing my boyfriend getting the Lap-Band in Mexico, at a fraction of the cost to get it done in the US, I decided this is the best option for me. Most people when I tell them I am getting this done in Mexico, cringe at the thought. However, since I have seen pictures, talked to the doctors and hospital coordinator, I am completely comfortable. Also having someone I trust who went there himself helped me a lot.