ravenjeh

I'm using Dr. Borland in Louisiana. I've heard really great things about him, and since I am self-pay, I love his price ($9800), lol. Thank you!

So, I know I have over 3 weeks until my initial visit and to schedule surgery since I am still saving the last few hundred, but I decided to call my surgeon's office today and ask about his pre-op diet. From reading the boards, I assumed it was going to be a 1-2 week liquid diet. But no, he only requires a one day liquid diet. Seems a little unusual. Are there any benefits of dieting a week pre-op rather than 1 day, other than it gets you used to liquids? I might go ahead and get on the liquid diet a few days before instead. Any advice?

Oh, wow, thanks guys! That does help! I was really hoping that insurance would at least cover my labs like they normally would cover lab work in a non-WLS situation.

Hey guys, I have an exclusion in my insurance policy on the "treatment of exogenious obesity". So, I know it doesn't cover surgery. However, my surgeon in a different state has his out of town patients get their pre-op testing and lab work (EKG, Chest X-ray, CBC, H. Pylori...) done by their local PCP. So, I'm wondering if insurance would cover the testing. I don't think the insurance company would any idea that the stuff I am getting done will be for WLS later. Just trying to figure out how much the labs will be out of pocket since I am still saving up.

Wow, so I'm not the only one dreading that part? Lol, I have 3 dogs, including a Jack Russell, Blue Heeler mix, and a Great Dane, and 2 cats. This is going to be VERY difficult. I intend to keep at least one pillow draped across my stomach any time I am laying down, just in case someone decides they want to play and kiss, lol. Oh, and maybe walk around with a pillow on my stomach in case someone wants to jump up, too. lol

Good luck tomorrow- you're going to do great! Let us know how it went when you get a chance!

So sorry to hear this! If you can, just try to get a ton of rest for the next 3 days since you are so weak. If you can't take tylenol for your headaches, I sometimes put a warm cloth on my forehead to help relieve the pain. I know they make sugar-free gatorade, so I would assume that it wouldn't have any calories, but not positive. Praying you get to feeling better!

Hope everything went well! Keep us updated and sending a prayer up for an easy recovery!

I currently take 150 mg of Effexor XR and 2 Trazadone 100 mg. Will it be a problem taking all of these pills after I have the surgery? And if not, can I take them starting the day of surgery? I so do not want to get the withdrawal effects on top of dealing with surger... Plus, I think I've read somewhere that you shouldn't take extended- release or time- release pills, so I am wondering if I am going to have to get on regular Effexor instead. Anyone on Antidepressants have any advice on this? Of course I'm going to ask the surgeon when I see him, but just trying to get a game plan ahead of time. Thanks!

Yes! I hope to be sleeved in late September! I'm meeting with my surgeon in late August and should have the rest of the moolah saved up by the end of September. Can't wait!

GREAT idea! I'm glad I have mine in the pantry somewhere. Now, to stock up on sugar-free flavors!

That is so awesome! Congrats on the dress! I can't wait until I can fit into mine too

Woo hoo! Great job! You'll be at "17.." before you know it!

I'm so excited for you!! I can't wait until I am in your shoes! You will do fine- keep us posted! Good luck!

Are they permitted in your protein drinks post-op, and if so, how soon after surgery? When I tried the medically supervised diet shakes in the past, I always used different sugar-free syrups and extracts to make the taste a little more exciting. I'm hoping to have surgery in September, so I want to stock up if they are allowed. Thanks!

How did you like having the surgery as outpatient? I haven't seen a lot of cases where it's done as outpatient, but that is how my surgeon does it too. For out of towners like myself, he has you stay in a local hotel so that he can make "housecalls" for a couple of days. Did you have any problems right after surgery?

Yes!!! It's all I think about! I practically eat, breath, and sleep this forum! I only found it a couple of weeks ago, but I have learned soooooo much. I've gone from "Should I get it done?" to "Can I get it done?" to "How soon can I get it done???????", lol. I'm ready to get my life back!

Oh, I'm so sorry things aren't going well for you! I know it's aggravating not having the money on hand to get surgery done and then getting denied by every finance company you find. I've been in a similar situation; considering going to Mexico and still having to save up for a long time for it. I found a Dr. Borland in neighboring Louisiana that does the procedure for only $9800 ($1000 more than Dr. Alvarez in Mexico). My mom was so relieved to hear the news, she has graciously offered to loan me $8000 of it herself (she worried about me going to Mexico). I go next month for my initial visit since I am still saving. I don't know how far away you are from Louisiana, but his fee is pretty affordable and he comes highly recommended. Hope things work out for you!

Well, I am self-pay so I don't have to jump through insurance hoops. My initial consultation is scheduled for next month since I am still saving up, but they said they usually schedule surgery only 1-2 weeks afterwards! They said they never schedule surgery over a month after the consultation so that all of your lab work, info, etc are current. I guess I am lucky in that I don't have to wait a really long time.

Thank you! That does help Congrats on your weight loss!

Has anyone used Dr. Borland in New Iberia, Louisiana? I had been researching going to Mexico for surgery as I am self-pay. But I came across his name on this forum and looked up his website. For only about $1000 more than the surgery I was getting done in Mexico, I can have it done in a neighboring state only 4 hours away rather than 13 hours away. I've only seen one reference about him on this forum, but he is the Chief of Surgery at the hospital he performs the surgery at and has been a bariatric surgeon since 1982. I guess the only thing I find a little odd is that he performs the surgery as an outpatient procedure; a few hours after your surgery they release you from the hospital and have you stay at one of the local hotels for a few days where the doctor makes several "house" call visits to check on you. I'm assuming this is why the procedure is cheaper than most U.S. doctors; no hefty hospital bill from being admitted. I called the office today and the staff was very nice and informative. I asked if doing as outpatient is safe and she said yes, he has done over 200 sleeves. Is that comparable to U.S. doctors? The mexican doctors that I had researched had done closer to 2000 sleeves... She also said that because of it being outpatient, they do not do any high risk patients (very high bmi, heart disease, etc.), I am healthy and only 29, so I am definitely not high risk. Anyway, just wanted to see what you guys think about .

Well, it does seem that everything is falling into place! I was nervous before calling the doctor's office, (I don't know why, I guess I was afraid it all sounded too good to be true, lol). But I got all of my questions answered and even scheduled the initial visit for next month, since I am still saving up the remainder of the cost. Thank you for the prayers! God has truly answered them for me!

How exciting! Praying that surgery goes well and uneventful!

Thank you so much for that!! And hey- I just noticed we are from the same neck of the woods; I live in the Jackson area of MS

I have been researching WLS for a couple of years now, knowing that my husband and I could not easily afford it. It wasn't until a few months ago that I found out I could get the sleeve done in Mexico for 1/3 to 1/2 of the price. I was denied over and over again by the medical finance companies that work with the surgeons. So, I sat down and made a budget thinking that I could probably have enough money saved up in a year. I was disappointed because I just turned 29 and wanted to be near my goal weight before I turn 30 (no real reason, just a goal I had set). I told my mom and husband about the going to Mexico idea, and even though they were afraid of going there (because of the statistics of violence in the city I had chosen to have the surgery in) they were still supportive. I've been praying about the decision, wanting to make sure I am following God's plan and not my own. Then yesterday, while browsing on this forum, I found a posting about a doctor in a neighboring state that has a pretty affordable cash price for surgery. I looked up his website and he sounds like a great surgeon. The price is more expensive than in Mexico, but less than most US doctors. It would take me a little bit longer to save up, but at least he is only 4 hours away instead of over 13 hours away in Mexico (we were going to drive because we are both terrified of flying!). I told my mom about it and she was elated at hearing that I wouldn't have to go to Mexico (she is a worry wart! lol). In fact, so much that she offered to loan me $8000 of the money for the surgery. I didn't know what to do at first. I feel bad taking my mom's money. But, I then realized that maybe this is God opening a door for me. I have every intention of paying her back within a year. I'm praying that if this is the path He has chosen for me, that I follow it the way He wants me to. This all happened during a weekend, so I am dying to call the surgeon's office tomorrow morning first thing and get more information and details. I want to make sure he is the doctor for me. I am so excited for what HE has in store for me! Just wanted to give my testimony! Any prayers about this decision would be greatly appreciated