Amber'sJourney

Does Dr. S have a forum?

Surgery on 9/27 SW 216 CW 147 Loss 70 LBS Goal:120

My drain removal hurt. Yes. Pain. But it only takes 10 seconds. I had my drain about 4 days.

Because of health issues, chronic pain from herniated discs I was limited with physical activity. I used to be healthy, strong and able to work out whenever I wanted to. But if I loose the extra weight, I take pressure off those discs and hopefully I can back to an active lifestyle. Which was the deciding factor for me. For those that have the option of activity without surgery- great! Go for it! I've had a 'simple' complication. Which has put me in BED for the past 6 weeks healing from a torn abdominal muscle. Very, very, very painful and its going to be a LONG rehabilitation for the muscle. Apart from that I don't miss food, it hasn't been a struggle. The Water though. I don't hear anyone talk about the water. I used to easily drink 90-100 oz of water daily. You need water to survive. I didn't reach 20-30 ounces of fluids daily until I was 6 weeks post op. Talk about severe dehydration! I love water. I want water. I can't drink it. I mourn it. If I could have my water and be fat. I would go back. (As of right now.) Being very blunt and honest, here. Now, as I said, I'm sure this will change as my stomach gets larger and I can drink more. I assume I have lots of swelling. But its really not a simple procedure, this surgery. It comes with great risk. One just has to decide if the complications are worth the risk for themselves. What are your health issues? Will the surgery help you to overcome those risks? Etc.

No, for MY height, a 30 BMI for ME would be 164. Your 30 is 185.

I am 9 weeks out, and began with a BMI of 39.6. I KNOW that I would not have even considered the surgery if I had been 164 and a BMI of 30. I'm pleased with being smaller- I've now lost 37lbs. But everyday I have to remind my self that I did it for my health and to just wait and one day I hope that will be able to say it was worth it. Now, this is a very personal decision. Only you can decide if you want this for vanity or health. Do what is best for you.

Do you have VA Champ insurance? If so, it covers weight loss surgery with no hoops to jump through! My close friend decided to get RNY and went in for her consult and two weeks later was having surgery!

Where is the complication board... I can't seem to find it.

Why don't you research the Dr's record (fatalities etc) with the Mexico Bariatric and Surgeon's boards? The only 'negative' I have read on the boards about Dr. Garcia is that he tends to have quite a few patients with infected incisions. Which is the reason I did not choose him. When I went to TJ with a lighterme Dr. Garcia was one of their recommendations. (I chose Lopez). I can see how they would phase him out if he had several fatalities. BUT, that being said, the only way to find that for certain is to check the records. The Dr.'s office may not be truthful for reputation's sake and its difficult to take the word from someone who stands to profit or lose because of the surgeon you choose. Which applies to both Dr and the coordinators. I would ask the Coordinators if they are able to provide some proof of the fatalities as well. Can't hurt. And remember everyone who had a good experience with Dr. Garcia had a good experience! It's the people that potentially had BAD experiences that you want to find out about. Good luck!

I am real. LOL. Although I used Dr. Lopez, I met a friend who was sleeved by Garcia on the same day that I was sleeved by Lopez. I didn't meet Dr. G but the friend had no issues and a good surgery.

I would assume (ASSUME) that there are filters of some level at the Hospital and Hotel. That being said, My Dr. (Lopez) glued the incisions shut. The only 'exposed' was the drain. Another patient with Dr. Garcia did not have the glue. I think it's a good question for your Dr.

Yay! Congrats on your loss!

Hi! Just thought I'd say hello! I'm in Oklahoma as well! (I went to MX though.) I had my surgery 9/27. I am still having a difficult time with liquid intake. Water makes me feel sick. Which really is sad! I love water! Going to try to set a timer tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.

Make sure you rest and don't bend down/over. I had pulled stitches that tore my muscle. The binder made my back hurt and then when I took the binder off it was an excruciating, I want to pass out kinda pain!

Oh, and my muscle area is slightly like a big 'bump' because of all the swelling and inflammation. (You mentioned a bump.)