scsleever

In North Carolina and South Carolina, Medicare will pay for the sleeve if you are 64 or YOUNGER. . They will pay for RNY regardless of age, but I don't want to have the intestinal bypass procedure. I just turned 66, so I'll be heading to Mexico for my surgery.

Wishing you a speedy and easy recovery....walk, walk, walk!!

Thanks for keeping us all posted on your recovery...it's great that you are feeling so much better!

I'm scheduled for surgery on Feb. 21st. Who is your surgeon, and where (hotel) will you be staying?

Sending you happy, healing thoughts!

Your long wait is finally over! Wishing you a safe trip and a smooth recovery...

I've learned from VST that some people recover from surgery easily, while others have a harder path. Since I'll be in Mexico alone (no one to run down to Walmart for me), I'd like to have things on hand that would help if I have yucky stuff. 1. I know that gas will be an issue, so I'll have gas-x strips, and I'll walk, walk, walk. How soon after surgery can I take a PPI? 2. My biggest worry is nausea and vomiting. I've read that some people have an ear patch, while others use reglen (spelling?). Any other options? 3. It is unlikely, but possible, that my pain level will require something stronger than tylenol. Since I'm in Mexico, what should I get "just in case"? Thanks so much for sharing!

Happy Healing! Remember that each day will be better, so just get through these first tough ones and the road will get smoother.

Armywife29, Your information was great...thanks so much! I know that it must be wonderful to be back home. How are you feeling?

February 21st with Dr. Fernando Garcia in TJ!

Oops... typo alert: I meant to say: is the plane a 2-3 OR a 3-3!! Sorry for any confusion!

Check to see if the plane is a 3-3 (3 seats on each side) and a 2-3. If it's a 2-3, change your seats so you have the aisle and your mother is next to you on the 2 seat side of the plane; then have your friend moved to an aisle seat in a different row (2 seat side if possible). If it's a 3-3, I still think you'd be better off having both you and your friend in aisle seats in different rows, with your mom next to you. As soon as you get onboard, tell the flight attendant that you'll need a seat belt extender. As for the wheelchair, I reserved one for my return trip. .. just in case I feel I need it. It's easier to say "No, thanks" than it is to try and get a wheelchair if one hasn't been reserved. Being an obese person on an airplane really sucks; just keep focusing on the fact that, the next time, you will fit in that seat so much better!

Ooops... posts move quickly.. just saw Fletcherette's explanation on how she saved it. I'm off to cut and paste!!

Mike, Thanks for posting this... it is a great help! Fletcherette, How did you save it as a Word doc? The best I could do was print it - one page at a time!!

I'll be flying from San Diego to the East Coast. I plan to get up and walk the aisle of the plane as often as possible - will make many trips to the bathroom! Also, I'll be "running" while seated: exercising my thigh and calf muscles to keep the blood flowing.

Congratulations!! I wish you exciting adventures in Onederland - what a wonderful place to be!

So happy to hear that everything went well!

The paperwork from Ready 4aChange says sugar-free juice is OK as a clear liquid. Local note: the bariatric surgeon in South Carolina doesn't want the patient to have any red-colored drinks, jello or popsicles the day before surgery. Orange is OK.. just avoid red ( aka blood-colored!).

You are on your way to a different place in so many ways!!!

I'll be starting my pre-op diet next week. I keep negotiating with myself on when to start! I know it would be best to start the diet even earlier than two weeks before surgery, but that child inside me is stomping her feet and saying: "I don't want to!".

Sade326, I would verify with your coordinator. I'm going through Ready 4aChange, and their "Weight Loss Surgery Process" paperwork says : "Balance due payable to Ready 4aChange". That's only two words: Ready 4aChange. Good luck...and be sure to keep us all up-to-date on your journey!! I'm scheduled for February 21st. scsleever

MarciaM, Did the surgeons' office mention whether the Medicare rules in your home state (since you said you were temporarily in Florida) had any impact on being approved? I know that Florida has easier approval than many states; in fact, some Medicare states won't even approve the sleeve. I'm 66, and I'm committed to having this surgery. I only wish I had been able to do it sooner!

My surgery is in three weeks, and I'm having so many feelings... one minute I wish I could have surgery tomorrow...but there are also times when I want to cancel it all and run for the exit! As for support from family and friends... I've recently realized that I'm going through this process with lots of support from all of you here on VST and that I have a pretty good idea of what life will be like after surgery because I've read so many posts by people who have gone before me. I've spend hours reading and researching. My husband is pretty much in the dark (other than what I tell him), so I think it makes sense that he is much less comfortable with all of this than I am. Also, it's not in his nature to "talk things out"...yet I know that his life is going to be impacted a lot. He has asked how much I'll be able to eat, and is probably wondering if he'll ever see the inside of a restaurant again! So I'm trying to be conscious of the fact that this is scary for both of us..but I'm luckier because I have all of you to help me!

I know that there are quite a few of us scheduled for surgery in Tijuana the week of Feb 18th. If you'll be there, please post your dates so we can try to meet each other while we are there (and also help each other through this, including the nervous days between now and then!) Here's my info: scsleever Arrive in San Diego: Wed. Feb 20 Check-in Marriott: Wed Feb 20 Surgery : Thurs Feb 21 Back to the Marriott: Sat Feb 23 Heading Home: Mon Feb 25 Traveling alone Yikes..this is really happening!!

I've been trying to figure out what to do about a cell phone in Mexico. Everything I've read says that it is ridiculously expensive to use cell service there. I'm planning to turn my cell phone off the minute I leave San Diego airport! Do you have any suggestions for the best way to use a tablet computer and wifi to keep in touch (other than email)? I noticed on my paperwork from Dr. Garcia that there is a 1-800 number listed for Mi Doctor hospital. Can someone in the US call that number to speak to a patient? Also, does the Marriott have a similar 800 number? Thanks to all the Tijuana veterans for taking the time to help us newbies!