alanah

Hey all! Just wanted to let you know I received payment from AB Health (out of country) for revision surgery. I was really surprised that they would pay for it (they paid me for a portion of my lapband surgery back in 2008)! Every little bit helps so happy to see a check for just over $2000! Back on the line of credit (although I could use a new ikea kitchen!!)! . Nina (Dr. Aceves office) was awesome in getting everything to me for being itemized for a bill! Now to remember claim it on my income tax time!!

Hey everyone -- I really apologize for not replying sooner! Glad that you were able to find the links! Firefox did not open the pdf file for the claim for me so - but IE did with no issues. I wonder how much it will help come income tax time -- I kept everything and will submit it to my accountant and cross my fingers it makes some sort of dent and I get something back I think with medical expenses doesn't it have to be a certain % of your income before it will affect your return? Either way - fingers crossed for April!! heheheee I wish I could have had surgery done in Alberta but at the same time, I felt so comfortable in Mexico! I was able to drop off my kidlet in Florida with Grandma and Grandpa and then flew to San Diego to meet up with my husband (who was flying in from Alberta) and off we went to Mexicali. It was a like a mini vacation within a vacation (sick time actually). This is my second go at surgery in Mexico and would be happy to do it again if I had to..... We are up in Fort McMurray and to be honest I never actually looked into the program in Alberta - I had heard thru the grapevine that the wait times were bad so I pretty much started looking in Mexico. I'm not a patient person so waiting was totally out of the question! Happy to report I have lost 60-ish pounds since surgery but my inches alone have been huge!!! Just last month I lost 8.75 inches! I've probably lost a total of 55-60 inches since March! From a size 18-20 to a 10-12 jeans and a S-M shirt. I would not change anything in the world and I am sooooo happy! Hope everyone is doing well! And if you are having surgery out of country remember to keep all of your receipts and get the "bill" translated into English as well. Keep copies (I kept 3 just incase I lost 1 or 2 of them! Hahaha) before you mail them off and wait for a reply! Good luck alll!! Alana

I made sure I had an itemized receipt of my procedure and filled out the out of country claim form found online. Keep photocopies of everything. The girl that assessed my claim sent me a letter back needing more info but 99% of it was on the receipt. So I phoned and another lady answered and told me just to fax something in saying that .... Within a week and a bit I had another letter saying they'd send me separate check. I'll keep all of that and try it on my income tax for next year!! Good luck! Alana

I had revision surgery on March 8th -- and it was the best thing I did! I always said I'd never get rid of my band but glad I decided on it. I was sleeved by Dr. Aceves -- his team was amazing!! The first few hours after surgery were rough but later in the evening I felt really, really good! I did throw up in recovery and when I got back to my room. That sucked and so did the drain pain. Once that drain was gone - I felt 110% better! I wanted to eat, but yet didn't want to ... if that makes sense. I never want to see chicken broth again ;0 I cannot say anything bad about having the revision surgery, I really can't. Without it, I wouldn't have lost the weight I have! Good luck! xoxox

I was toying with going back to Dr. Ortiz for revision surgery (I had the band with him back in 2008) but they couldn't guarantee me they could do it in one procedure (an issue for me since I'm from northern Canada). I also had a friend personally recommend Dr. Aceves so I looked into him more and everything directed me to him! I had the best experience and all of his staff were kind and professional. No issues at all! I'm down almost 50 pounds and from a size 18/20 to a 12 now! I love that man and his staff!!!

I had my band removed and sleeved in the same procedure. I'm sure every doctor is different as I was thinking of going back to Dr. Ortiz (who did my band) but they told me they weren't sure if they'd do it in one procedure so I went with Dr. Aceves who was pretty confident it could be done in one procedure. I had to do a pre-op diet for a week (not too bad - low carb) and I was told the reason was to shrink the liver to make it easier for surgery.

Morning albertagirl! I just sent you a message! I thought I loved my band, but the sleeve is definitely love! hehehehee

I have been trying to eat more clean but its hard where I live (5 hours to the nearest city). I'm hoping when we get a trip out next month to stop by some places and pick up stuff I just can't buy in town. Its hard but amazing how good you feel with eating clean rather than the other stuff!!

Save, save, save!! You'll have the best experience with Dr. Aceves and his staff!! I did!

An egg? Oh what I would do to have an egg right now!! ;0 Still on liquids over here but I'm having an issue getting in my Protein. I was out of my whey protein and only had some Body by Vi stuff hanging around, so I made a shake using that and well .... lets just say I was ill! Way too sweet, nauseated, felt sweaty, shaky .... and then I had to use the bathroom! Ugh! So I haven't actually had any shake since then. I have had some creamy Soups but they seem too heavy almost. I can tolerate fat free yogurt but the soups make me feel a little ill. I need to go grocery shopping to get some protein stuff -- right now I'm trying to get down some Muscle Milk as I need more protein. I feel like I'm in a stall - actually, I am in a stall. I haven't lost since a few days ago. I do feel constipated too .... funny how one minute I could be going to the washroom 5 times a day and then the next day -- none at all. I hope you're all doing well! I have now thrown in the treadmill today - just a brisk walk but glad I got on it.

Hey everyone ... I was sleeved March 8 with Dr. Aceves. My first contact was with Nina one of the patient coordinators. Amazing! When we got picked up in San Diego, Ernesto picked us up and drove us to Mexicali. We had a quick break before we left town to let those who who could get a snack .... Get a snack . The drive is nice.... Scenery is gorgeous! Arrived at the hospital and did pee and blood work. EKG and x-ray as well. Met with Dr.Campos who went over all the nutritional information and then to the hotel for the night. My husband and I did a little bit of grocery shopping at Soriana and then went out for dinner to one of the restaurants at the hotel. Next morning, picked up at 7am and off we go! I'm second, Tina is first. I got wheeled in around noon and back to my room by 4:30. Recovery was rough --- I feel bad for throwing up and the pain was unbearable just below my left boob. That's where they put the drain. Ugh.... The drain. Slept most of the rest of the day and did get up to walk, pee and breathing exercises. Next morning Devin and I did walk to the two pharmacies right by the hospital here looking for eye drops for him. It felt so good to get out in the fresh air but.... I may have over done it. Came back for a nap . Started my tea, apple juice, grape kool aid.... It was hard to get down. Baby sips that's for sure! If I took too big if a sip I'd pay the price by throwing up! Also did my first dye test to see if any leaks. None! Few! Today, I was up bright and early anticipating the drain being removed. They told me 8:30! Wrong . Went for an x-ray for some more yummy barium stuff and then had chicken broth when I got back. I have to admit --- the chicken broth is good!! Drain came out about noon! Thank goodness cause I as starting to get testy! I gave up the IV yesterday and when it fell out at night I begged them to not put it back in! So they didn't! I was worried about the drain --- I've had one with a c-section and I can tell you I screamed bloody murder when that came out. This one wasn't too bad! Dr. campos took it out, had me count from 100 in 3's which was a great trick but I'm not that good in math and voila it was out. A small cry but all was good!! I didn't realize just how much pain there would be for this surgery. My other sleeve friend said the same thing. My band was nothing like this. I don't thinking asked for any pain meds except for once when I got back to my room .... That's my fault - I probably should've. I semi trucking rolling over you is what I would describe it. But I know some people are lucky to not have any pain. All in all I have to say the staff here are very competent and fantastic!! I would recommend it to others but would let them know about the pain. Xo

I was sleeved March 8 as well! Yesterday my Fitbit scale had me confused with my husband ..... I weigh 222. Day of surgery I was 242 so 20 pounds since surgery. I'm exhausted though.... I do have issues getting in all my protein and water but each day I'm getting there. I have low iron as well .... I'm sure my post op diet isn't helping with that! . I took an extra week off after we returned from vacation/surgery and have sent my daughter to daycare just so I could have a week to myself. . Hoping to get on the treadmill for some walking as the snow isn't melting anytime soon here!

I'm sleeved and from Fort McMurray!

Shasha I'm a weigh-a-holic .... I'm so dang excited about this that I weigh myself every morning when I get up . I did this at home though before surgery because I have a Fitbit scale I like to keep track and sync to myfitnesspal. I find it keeps me more accountable! My parents left today to go back to Canada (my mom found out she has/had cancer 2 weeks ago) and she has to go to an appointment next week back home (they live here 6 months out of the year) so they left and I we still have a week here in FL before we fly home (too expensive to change our flights). Was feeling a little down so we took Kate to the Naples Children's Museum and walked around. The 2 1/2 hours there was great but came home and had a 4 hour nap . I have to remember that VSG is major surgery even though its done via a scope I need to slow down. Our plan tomorrow is the Zoo here .... At least it's getting me up and walking! Already prepared my husband I may need a nap afterwards! I've been sucking bad on the fluids --- my gosh I'm just not hungry or thirsty but since we just got back from the grocery store I managed to get down some soup and some grape juice (diluted with water). At least I had no diarrhea today -- that sucked yesterday! I'll try a bit of Protein shake (ugh with water!) after the kidlet goes to bed! I'm glad I took the extra time off work .... While I don't have a super stressful job (I book all of the surgeries in my town) it has a different kind of stress dealing with 6 doctors. Plus, this stuff with my mom has stressed me out so an extra week off work when we get back will be nice! On and I woke up this morning and everyone (Mom, Dad and husband) all said they can already see the difference in my face and body! Yay!!! Alana

Hey!! I was just sleeved on Friday with Dr. Aceves and hard to believe its almost been a week! I was having revision surgery and my research took me to him. I had to pay a bit more for the revision but would do it again in a heart beat! All of his doctors took the time to meet with me before surgery and explain what their job is and how they will take care of me. I was so impressed with this! Dr. Aceves also took the time to learn Devin's name which impressed me. I do know a few others how have been with the other surgeon and they have rave reviews as well but I can tell you right from point of contact with Nina and Karla, to having Ernesto pick us up and drop us off and the nursing staff / doctors it was the best decision. Alana

Hey Rebecca!! I was just sleeved last Friday in Mexicali and even though I took my husband, I would have felt safe going alone if he couldn't come! I was in Tijuana for my Lap Band with Dr. Ortiz a few years ago and felt safe there as well. Dr. Aceves and his team were great! Good luck with everything! I wouldn't have minded a beach place to recoup an I could have gotten a tan while laying there! Alana

Glad there are other March 8 people out there! I can honestly say that Dr. Aceves and his staff are amazing! I'm not back to work yet --- recovering while in vacation in Florida with my parents, husband and daughter and then return to Canada next week. I won't return to work until April 1 but I took extra time off only because for any sick occurrence I have to bring in a doctor note so I'm using up some sick time I have banked I'm on a strict clear liquid diet only right now --- that's his post op instructions. I'd love some cream Soup . Each doctor seems to be different --- looks like I won't be eating for 4 weeks!! But in 10 more days (15 days for revision surgery) I can add in some other stuff. Still a little sore but looking forward to recovering on the beach in a few days when it warms up here! Does anyone else have an issue with trying to get in all of the required liquids? I sure am! I'm happy with my decision and so looking forward to all the new clothes that I just bought and to wear this summer!! Alana

You'll do great!!! I really wanted to go back to the OCC but my research brought me to Dr. Aceves who said he was the best for revision surgery. I'm nervous as well -- but know that it'll all go ok! I'll make sure that I fill you in on how things go! My vacation starts on Wednesday (I'll start it off in Florida first) and then only a week after that ..... ahhhh!!!! Keep in touch!! Alana

I did *lots* of research for my revision and all led me to Dr. Aceves. I think I'm making a great choice as well as I've heard and read nothing but good things about him and the hospital. I'm just worried that I'll fail the sleeve like I failed the band. Fingers are crossed and I have a goal that I WILL get to! I haven't been to Mexico since I was banded so I'm itching to go back ..... we used to go every year while growing up and I so miss it! Pretty sad I have to schedule a surgery to go! Hahahaa

Hey all --- has anyone who has been to Mexicali know if a grocery store is close by? Not a corner store, but a big one - a Ley or Gigante? My supply of vanilla is running low and I need to get some before I'm sleeved and unable to do anything I also want to pick up some Clight (Mexico version of Crystal light but with some great flavors), chile and lime chips for my brother and a few other things. Just thought I'd ask before I go down (March 7) but can always ask when I get there. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!! Alana

Thanks!! I did check with Nina but wasn't too sure if there was anyone else that has gone grocery shopping while down there as well. But since I posted this -- I found that Soriana is just around the corner from the hotel so that's where we will go our first night! Excited to have surgery -- I'm so ready for this to happen! I start vacation on Wednesday, flying to Florida for a week and will leave our little one there with Nanny and Papa and then I will fly out to have my surgery ... return 5 days later and have another week and a half in Florida to recoup and then fly home. I wish it could happen now! Alana

I'm March 8th with Dr. Aceves in Mexico! Revision from band to sleeve! Super excited and a tad nervous! Wish it was now!!

That's awesome! Another Fort Mac person!