LoraLee1969

Salsha, I look forward to hearing your story too!
Amber, wow, I absolutely loved reading all about your experience. And LoraLee I get what you are saying about the emotional pain of realizing there are people who don't take the time to look within and who have to just make comments (even people who love us) trying to be helpful. I went through most of my life with a great figure and a horrible self-esteem. And now, as a heavy person for the past four years (esp. the last two) I have realized that I'm actually more aware of my strengths and am okay with the person God made me...but others don't feel 'okay' about it. It does bother me. I do question late at night if I'm doing this for my health (which I do think I am) long term, and to be a more active participant in my family and life, or if I'm doing this so that I don't have to make apologies for my appearance anymore. I think its both but I hope it won't make me bitter. I also hope my teenage daughter won't come away from this whole experience thinking her appearance is more important than her heart, her brain, her personality, and her spirit.
Amber I am so pleased to have heard you had a good experience and will take your advice about the wheelchair on the way home as well as the heat pack. I am really hoping I don't have a drain, I've had plenty of surgery but never a drain... and I hope to use the heat pack to perk up my veins too! This site has been such a Godsend and you are one of the reasons. I'm going to have surgery with Dr. Kelly on the 4th and I feel ready.

Yes I would love to get down to 140 bt would be happy at 160 I can't wait to see if I can make it there I am so happy I went thru with the surgery

I am two weeks post op after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy performed by Drs. Cabrera and Valenzuela in Tijuana Mexico. I scheduled my proceedure through Mexico Bariatric Center and Christy was my coodinator. I have had absolutely no problems. All my questions were answered quickly and completely. When my plane to San Diego was delayed, arrangements were made for me. I had virtually no pain, no nausea, and no food intolerace as my diet has advanced. I felt great. I walked several miles the first day I was in the hotel after being discharged from the hospital. I was taken to the Tijuana Marriott after discharge from the hospital. The accomodations and the service were impeccable at the Marriott. The hospital was clean and well equiped and the staff was friendly and spoke very good English. I am amazed at the liberating feeling of never being hungry. I would be happy to comment further if anyone has any questions.

Hi all,
I was sleeved by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico in 2011. My best friend was just sleeved last week at a hospital in Seattle, WA (VIrginia Mason) and I was there with her from the time she checked in for surgery to the time she was discharged (I did go home for 8 hours to sleep at night, but the rest of the time I was at the hospital with her).
I noticed a lot of differences between what it's like to have surgery here vs. Mexico. I'm not here to flog my blog, but it is a pretty LONG post, so I put it up on my blog rather than here.
Here's a link if you're interested.
http://curvygirlwellness.blogspot.com/2013/03/weight-loss-surgery-in-mexico-vs-usa.htm
If you need to self-pay for surgery and are debating whether to have it here or in Mexico, the post might help you see the differences.
I don't know how Virginia Mason compares to other US hospitals but I'm guessing there aren't too many differences. I hope this helps!

I'm five weeks post now. Hope you find a buddy near your date! In my experience, you'll be in great hands. Best wishes to you!

I was sleeved 2/25/13 and i am currently in the pureed foods phase of my post op diet. More often than not i get the very familiar feeling of hunger/emptiness in my tummy. Am I hungry or is this just gas playing tricks on me? It really feels like hunger though! Help! Anyone feeling this as well?

You're losing five pounds a week, so just get a little perspective . It didn't come on overnight, it won't leave overnight. You're losing nearly a pound a day, so I don't think you should worry.

So that happened... Lol
Back to the OP's original question. I am scheduled in May and I decided on Dr. Garcia through Ready 4A Change as well. Since I am a revision I am paying $5500 but I believe my cost was going to be $4700 if it was an initial WLS. I did a lot of research and that was the doctor I felt comfortable with. Definitely read as much as you can and speak to as many people as you can... and don't hesitate to ask if they work for any of the surgeons or coordinating agencies

Let me make things perfectly clear. I DO NOT GAIN Anything.. I am not paid..and I do not work for them!! I am a small business owner... I work In social media and Public relations! I would never recommend or give advice on medical care or procedures. I would never want something to go wrong and that person be upset with me. Surgery is a big deal and especially going out of the states for. So I hope everyone does their own research.
I will tell my story and tell everyone how much I love Dr Illan and Omar but I'd never make them feel that they should book with them them. (I'd only tell my family and close friends that lol) but never strangers! Plus without knowing someone's FULL medical history that is just stupid! I worked in the medical field before going into my own business so I know the risk and complications..surgery is not for everyone!! I be damn if I'm going to risk someone's life for $200!!
And not to be negative but no dr in MX could pay me enough to be a coordinator. Most of them get paid per patient. I work to hard for just a couple hundred per "just maybe patients" and I love money way to much.. I don't have time for all that.. So take that however u want but trust me I'm not working with any dr trying to get patients. I will admit I did set up a private fb group for dr Illan but that was even before I decided to go to him!
So again I'm going to say I'm done done done with this topic! I am now home feeling great and ready to start my new life! I wish everyone well.. But don't bring that drama to me I'm not the one.. I won't back down but I know when to walk away also. I think everyone on here is smart enough to read between the lines.. So this topic is closed...

Thank you for your participation. We're sorry to see you go.
I'd suggest re-reading the entire thread top to bottom.
Let's have a play by play:
sherytuta posts a topic at 9:58 AM this morning titled "Im not loosing any weight after VSG surgery". About 14 minutes after she initially signed up. The post contained the following message:
It's been 16 months since my surgery I have lost 23 pounds ONLY can anyone help me


Two minutes later you respond:
Maybe...
Have you spoken to your doctor or nutritionalist about this?
Are you logging your food intake?
Are you trolling?

Instead of feigning indignation, take a little responsibility and maybe apologize to the OP. You set the tone of this entire thread by stating "Are you trolling?"
Put yourself in her shoes for a split second......You feel like you're a failure and finally after ages and ages you've built up the courage to get help. You quickly post a cry for help on VST. You get a response which ends with...."Are you trolling?" WTF?! I almost fell off my chair when I read your response, as well as the two others. Don't claim to help someone and put them down in the same post. Stating something (like Are you trolling?) in a question form doesn't make it any less hurtful either.
My goal wasn't to embarrass you or any other members. My apologies if it appeared this way.
As of late, we've been seeing quite a bit of virtual bullying taking place within our community. I've posted notices, sent out emails and newsletters and have made it very clear that we have a ZERO TOLERANCE for ANY online bullying. We have a very clear terms of service all members agree to upon signup. We will make no exceptions.

PLEASE stop calling posters trolls. If you have an issue with any post, please REPORT it. I don't care how implausible or unbelievable the post is. Can you imagine being a failure for a long time and finally have the courage to come out about it, only to be called a troll ? This isn't how we welcome people on VST. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

LMAO Asssholes come in all shapes and sizes bald men are my favorite

You're going to LOVE Dr. Kelly!

Just wanted to wish you good luck
Sent from my iPhone using VST

All will be well

I am so sorry.
I know it's probably not helpful, but just in case... have you checked the bags/suitcases/toiletries bag you used last? Did you check in your dresser drawers? Under your mattress? Old purses? Maybe try taking a warm bath or shower, then try looking again...
I do wish you luck!

Thats what I said today!! The bank is about a mile from where Tiger Woods, J. Timberlake and others live. So, the "Tj is so dangerous" doesnt work on me anymore!! Lol. I fly out in the AM. Victor from MBC called me to confirm everything. **** just got real for me.

Cant say I wasnt tempted to make 47 grilled cheeses with a platter of bacon....lol

So, after day one of Clear Liquids and a 9 hour shift, I stopped by the bank and the guy in front of me in line robbed the place. I was the only other customer there and he yelled and pointed his "weapon" (hand in pocket holding gun or faking a gun) at me. Which lead to me being locked in the building almost 3 hours getting questioned by local forensics to the FBI. Aw, what a day 1. I cant wait to leave for TJ Wednesdsy.

Can I get that in audiobook?

I was with Dr. Kelly in Tijuana 9/14/2012. Cost was $5500 inclusive, and my husband traveled with me. With expenses and flight, I think we spent about $6500 total. I have had zero complications, recovery was quick, and I felt that the care they gave me was above average. I just wish I could have done it sooner. At 5 months out, I've lost 64 lbs., so my average loss is 12.8 lbs. per month. I think one of my biggest surprises from this journey is that I enjoy food more now than I ever have...I just don't need to eat as much!

Ok I guess I would respected you more if you posted this under your real name. I'm confused on why you didn't or felt the need to hide. This is your opinion and your journey. I respect that. Just like anything in life, everyone's experience is not the same. What bothers one might not be a issue for another.

So let me start by saying a few words as to why I'm writing this. I was recently sleeved by Dr. Garcia in Tijuana and I am very happy with my results -- so far. If you want to read moment by moment blows of someones happy surgery, this isn't the blog. I've read every blog here and a majority are dead on accurate. But there's a lot no one bothers to mention and I wish someone had. Also, I'm posting this from a made-up user ID.... I read the boards daily and respond frequently, but prefer to keep some elements of my issues private (as you'll read). Thanks!!
First, Waiting! I appreciate in the U.S. were go-go-go people who are comfortable with our busy, full schedules but in Mexico, there is NO scheduling at all! You sit and wait, and wait, and wait. The day of my surgery we were taken at 6:45 to the hospital, we waited until after 9am for the hospital staff to even arrive to check us in. Once in my room, more waiting; I didn't have my surgery until NIGHT! Despite numerous attempts to ask when (approx) my surgery would be - "soon" is the only answer I got. Want to go shopping after surgery, plan to wait. No one can tell you if or when or how long. I waited 2 whole days and then in a matter of minutes of a phone call, was expected to be ready.
Second - Coordinators. Good luck. I saw my coordinator ONCE on the very LAST day. Once I was taken back to the hotel, I had questions I needed answered and despite my attempts (for over an hour) and the hotels attempts, no one could reach them. And their voicemail boxes were full - wonderful. What if I had an emergency?
Third - Not Like U.S. Hospitals. Now I accepted this going in. BUT, if when waiting to be taken into ER I am awake and can see the person before me laying naked on the OR table - I'm sorry, I find that bothersome to several degrees. First, how many germs are flooding through those open doors? Second, if I was awake enough to see someone (who I actually knew from these boards and hotel), then who is seeing me? Not cool.
Fourth - The Yucky (yes, the yucky truth - feel free to skip) No one bothers to tell you that your pee after your final leak test will be BRIGHT green for days - not an issue, but a heads up would've been nice. And the diarrhea - oh my stomach aches just thinking about it. It smells horrendous - like sick tummy. Its lasts for, I don't even know how long, I still have it, and its explosive. So yes, you probably will shart yourself. Just speaking the truth here.
Again, I want to say I am HAPPY with my results ---- these were just things NO ONE bothered to mention and it would've been nice to prepare a bit better. So, bring a extra book, ask all your questions before you leave, ask to be drugged up before going to the OR and sit on a towel afterwards and you should be ALL set!

Well... again... florence Oasis Hospital is dated, but comfortable. There is renovation of the building happening. I'd been warned to expect to see a building that looked like an office (and it does) and that the inside would feel out of the 80's or 90's. The lobby and many areas of at least the first floor (where I was the whole time) are being updated though to a more modern aesthetic. The patient area where I was had just started to get attention. The rooms I saw and was in are very simple, much less machinery than you find here in the US but exactly what you need and when. It's VERY clean and even the beds were comfortable which surprised me for a hospital.
I guess that's about all I can say... I start to repeat myself.
There's a gal on YouTube, Veronica Walters, who did MANY videos while she was there and after, some of the ones from right after surgery show the room. There are others on YouTube that also took shots of the building... Here's a link to Veronica: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFziJeMREdBvrANcoTAVduA/videos?view=0&flow=grid And then when you do the search "mrsknoel27" has outside the building video. Of course, these are specific to my surgeon, but the building and rooms were your question and these show that.
Hope that helps!