pantala

All the stuff HoosierGirl said plus watching You Tube videos and finally (and most trivially), Dr. Garcia has a great Facebook page. I took about 6 months to decide to go to MX and choose a dr.

I didn't like the "in network" providers (went to two informational seminars) and I'm under 40 BMI with no co-morbidities so insurance coverage was a non-starter for me. Self pay here (Des Moines, IA) would have come to almost $30K. I like MX, I used to live in SoCal so it feels comfortable to me.

Hope to see you around!

Lots of great ideas and a check list on this thread:

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10081-the-official-what-you-will-need-for-your-gastric-sleeve-surgery-thread/

It's been a godsend for me.....

Rohler

When you flew in they took you on to Mi to do pre op? Also his hard was atl to get around. I have 45 min in atl to swap planes and wanna get me a plan. I m not a experienced flyer.

CindySC, not to hijack Rohler's thread but Atlanta has a great airport shuttle system to get you from one terminal to another if your gates are in separate terminals. I LOVE the ATL airport!

Safe travels and chin up! I'm getting tiny freak-outs already and I hope they don't get worse (sleeved on the 28th). It feels like waiting for your turn to jump out of the plane hoping the parachute is packed properly. So anything and everything you tell us helps the next folks in line calm down a bit. Thanks in advance for your report(s)!

What Stephanie said. I can't say my other surgical experiences have been stellar either as far as waiting and/or attention. My worst was in Germany when I had a C section for my daughter; the drs and nurses were complete jerks. Also, after 3 child births, I have no pride left. And we're all naked under our clothes

I think if you have not had major surgery these stories are scarier......

You will have to change your sig after tomorrow Amy! I'm so exited for you, you are and have been an inspiration! Prayers for easy surgery and swift recovery....

When I booked a week ago, (I'm March 28), Alma said it's a busy time of year with ppl getting their tax refunds back. They like to schedule only 4 surgeries/day. But you'll just have to call and see. Good luck!

I'll check this out! Thanks!

amytug, I have been following your journey and am very exited and happy for you! I'll be looking for your updates

tessies and SweetTee: "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid"

What you (and we) are doing is pretty dang bold.....

I'm exited for all you guys! Can't wait to read your reports. Sending pink healing bubbles and prayers!

I'm in!

1/B for me as well.

Salsha, thank-you for sharing this. You did everything right - but I think when we hear our pre-op instructions like discontinue NSAIDs and blood thinners and we know thin blood is bad but it's sort of abstract. Your story makes the consequences very real: your dr will have a hard time and you could be hurting for a while when you wake up.

Thank heavens you are ok and feeling better!

TNSleever, I too did not qualify for covered surgery and spent months researching what procedure to have and doctors in MX. One thing I did that helped a lot was attended an informational seminar here in the states with a local bariatric center - they are free. I learned a lot about VSG that put my mind at ease with the procedure, and knew at least what the US surgeon's group would do (also my PCP wanted me to attend).

Like ms skinniness said, the staples heal over just like an external surgery wound would. So no worries there.

Leaks. Def leaks. {{shudder}}

No pain meds? No hunger or interest in food? That is so cool..... I can't wait. Thanks for the update!

Dang, I just spent way more time than I meant to reading this whole thread. I appreciate all the viewpoints (and some of you are a riot!)

I have not been sleeved yet and I realized I have no idea how I will respond to questions. It might depend on my mood that day and it will really depend on who's asking and why.

There are some people I would be tempted to tell that I lost weight 'cuz my doc changed my meds (for real, I've known some folks who lost a bunch of weight that way).

But seriously, I think if things go well, I will be more likely to disclose than if it becomes a struggle. After all the research and dithering I've done to get to this place, I would not want anyone else to take the decision lightly. So we'll just see.

For background, the only two people I know of for sure that had WLS were rather unstable so that was not encouraging. I'm very confident in my decision now in spite of some negative reactions from family members.

Thanks all, and good night!

Well kristykay, I hate to tell you this but Medifast brownies are pretty good! Actually, I have eaten just the batter......if it's hard for you to stop at one, I don't recommend having any at all then But they ARE low carb and high Protein. I guess that's why the ad landed on this site.

I'm from Iowa as well, having my surgery March 28th.

I should be at hotel then recovering. So if you want to get together . Maybe I can share my experience with you and hopefully ease your nerves. I think I'm gonna be a mess the night before. Lol

cindysc, I will be at the hospital when you arrive. I'll try to find you, things will be fine!

Brutiemama: you're not crazy, this is a thing. I have not been obese my whole life but for the past 15 years, which is how most people in my life now have known me. Even my kids.

About 4 years ago I lost 80 lbs and people's reactions were, I feel, a bit over the top. Everything from "you don't look normal" to one woman at work saying "You look fabulous!" every single stinking day. I felt great and had fun with new clothes that fit well but I felt like I was liked (or disliked) only because I was skinnier. I didn't like the attention.

The reasons I gained that weight back were many but I think part of it was I wanted to go back to being more anonymous. Knowing now what kind of reactions I may get, I'm better prepared now. Please go through this with your therapist and have some coping mechanisms in place. It may not be as bad as you fear, but might still through you for a loop.

Best of luck!

I'm glad to hear your experience was such a good one. I strongly considered Dr. Lopez and PV, (though finally settled on Dr. Garcia). Nice to know I would have had a good experience there as well. Sounds like you're doing fine! Stay the course....

Oh my gosh, you must be happy dancing! (I would be). Congrats!

Happy healthy thoughts coming your way! Can't wait to hear your report!

March 28, Mi Doctor, Tijuana, Dr. Garcia

I get exited just typing this!

Thanks everyone! I'll try the emails you suggest. I didn't get her after hours phone # or proper email address from her when we talked.