NMJG

Current thread from a poster with complications, surgery done in Mexico. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/297213-i-had-a-small-leak-now-all-hell-has-broken-loose/ Her surgeon, who has done a lot of folks on this board, is in touch with her and is trying to mitigate things, but what a mess when you have different teams in different countries trying to sort things out. This is the atypical scenario for Mexico sleeves, but, it is a real possibility that complications will happen, and the ability to deal with the complications is hampered when the original doctor is in another country. Just something to think about and frustrating for everyone all around. I feel for this woman.

I think there is a huge difference between surgeons outside the US. There a lot of great Mexican (or other nationality) surgeons, and then there are ones whose patients have lots of complications. The problem is that it is very hard to get data and compare doctors outside the US. I think that is why so many people rely on referrals from this and other websites. I had my sleeve surgery in the US with a Center of Excellence (was required by my insurance). However, for my plastics next year I plan on going to Mexico.

I have seen a lot of pics on here of younger people like you who look phenomenal after the weight loss with no surgery. Chances are you will be fine and look great and not need it. You are relatively young You don't have that much to lose (compared to others) I foresee a beautiful new Tanya.

Honey, I'm sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

If he just started recently, I would use another surgeon, just MHO. I would also highly recommend a Center of Excellence. But if you are comfortable with it, then go for it.

Thanks, guys, this is great input. I agree it should be a last stop. We've been doing low carb, since that's the way I eat now anyway, and he's lost some just because we don't have Pasta or potatoes or bread in the house anymore. On another note, his younger brother, who was also obese and diabetic, lost the weight on his own this last year. While he did go low carb (kinda sorta), the biggest difference was exercise (forced) due to a new warehouse job combined with long walks from the parking lot to classes at his college. He is now cured of diabetes, no more metformin, and doesn't even have to test any longer. I keep hoping this will happen for my older son.

20 something vets - I would love to hear your input. My son turns 21 shortly. He is considering the sleeve. He has been heavy since 5th grade, and all that entails.... I had the sleeve last year and have been very successful with it, which he sees. He also knows first hand that it isn't easy, what I can/can't eat, etc. He says I eat like an ant. LOL He is considering getting the sleeve. He is a low BMIer - just 35, but he is diabetic. His self esteem is so low, he has no confidence, and few friends. Girlfriends are out of the question. I do think losing the weight would change his life and I want to support him in this decision, if he wants to do it. I also don't want to push him into it just because I did it. We are scheduled for an informational seminar this month. He doesn't eat junk food or drink soda, as we have always had a healthy home food-wise, but he eats so much! At a meal he will eat enough for 2 or 3 normal people. He is also pretty lazy and doesn't like physical activity. He was a little tornado when he was small, so I think a lot is due to his size. Getting him to exercise will be an issue. Can you share your thoughts? Pros and cons of having this surgery so young? I worry that there are still health risks with the sleeve long term that we don't even know about yet. I didn't worry about that for myself, but I'm in my 50's. Does this mean a lifetime of PPI's for him? What else? Thank you for responding.

Not to belabor the point, but sleevers who are relatively new can have a harder time knowing when to stop. It took me a long time. Your sleeve is a baby at this point. It's just a good habit to measure your food so you don't overdo it and eat more than 4 oz. We all want you to succeed. I have to admit, hearing "eat anything I want" sounded bad to me, too. Maybe it's "eat anything I want that is on my plan..."

Slocin, you are doing just fine. Don't compare yourself to others, everyone is so different and it can just frustrate you. Keep to your plan and you will be great:)

Had a little wine a month out, no problem because it took me an hour to finish it. Still have a glass of wine or a low-carb cocktail, one a week or so. More than one is a problem (get drunk fast) so I sip them over a long time. Also try to stay away from drinks with too many carbs (sugary liqueurs or cocktails, beer).

Welcome to the forum. How are you holding up?

Wow! and look at those curves! Way to go!

So glad you came back to post. That is just wonderful.

what are they going to use the data for? can we see the results when they are done?

Best of luck to you. If you get worried about anything after surgery, come back and ask questions, your friends here will make you feel so much better.

Mine was really long, too. We had to do the standard psych eval exam, the MMI-2 is pretty common if you want to look up some of the questions in advance. You can ask them what they use. All the clinics are different. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Multiphasic_Personality_Inventory If they use a written assessment, it will likely include these types of questions.

Great accomplishment. You have every right to be proud. Good job!

Good for you, you tiny little thing!

Honey, you do what you need to do. Screw 'em. I have kept it a secret from everyone except my husband and kids. Told people early on I was on a diet, so when I lost weight they were expecting it. No one suspects I have had WLS and I plan to keep it that way. However, when the weight starts coming off, be prepared for all sorts of cr@p from your folks. I can hear it now... "You are losing too much weight, you look awful" and "It's not healthy" and lots of that sort of thing I bet. You'll have to be strong, but I am betting you can do it. They will be so jealous of your success. During your first month and maybe even until you are on solid food you'll be better off staying away from them if you can, or at least avoiding any meals. You'll feel poorly enough anyway, so you really won't need the added aggravation.

Hi Billie, My thoughts on your situation: You may well be starting the 3 week stall. Don't sweat it, just wait it out. Don't push yourself into the next food phase. Move on when it feels comfortable. Can you find any sort of puree that you like? As others suggested, only weigh weekly or even less. For sleeping, try sleeping on your back with a lot of pillow support. I use up to 6 pillows under my back and it's quite comfy now. Started this right after surgery. Also, try some Sleepy Time tea before bed. Hope you feel better.

A lot of people are idiots and have no clue about WLS. It never even occurred to me to tell anyone outside of DH and my grown kids. Doubt I ever will. That's just me. My medical history is private. I have no patience for morons who say stupid things like "have you ever tried diet and exercise." Sheesh.

I had to do the h. pylori test, but it is a breath test at my doctor's office, not a stool sample (eeewww).

It was around 50 lbs for me, too, even though I was dropping sizes before then.

That's great Good for you!

I used corecidan. The pills were not a problem.