AmyInOrlando

Times,
I know having a leak was hard on you. It certainly made recovering from a major surgery about a 1000 times harder and longer.
The only thing I can say is that I've been here long enough to see several people go through leaks and other horrible complications.
And it does get better.
It may take awhile but you will get past this and lead a more normal life!
Not the old normal, none of us can have that back, but you do get used to the new normal.
And the eventual health benefits will make it worth it.
Hang in there,
Laura

I was writing everything down because I'm technically challenged, but I started using MyFitnessPal this week, and even I can figure it out. It's really easy. Tracking really keeps you focused. Just another tool in our tool box.

I was writing everything down because I'm technically challenged, but I started using MyFitnessPal this week, and even I can figure it out. It's really easy. Tracking really keeps you focused. Just another tool in our tool box.

I was writing everything down because I'm technically challenged, but I started using MyFitnessPal this week, and even I can figure it out. It's really easy. Tracking really keeps you focused. Just another tool in our tool box.

Once your incisions are totally healed, you can massage them with cocoa butter. Apply Mederma, (I use the Target brand). My incisions healed beautifully. I'm sure in a few months, all but one will be totally invisible. The largest one will be a faint horizontal line about an inch long. My surgery was Aug. 1st.

I was sleeved on August 1st. I'm doing great. I haven't been hungry once since surgery. I've reached my goal of 70 grams of Protein and 64 oz. of fluids everyday. I get full pretty easily, and sometimes have to divide my 4 oz meal into 2 meals. I'm having 6 mini meals instead of 3. No regrets... it was the best thing I've ever done for myself.

My new rule is... No eating in front of the computer. Fluids are OK. Just something I need to do for me. No more "mindless" eating.

So I'm traveling DFW-BOS today. First trip since sleeved, but the first of many since I typically travel at least 3 times a month.
Of course I struggled to pack my bag and had to sit down twice while getting dressed. Almost passed out while rushing around. Told myself to "man up" and get going because this is what I have to do.
My bag is full of weird things like Protein shake powders, Protein Soup packets, blender bottles, and is light enough that I can pick it up and put it in the overhead.
I get to the airport and you know what's really nice?? Not even having to THINK about "Do I want something to eat?" Sounds like a small thing and perhaps it is, but it's a big feel-good for me.
I was always very careful about eating junk while traveling but I THOUGHT about it. A lot. I had all these reasons I should get something just in case. In case we were delayed, in case I didn't have time to grab lunch before meetings, in case, in case.
Today I know I need a G-2 for carbs, a bottle of Water for my shake on the plane, and that's it! Oh sweet relief! Thank you sleeve! I love you!
Interestingly I have to take a client out to dinner tonight, and another one tomorrow. And me only 2 days old on soft foods. Should be fun

Yesterday I turned 30 years old... it's so crazy to think that at the age of 30 I am the healthiest I have EVER been. I even think back to elementary school when I was in 6th grade wearing a size 12. I am not 30 and wearing a size 11 in juniors!!! This has got to be the most unbelievable feeling. Not only do I feel amazing, but my life has had so many positive changes over the past year that at times its hard to believe that this is my new life!
My sleeve not only changed my life, but saved it! I am so grateful that I have had this opportunity.

I'm a Registered Nurse. I chose Mexico because my insurance company would not approve my surgery. I did weeks of research on the internet to make a decision about which Physician I was going to choose. I decided on Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras because no matter how hard I tried, I could not find one negative post about him or his practice. He also uses a full service hospital with an ICU and all the diagnostic equipment to manage any complication that could occur. He also keeps you in the hospital for 2 nights. I had an amazing experience. I would recommend him to any friends or family members that would consider this procedure. Not only is he a gifted Surgeon, he is compassionate, sincere and attentive. At 3 weeks out I was still getting emails with reminders about dietary changes and an invitation to contact him at any time with questions or concerns. 10 days out I was having some problems related to a hiatal hernia repair that was done at the same time. I sent him an email and he responded with a phone call. How many Dr's do you know that would call you on a Saturday evening just to reassure you and answer any questions you might have? He has a very interactive Face Book page and web site. He has hundreds of videos on "youtube", and has written an easy to read informative book. I really can't comment on any other Surgeons or facilities in Mexico. I can only share my own experience.

If I can only eat one or two ounces and feel that lump in my chest and hiccup, I can stop eating. But if I don't try again after a while, I'll never get all my Protein in. Should I keep trying, or just stop and consider my meal over? This happened to me tonight with baked tilapia.

Not a nurse, just a regular "Joe" here, lol. I originally had the band, and had it done in the US. My insurance didn't cover it, but I had received a small inheritance that just covered the cost of the surgery. When my band started giving me problems, I knew I had to have it out and revise to the sleeve. I had spent a great deal of time on the forums, doing research and felt very comfortable in my decision to go to Mexico. Price wise, it just made sense. And, when doing my research, I actually found most of the surgeons were just as well trained and experienced, if not more so, than many of the US ones.
As far as the risks, everyone has to be realistic about this, it doesn't matter what type of surgery you are having, there are going to be risks. This isn't minor surgery we are talking about. What is important is that you do your research, talk to actual patients of the surgeons you are considering and weigh the risks against the benefits. For me, I knew there were risks for complications, but, statistically speaking, they are rare. I was borderline diabetic, my weight was causing additional stress to my back problems to where just walking was becoming difficult, and there was a strong history of heart disease in my family. My chances of death to complications from obesity far outweighed the risks of surgery. To me, it was a no-brainer, I needed the surgery.
In terms of when a doctor loses a patient, well, here are my thoughts. It saddens me when that happens, it is awful for the family, and everyone involved. However, I think if you honestly look at it realistically, there aren't many surgeons who have been in the business for any period of time that haven't lost a patient. And, no, I am not just referring to weight loss surgeons, I mean surgeons in general. It is a fact of life, complications happen, deaths happen. We don't like to talk about it, but they do. When a surgeon loses a patient during heart surgery, gall bladder removal, cancer surgery or any other type of surgery, people don't freak out about it like they do with weight loss surgery. They don't all converge on a forum and discuss it, etc. They don't demand to know all the details, etc. To me, it is like they are oblivious to the fact that the same complications and risk that can occur with general surgery also exist with weight loss surgery, and are shocked when they discover they do.
I am not saying we should ignore it when a weight loss surgeon loses a patient, or turn our heads the other way. I am just saying we need to go into this with our eyes wide open and understand the real risks involved. Do your research. Don't accept everything you read on a forum as fact, because let's face it, we all know one piece of misinformation can be put out there, then everyone else runs with it in a panic and the next thing you know, things are blown way out of proportion and nobody really knows the truth or who to believe. Call the surgeon directly. Speak with his patients who have already had surgery with him/her. Ask for their complication rates. Google them. Then, make your choice based on your own research, knowing you have learned everything you can, you have weighed the risks against the benefits and are confident you have made the best choice for you.

7 years ago I had lost 150 pounds with diet and exercise. It was not the first time I had lost and regained 100 pounds. This time, over the course of 7 years, and for many reasons I gained back 75 pounds. When I saw the scale quickly approaching the 200 pound mark, I knew it was time to do something drastic. That's when I decided to have the surgery. When I scheduled my surgery, I was 198 pounds. I then binged my way up to 204.8. I started the pre-op liquid diet a week early, just to stop the bingeing. The day of surgery I weighed 195. I was able to lose weight.... I'd done it all my life, only to regain some or all. I didn't want to do it again. I needed a new tool In my toolbox to lose the weight for the LAST time.

Hi Everyone! I just made it back from tonight from San Diego after having surgery in Tijuana, Mexico on Monday, August 19th! My experience was wonderful!! Thank you Lord!! My sister (support) and I arrived in San Diego on Sunday, 8/19 and was immediately picked up at the airport by Raoul with A Lighter Me. He took us to our hotel in Tijuana after a brief stop at Mi Doctor Hospital to pick up a patient that had been released that day. She looked great and said she was feeling fine. We got to the hotel, Marriott Tijuana and it is beautiful!!The rooms are big, clean and had a bathroom scale. Everyone went over and beyond, the staff was so friendly. As a part of my package with A Lighter Me, the hotel provides 3 cups of broth a day and 2 waters per day (free) to the patient and a 15% discount to their companion at the restaurant. Since we got there on Sunday, there was a Sunday Brunch going on and it was fantastic!! My sister loved loved loved the food, and I loved loved loved smelling, looking and watching her eat and describe the taste to me. LOL!! It did not tempt me at all. I stuck to my 3 week preop and was not hungry. By the way, I lost 23 lbs during preop! Okay, so we get the hospital on Monday and got all of my preop test taken care of and was the first patient to have the surgery. There were several, but the others scheduled were coming in the same day. Everyone that was going to be assisting in my care came into my room to introduce themselves to me (my room nurse, the surgery nurse, the anesthesiologist, my surgeons Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Sanchez at some point before my surgery. Oh, my room had two beds, one for me and the other for my sister! Dr. Lopez also assisted in the surgery, but I met him after I left recovery. My surgery went well, I did have to my hernia repaired, which I suspected my happen because i was taking Nsaids up to 3 weeks before and on an empty stomach. Something you should never do! Anyway, I had NO PAIN, NO NASEAU, NO PROBLEM DRINKING OR ANYTHING!!! Of course, that did not stop me from taking whatever medication they offered, but I didn't think I needed it. The coordinator from A Lighter Me, Janese was there and boy did I see a lot of her and the drivers, Abraham and Eduardo for A Lighter ME! They were constantly in the hospital checking on everyone that was there and making sure we had all we needed. Not once did I have to look for them or contact them for anything because they were always around, even late into the night! So, I'm feeling good. I did not walk for a few hours after surgery because I was just to sleepy. The hospital is small, so don't expect any long hallways to walk in! Tijuana was nice and the weather perfect! I left the hospital and went back to the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday and within an hour my sister, I and another patient we met, went walking to buy a few souvenirs. We walked about a 1/2 mile from the hotel and came back and did not feel in any danger. There were lots of traffic and people walking, especially school kids. There are a lot of food trucks about and my sister purchased some tacos! She says that everything she purchased was absolutely delicious and she travels A LOT all over! Oh, I forgot, even the food in the hospital at the diner on the first was the best for her! On Thursday, our coordinators took us shopping near the border. Now, the storekeepers will converge on you like crazy!!! But we did manage to get some items. There is a Walmart near the Hotel within walking distance. The rest of my stay was uneventful, I felt fine the entire time, I walked and managed to eat some broth and drink Water and gatorade. I've not be hungry at all, but try to get in as I could while there. We check out on Friday and was taken back to San Deigo and our driver, Raoul took my sister and I to the car rental agency because we stayed an extra day in San Deigo. We went shopping and was out and I felt fine the entire time, no problems. My plane ride home was long, I had to switch flights, but flew a total of 6.5 hours home. I held a pillow to my belly most of the way, but otherwise, I was good. I'm home now, having a Isopure (it is so delicious) and I just wanted you all to know that all is well and you should feel safe to go to Tijuana. Now I just pray that my healing journey continues to be blessed. Thanks for reading this long post!!

My Doc. required an EKG (done within 30 days) in addition to the completed medical history form to be faxed to him before I was approved for surgery. No one can hold a Physician responsible if the Pt. was dishonest about disclosing a significant medical history. Does everyone read every line in the surgery and anesthesia consent? I know I didn't, but I'm a Nurse and was well aware of the risks. Some Physicians do more of a work up in the US, and some things may or may not get picked up. I had a hiatal hernia. I was asymptomatic, so it was never diagnosed. Dr. Alvarez found it and repaired it during my surgery. It's sad when we hear about deaths occurring, but it's noted as a risk on the consent form. The truth is, you have more of a chance of dying driving to your Dr's office, then you do having surgery. The risks increase based on your co-morbidities. After surgery, it's up to you to follow your post op instructions to lessen your chance of complications. Having 3/4 of your stomach removed is major surgery.... not a bandaid procedure. I chose to have my surgery in a full service hospital in Mexico with an ICU and other specialties to deal with any complication that might have occurred. I chose not to go to a surgical center with an off-site recovery house.

Dr. Alvarez is awesome. I had more worries then problems, but Dr. Alvarez was concerned, took all my fears seriously and called and emailed to address each and every one. How many Dr's do you know that will call you on Sunday afternoon just to reassure you. He also sent a Thank you card for allowing him to be my Surgeon. Not only is he a skilled Surgeon, he's also sincere, compassionate and humble. I'm a Nurse, and I don't know any Surgeons in the Orlando area that are that "Patient centered" Once the surgery and post op appt. are completed, you never see or hear from them again. Dr. Alvarez encourages his Patient's to stay in touch with him. I wish he would move his practice to Orlando.

I'm back... I had to call Susan to get the fax number. My Doc was great !!! She's behind me 100% and I scheduled a follow up appointment with her 6 weeks after my surgery just to touch base and make sure everything's OK. She doesn't anticipate any problems as I'm going into this without many of the co-morbidities that many people have. I gave her Dr. Alvarez's web site information and she's going to check it out. I'm so relieved. It's good to know my Primary Care Dr. is behind me 100%.

I'm so glad you're doing so well. I'm in my Dr's waiting room. I have to get my EKG and tell her about my surgery. I think she'll be supportive, but maybe a little apprehensive because it's in Mexico. crap... I just remembered I have to fax the EKG to Susan. I've got to ca. And get the fax number.... Later...

Dr. Alvarez was a personal choice for me. There are very many people who went to Tijuana without any problems at all. I have read positive reviews on Physicians from all over Mexico, so the pricing differences don't necessarily mean the services lack professionalism or great outcomes. I encourage anyone making the decision to go to Mexico to research the Dr. and facility. I understand that cost is a major concern for most of us when making our choice, but be an educated consumer and know exactly what you're getting for your $$. As a Nurse, I wanted to be in a full service hospital rather then a surgical center because I was going out of the country. Many Surgeons in the US do this procedure as an out - pt. procedure. You go home the same day. There is nothing wrong with that. I just want to make sure I'm being closely monitored as long as possible before I fly home, and in case there are any complications, they can be handled immediately and won't require a trip back to the facility. As far as safety goes.... stay at the facility. Don't wander off into unfamiliar areas, and don't go anywhere alone. If you take a walk, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back, and ask if it's safe to leave the facility grounds.

Zoftig... I wouldn't be concerned with not doing all the pre-op things that people do in the states. Most of that is for insurance companies to either stall you or find a reason to not approve your surgery. Most of us know how to diet... Hell, we're professional dieters and can probably write books on nutrition, so 6 months of documented dieting just prolongs your surgery. As for the psych stuff.... we've all got "issues"... some of us have "full subscriptions". There is a high percentage of us that have histories of sexual abuse, depression, dysfunctional families, etc. Finding out why we're FAT doesn't solve the problem. We need to change the behaviors. The sleeve is a tool. We still need to do the work. I've been a Psych Nurse for 38 years and have been to therapy myself. As long as your medical problems don't exclude you... the biggest question is are you willing to commit to the lifestyle changes that will be necessary for this life changing procedure to be successful? This isn't something we can start and stop like a "diet" when we lose our motivation or willpower. The consequences of not adhering to the post op guidelines will mean regaining the weight, like all of us have done in the past. For most of us this is a last resort, not a first choice at weight control.

That's what I was quoted as well. I sent the deposit last Tuesday, so I expect to hear from Susan tomorrow, and get the rest of my pre-op information. My only regret is not doing this sooner.

My Doc. required an EKG (done within 30 days) in addition to the completed medical history form to be faxed to him before I was approved for surgery. No one can hold a Physician responsible if the Pt. was dishonest about disclosing a significant medical history. Does everyone read every line in the surgery and anesthesia consent? I know I didn't, but I'm a Nurse and was well aware of the risks. Some Physicians do more of a work up in the US, and some things may or may not get picked up. I had a hiatal hernia. I was asymptomatic, so it was never diagnosed. Dr. Alvarez found it and repaired it during my surgery. It's sad when we hear about deaths occurring, but it's noted as a risk on the consent form. The truth is, you have more of a chance of dying driving to your Dr's office, then you do having surgery. The risks increase based on your co-morbidities. After surgery, it's up to you to follow your post op instructions to lessen your chance of complications. Having 3/4 of your stomach removed is major surgery.... not a bandaid procedure. I chose to have my surgery in a full service hospital in Mexico with an ICU and other specialties to deal with any complication that might have occurred. I chose not to go to a surgical center with an off-site recovery house.

This will not be the popular opinion, but its mine and I'm stating it anyway. First, I didn't know Rox. My sincere condolences go out to all of those that knew and loved her. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Just like all of you I don't know the true facts of the case. Like you I wasn't there. All of us can only form opinions based on the stories we read and which ones we choose to believe. It seems that some of you were told a story by someone you trust to have the facts. If the story on this as its detailed above is true this scenario is not on the list of risks we consider and decide to take on prior to opting for surgery. To say that it is is really absurd and I think disrespecful to the victim and her family. I say victim because if she stated she was ill and returned for help and was blown off for a few days because a trip ( or anything else) was more important that is what she was made to be. She took the risk that she might have a leak. We all took that risk. She did not knowingly take the risk that the surgeon would disregard her health and safety once the surgery was completed. She rightly assumed she would be cared for to the best of his ability. To take a trip and come back a few days later before acting cost Rox her life. Thats not OK and thats not what she signed on for. She had the right to expect 100% care and attention from start to finish. She was a member of this forum family and deserves so much more from us than to have her memory shrouded with whispers and blame regarding hiding prior conditions to get what she wanted. That is just so wrong!
Another thought. I get that many of you used this Dr and are very fond of him. You can't believe he would be capable of behaving incompetently. With you he was nothing short of amazing. Thats wonderful, thats how we should all feel about our surgeons. The problem is one I learned many years ago. People only know the YOU that you present to them.
For example. I was married for 17 years to an extremely abusive man. He was abusive in every sense of the word. Out of fear and embarrassment I told no one for 17 years. In the meantime he presented himself to the rest of the world as the best guy in the world. The "give you the shirt off his back" type guy. Always the first to lend a hand and the life of the party. That was the truth to every single person that knew him, except for me. When I finally left and filed for divorce they were all blown away, none more than my family members. They all dearly loved him and couldn't believe he was who I now told them he was. I guess I'm saying that you can only judge your interaction with another person. Because someone else has a different one does not mean theirs isn't true also. It just means they had a different experience and were possibly presented with a different side of the surgeon than you were. Rox and her story should be treated the same way you would want your truth treated. She deserves that.

My Doc. required an EKG (done within 30 days) in addition to the completed medical history form to be faxed to him before I was approved for surgery. No one can hold a Physician responsible if the Pt. was dishonest about disclosing a significant medical history. Does everyone read every line in the surgery and anesthesia consent? I know I didn't, but I'm a Nurse and was well aware of the risks. Some Physicians do more of a work up in the US, and some things may or may not get picked up. I had a hiatal hernia. I was asymptomatic, so it was never diagnosed. Dr. Alvarez found it and repaired it during my surgery. It's sad when we hear about deaths occurring, but it's noted as a risk on the consent form. The truth is, you have more of a chance of dying driving to your Dr's office, then you do having surgery. The risks increase based on your co-morbidities. After surgery, it's up to you to follow your post op instructions to lessen your chance of complications. Having 3/4 of your stomach removed is major surgery.... not a bandaid procedure. I chose to have my surgery in a full service hospital in Mexico with an ICU and other specialties to deal with any complication that might have occurred. I chose not to go to a surgical center with an off-site recovery house.

Agreed! I'm not doing bad carbs anymore. I have a brand new expensive belly that I had to pay out of pocket, I'm not going to put garbage in it.