*Rosana*

Just wanted to chime in. I have posted very honestly on my blog about my cheating on the pre-op diet, the food funerals I had before the pre-op diet, and whether my inability to stick with pre-op diet meant that I'm not ready for this surgery. I have come to some peace. Many on this board have said they stuck with the pre-op diet to a "T." Others on here will suggest that if you can't stick with pre-op, you are less likely to be successful at post-op. For me, this surgery is a must - my BMI is 35, I have significant comorbidities (PCOS, high cholesterol, knee problems, sleep apnea). So I just have to have faith that I CAN DO THIS even though I didn't do the pre-op diet perfectly and, when I did do it perfectly, I felt like a crazy woman. As you said, if we didn't have food issues, we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place. As a practical matter, here is what I did for those crazy "I can't do this moments." First, I stopped beating the absolute hell out of myself for being so pathetic. Then, I started looking at the reasons I was so out of control and why I cheated. I tried not to find excuses, but rather get to the bottom of what was sending me off the proverbial wagon so that I could save myself next time. What I found was that I've not nearly given myself enough "room" during this prep period. I have been so worried about not working AFTER surgery that I've been pushing myself harder now. That hasn't worked for me. The truth is that when I stick with the pre-op diet, it is like a true detox and it causes fatigue, headaches, crankiness. Add on surgery pre-jitters and it is a perfect recipe for my disasters. So.... trying to find my way into the solution, I came up with this resolution:
1. Next time I want to go off the diet, I will post a plea for help on this board;
2. I will drink a glass of crystal light or Water or something else to buy myself some time before I eat.
3. I will write down 3 reasons I am having this surgery.
4. I will try to get by with as little as I have to do until surgery. In other words, I won't kill myself at work, cleaning the house, chasing the kids, etc.
For me, it is important to have "action" items. I am hopeful that these action items will help next time I'm tempted. I only have three more days til surgery. Surely I can suck it up and do that.... And I believe you can do it too! Keep the faith and remind yourself why you are doing this in the first place.
Best of luck to you!

Warning this is a "coach style" pep talk!
I need you to get in there and suck-it-up! You didn't come this far to turn around! Now give that sleeve HELL! (slap on the butt).
God bless you and you will be great.

I'm just bringing the wife.........and she can get me whatever I need........ I call her the Pit Bull........if anyone gives me a hard time or drags their feet, I turn her loose on them.

My husband has expressed fears that I'll meet someone else. I told him in an ominous voice... "Are you kidding me? Sorry dear, this is FOREVER." and then did the evil chuckle. (That and told him I didn't want to train someone all over again anyhow.)

You sure he was giving you pure Protein ....

Y'all are so welcome. Good luck and if you have any questions, just ask. Keep in mind, this is just like the one given to me three years ago, some things may have changed a little, but over all, I think everything is just about the same. I DO know that when I first attended the seminar, we were told no aspirin or meds with aspirin in it, I.E. Naproxin but now, after the first year SLEEVE patients can take these things, WITH food and if there are no side effects. Our little tummies don't want to get an ulcer!! Again, good luck, you're going to be thrilled with the results, I'm sure of it!!
http://www.forestparkmedical.com/media/pdf/bypass-sleeve-education-manual.pdf

Thank you so much for your great advise. Please do send me that link for the "VSG/WLS Bible" I would greatly appreciate it. I have done lots of home work since I am self-pay I have to take full responsibility to educate mysel. I did find from the University of Missouri Health System, The Missouri Bariatric Services,"Guidelines Before & After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy" I found this booklet extremely informative and helpful.
Thank you again for the great advise and sharing your experience with me; please send me that link.

I did not have surgery in Mexico, but I did have surgery out of state. We were living in Wisconsin and at that time, NOBODY there has sleeve surgery, whereas it is common here in the south. I didn't leave the country, but I did leave the state. I went to my PCP and told her what I was planning on doing and her only advice was 'Choose a Center Of Excellence physician". Ok, did that. I was self pay as well, so I did not have to jump through any hoops to get surgery, I could have attended the seminar (required), seen the doctor, gotten instructions on the pre-op stuff and scheduled surgery all within three weeks, had I chosen to. The visits/classes with the dietitian were included in the price, as were follow up for the first year. 3, 6,9 and 12 months. I have had two different people IM me about 'diet' - what to eat at a certain stage. They'd had surgery in MX but were not given a specific plan for the first five or six weeks. I have no idea who they went to, it doesn't really matter, the point is, you need to make sure you have something given to you upon discharge about what to eat. I.E. Clear liquids, full liquids, soft diet and moving on to regular foods. What does he say about grams of sugar, does he focus on carbs, how much Protein.....just general things like that. Have something in hand!! I have what I call my bariatric Bible, I got it at the seminar and it has everything in it. What to expect upon arrival at the hospital the morning of......all the way through diet, exercise and pages in the back for measurements, weights etc for the first two years! It's great and even now, I refer back to it some times. If you do NOT get something, contact me, somebody put our "Bible" on line and I can send you a link to it!!! Good luck!! I am sure your PCP will take care of you. I don't know that I'd go tell him/her prior......you know, it's easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission. You'll have to find a dietitian, find one that is familiar with WLS patients, and go. Even if they're use to dealing with RNY patients, they can guide you. Also, find a support group, just go, they're usually 'open' to anyone, and well worth your time!!

North Chicky,
Thank you for your sharing your experience with us. Congratulations and God bless you I wish you the best and a speedy recovery. I myself just booked my flight and my sleeve surgery with Dr. lllan not even an hour ago. What a good sign & good feeling for me to have seen this post. Thank you again for sharing your great experience with us. Please keep me informed on how you are doing.
So happy for you,
Rosana

My PCP was really supportive. He found a local bariatrics practice that was willing to treat me, should any complications arise. He's been happy to do routine follow up care (blood work, etc.). He also told me at my last appt he mentioned to another patient that he had a patient going to Mexico for WLS (me) and the other patient also decided to go to Mexico. I'm lucky we have a long term relationship so while I was nervous, I knew he would ultimately be supportive. I don't think he was crazy about the idea of my going to Mexico but he knew my mind was made up. So he just worked to support me, knowing I was determined.
~Kat

Thank you ladies! That's what I needed to hear. My PCP is on vacation till 7/29 but I will be making an appointment and dropping the bomb on her. I hope she is understanding & respect my decision and helps me with my follow-up needs; I would really love her support while on this journey, if not I have no problem switching PCP however, there are not a lot doctors here in Northern North Dakota to choose from.
Thank you for all the good information ladies; I really appreciate all of your input. Keep the good info coming.

I told my PCP prior to mine he was not happy about Mexico cause he had no way of knowing how good my surgeon was . I told him i did had researched well and he was very supportive . Saw me after surgery and ordered labs for me . I think u should be up front with your Dr.

I told my PCP who was more or less neutral about it. He's always supportive of me, I only see him once every couple of years at his request. He has other patients who have had good outcomes with the sleeve, so was neither for or against it. When I get back from Mexico, he'll take care of me as needed. Guess I'm lucky to have a nice relationship with my PCP.

My PCP is extremely supportive. Him being onboard with my decision was very important to me. He does my blood work. Tracks my weight. He is monitoring my positive progress with my comorbidities. sleep apnea and temperamental heart are going the way of the dodo!
Plus Dr. Aceves sent me home with PCP postop follow up needs.
If you haven't already found a good PCP then research it with the same fervor used to research a Mx surgeon.
Good luck

Well, i can tell you how it has been for me....
I was actually between pcps when I decided to have the surgery...I don't have any co-morbidities so other than going every few years for a physical or when I have strep throat or something, I hardly ever see a doctor. I had the surgery and then went to my new PCP three months after surgery and I told her I went to Mexico for bariatric surgery and that I wanted to just follow up with her. She asked me a lot of questions about surgery in mexico and she seemed interested in the process. She checked my incisions and said they looked fantastic and that it was clear the surgeon took good care and that since I didn't have any issues that she would assume that the inside looked as good as the outside. My bloodwork all came back perfect except for my b-12 which was WAY HIGH so she said that I could stop taking the B-12. She said I was doing great and that I should just keep doing whatever it is that I was doing and that I should go back at my one year surgiversary.

Many State side Doctor are not comfortable with mexico surgery with some good reason but mostly from ignorance. You should consult with your PCP and be ready to swap him/her for someone else if they are not supportive. Good Luck

Had surgery with Dr Illian back in April, down 60lbs, my only regret is not doing this sooner. He has the best bedside manner ever. If you are debating Dr Illian stop thinking and go for it.

Susan at My Surgery Options saved my surgery at the last minute!! I did not have to change my date or destination and I ended up with a better surgeon

I wanted to take the opportunity to share my experience getting sleeved by Dr. Illan. Please forgive any spelling mistakes as I am pecking away at this from Hotel Lucerna in Tijuana, on my ipad.
I booked with Susan through mysurgeryoptions. It was a fairly smooth booking process. Emails were prompt. Info on the diets and what to pack for the trip.
I arrived in San Diego (from Toronto) around noon on Saturday for same day surgery. As soon as I touched down I sent a text to Omar (Dr. Illan's Tijuana coordinator). He directed me through the airport. The driver picked me up right at the curb. I had been having issues in Canada getting the Gas-X strips, so Omar had arranged for her to take me to a pharmacy in San Diego to pick some up. I chose to pass on that because I heard that the strips were not that helpful. We made it to florence rather quickly. Omar was waiting for me with all the admitting paperwork. Everything was done in no time. There was pr-op testing consisting of a chest x-ray, EKG and bloodwork. The staff at Florence were amazing. There always seems to be issues getting a vein for blood or IV's for me. Not this time. Both nurses took there time and they both got it on the first shot!!
I was wheeled into surgery after meeting with Dr. Illan. I explained that I tend to get nauseous easily and vomit at the drop of a dime. He said they would keep an eye on that and do whatever they could to manage my nausea, starting with a double dose of medication during surgery. Before I knew it, I was out of surgery and back in my room bed. I woke with very minimal pain, some discomfort in the tummy area. The nursing staff was amazing. They were in and out through out the first day with meds for pain and nausea. The first day past in a blur of some very restful sleep. I did get up and walk around. To be honest, I didn't have a lot of gas or gas pain. Day 2 more walking, a shower, doctors and nurses in and out. During the night time, they were very considerate and just left the hallway door open for light.
Yesterday I checked out of the hospital with Omar. We did the leak test at Angles Hospital. The contrast isn't great tasting, but it is a very small amount. It was cool to see the Fluid processing through my new leak-free sleeve. We stopped by a grocery store and Omar picked me up some Jello, juice, gator aid and Water. We drove along the coast of Tijuana (gorgeous). We stopped for what has to be the best broth in the world!! After that we came to the Lucerna.
The Lucerna is a lovely hotel. The rooms are clean, the grounds gorgeous. I spent the remainder of yesterday napping and catching up with things at home. Dr. Illan was by the hotel last night to check things out. He put some steri strips on and we chatted a bit about my recovery.
Today I've had a headache so I've opted to stay at the hotel instead of shopping. Omar was by this morning and we chatted by the pool for a bit. He has been a fountain of info of life with the sleeve. Dr. Raina (sp?) was by this am to check out how I was feeling.
To sum everything up, I feel really good (beside the headache). I feel almost guilty for having such an easy recovery. This has truly been a great experience. I really can't thank Dr. Illan, Dr. Raina, the Florence nursing staff, Omar and Susan enough!
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Team Illan. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Minot here!

Anyone heard of this or had any experience with it? My insurance will not cover any complications if I am self-pay. This is the only thing keeping me from scheduling surgery.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine there are many people here who can relate to what you are going through. I can only offer a suggestion. Why don't you do something each year to honor the memory of your son? Maybe plant a tree in your yard or something that will get you to physically do something instead of mourning him in solitude? You can do it as a family as well so you don't feel so alone. Do something to honor his beautiful soul.

I am down 90 lbs since last August. I was 242 at the end of July 2012. Lost 20 lbs by day of surgery in December. Since December, I've lost another 70...not as much as many, but I will say that I have been eating more normal food for a lot longer than most and I didn't have any complications with surgery....My personal goal is 12 lbs more, but my doctor wants me to lose 22 more lbs so I can get to 23% body fat. In my whole life, I have never been at 23% body fat, so we shall see...The other thing is that the surgery has really helped me to lose the weight, but like all weight loss programs/diets, the next phase is maintenance. Having gone to a support group at the local hospital, I know it IS possible to regain weight after so many years. So, the surgery is definitely a tool that can help us get started on the weight loss journey, but it's not going to be a "magic pill." We still have our work cut out for us.

I started my journey on June 18, 2012 at 334.9 lbs, I was a very sad and sick woman who was not living, just existing. Well fast forward 6 months and I weigh 233 lbs (101 lbs), everything about my life has changed! I am loving my new life, enjoying my new body (so is my husband, he's like a kid on Christmas morning - every day!) and I love it! Thank you to Dr. King in Oxford, Mississippi, your my hero! The pictures below speak for themselves, the first two are before and are the most I ever weighed, the first one is the saddest I was ever in my life! The last two are last week (Dec 11) and I still can't believe it's me!

Feb 2012, 345 lbs

May 2012, 334.9 lbs (surgery day weight)

Dec 11, 2012, 234 lbs

Dec 11, 2012, 234 lbs

It is nice to hear all the positive stories of success with VSG with hypothyroidism. I really hope mine stays level throughout the process.