yups541

THIS!!! I will never understand the sadistic pre op. No one has ever had their doctor open them up to measure their precious liver. and then measured it before they did their stomach. They use this Special tool called a liver re-tractor to hold it back anyhow. There is a lot more room in there than they let on especially when they blow you up with gas. I have an actual video of my surgery.
I cannot comment on if it gets easier because I did not have a pre op. I don't think it would however. How could it get easier? Once your stomach is gone you won;t have any desire to eat. your hunger will be gone, well for most of it is. Some people still feel hunger. I pray you are not one of them. When I am "hungry" I just feel empty and eat by the clock.
I hope your surgery was as easy for you as it was for me and I wish you all the success in the world!

I was on the same diet. It took me until day 5/6 before I found my groove.

sugar free Jello. Just hang in there..keep yourself busy..and the times that r difficult..get out of the house..go walking , etc.

You won't feel hungry after surgery. I am 5 wks out and I have to remind myself to eat. It's great

It will get easier around day 4. It's my experience that the first three days are the worst and then it's all doable. Drink as much Water as you can, chew gum and brush your teeth and use mouthwash ALLLLLLLLL the time. Nothing tastes good after a big old swig of Listerine.
You can totally do it!

When are you going? I go in 3 weeks, so if it's after that I can let you know how it goes

I had my surgery in the states and paid an arm and a leg out of pocket. My boyfriend wants to have the surgery and I am almost certain I will have him go with Dr Illan! I have already been in touch with Omar, who seems great.. First, how is his name spelled? Is it ILLAN or IIIan (with three i's). I ask because when I google him I have a hard time finding him. I would love to hear of others experiences with this surgeon and their entire experience. Going to Mexico is very scary for me, but my boyfriend needs this surgery very badly and we can't afford it in the states. Good reviews/bad reviews/your experience....all welcome!!!! Thank you!!!

I was sleeved on 10/10 with Dr. Illan. He is a fabulous doctor with a wonderful team. The hospital nurses and staff were all great. He has a support group on Facebook-very secret- go to Baja Bariatrics to join the group-very active.

It's illan.
Definitely hop on Facebook and join our group, 'Team Illan'! There's not a lot of info out there on him but we're very active on that group and love answering questions. I was sleeved by Dr. Illan 8/9 and it was an absolutely amazing experience, I would (and have!) recommend him to anyone.

Congratulations! You will love the team

I just got approved for surgery with Dr Illan for Nov. excited & a little freaked out!

I was sleeved 8/31/13 and would go back to him over and over. I had no pain meds after 2nd day. You can go to my blog if you'd like to. I didn't want to leave TJ and my husband and I had the best time that we've ever had. Omar the coordinator took such good care of us and Dr. Illan is such a talented surgeon. I was up and running 3rd day from surgery and haven't stopped since. I started 326 pre op, 301 surgery date and currently 264. Very happy! I will send you a PM to join our group so you can ask any questions you may have I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!!

I think you missed a huge factor. I personally researched for a dr who had more experience in the procedure than just education. A framed document of education and fellowship in bariatrics doesn't mean he's well qualified and experienced in VSG. It means he's maybe had loads of education and a lot of lapbands and RNYs under his experience, but very few US surgeons have the vast actually experience that some of the MX surgeons have with VSG. I don't want a surgeon who simply has paper work to show he can perform the VSG

Congrats!! I had my surgery with Dr. Illan and am approx 3 months post-op. Time will fly and August will be here before you know it! There are a thousand tips and unending advice...don't hesitate to ask questions if you're looking for something specific. Or if you want to know something and don't want to post on the board (I realize it can be overwhelming when you've lurked for a while but are just starting to post), feel free to PM me.
I will say I think you'll be impressed with Dr. Illan. I felt so well cared for by Dr Illan and Omar, you won't regret that choice.
~Kat

Men usually do a lot better than women when it comes to high Protein and low carb diet but each person has a different journey. I don't think it's the Dr. technique but the person's will power to conquer obesity with this tool. I would suggest getting in touch with Omar or Susan and doing a Skype with Dr. Illan. Also Omar had the surgery in April 2013 and as you may know was at goal in 5 months and he looks awesome!!!!

Are you looking for specific info? There are several of us that are his patients that post here periodically. Don't hesitate to ask or PM, if you are looking for more information!
I am a huge fan of Dr. Illan and his coordinator, Omar. I had my surgery at the end of March and couldn't be happier with my results. I'm down 50 lbs, went from a 40 BMI to a 34 BMI, have lost approx 10 inches in my waist and 8 in my hips. I've lost over 50% of my excess body weight...not bad for 94 days post-op! Dr. Illan made me feel like I was his first priority, from the time I first contacted him, until I left TJ. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat...and am currently trying to convince my sister to see him for the sleeve.
~Kat

I LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM! I posted all about my trip back in March. I have not had ANY issues and would pick him again in a heartbeat! My husband will be going to him soon! Trust me he didn't even like the idea of me going to MX for surgery so this is BIG LOL!!

Thanks for all your replies guys but maybe I wasn't clear (i know I wasn't clear). I booked my flight and my doctor (Dr. Illan Fraijo) and I am doing the VSG on November 5th of 2013.
Do I tell my primary doctor? I know I have to but then what do I do? Is my doctor going to send me to a nutritionist here in the states etc... Or is this something I Completely do on my own with out my primary full support?
Have any of you ladies gone to your primary care doctor here in the states and what steps have you taken after? Nutritionist, psychologist etc... When it's a self-pay VSG?

I think mine will be Nov 25 with Dr. Illan - but I'm waiting to find out about some financing this week to confirm. I'm scared! But, I know it must be done.

I'm a ten too! My VSG surgery will be November 5th with Dr. Illan Fraijo at the florence Hospital I will be staying at the Lucerna Hotel. I'm blessed my husband will be doing the surgery with me as well; what a perfect buddy he will be. Wait, this may turn-out to be a nightmare, he's a big baby! lol lol Best wishes to all the November sleevers and God bless. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

Sooo ready to start the beginning of my new life!
On a scale of 1-10 I'm a solid TEN. How about you?
My surgery is November 1st with Dr. Louisianna Valensuela @ Mi Doctor ...staying at The Marriott. How about you?

I had Dr. Illan and went through susan and Omar at mysurgeryoptions. Com. I had a fantastic experience. I had surgery the 12th of august no pain nothing it was like a mini vacation. I was lui cky to get a special but I believe he is only 4700. I have went from a size 18/20 to a 14 n pants n a large n tops. I am off all diabetes medicine. ..loving my sleeve.

I was sleeved by Louisana Valenzuela with Dr Cabrera assisting. Both received extrnsive bariatric training under Dr. Corvala. I had an excellent experience. (Coordianted through MBC and had surgery at midoctor.) I can't say that I'd recommend my doctor OVER any other doctor because honestly, I've heard so many positive experiences about Corvala, F. Lopez, Aceves, and Garcia. Also a lot of people like Dr Alvarez in Piedras Negras. I think it's just a matter of finding a Doctor and coordinator that you're comfortable with while finding the location and price that's right for you.

I have to self pay for my gastric surgery and I have been researching alternative doctors and would like to know if anyone will recommend any doctors in Mexico. I am tired of this life and want my life back.