booniedog

Hi all,
I'm eight days out of my VSG surgery with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali and wanted to share my experience with anyone still trying to make the decision. I had questioned on these boards if he was really worth the extra money and let me say, without reservation, that he and his staff is worth every penny! I'm sorry this is so long - I tried to keep it brief but failed miserably.
Day 1-2 pre-surgery:
Of course the day before my flight out I had to work til 9pm, because I had to be up by 4am the next day to get to the airport. Nothing like starting out a long trip tired! Total travel time from my residence to San Diego was 24 hours, since I got delayed in LA. Ernesto was waiting to pick me up, along with my mom who met me in SD and another patient and her friend. They were gracious about having to wait the extra hour for me. I'd only slept about 20-30 minutes total on all those flights so I was super tired and wired. Drive to Mexicali took about 2.5 hours.
We were met by Karla, an assistant, who walked us through our pre-op tests before meeting Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos, and the anesthesiologist (by this time I'd been over 30 hours with no sleep so I can't remember his name but he was super nice.) First impressions of the hospital and especially the doctors was extremely good. Even so, due to lack of sleep and an 18 hour time change, I started doubting if I wanted to go through with it. Dr. Aceves and Campos spoke to us in length, answering every question we had. Dr. Aceves has THE BEST bedside manner and comes across as one of the most sincere, genuine, and compassionate people I've met. I immediately felt comfortable with him.
Finally we were taken to our hotel about 15 minutes away, which is lovely. Mom and I set out to find carne asada tacos that I remembered from my time on the border and found a local hole in the wall joint that served amazing food!!! I savored every bite of my dinner. I didn't drink, even though Dr. A okayed 2 drinks, as between the lack of sleep and jet lag I figured it might give me a Migraine.< /p>
Surgery Day
Thanks to jet lag I slept about 4 hours the night before surgery. I didn't really feel nervous except I really wanted to poop before it was my turn to go in. TMI, I know, but it's true! I was scheduled for 9 am. The shuttle was late picking us up so we got to the hospital about 30 minutes late. Karla was frantic since we still had to do our EKG and X-rays (we were too late the day before to finish). I changed into a gown, went poop (thank god!!), had a quick chat with Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos, the anesthesiologist, and then the internal doc. All looked good so they loaded me on a gurney, put in an IV, and took me away. I still wasn't nervous; I think the whole thing just felt too surreal to process.
When we arrived in the OR, I remember scooting to a different bed, and the anesthesiologist asking me if I wanted a pillow. I told him "I don't know" and he started saying something about how if I didn't know, I probably didn't need one, ha ha. Two seconds later I was waking up and it was done! I had a hard time waking up (remember the major lack of sleep) but I remember feeling nauseous and I did throw up once, right after telling them I was going to. No mess, no big deal.
The rest of the day is a blur. All I remember is that sleeping felt SO GOOD! I pretty much drifted in and out all day. I think I only got up to pee once, in the middle of the night.
Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos each checked on me twice that day/evening.
Day 1 Post Surgery
I felt some pain in my abdomen but not much, as I was pretty drugged up. I slept A LOT that day. Nurses were very attentive and friendly. The docs came by to visit several times each. I got up to walk a couple of times and peed maybe twice all day/night. I thought it was weird I never had to go! I had a hard time sleeping that night, partly due to some pain (that was quickly administered to) and partly from the time change. Plus my stupid machine I was attached to kept beeping and waking me up. Grrr...
Oh yeah, I drank the yucky blue liquid and was cleared for no leaks. I asked for crushed ice to numb my taste buds so I could choke the stuff down. It was nasty! After that I was given juice and Gatorade. It was really tough to try to drink and I had no desire whatsoever. Sip. Sip. Sip.
Had a shower and changed into a fresh gown. I wasn't ready for PJs yet.
I got a second sleeping pill midway through the night to help me sleep. The pain in my stomach started to increase and I was really uncomfortable.
Day 2 Post Surgery
I passed the barium swallow test and saw my new stomach. Holy cow, it's small! I was unhooked from the stupid beeping machine so Mom and I got outside a few times and walked around a few blocks. I was pretty slow and really had to force myself to stand up straight. My stomach felt like I'd been run over by a car.
More walking, sipping, walking, sipping. Got into my PJs after a shower. Gas pains started. Ugh. I was so tired and slept a lot. There were other patients that had the surgery a day before me and they were all perky and looked like they felt great. I asked Dr. Aceves what was wrong with me since I still had pain and didn't feel perky AT ALL. He was very clear that I shouldn't compare myself to anyone else, as we're all different. I was freaking out that I was supposed to fly home in a few days - there was NO way I'd be fit to travel so fast! What were they thinking letting people check out after 3 days!?!
I tend to act tough when I'm not but the gas pains got kinda bad that day and even though I could go outside and walk around, it was pretty uncomfortable. I think I was expecting a walk in the park. I was wrong. At one point I started crying and Dr. Aceves got more meds into me fast. He and Karla admonished me to not let the pain get too bad before saying something. They assured me the pain would reside once I got the drain removed. I was SO SO SO glad to still be in the hospital. I didn't feel regret but I did feel mad at myself for being in this situation - ie, getting so fat in the first place. (A few hours later I started my period so at least then I knew why I was being such a big baby.)
Young Dr. Aceves (daughter of the great Dr. Aceves) took out my drain. I took a nap and woke up feeling much better.
I had to get a second sleeping pill again this night. I was so thankful for the round the clock care I was getting.
Day 3 Post Surgery - Checking out
I finally got the IV out of my hand which was a relief. I woke up early, showered and felt great. Then after a couple of hours I was ready for my nap. The pain in my stomach was much duller. I was able to sip the juice, Gatorade and broth with no problem, but very little amounts. I got outside and walked around a few blocks, went to the pharmacy with my mom, and sipped some more. Even though it was Sunday, Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos were there, checking on everyone. Dr. Aceves wanted me to stay at the hospital until after lunch, as he knew how concerned I was about my long trip home in a few days. He reassured me and separately talked to my mom, telling her that I was doing great and would have nothing to worry about. At 1pm, Karla packed up some broth, juice, and Gatorade, and Ernesto whisked us away to the hotel, all of my medical records, DVDs of X-rays and my new stomach in a folder provided by Karla.
I went out by the pool, poured myself into a lounge chair, and napped for about 2 hours. Glorious! Mom and I walked around a good deal that night, finding her some good food. I was able to walk comfortably, standing straight.
Day 4 Post Surgery - Mexicali to San Diego
Ernesto drove us to San Diego at 7am. It took about 3 hours with the border wait. Karla had reserved us a room for the next two nights. These people are so well organized and are there for us every step of the way! We took a short walk, I napped for a couple hours, then later we walked a good distance to find my mom dinner. I was starting to feel really good. I ordered broth and was able to eat a small amount with no problem.
I'm a stomach sleeper and was finally able to sleep on my stomach with little discomfort. YAY!
Day 5 Post Surgery
Mom went home today so I was alone in SD. I woke up early to see her off then took a nap. I walked down to my former favorite Thai restaurant and scored some excellent broth. I felt really good and surprised that the pain just kept fading so fast. I took it easy that day, napping, reading, watching TV, walking a bit here and there. I felt really confident about flying home.
Day 6 Post Surgery
During my "2nd Day after Surgery Freakout" I upgraded my flight home to first class, thus rerouting me through my home town for 24 hours and breaking up my long trip. Score! I woke up again amazed at how much better I felt than even the day before. Fluids went down no problem. I got to see my family for a few hours that night. No one suspected I'd just had surgery.
Day 7 and 8 Post Surgery
I ran a few errands with my mom on the way to the airport. My mom was surprised at how perky and energetic I was. I was feeling great! I was able to sleep for a solid 2 hours on the 11 hour flight, thanks to my flat-bed seat. Got a massage at the Tokyo airport during my layover and walked around as much as possible. Slept for another 2 hours on the next flight.
I arrived home at about 2:30 this morning and slept til nearly 7am. Took my doggies for a 2 mile/45 minute walk and unpacked. I'm tired and want a nap but am holding off for an early bedtime to try to re-adjust to the time change. I feel really great, no pain in my stomach, just a little mild discomfort.
OK, how would I rate Dr. Aceves? 10/10. I cannot rave about this man enough. Really.
Staff, including other doctors, the nurses, and patient coordinators? 10/10.
Transportation and lodging? 10/10
If anyone has any questions about Dr. Aceves or my experience, please message me. Sorry for the long post!

I'm only 3 weeks out but I am a burping machine. I hope it settles down a bit.

Sooo glad to hear everything went well for you, I knew it would.

Hi Booniedog, I am so glad everything turned out so well for you. Sounds like you traveled around the world to get your sleeve. Congratulations and hope you continue to do well. Hope to see you post on the boards more often. Life only gets better after this.

I'm having surgery March 20, too! I'm not telling ANYONE except my mom. I'm in law enforcement and work in an office full of dudes that gossip like old ladies! Luckily I currently live far away from my family and friends so I'm just going to sneak off this island for 10 days. I've already started cleaning up my diet so once the weight starts coming off I'll attribute it to clean eating and exercise- which will be true!
I only see my family and friends once a year at most so next time I go home it'll be a shock.

That sounds like a punishing schedule, particularly for someone only 3 months post op? I'm surprised your Dr has cleared you for this level of intensity, does your Dr know you are at this level? At three months your body is still healing internally, whatever it may look like on the surface. Adrenal fatigue is very real and right now you should be more focused on your diet, your psychological approach to food and the lifestyle changes you are cementing as new habits. If all it took was exercise then, according to your pre-surgery routines, you would never have needed surgery. Recovery from obesity is holistic and not just about punishing oneself at the gym.

I had surgery on 2/25. I also had a lot of discomfort from the gas they use to expand the abdominal cavity. It seemed to take about a week to finally be absorbed and stop bothering me. For Protein, I bought platinum Hydro whey. Look into it. It's super easy absorbing 30gr per serving and taste ok. I'm having a hard time getting my protein any other way. Love the sugar free Popsicles. I think I'm down 25-30 lbs. from the 25th.

Hello,
I had my sleeve gastrectomy done on February 26,2014 I had been preparing for surgery since September of last year. I had all the pre op testing done including the echocardiogram and stress tests. I passed all the tests with flying colors and was assured that I was healthy enough for the surgery.
I started out at 333 lbs at 5'7. I felt great before surgery. I went into this surgery thinking that I'd do fine as that is what all my tests indicated. I woke up the day right after surgery with extreme pain in my left shoulder and under my left breast. I panicked a little wondering why this was occuring and thought maybe it was my heart. The nurses told me that the pain was from the gas accumulation and was from the pressure on the phrenic nerve as they have to fill the abdomen with gas for the laparascopic surgery and that gas will cause much pain and discomfort after surgery. The tiny insicions on my abdoment were sealed with skin glue and my abdomen didn't hurt at all at first because the doctor I have uses long acting injections in the abdomen surgical sights that numbs the pain locally for up to three days post op.
I was given morphine in my IV for the phrenic nerve pain which was intense. They said I had all the pain med allowed while I was in the recovery room and after waiting for hours in recovery, I was finally taken to my room bed and all. My back was hurting so bad from laying in the bed flat for so long and from the time I spent in surgery as well. I wanted to get out of bed immediately when i got to my room (they let me sit up in a chair) My back was killing me by then. I asked for pain med and they gave it to me as it had been enough time now to have it again. I had Iv's in my arm and went back to bed after the pain subsided. To my dismay I was told that my blood pressure was dangerously high and so was my heart rate. They had to give me blood pressure meds through the IV and still it was hard to stabilize my Blood pressure and heart rate. I had extreme nausea and could hardly even drink Water without intense nausea. I was given a sugar free popsicle (in place of ice chips) with my Clear liquids tray. The popscle was the only thing that i could tolerate without nausea and even that was hard to finish. My face was flushed and red, my head was hurting so bad and my heart was racing. I've never been on Blood pressure meds so this was new for me. I felt feverish yet they said my fever was not high at all. I remember ordering chicken broth, a Protein shake, and Jello. I took one spoon of the broth.... it was horrible. Then i took one bite of jello.... i felt nauseated. I couldn't even look at the Protein Drink. The next time I ordered hot tea ... I drank a few sips of that and it stayed down. I tried some apple juice diluted half and half with Water. I immediately vommited that up. I did get the test for leaks in my stomach and had to swallow this nasty white solution ..... Good News... I had no leaks.
The nausea never got better in spite of three different nausea meds I was only able to drink my one ounce of water down every fifteen minutes on Day three after I was given Reglan IV.... Then the horrible part came. they made me take my pain med in a liquid form to drink. It was a red liquid version of Hydrocodone..... OMG It was the most discusting thing to try to take especially with my nausea. I fought with every ounce of strength I had NOT to vommit this horrible stuff. I was only able to keep it down if they gave me two anti nausea meds before the medication. The doctor told me that nausea is common after the sleeve gastrectomy and that the sleeve patients seem to suffer with it more than the other sugeries..... I wonder why?
Finally to my delight i was able to go home on Day 4 but I still felt so sick and my blood pressure was still high but now I was told that i had to be on blood pressure medications but that I probably would not have to stay on them as he said that many patients blood pressure stabilize after a few weeks after surgery but I'd have to see my primary care physician to determine that. First day home, I felt so bad... but I was able to keep my water down as i was still on Clear Liquids and Protein drinks which still I wanted no part of at all. Since then I've gotten a lttle better every day but still very weak I lost almost ten pounds in the first week after all this I went through.
I had my one week post op visit and Doctor said i was doing well. I was able to start my Protein shakes finally and did well with the liquid diet ... now he said I could progress to soft foods that were given in a list.... plain yoghurt, cottage cheese, soft scrambled eggs as tolerated, laughing cow cheese, oatmeal and creamed Soups and then mashed potatoes ..... no more than one half cup of one item per meal...... Had a hard time with soft foods at first but now I'm doing better except with the scrambled eggs. it's a struggle getting all my water in though.
I am so happy though I had this done. I finally feel free from my food addiction. I no longer am tempted to eat fast food or things I'm not supposed to have as I know that I CANNOT eat them.....as it would cause me great discomfort. I am doing well with measuring my food and can't wait to my next visit in ten days from tomorrow when they will let me add Protein foods to my diet so I will feel like I finally can eat some REAL food. ground beef or turkey, white fish.... but I'm worried if I will be able to tolerate this or not. I am still drinking at least one Protein Shake a day but need to be drinking two.... It seems so very hard to get all my liquids in since i have to wait before meals to drink and then afterwards.
I just wanted to tell anyone that wants this done that please don't think this surgery is going to be a piece of cake.... it's not. And make sure you do everything the doctor tells you to do. I was upset at all the pre op testing that i had to do but now I understand that it was for my own good and still wonder why i had such a bad reaction to surgery while others do not. My surgery in itself was a success and I have very little scarring on my five little incision lines..... My doctor is excellent and I'd refer him to anyone but my reaction to surgery was a stress reaction to surgery that cause my blood pressure to skyrocket. so any of you with Blood Pressure issues out there please get it under control before surgery..... I am looking forward to seeing my weight drop and for the first time in my life i feel so free...... I won't even try to overeat..... it's not worth it. I am sticking with my diet one hundred percent....... I didn't go through all this and risking my life for nothing. I plan to use this tool I have suffered for to my greatest advantage that will help me to get healthy again. I am taking all my Vitamins and Calcium faithfully........ I am getting better everyday......

I can't believe how the sleeve has changed my life. Prior to surgery I was at my heaviest 285, the last time I weighted myself I was 229, I don't weight myself often so not sure where I'm at now, going to the gym 3-4 times a week, today I went for a 2 mile run. I feel great, clothes fit so much better and I have so much more energy.

I'm having surgery March 20, too! I'm not telling ANYONE except my mom. I'm in law enforcement and work in an office full of dudes that gossip like old ladies! Luckily I currently live far away from my family and friends so I'm just going to sneak off this island for 10 days. I've already started cleaning up my diet so once the weight starts coming off I'll attribute it to clean eating and exercise- which will be true!
I only see my family and friends once a year at most so next time I go home it'll be a shock.

I was scared too - Not quite to the extent of panic attacks, but the night before my surgery I was a mess! Just try to relax about it all, and think about the good you are doing for yourself. My surgery was 2/24, and I am doing really well. No side effects at all, back to my normal life, just a little bit of soreness in my tummy. Oh, and STOP taking Advil right away! You shouldn't be taking that before surgery. Switch to Tylenol. No Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Aspirin or any other pain relievers. They thin your blood. So try Tylenol. At least that's what they told me. Just think, in a short time you are going to be on your way to a whole new you! Hang in there - it is worth it! And you can always postpone it if you truly feel you are not ready. It's not too late until you are asleep in the O.R.! You can do this!

I had severe panics the 36 hours before my surgery. Mine was march 7. Just 3 days ago... I feel great. Moving fine. My legs and back muscles were sore till today but that's all. You can do this. It will all be great! This is the first surgery of any kind I have ever had. Ever. So I understand your fear. Just be honest with your family and medical staff. They will take care if you. Do not try to be strong for anyone. Be honest and let those around you help comfort you! Peace and strength to you and prayers for a quick easy recovery.

I'm a very private person and my Husband and parents are the only people I am telling. I haven't even told my children yet. I hate to admit it, but I have began to set up the scenario now by telling people that I have started attending lifestyle/weight management classes at my hospital and am working closely with a dietitian. This way when the weight starts falling off post-surgery, it wont be a surprise! It IS true... It's just not the whole truth!

I am having my Sleeve surgery March 20th. I have been researching it since last August and finally got up the nerve to take the 90 minute class. I meet with the doctor and the rest and he fast tracked my surgery in 3 weeks due to a large umbilical hernia.
I have told my husband of course and 4 of my closest friends as we get together as couples 2x a month usually for dinner and cards. I have told my grown children but I am telling everyone else that I am having hernia surgery. Most of them know I have this hernia so it won't be a shock. I had two stomach surgeries a year ago October and they could never find out why I was so sick (vomiting, severe pain and diarrhea ) I should have had the WLS then but the surgeon who did my stomach surgeries 2 within 5 days was such a jerk because I was fat that I wouldn't listen to him. Thank God I found a great compassionate surgeon to do this surgery.
The reason I am not telling everyone is because I don't want to hear their negative comments. As I said I have been researching this since August and I think I have read every website out there. This is the right decision for ME and I don't need uninformed opinions!
I think everyone knows themselves and who they want to tell. So far all my friends have been supportive one had some worries but in a caring and loving way we went over things and she is feeling much better about it. My kids are behind me but I could hear the worry and my husband has been very supportive .

Hi everyone! It has been a few days since I have posted. I had my surgery March 3rd. Everything went great. I stayed in the hospital 2 nights and almost 3 because my heart rate was elevated. Luckily it went down and I was able to go home. I have been doing great! Pain is minimal now and I couldn't be happier. I had a hernia surgery a few years back and it hurt a lot more and was an outpatient procedure.
Anyhow, I am so happy I did this and can't wait till I start seeing results.

Yay talked my way into an earlier flight with no fee. Hint; if you fly southwest and tell them you just had surgery they will give you a disability pre board pass at the gate.

Hello everyone ! It's been awhile since I've been on here, but I wanted to tell you about my wonderful experience with Dr Illan.
February 11th, 2014, I flew alone to San Diego. Dr Illans coordinator (the amazing Omar) called me as soon as I landed and directed me to where I met up with my driver who took me across the border to TJ. Omar was waiting for me and took me directly to Florence Hospital. I had blood work, urine test, chest X-Ray and EKG. ALL my different doctors and surgeons came in to talk with me. The nurses were amazing and I realized then why everyone raves about Dr Illan and his team, you have simply never had such total and competent care taken of you. I was whisked away to surgery and woke hours later feeling sleepy but great !! - During my two nights in the hospital I was under constant care and observation. Then I was discharged and taken to my hotel which was like the most comfortable oasis of quiet. Omar even surprised me with a facial on the second night - it was marvelous !! - I spent the next two days being chauffered all over TJ and out of town to a fantastic beach resort for dinner on Valentines night !! Honestly I felt so great (no painkillers needed EVER !!) I had to keep reminding myself that I just had surgery, I felt more like I was on vacation !
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I chose the most perfect team.
I got home on the night of Feb 15th, I drove myself home, next morning I cooked Breakfast for my husband, did some laundry, walked the dogs, I felt phenomenal. This past Tuesday was 4 weeks since the start of pre op diet and 3 weeks since surgery and I am down 20.4 pounds so I am thrilled.
Dr Illan and his team are young, skilled and progressive. They operate more by word of mouth and by that alone they are busy. The hospital was clean and sunny and comfortable. I cannot come up with a single negative thing to say. If you have any questions at all, please contact me, i'm delighted to help in anyway !!
Cheers !

Let us know how everything went byebyefatgirl! Good luck!

thank you all for replies. The more I research my top three candidates, the more I lean to Dr. Aceves, actually

I'm scheduled for the 21st. I have only told my parents, husband, and kids. They all support my decision. I don't want the judgement from people who really don't know me and don't walk in my shoes. This is not an easy decision to make. I believe a majority of us are not doing this for vanity, it's about are health.

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.

Booniedog, if you are looking for a powder to mix with Water and make into a clear Protein drink, a fruit-flavored type thing, look into the Syntrax Nectar powders. MUCH better tasting than Isopuke IMO.

Yes Isopure makes a Protein powder. I mix 1 scoop with 8oz of milk and it gives me a total of 33g of Protein. I agree with everyone the clear isopure drinks taste awful, but the chocolate powder mixed with milk tastes like chocolate milk. There is no bad aftertaste.

I'm having surgery March 20, too! I'm not telling ANYONE except my mom. I'm in law enforcement and work in an office full of dudes that gossip like old ladies! Luckily I currently live far away from my family and friends so I'm just going to sneak off this island for 10 days. I've already started cleaning up my diet so once the weight starts coming off I'll attribute it to clean eating and exercise- which will be true!
I only see my family and friends once a year at most so next time I go home it'll be a shock.