back2me1987

Joining the chorus. Dr. Oz has unfortunately sold his soul for cash and ratings.

I would take anything Dr. Oz says with a grain of salt.

He is leading this country into believing the what they eat is dangerous. If you eat a bag of Oreos a day, THAT is dangerous. Consuming soy-based products is NOT dangerous. Also, consumers should know that NO food is injected with antibiotics. That just does NOT happen. Dr. Oz has America believing that American farmers are trying to kill the people keeping them in business. It's CRAZY. Don't over-pay for "no-antibiotic" marketing... And check reliable sources for nutritional information if you're concerned about what's in your food.... Like the FDA. Don't fall victim to this fear campaign.

Rant over.

Caffeine before, Protein (at least 25g) following intense workouts. coffee is the cheapest form of caffeine which is most of the supplements. Cretin might be important, but the jury is out as to how long it takes to get into your system, and it might be better just to have red meat a couple of days a week.

TheSweetestSin, hi, I may be able to go for November 20th with you. I'll let you know around the end of October. I was planning to go on the 23 of November. The 20th isn't a bad date at all. ????

Hi, If you want to talk to A LOT OF PEOPLE who already went to the whole process, please join our support group on Facebook. Look for "Dr Carlos Altamirano Support Group"

I'm getting a band to sleeve revision with Dr. Altamirano on Sept 11th. I did a ton of research and it all lead back to him. After my FaceTime consult with him it sealed the deal. I've never had a Dr. that I can Facebook message and will reply back to me almost instantly even at midnight. He's amazing.

How was your surgery? I'd love to hear about your experience. Im scheduled with Dr. A in a little over a month so I'm trying to get as much info as possible from people who have gone through similar situations. Thank you!

Dr Altamirano definitely gets my vote!! He genuinely cares for his patients. My husband is scheduled for gastric sleeve tomorrow with him. Dr A has quickly answered all our questions via email and has "face timed" with my husband twice. The level of service by Dr A is the absolute best there is! I will be happy to post more updates after we arrive in Tijuana tomorrow and he has his surgery.

I think most go to Mexico because of insurance not covering them in the US.....After doing their research and picking a doctor they are comfortable and very pleased with the whole process. I hope to be having my sleeve surgery with Dr. Carlos Altamirano around September 18th

read as many of these blogs you can thats what i have done

I'm glad to see so many Fall surgery buddies! I have had a little glitch, had a shadow on my nuclear stress test from cardilogist. I only had the stress test because I have some chest aches, I don't think they do it routinely? Anyway, now I have to have a cardiac cath on 9/15 to make sure it's nothing. Apparently, it could be a shadow from big boobs - go figure!! Hoping it's nothing so I can schedule my gastro EGD right afterwards and keep my November 4 surgery date!!!

Someone from one of the Facebook boards started a Fall 2015 Sleevers Facebook board. If you're interested in joining, let me know. It's a secret group so I think I need your email address to add you.

Good luck to everyone!!!!! It's going to be a fun Fall/Winter and hopefully a skinny spring

I'm pretty sure most doctors in America require a sign off from a cardiologist. The doctor I was initially going to use required an appointment with a cardiologist and a stress test.

I wouldnt do sleeve with having GERD. I had GERD pre-surgery with having the lap-band. I was told bypass is my only option. Which was fine by me. Having GERD is no way to live. Once I had my bypass it has been gone for good. Good luck with your decision.

Definitely not what I WANTED to hear but I truly appreciate your response. It looks like I have some big decisions to make....

Hey everyone,

I just had my first endoscopy today, which was a lot like a "search and recovery" mission prior to getting sleeved this November.

Both my dad and brother have Barrett's so the doctor biopsied my esophagus to determine if I have the disease as well. Meanwhile, I am absolutely freaking out reading these posts. My surgeon is aware of the hiatal hernia that was discovered and the testing for Barrett's but feels comfortable proceeding. Also, my doctor today said that I have no visible damage to my esophagus and should be able to manage my acid reflux by continuing to take my generic Prilosec prescription.

I'm young, not severely obese and hoping that these factors will mean a faster recovery time and minimal post-op problems. Has anyone else been in my shoes? I just have a gut feeling that the biopsy will come back positive so I want to prepare myself for what is next. Thanks friends.

-L

11/6- so excited!

That's interesting! I don't smoke nor do I plan on it post-surgery but I find it fascinating that you've discovered that as a method to cope with the hunger/pain post abdominal surgery.

And when it comes to the pain medicine, it's largely the brain that plays a part in knowing whether or not you're in pain. Heavy pain medication can really do a number on someone using them for the first time, especially after stomach surgery. However, I have an extremely low pain tolerance so I'm worried toradol won't cut it for me. I'm glad you're doing great though! ????

I'm a little surprised ketorolac tromethamine (toradol) is the pain medication they give. I'd prefer something a controlled substance pain medication after surgery. Does it seem to work when you take it? My fear is probably most related to pain. Thanks for sharing so much. Really helps out.

Uhhhh agreed. Torodol is what they give my dog for pain post-dental cleanings. That worries me.

I'm not a good flyer. And by that I mean, I take a Xanax have two drinks and sleep. I am hoping if I get there a day ahead of time, pound some Gatorade and Water, I will be okay for surgery. I only have a 33 BMI, am 28 and I've never had "liver" issues before.

....fingers crossed?

Have you talked with your surgeon about this? My motto is better safe than sorry.

Oh I for sure will let the doctors know this. And I am aware of all the restrictions post-surgery so I just need to work with a surgeon who is willing to accommodate my flying anxiety needs before and after surgery ????

Henry- which doctors do you represent? I emailed someone named David yesterday with bariatric pal but I'm waiting for a response. I have a few questions.....

Thanks everyone. Please keep the info coming! I was nearly confirmed with one doctor and now I'm not sure if it'll work out due to this situation which is extremely disappointing. They also want to add on an 18% tax because of some rule with the Mexican government and paying with an American check. Has anyone else heard of this?

Thanks!

Hey guys,

I seem to be having a problem finding a REPUTABLE Mexican surgeon who is willing to accept direct payment via check rather than credit card, wire transfer, or cash. Has anyone else had this issue? This is the absolute only way that my lender is willing to pay and I am not willing to switch lenders.

If you've paid this way please let me know who your surgeon was and what your experience was like. I'm sort of freaking out about it. Thanks!

I'm a tentative November 9th! Here's to the next few months of Pasta, cheese and beer. ????

If so who's your doctor going to be?

Are you traveling to Mexico?

Do you need a partner/Buddy?

Where are you from?

I'm looking to team up with someone or one's???? to take this life changing journey with. I don't want to travel alone????

Check out my last post!

Hey y'all!

I'm planning my surgery the same week as Veterans Day (US) in Mexico. Flying out of Columbus, Ohio. SO EXCITED!

Now I just need to find the perfect surgeon! ????

I'm not a good flyer. And by that I mean, I take a Xanax have two drinks and sleep. I am hoping if I get there a day ahead of time, pound some Gatorade and Water, I will be okay for surgery. I only have a 33 BMI, am 28 and I've never had "liver" issues before.

....fingers crossed?

Tina I can totally relate. My mom becomes instantly INFURIATED if the topic of surgery is brought up. I decided to bring a friend/therapist with me because I knew she could provide the positivity I need during the pre and post op. Cheers to new friendships!

Please share who you're working through!

This was a great load of info that I've been curious about. Thanks so much! I don't have surgery until November but I'm already getting nervous and trying to prepare for every single issue. Control freak, ha. Best wishes and keep up the great work!

I thought the same thing. I'm a week out and I remember laying in the bed thinking Why have I done this to myself, Am I crazy? I saw a lady walking in the halls who was 1 day ahead of me and she looked like she was having no problems at all. I told my husband I will never be like that. 2nd day I wasn't quite as chipper as she was but I was feeling more normal. I too had trouble getting liquids down. Especially the Gatorade, YUCK!! I liked the apple juice so every time I got up to go to bathroom or walk I took a sip. That's the thing sipping is your new normal. The day they sent me back to hotel ( I had mine in Mexico) I was ready and had more energy then I thought I would ever have. You will get past this...Promise!!! Congrats on making an awesome decision for your health.

Do you mind me asking who did your surgery? I am going to Mexico, too. Thanks!