Mtgirl

Anyone scheduled around August 31st in Tijuana? My doctor is Ponce.

On 08/06/2018 at 10:29, newlifeat41 said:

Hi there Mtgirl. I just wanted to check up on you. How did it go? I hope you are recovering well. Please update us. I hope to hear from you real soon.

Hey! Surgery isn’t until the 31st. It feels like its dragging by 😭 Im so OCD I can’t think of anything else!! I’m so worried that this surgery might not work for me or take forever to lose the weight. Also stressing about about having severe acid reflux after. Its like my brain won’t stop!!

I wouldn’t pay triple the price to have it done in US. Seriously research Tijuana and the doctors there. Everyone I personally know that has VSG has went to Doctor Ponce. Im scheduled for August 31st. Cant wait!

On 07/31/2018 at 18:47, newlifeat41 said:

Hi. I’m going to answer as many of your questions as possible, lol. Yes Dr. Ponce does actually perform the surgery but rarely meets the patients, a few others on this forum have also stated this. However, his reputation in Tijuana is very good if not probably the best if that is any consolation. He gets called by other docs to handle difficult cases. I did make a complaint to Dr. Frayre and to Lana (the driver who picked me up and sent me to the airport— she checked up on me not Ana) Ana coincidentally had the sleeve done the day after I had mine. My bad luck I suppose but otherwise I think things would have gone smoother.

I had surgery the same day I flew in even though my flight was delayed and I did not arrive at INT hospital until 3-4 PM. (I should have arrived at 10:30AM and had the surgery late afternoon. I wanted to get it over with to be honest with you and needed the following two days to recover before my trek home. So I insisted they still operate and I think the docs wanted to have the weekend off (I arrived Thursday—surgery Thursday night at 10PM, hospital Friday and Saturday, hotel Saturday to Sunday, went home Sunday morning.)

My BMI was 33 when I started preop and 32 when I actually had the surgery. I was charged $6000 total which originally should have been $6500. Now the reason I was charged that was b/c originally I was considered a revision because I had an ESG (similar to gastric plication but they go through the mouth so no incisions) but that was a complete failure because I lost no weight and began to gradually gain. When the surgeons went in they said my stomach looked completely normal as if nothing had been done so they took off the $500. (That showed their honesty in my opinion b/c I had no clue). I still had to be charged the extra $1000 for the SILS because they used the special equipment required and they did discuss with me beforehand that one extra incision may be necessary but once the special SILS apparatus is used they charge. I didn’t mind the extra amount because otherwise I’d have four to six incisions instead of just one and a minute one from the drain. I had 2 c-sections and they were still able to do the SILS but I don’t know about a Tummy Tuck. Just ask Ana she is very helpful and answers you super fast.

The only advice I can give you is download google translate if your Spanish is as bad as mine, walk ALOT after surgery—it’s the only thing that will get rid of the awful gas you’ll have, which honestly by day 2 was so much better. I have not vomited at all since the surgery. I felt really nauseous the first ten minutes after I woke up from surgery and dry heaved but no vomit yet 🤞🏻🤞🏻Thankfully! I did not experience much pain at all just soreness where the incision was (I felt no pain at all at my belly button) and the drain is uncomfortable but they take it out by 2nd day and you’re good to go.

No worries the staff and everyone there take really good care of you and your surgeons are top notch. Just be prepared for slower weight loss like me because we have less to lose. The restriction however is fabulous.

Once again best of luck and please let me know how you made out!!

You are a freaking wealth of knowledge!! Im so very appreciated for your in depth explanation. I have to know everything and Im a total research nerd 🤓 cant believe your previous ESG was a complete failure. Not on your part of course. Not even a sign of surgery or stitches? I would want a refund! Thats awesome they took off the 500. Definitely honest. So you didn’t have surgery until way late. Did you really not eat or drink any Water since the night before at 10pm? Im worried about traveling and not being able to even have a drink before surgery. I would get sick and dehydrated. So I was planning on coming in the day before and having surgery first thing in the morning. But like you said you just want to get it over with. Which is how I’m feeling now. So let me know how you handled that. Were you hungry after surgery? When did the desire to eat start to come back. Im also worried about getting hypoglycemia from not eating or drinking. Maybe the body just handles that after? But I can’t fast with out getting shakey and super grumpy. So you did 5 days of pre op diet plus an additional 3 days of yogurt and water? How was that? Not sure If I will handle that very good. How has their service been post op? Did you get good nutritional and supplement advice. She sent me a paper buts it’s not in depth and very vague. Are you taking Vitamins if so what kind and how is that going? Sorry for all the questions!
What food should I have when I get home?

On 07/31/2018 at 09:32, All_Sleeved_Up said:

My doctor was Hector Perez and I can't say enough good things about him. He even gave me his personal cell phone to contact him directly after surgery (and yes he answers). SILS is definitely worth it. Cost was an additional $1,000 on top of the regular $4300 fee, which I understand is a lot but think of the long term benefits. I didn't want pot hole scars across my tummy. One incision is also easier to recover from. Overall my experience was good. But it is so incredibly important to let your body heal! There were a few times that I overexerted myself or ate something I shouldn't have and it was bad. I am 6 weeks post op and just now starting to feel normal again.

Thank for that information! So why isn’t Perez as well known? How was the hospital? Do you mind me asking your stats? How did you about your surgeon? Do you wish you would have stayed longer to recover? So you paid $5300 for everything? Sils?

On 07/31/2018 at 09:18, newlifeat41 said:

Hi there. I’m going to be fair and honest on my review of Dr. Ponce and the INT hospital where I had my sleeve done. I’m now almost 5 weeks out and I’m very happy about my decision. You will be well taken care of. The staff at INT are excellent. The nurses are top notch. My only complaint was that many did not speak English but were very accommodating. I downloaded google translate which helped a lot. Dr. Frayre will the surgeon who will meet with you and check up on you throughout the entire time. I never got to meet Dr. Ponce although they told me several times I would. This is the only thing that really bothered me. I felt he should have taken the time to meet me even briefly but I neither spoke to him or saw him AT ALL. He was the main operating surgeon though as they give you a DVD of your surgery to take home. So I’m sure that he does exist and performs surgeries, lol.

Now about the SILS, I’d definitely pay the extra for that. I had a SILS kind of because they had to add an extra incision due to my weird anatomy as Dr. Frayre explained it. He told me my liver was in the way although I followed the preop properly which he acknowledged was evident but my liver apparently was too long so I needed an extra incision. Anyway, even with one extra incision the healing was very quick. I don’t have any marks or scars except for a small one from the extra incision and a tiny minute one, maybe 1/2 a centimeter from the drain. Both are very, very light and are not noticeable at all.

I think their care and staff was very good and their follow up is as well. I still email Ana with questions and she answers right away. I also went alone and never felt scared at all. My only complaint was Dr. Ponce not taking time to see me. Otherwise I’d totally recommend. I’m a lower BMI so I know the weight will come off slower but I’m down 22 pounds since my preop diet.

Go for it and good luck!!!

Wow!! I cant believe you never even seen Dr. Ponce? ! Have you actually watched the surgery to make sure he is doing it on your body? That is so disappointing. Did you speak to Ana or the hospital about that? Thank you so much for replying to me. It really helps me so much! My BMI is 30 so im so curious how my weight loss will be? What was your BMI? Ana has has answered my 1 million emails quickly which has built my confidence up. I worked with another coordinator briefly that books for Ponce as well. But she was not very good and didn’t follow through with any of my questions. How much did the sils cost you? Did they still charge you since they had put another port in? Im worried if they will be able to do sils on me because I have had 3 c sections and a Tummy Tuck. Did you fly in the same day as surgery or night before? What time did you have the surgery? Was Ana with you during your stay and check up on you throughout? Could you give me all the advice you have to offer up! Lol
Anything you wish you would have different? Even stuff you brought for surgery. Were you sick after? I think its amazing you have lost 22lbs so far!

@newlifeat41
Im also scheduled with Dr. Ponce the end of August. I would love to hear your experience with him. Are you at INT? Im debating between the SILS or regular. What are your thoughts? Worth the extra money? Do you mind sharing the cost?

Im only telling one person my spouse! The only reason he knows is because he has to pay for it! 🤣😂 I respect the people who do and don’t tell. Remember were not obligated to do either. If you feel happy about telling people then go for it. But If it gives you any stress or any kind of negative feelings then respect that. Your kids, parents and friends have no exclusive rights to know. You have the right to share what you feel comfortable with end of story. On that note I’m so happy my friend shared her vsg journey with me or I wouldn’t have known the surgery existed! That being said Im still not telling her about me getting it done! It may not make any sense to anyone else. But it makes perfect sense for me 😊
Ps. I think when you tell just a couple ppl and they promise not to tell, plan on multiplying that by 10.

My surgery is August 31st! So scared and hope Im choosing the right surgeon and procedure. I’m a low BMI (30) with years and years of Yo-yo dieting and pre diabetes. Ive weighed as much as 229 down to 128. Its insane! Anyone going to Dr. Ponce at INT around the end of august first of September? My pre op diet is yogurt and Water for 3 days. Does that sound normal?

Wow Im so happy I found this forum and topic!! Im a 30 BMI 5’ 3 170 and have dieted since I was 12. A few years ago I reached my highest weight ever of 229 but that was pregnant. my skin has been stretched out terrible. I lost 70lbs after losing the baby weight of 29lbs. So I got down to 130. But of course Im back up again. My pre diabetes keeps coming and going depending on my current weight. I honestly can’t handle it anymore. I eat 80 percent paleo not sugar or breads. No soda. I mean CLEAN!! But the scale keeps creeping up. I can’t work out like I use to do some health issues and joint pain. I don’t dare tell anyone because of the shame I feel about getting this done. I wanted to be a health coach and now Im having surgery. Its hard to explain. No one knows but my husband. So I have you guys to talk too. Im headed to Mexico next month to have surgery with Dr. Ponce at INT. Any advice on pre op and post op would be most appreciated. Im afraid of getting hypoglycemia after surgery. Also will I be able to work out hard like running and stay hydrated down the road? Im worried about throwing up and having acid reflex the rest of my life and regretting my decision. My doctor wants me to do 3 days before surgery of just yogurt and Water. Is that really necessary? Also 10 days liquids. That freaks me out!!

Thanks everyone for your comments!! Really means a lot to me. Im not telling anyone besides my husband. So I have no one to talk to about this stuff. Im concerned with getting hypoglycemia after surgery. I have it now and it seems like it would get much worse if I can’t eat? Another question Ive heard people don’t tolerate chocolate after surgery? Would that mean chocolate Protein Shakes as well? What about working out down the road like running. Will I get dehydration because Easier because I cant drink as much?

21 hours ago, BurBur said:

I would be such a happy little clam reaching your starting weight lol! But I have some inches on you too and I'm not dainty. I have to admit, when I first started going to pre op support groups I kept running into people who seemed so little to me and yet here there were trying to do this crazy scary thing! I didn't know if I should be impressed with their bravery or annoyed with them giving up already! Having said this incredibly insulting thing, I will now say that I understand your decision to have surgery. It's just as valid as mine ever was. Your struggle and frustration is as real and horrible as mine is and you and I have the same goal in the end. To be healthy and to be able to "stay" healthy. You are the one who has to live with yourself and you know better than anyone how deeply this hurts your life. If you are on the path to surgery than you have already dealt with more than you can stand. Weather you have 300 lbs or 50 lbs to lose no one should ever tell you what you should or should not continue to live with. I know you wanted feedback from people like you, but. We're not so very different after all,are we :). I support you! I support you reaching for happiness!

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply and be so supportive! No we really arent so different are we!! ☺️

Im reaching out for someone who has had a starting BMI of 30 or close too that. Yes I have had a higher BMI and also much lower. Am I going to be treated badly at hospital for not being morbidly obese? Going to mexico in August for the sleeve. With Dr. Ponce at INT. Super nervous and undecided actually. What was it like being on the low end doing this surgery? Happy about it? What can I expect i weight lose? Ive lost 70lbs on my own before. But have always gained it back. This time I’ve gained 40lbs back and still creeping up. I want to get this done because Im so damn tired of it controlling my health and happiness! Would love someone to talk to and hear others opinions.

Thanks