ilse72

Hi Annestoy! My doctor is also in Mexicali...and my surgery went fabulously! I had absolutely NO pain. I have had three prior laparoscopies when I was much younger and never really experienced any shoulder pain from the gas. I did not this time either. Never needed any heat or any pain meds...except for some migraine medicine because I did get a migraine after surgery. All is well. :wink2:

I also opted for the sleeve. It is a better match for me than the lapband. I will have my surgery on Friday! You are making great progress! Congrats!

Hi, Randy! I also choose the sleeve and will have surgery by Dr. Aceves on July 25th. I am SO excited! Like you, I did oodles of research and had narrowed it down to two doctors but was still undecided about the sleeve only because I wanted to chat with someone who had been there and done that first. I was lucky enough to stumble on a post by WasaBubbleButt who had experience with the lapband and the sleeve. After chatting with her I knew that my decision, of the sleeve being the answer for me, was the right decision. Like you, I don't want the drama of the band or all the hassle that I have learned of on this site: PBing, sliming, possible slipping, erosion, fills, unfills, constant office visits, etc. My life is hectic and the band sounded like it would add to the chaos. I also like that VSG makes a major difference in the hunger hormone and that weight loss seems to be more consistent and more rapid. I like that the part of the stomach used (the muscular part) will not stretch easily. There was just so many positives about this procedure! How are you doing now?

Hooray! I got my phone call so it is official. I will get my sleeve on July 25th. Now I am just counting down the days. :confused_smile:

I have opted for the sleeve as well. Looks like I have a tentative date of July 25th! I am just waiting for the confirmation call now. I am SO excited. Now if that dratted phone would just ring!

I haven't allowed my photo to be taken in over 10 years (though, of course, due to some sneaky shots, there may be some around but my immediate family has none). I will permit before photos now just so I have comparisons to see my progress.

You would be a lot more successful if you can ask your doctor (the one leaving town) to refer you to another doctor while he is away. Did you ask him if he could do that? Unfortunately, a lot of doctors won't provide fills for those that went to Mexico. As a nurse, I find this to be sour grapes since they will take your case if you have any other condition and were treated elsewhere and either moved or switched doctors. But, you are at their mercy. Good luck! I hope someone here can help you if your doctor can't do a referral.

Welcome, JayInMA, you will find cost varies across the nation. I am self pay as well and my cost will be $11,500 which includes all post-op visits and fills for one year.

Linda, just found this thread today. I am glad you can be there for your friend. I am sure it means a lot to her. Joan, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am glad you are out of the ICU and I hope you have a speedy, uneventful recovery from here on out.

Hi, clusk and welcome! I'm not banded yet either but hope to be no later than August. You will find lots of information and support on this site. Keep us posted on your progress!

Welcome, Freckles and tell us your tale!

Allie, will keep everything crossed that you stay healthy so you can have your surgery as scheduled on the 9th. Good luck and hang in there!

Oh, I wish! It is just my seminar that is getting close. I was lucky....I had been scheduled for the 24th but got moved up due to a cancellation. Now, if only I can get through this, have my consultation and get a date. When you are anxious for something to happen, time seems to drag.

Thanks, Ezma! It sure sounds good.

Beans, Dr Ortiz has a well earned reputation. If you do a search on here for Dr. Ortiz or Mexico, you will read all the glowing reports on him. He has been doing lapbands longer than any US surgeon and, in fact, has educated a lot of our surgeons on how to perform the surgery. If you have a fill center readily available, you can truly consider him. I would use him in a heartbeat (I am self pay too) if we had a fill center but we don't have one in our entire state!