3636millie

Joyful, I just had my revision from lapband to sleeve done by Dr. Aceves on 12/18. It was the best medical experience of my life. I have worked in hospitals all over the world and been a patient in hospitals in several other countries. Swear to God, it is so clean there you can eat off the floor. My surgical experience was wonderful. My surgery was a bit longer than usual because of all the adhesions, scar tissue, etc. If I needed medication for nausea or pain I had it immediately after asking. Both Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos checked on me so many times each day that I lost count. By checking, I mean hands on checking, not like most of the Docs here in the U.S. who just come into the room and only ask how you are doing. Dr. Aceves and Campos did a look, listen, and feel exam. The day of my surgery, I know they were there quite late to recheck me (like around 9:30 p.m. ish). I never suffered in pain or with nausea like I have with other procedures I've had. I can honestly say that this was the least painful surgery I've ever had. Many of the staff speak perfect English. If they didn't it really wasn't a problem as between the both of us we could figure out what the other meant. I had no difficuty understanding all of the instructions I received both pre-op and post-op (and believe me, I had better instructions than I've ever had anywhere else). I am now 1 week post op and have been taking day trips to San Diego, Phoenix, and out into the Mountains with my family who are here for Christmas. Yes, I know that I've had something done, but I haven't had to lay around for days in recovery. Once in a while I feel a "pulling" type sensation in the muscle which is my signal to stop what I'm doing. It is normal to be afraid. Please know that you have nothing to be afraid of by going to Mexicali and having your surgery done with Dr. Aceves.The hospital has a fully accredited lab/blood bank. The ICU has an excellent reputation. Of course, you know the reputation of Dr. Aceves. I don't know if you are going alone or not. If you are, there are alot of other patients there with a family member or friend with them. You will all just sort of become a "family" while you are there and your "family" looks out for you (not that there is anything they would need to look out for). I never felt uncomfortable as far as being afraid for my safety. In fact, I felt very safe and secure. Even left my passport/purse in my room in full view as I was wandering around in the hospital. No problem. Some of the family members with the patients took taxis to the malls, etc and never had problems. Mexicali is much different than TJ and some of the other cities. Many Americans live here in Yuma and in El Centro and commute to Mexicali daily to work as there are many American factories :thumbup: there who have American supervisors. Please P.M. me if you want and I will give you my phone number. OR you can give me your phone number and I will call you back as I can call you for free and talk as long as needed to answer your questions.

Maria, I am so very sorry that you are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I do want to address the part about the possible suture contamination. It has been mentioned in several posts about this facility. I have access to recalls/alerts/warnings on all types of medical supplies, equipment. This list is distributed worldwide. It lists alerts from the FDA, all governmental regulatory agencies worldwide, and is available to all medical facilities. In the recent past few months (I went back 6 months), there have been no recalls on any sutures, etc that may have been used during your surgery. In addition, the distributor who sends the supplies to the facilities will notify the facility that there has been a recall of what ever the item is that there may be issues with. The item may be pulled from the facility and returned for a refund/replacement. If there are indeed problems with the suture, Emmanuel Medical Center should have reported it. Sorry to say, I think they are just "blowing smoke up your skirt."

I am paying $12,500 for revision. Had the band placed in Phoenix. I think that Dr. Aceves has "specials" sometimes as it seems like this past summer people were telling that they had gotten a special price. Seems like it was in Aug/Sept if I remember right, as it was the "hot time of year" weather wise and alot of people don't like to come to this area due to the heat. The price we pay includes everything (Anesthesia, lab work, hospital, etc, etc, etc). My insurance will pay for the revision if I have it in the U.S. but I want the best surgeon so have decided to cash pay and go with Dr. Aceves. Hope this helps. Marilyn

Mountain, my thoughts and prayers are with you this morning. You will do great. Today is your new "birthday". Hugs. Marilyn

Susie, I too have had MAJOR issues with the band. I will be revising to the sleeve 12/18/09. I know that I haven't had it done yet but from everything I have researched, we will be very glad we are doing it. All I know is that I am almost to the point of counting the seconds until this nightmare with the band is over with. Just go into it with positive thoughts. I know it is discouraging to have gone through what you have gone through with the band, but, just think positively. You have lost some weight all ready so that is good. Just remember that we are gonna have to work with the sleeve just as we have had to do with the band. The sleeve is also just a tool. If we go into it with leftover negative thoughts from the band, we are not being fair to the sleeve to begin with. We are gonna do great girl!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their contributions and support given on this site. You are ALL wonderful!! I am so thankful that there are people like you all who are so supportive and encouraging to those who have had surgery, are thinking about getting it, and who are having problems/issues that they are needing help/advice for. Each and every one of you are a "treasure" that I am thankful for every day. Millie

I am so sorry for all that you have been through. It is good that you are home with your family. I'm sure you are resting better. Seems like hospitals are no place to be when you are hurting, tired, and discouraged. Hopefully now that you are home with your family, you will heal faster with their positive vibes. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and wishes for complete recovery your way.

I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. Hugs and prayers being sent your way.

Jenn, So sorry you had such a bad day. Hope today is better. When I had my lapband placed, I had the same thing happen to me a few days post op. I remember being in my bathroom looking down at myself and thinking "what the hell did I just do to myself". I work with several different people who have all had WLS and they all report the same feelings post op. All I can say is just hang on and it will be better. Take it one day at a time. Go for a walk or do something to take your mind off how you feel. Bundle up (don't know where you live and if it is cold there) and get outside. Even if you only walk for a block, it is good. In a few days, you will look back on this and know that you have made it through another step in getting healthy. Even with all the issues I've had with the band, I would do it again in a heart beat and am looking forward to being sleeved on 12/19. Hugs and best wishes being sent your way. You will feel better before you know it.

Going to Mexico today to introduce my family to the hospital and some of the Doctors who will be doing my surgery. This should put their mind at ease re: the Doctors and hospital. I have been several times. I am not afraid to have surgery in Mexico at all. Have found everything to be better than what I could get in Phoenix. The hospital is so clean you could literally eat off the floor. When I have observed the nurses, techs, housekeeping, receptionists, etc they have been very professional. Have observed the nurses washing their hands more than some nurses in the U.S. hospitals. Some of my co-workers (all of us work in surgery here in the U.S.) have went with me and without fail, they are all impressed and "would have surgery there in a heartbeat and not be nervous about it at all". Hope this helps. Marilyn

Mountain, congratulations on your weight loss!!!! Way to go girl! Good Will, Salvation Army, etc are great places to shop. There are sometimes new clothes there that still have the tags on!! If you can find one in a college town or town with big medical centers, the clothing seems to be a little better quality. Must be all the professors wives, doctors wives haha!!!! Nothing wrong with taking advantage of everything you can on your weight loss journey, especially since you will be changing sizes rapidly. Hugs, Marilyn

Gin, you will be in my thoughts and prayers on Thursday. Chancie, Your new picture is great. You are doing so well!!!!:laugh0:

Vegas, Thanks for the information! In case you can't tell, I am really afraid of having an accident. My brother is from Avilla, Indiana. It is a small town north of Ft. Wayne. It is so beautiful in that area. Lots of rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and forests. Where did you live in Indiana? I just want to thank you for all the help you give to each of us. You are such a treasure for everyone. Thank you for all of the information you post. You are a great "big sis" to all us newbies. Hugs, Marilyn.

Vegas, Yes, I am looking forward to being off for the holidays!!!!! I've been working as a nurse for 29 years and this is the second time I have taken the week between Christmas and New Years off. I don't have kids and usually work so that those with children can be off. I am so excited!!!!!! My brother will be here from Indiana with his son. We are gonna do the "go to the beach in San Diego, go to El Golfo (in Mexico), go geo caching, etc things". I am still trying to figure out how to deal with the peacock poops but what the hell!!! I fugure if I do "chit" my pantaloons, it will give people something to talk about, lol! They can just chalk it up to senility or something!! May even try the "Astronaut going to Florida" trick......:thumbup1:

LapGyrl, Good luck on your journey. As far as financing your journey. Don't forget, you will be spending much less on groceries once you have your surgery. Also, if you are currently on any medications, you may be able to go off them fairly quickly after surgery. This will save you a bunch of money. I never thought I'd be able to pay off my loan for surgery (lapband) but, with the money I saved on just meds and food alone, I was able to pay a 4 year loan off in about 18 months. As far as surgery in Mexico, it is far superior to any I have experienced here in the U.S. Don't let the "holier than thou" mindset that people here in the U.S. have against anything that is not "American" affect your decision. Don't get me wrong, I am American and proud of it. But.......I am a nurse and have worked in hospitals all over the world. Just because you are in an American hospital doesn't mean you are getting the best of care. I have almost been killed twice by American doctors because they wouldn't listen to me (as patient's, we know when something is not right with our bodies-DOCTORS NEED TO LISTEN TO PATIENTS as they know when something is not right). The surgeon I have chosen to do my sleeve proceedure in Mexico is one of the tops in the world. He also listens to his patients. Do not be afraid to look into the Mexico option as a cheaper and viable option for self pay. I am not worried about my upcoming surgery as I know I will be getting quality medical care for an affordable price. O.K. I'll get off my bandwagon now!!!! Sorry for going on and on!!!! Take care and I hope you are able at some point to get this life saving surgery and have the babies that you are anxious for. Hugs, Marilyn

Fantastic post. Agree 100000++%.

Norma, I hadn't been on the site for a while. It is good to see you posting again as when I was here last it had been a few weeks since you had posted. Was wondering how you were doing.

Congratulations Tiffykins!!!!!! How exciting for you!

I am gonna take 3 weeks off. I've been working 12-14 hr days for months and just want to take time off to chill here at home. I am tired!!!!!! From what I've read here, most people state they could go back to work in a few days. I want to stay away from all the food smells, etc that will be in the break room at work as I'm not sure how I will react as will still be on liquids. All my co-workers are excellent cooks and will be celebrating the season by bringing all kinds of goodies. God knows, I am a food addict and don't know how I'd react to all those wonderful smells!!!! After 3 weeks, hopefully all the "left overs" will be gone from the breakroom. At home, I'll just make the broths, etc and be happy!!!!!! I just love this site. I've been lurking a long time. VegasAngel, Oregondaisy, Tiffykins, Stoongirl, Mac, et all are such great help and inspiration. I am so glad they are there for everyone! Dominican Republic sounds heavenly!!! What a place to spend your recovery!!!! I'm sure your family are looking forward to having you with them for your recovery!!!!! Best wishes on your upcoming surgery and keep everyone posted. Marilyn

Aimee, I am having my surgery on 12/18/09 also!!!! I can't wait. Revising from band to sleeve. Where will you be having surgery?

Glad you are home and doing well!

Thanks Stoongal!

Please, whatever you do, DO NOT GET THE BAND. I made the mistake of getting the Band. You can go to some of my postings here and on the LapBandTalk site to see what all has happened to me. I followed all the "rules and regulations" to a "T". I swear to god, if you have a problem, it is because you don't "chew, chew, chew", etc. Doesn't matter what is going on, that is the conclusion the surgeon will jump to before even listening to what is going on with you. What a bunch of bull..... The Band should be outlawed. I am looking forward to getting this thing out of me and converting to the sleeve in December (I now have all the Fluid out of my band and am waiting for the swelling, etc to get better). It has been a very costly mistake, this band has. I can't tell you how much money I spent for the initial surgery (even though the insurance paid for alot of it-my surgeon charged a $3000.00 "support" fee not covered by insurance, he only used an anesthesiologist who does not contract with the same insurances and insisted on getting the whole amount he charged out of me, which was twice what any one else charged-I think he and the surgeon split the "profits", etc). I had many fills and unfills, surgery for lysis of adhesions around the band, etc. All total it has been around $15,000 out of pocket. And believe it or not, the insurance has paid 80%. As stated, I will ge getting the revision to the sleeve in December. I am going to Mexico to Dr. Aceves. My insurance will pay for a revision if I have it done in the U.S. but I want Dr. Aceves to do it because of his experience. I only wish I would have been smart enough to go with the sleeve in the first place. It is the same as a partial gastrectomy and it has been done for years. There are several people I know that have had the gastrectomy done for other reasons more than 20 years ago and they are "going strong." JUST TO REPEAT: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT GET THE BAND!!!!

I am so very sorry that you have had this happen. Prayers and hugs being sent your way.

Glad you are doing so well! I've been wondering about you!