hakunamatata_ca

Sleeve done April 27 - doing awesome and lovinit! :thumbup:

hi i am so glad to hear from someone who has been to tj and back. sounds like everything is business as usual. how was you surgery, did you do ok, how are you feeling now. these details are much more important than the travel lol. hurrray you are on the other side. take care sandi

Everything went perfect. I have been requested by my employer to have a swab done before returning to work now with all the hype though so maybe be prepared for that. There has been "0" cases in TJ but the media is the media. I understand so going to do that in the a.m. for them. They have to take precautions to cover their butts too. You would never know anything was going on all the way there or back. No one at border (staff or other) into USA from MX has masks nor the people selling coffee, papers and buritto's before you go throught e border..it's like nothing happened. When are you planning on going?

hello Hukna, Let us know when you get back and where are you going and who's doing ur surgery?

I came home from TJ Friday night. I'm 3000 miles there and 3000 back. Lots of planes, people etc. On Monday the 27th the first mask I saw was in TJ where a few locals wore them. I did put one on in the hospital as instructed for precaution but mainly staff wore them only. You are not out in the gerneral public shopping but it truly is overhyped. By Friday when i came home I never seen a mask anywhere. San Diego Airport is right there and not one to be seen by staff, travellers, families or the elderly. I was also at the airports in Pensilvania, St.Paul MN, Detroit and Syracuse NY and saw nothing of concern by staff or travellers wearing masks etc. It's making bigger news elsewhere is all I know. Myself and friend that came with me are fine. I was truly more concerned about the filthy airflow controllers overhead on the plane and the airline stewardess who coughed in her bare hand and then served a drink and did it agin with the other hand. I believe it was a tickle in her throat but you NEVER cough in your hand. She should know this OMG.

I was told that the original amount of deaths in Mexico originally 100+ ? ended up at 12. I believe they are assuming and not actually testing, then once tested find it's not that at all. Obviously if you have concerns you must do what feels right for you. This was just my experience this week at the MX border and TJ. Hope it helps.

Thanks for the experiences and interesting reading on Lapbandtalk - all the well wishes too :smile2:

I believe Elisabeth was responding to YOUR question:

She was answering your question. If you didn't want opinions I'm not sure why you asked.

A great many folks cannot stick to the pre op diet. People cheat all the time. With a band if you cheat on the post op diet you risk your band. If you cheat on the post op diet with a sleeve you risk your life. So it was a valid point that she brought up in case you are one of the folks that just can't hack the diet.

For those who can't stick to the pre op diet it is a concern for the post op diet. It can potentially be a very serious issue.

So I'm not sure why you felt the need to slam dunk her for answering your question but it seems to me you are the one that is being insulting here, nobody else.

I typed a big speal here and deleted it because it doesn't matter. I slam dunked no-one but took offence to her saying how will I ever keep up the pre and post since I ate a salad - good god - If I took it wrong that's fine. I will not post what I really want to say. I do appreciate the feedback and emails from the ones - you know who you are that helped me in all my choices and decisions and supportive nature. I tried to do the same.

I'd be a bit concerned that you cheated on a pre-op diet that was only required 3-5 days pre-op. That's a very short period of time and I wonder if you'll be able to adhere to the post-op diet or give into cheating.

The pre-op diet serves to limit carbs for the purpose of shrinking your liver. This makes doing the surgical procedure easier for the surgeon and the recovery easier for you. If you're going to have the sleeve, the post-op diet MUST be adhered to or you risk causing a leak to the suture line. This can be a serious complication.

Depending on your current weight and fat distribution, you might want to contact the coordinator and let her know what you ate. You should also discuss any concerns you might have about sticking to a pre-op diet.

Wow if you read correctly I actually started sooner than I was supposed (Tuesday instead of Friday) and ate a salad and 1/2 PBS to cheat - my pre op actually didn't have to start until today really so I was doing more than necessary. You sure have an inflated ego in suggesting that I can't follow my pre or post op. Now I am remembering why I wasn't posting for awhile - It slipped my mind. You have far more than advice to offer here like your incinuations of how I may be - Since I am perfectly on track after 4 days of early pre op dieting and still have the three I need I guess I do great! Thanks for the encouragement.

Hey all,

I have been so excited about my surgery date of May 15th with Dr. Ortiz...until this swine flu epidemic news! Has anyone heard anything specific about it? I've just been watching the news, but I have to admit, it makes me nervous to think about getting the surgery in the midst of this outbreak. What are everyone else's thoughts?

:smile2:

I am going there Monday. I've heard it from anyone that knows I am going but not much fazes me I guess. Maybe I am not so smart about it but I will be careful. They say travel there is still ok if you wash hands, don't shake everyones hand etc. My friend that is a nurse brought me home some masks last night. I'll take them with me but I will only go from Airport to Surgury and back to airport so feel ok about it. You never know but It's not going to stop me for sure. Keep up on the news until then and talk to where your going about it. They can help you protect yourself.

Thanks all for your support and suggestions. I'll provide a few more details.

My wife has worked for the company for 7 years and has had 5 different HR managers. She is quite knowledgeable in the HR field and takes care of nearly everything. Her boss who is the HR manager relies on her extensively as my wife knows the company policies quite well. She has found that a company can deny her surgery date but it is also not recommended for companies to do this and highly suggested for companies to contact legal advice before asking an employee to change a surgery date.

What she can't do is force a manager to change their mind even if their decision is risky or unethical. My wife does the payroll with in this job and is trusted with very confidential information. She has never missed a Monday when payroll had to be ran and has worked sick in order to insure a lot of people get paid.

Her back up works for the accounting manager. The first of the month is month end for accounting and this is when their work load is the heaviest. The problem is that this back up misses at least one day a week and has missed multiple times during this accounting high work load. She also sits next to them and hears them say they don't have enough to keep them busy.

So this morning my wife went in and was going to stand firm on her June 1 date. She printed out her back ups missed days so the accounting manager couldn't use work load as an excuse, because she misses so much work.

She pulled in the HR manager and the accounting manager to discuss this situation. The accounting manager was upset that she brought in this data about his employees time and considered it none of my wifes business. It is since she tracks everyones absenteeism and he was using work load as an excuse.

The accounting manager said we were stressing his employee (the back up) out. When my wife asked about her stress through all of this he said it was of no concern to him. Nice guy. My wifes boss suggested another person but the accounting manager refused to allow that. The HR manager finally said that my wife could keep her June 1 date and the accounting manager said in an upset tone "we will have to suck it up."

We believe my wife was approached to change her date because she is a kind people person who usually will burden herself before others. She will make others happy before making herself happy and her standing her ground was probably not expected.

On the other hand, her back up is very out spoken and will step on who ever in order to get her way. Somehow she doesn't have to follow the rules of the organization, misses a lot of work and still gets good raises. We can figure it out either.

Bottom line, we are moving forward. I will be banded on May 11 and my wife will be banded June 1. We will go through this journey together, no matter how difficult.

Wow this is terrible - so glad she has got the time but what an employer. We all seem to have those that get away with everything and those that get away with nothing. I know that one. Thankfully I have a wonderful boss and no issues with time whenever needed. I have never missed a day in 3.5 yrs and only taken 2 weeks vacation total. In Ontario we have 10 or 12 "personal days" allowed by law for reasons that are no ones business. Could be a sick child, mental health day or whatever. You don't get paid but that's understandable. That doesn't mean you don't need to provide notice but sometimes you can't. There is nothing they can do about it. I hope she has some days to rest and heal also. Good luck to you! What's wrong with some people in the world today!

I love Diet Pepsi (will a straw) but have slowed off it and haven't had one in a week until my little cheat last night pre surgury. I don't think taking the fizz out will be enjoyable because that is half the addiction is the fizz. I will try to give it up but my belief is anything in moderation (hopefully)

I was banded on the 22nd also and am not feeling horrible. I haven't needed the pain meds they prescribed but I did have a question to put out there. I had a bad fall last year and injured my spine pretty bad and haven't been walking much over the last year (most of it was in a wheelchair or on a walker). I am finding that just walking 5 minutes outside every day is extremely painful to my back. Any suggestions?

Thanks...Katie

I agree totally with CARBGRL - the pool is the PERFECT place to exercise. Offers low resistance and you can work a particular excerise to what your ready for. Try it you'll love it! Don't hurt yourself - take it slow.

You can even do exercises sitting down in the pool to start or hanging off the side etc..

Well I was supposed to do pre op for 3-5 days before Monday surgury. I decided to start sooner so made it Tues - Friday night when I caved and ordered may all time favorite "large greek salad" and 1/2 Peanut Butter sandwich with a diet pepsi. I have Saturday, Sunday and some of Monday to get back so you think I've caused any issues? I can't wait to get this done - I was doing so well this week and bored at home watching tv so did my normal Friday night thing. I did however not order the garlic bread with cheese and bacon I usually do to go with it. I think I should be fine but sure felt guilty. Should have had the broth but considered it my last dinner )

You're right...I am an open book by nature. I'm very honest. I'm also very opinionated.

It's up to the individual to disclose how/why they've lost their weight. All I'm saying is that it's--in my opinion--socially and morally reprehensible to mislead people into thinking that the success you've had was not at all in part due to the fact that you were banded. If you say, "I eat right, I work out everyday," and don't mention the band, it sets false expectations. For example, I have a friend who's overweight, and we've bonded over our overeating and self-loathing...hell, we've made it an art form...how could I look her in the face and watch her struggle with her unsuccessful diets and have her see me and my success and let her believe that I lost my weight all alone? There's no way. I guess I'm just a different kind of person than others...and that's ok! To each his/her own, right?

You're right...I am an open book by nature. I'm very honest. I'm also very opinionated.

This is my problem! I tend to tell too much about myself for some reason. Also overly honest and opinionated. We are much alike.:rolleyes2:

I would think on an individual basis such as with a friend struggling with dieting it would be different to explain to them but everyone does not need to know. Like someone else mentioned earlier - you don't necessarily tell people if you have a hysterectomy or other "personal" surgury. The world can be a rough place when people don't understand.

Food intolerances are common with VSG, DS and RnY. Lactose intolerance is the most common. But once your stomach settles down, they tend to go away.

I couldn't drink milk for a while but I can now, for example.

Wow I didn't know this. I thought after surgury you drink Protein drinks which are dairy based? I guess yogurt will not be a soft food either. I need to find out what everyone is eating after surgury?? Any input for me?

Susan - that is terrible for you. I hope it all works out very soon.

I've noticed throughout my browsing the forums that a lot of people choose to keep the fact they have had or are planning to have surgery a secret. Why? I don't consider it shameful in the least bit, and I haven't kept it a secret from anyone. Granted, I haven't worn a nametag that says, "Hi, I'm Jessica! Ask me about my lap band!" but why such secrecy?

For me I have told my most of my family as they are always supportive although they also know I have done my research and comfortable in my decisions. No-one at work knows or others yet anyway. I get sleeved on April 27. My reasoning is the questions you get once you tell someone that doesn't understand as they have not researched it like we have had to. It's hard to explain to everyone how you know your doing the right thing, what it is your doing, what it will do for you and all the rest in a few brief sentences. It feels like your defending your decision because they don't understand which if they have not had to research they likely wouldn't. I may however explain after if I feel the need but It's not due to embarrassment it's due to others not understanding therefore easier to just say nothing. Besides like everyone knows it's not the easy way out so why shouldn't we take some credit ourselves for working it right. If we had done zero research and someone came up to us and said - you should have a sleeve done or get the band - and we knew nothing about it - what would our reaction be before any research on it - so that's where lots of others at at.

Teeny Tina

Don't listen to naysayers I know from experience once a cheater always a cheater. I was married to who I thought was my soul mate, on our 10th anniversay I got the shock of my life. I received a letter telling about an affair that he was having with my niece!! I took him back vowed to work on the marriage and then after 13 years of marriage he left me for someone he had been cheating with. This was over 10 years ago now but it still hurts. Iam now married to the best man in the world, we will Celebrate our 6th anniversary in July.

I love all of your before and after photos, good luck on the healing process.

Bernadette:rolleyes2:

My favorite saying is;

"If they'll do it with you they'll do it to you"

So anyone who thinks they ended up with a great person they got out of an affair is fooling themselves because it will come back to haunt you!

I agree - once a cheater always a cheater.

Too many fish in the sea to go throught at all over twice.

I know...I am blessed to have found this inner strength that I didn't realize that I had.

You know...after responding to that post, I thought about it some more...she actually said that people get this surgery to find someone...HELL NO!!! I got my PS as the end to one journey and beginning of another. I didn't do it for anyone but myself and I don't care if I do end up all alone...I would rather be alone than be someones doormat that they continue to hurt over and over again...sorry...just had to get that out there...lol

Well...gotta go fix dinner for me and the boys...thanks for the backup and thanks to everyone for being here for my through ALL of this...my life is completely different than it was one year ago...that's for sure!

HERE HERE! I second that! Single almost 5 yrs and other than an extra income and sex I do miss I wouldn't have it any other way. Relationships are so much work. Always making others happy instead of yourself. It's time to make ME time! You adjust to the other stuff. My kids are happier too because I am.

Hi. I am 24 and have considered WLS for a long time. I really feel it is the right thing for me and my parents agree. But... they want me to wait until it will be covered under insurance. That sounds great to me, but here's the thing- I was already denied by stupid Kaiser and I am planning to switch to blue cross /shield in October during open enrollment. But I have a feeling they will deny me too or say I have to be a member or a certain amount of time. Anybody have Blue Cross/Shield? What is their deal?

If Blue Shield doesn't work out, I want to self pay. I can afford it only if I go to Mexico. My parents are like nooooo way. They won't listen to me when I try to expain that there are good doctors, you just have to do your homework. I know that if I do go to Mexico, I will have no support and it will piss off my parents. My hubby will support me, but even he is iffy about it. I would love to have everything covered by insurance, but if it can't be, is it worth Mexico? Is it worth infuriating my mom and dad? Please- advice.

I think if you do your homework for awhile they understand more. I went through that too and my family is comfortable somewhat more now. I am also bringing my best friend with me for support which will be nice. Your hubby could go? Since you have a hubby - mom and dad shouldn't be the big concern of ticking them off. Your an adult and they will feel better if you show them all your research! Don't forget to do that. You will hear things good and bad but research a lot yourself! Talk to people personally etc. Good luck to you!

Now that I think about it more, bending would actually assist in getting rid of the CO2 gas post-op.

Ya that makes sense to me too. I will put it on my question list for the doc.

I have worked in Union and non-union environments. My experience in Union was ok and they were able to help sometimes with unfair practices and it kept me working when the bumping began etc. My problem was that so much money goes into meetings and management always challenges to see where the line is of when the union will intervene. The outspoken who defend the union - pres/vp etc need it because they are the one management isn't too fond of for their outspokeness. They likely would be out of a job for it otherwise. It did however protect some long time employees that were lazy as hell or call in sick all the time therefore time off with pay and a part-time coming in to fill the shift. This was the one that kept the part-timers working but the full timer was paid while off also causing lots of extra dollars spent on wages that caught up with them eventually with lay offs to the part-timers. This was a hospital setting.

One of the non-union I worked at was doing a job usually done by a man I guess?? but it was for a very large oil company and the management was the biggest problem. I would have my job along with about 4 other woman if it were not for the plant manager not being fond of woman in the workforce there. Union would have saved my job and some tactics of his would have sent him out the door which should have happened. Comments in meeting such as it being "that time of the month" for a girl or being told I drive too nice of a car - this man is sick.

I now work in a non-union environment which so far is fine. I run the office in a warehouse for frozen and deli foods. Because I have so much office experience however and run the show with all the loose ends ensuring all little things run smooth, all details are cared for I have been overlooked for 2 supervisory positions that men got and 2 lead hand positions the men got. I am alos the lowest paid and have more responsibilites than all except the manager. Don't get me wrong he appreciates my work and tells me all the time but that only goes so far. It pisses me off yet what can you do. I told him I was angry once and would apply for a forklift job or something with more pay and less responsibility as I felt it all unfair so I got my training and that'ss it so far. I love my job but just shows the unfairness that goes on. The boss also partakes in outside work activities with the supervisors (I would not want to). I just get so frustrated that I am so busy all day which is great for the day to pass by that I am in high speed all day and watch other drag their butts, read emails and play solitaire online and I have something I can't complete in my day and feel I have to defend myself for it. GRRRR thank you so much I needed this vent!

I know there is a post op lifting restriction but has anyone has a BENDING restriction? This could be interesting going back to work. I may have to tell the boss after all. I suppose I will just do my best at avoiding. Thankfully I have an admin job and don't have to too often like some others here in their jobs. Has anyone had problems with this? What will bending do?

I used the Patches for 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks following the surgery, on doctor's orders but had no intentions at the time of giving up long term. However, I discovered that the Patches had a double-whammy - they helped curb my appetite, even on the pre-op diet and it wasn't anywhere near as hard as I thought it was going to be.

I did slip back into smoking again but found I had cut down a lot (about half my previous amount) and when I met my non-smoking boyfriend six months ago, I decided to have another go at giving up. It seems all I needed was the right motivation, as it's been six months cigarette free now! YAY!

That is so great you have quit. I think I have been smoking more just thinking about quiting. I wasn't going to try patch on until heading out for surgury but I think I will get on that tomorrow morning to start my work day and see how it goes through the week for me. I leave Sunday night / early Monday morning next weekend. Thanks and congrats to you!

My mother and I are both being banded together at the end of the month. I still live at home with her so it makes things easier. We have been each others support through this ghastly pre-op diet, gone to all appointments together etc. The problem is that I don't want to tell people about the operation. I think its deeply personal and don't want to deal with judgement, ogling, questions and expectations from people. I can think of nothing worse. But her? She can't help herself! She is telling anyone and everyone about herself even though I've asked her not to because people will obviously realize I would have had it with her once the results are starting to show which will make me look like a liar and make it even MORE awkward for me. She's told people from MY work about her, she's told the entire extended family (This is how she announced it in front of everyone... "This is my last meal before I start my pre-op diet! [looks at me] Can i tell them about you?"... UH I think they figured it out already somehow!) Do you think I'm being unreasonable here to ask her to just NOT tell? Is it going to kill her to zip it!

OMG I agree with the others you made me laugh so hard I had to read your post :tt1:

My best friend is flying to Mexico with me and telling everyone she is going to Mexico and why. Then I meet one yesterday and have to explain it all which I don't want to. I nicely asked her to not mention what it's all about for now if she doesn't mind because I end up feeling I have to defend myself and get into a big explanation of what I am doing. I have not told anyone at work and plan to keep it that for now anyway. Nothing to be ashamed of but just don't feel like getting into the explanation of it all.

Your mom may need to tell people for support etc. but she should definately respect that you don't want to right now. Maybe you can convince her you both want to surprise people and tell them later when your ready individually.

Good luck with it all and thank you for making me laugh out loud! :smile2:

I don't know a lot about Ponce de leon but I do know about Verboonan. I can't say I would go to him for a sleeve. Maybe a band but not a sleeve. There was a lady about a year ago that contacted me and she was a revision from band to sleeve. She wasn't really happy with him for her band but I'm not sure that was his fault, the band is hard, period. Slips are not really the fault of the doctor 4 years down the road. One of her concerns is that when she went to him for her band the day she was discharged the nurse came in to clean her room as they had a patient waiting for that room. She didn't change the sheets, she just made up the bed for the next patient as this lady packed her suitcase.

She ended up going back to him because he was giving her a $$ break on the revision since she already had surgery by him once. She didn't feel right about it and was concerned but felt she had no choice. Take a chance with Dr. V. or not have surgery at all.

She ended up with leaks all the way around the staple line. Not a single leak from a single place but leaks all the way around her staple line. She had to be transported to a Tijuana hospital where she spent the next three weeks. I never understood the reasoning behind this but as an emergency repair they had to do MGB. Then she came home and that is when she called me and she told me what happened. She couldn't talk long because she was too weak. She was later admitted to a hospital in the states for more problems because of the MGB and I talked to her then. She was supposed to call me when she got home. When she didn't I called her. The phone was disconnected, her email account was closed and I had no way to follow up with her.

Honestly, I have no idea if she is alive, if she moved... not a clue.

Sleeves are nothing to mess with. If you don't go to someone uber experienced you pay the price in the end. The only people I personally, would go to is Aceves, Rumbaut, or Zapata. They have a lot of experience in staple lines, they have excellent reputations, their patients aren't complaining like some that they can eat large quantities of solid Protein at 3 weeks post op, they don't have a gazillion leaks, they work out of hospitals instead of clinics, they are in safe locations, they have good stats, etc.

If your sleeve is made too large you are talking a revision surgery. If there is enough stomach to work with they can shave off a bit more but risks increase for leaks and bleeding, etc. THAT is expensive. Ask the people here who are revisions. Revision surgery is more than the original surgery. Usually they have to revise to bypass or DS if you want to lose weight and your sleeve is too large.

I don't want malabsorption and if for any reason I would have had a botched sleeve I think I would have just left well enough alone. I don't want RNY or DS. But, I didn't worry about it because I went to a good surgeon.

Ok so I'm sure this will go over like a lead balloon with you but I want to set the record straight. I have been doing research on info from the boards for awhile now and have spoke to 10 VSG patients of Dr.V recently as well as the person you are referring to. She says a few things to quote her;

Yes, I did have some serious complications with the VSG surgery.....it was an unfortunate situation but you need to know that Dr. V and Dr. Ponce took extraordinary care of me while I was having these complications and did not charge me a dime post surgery.

They fixed me and I have maintained my normal body weight for 1.5 years....

In January I went back to Tijuana from *** just to see Dr. V, Dr. Ponce and all of the staff. I have deep feelings for these Dr.s and their staff. I received incredible care during my stay at their hospital......His staff and the nurses at the hospital where he operates were were wonderful....the care that I received was like nothing that would EVER happen in the US.........they were so wonderful that I went back a year later just to spend time with them.... They cared for me, met my EVERY need until I was strong enough to go back to **. They took care of every minute detail of my recovery and my trip home......they followed up with me weekly or more often for a year....They never abandoned me.....They had an interpreter stay with me 24/7.

I have asthma and when I was having problems with breathing they brought in the most incredible Respiratory therapist to treat me. I received respiratory treatment that I did not know existed and I worked in health care for 20 years.... They brought in specialists who were incredible and worked as a team to make sure they didn't miss anything........My challenge to you would be to find medical care like that in the US.

I spoke to only one person about my surgery and the complications. And that was a year and a half ago......I did not post anything about my experience on the boards. NOTHING...........So it disturbs me that this person whom I have never met and had limited conversation with would distort and bash my Dr's and their staff...... Given she had zero details. This is a situation that I have no control over. I can't fix her damage. But I can tell you that Dr. V and Dr. Ponce are dedicated to their patients and stay with them during this journey.

I did not respond back to this person because she seemed to be a person that exaggerates.

Yes she did try to contact by e-mail and phone but I did not respond because I didn't want to deal with her drama...... I also know that she promotes this Dr. In Mexico...

That she is saying these terrible things horrifies me....I am alive and well.

You will be in good hands with Dr. V and Dr. Ponce.

I truly hope you do not delete this post or me.

Just thought you'd like to know she is alive and well as you said you didn't know.

Have faith, probably at the end of the month the sleeve surgery is going to be approved by the american society of bariatric surgery. it's around the corner. I don't want to deal with problems from the surgery, already is risky.

I am surprised the Sleeve is not covered because it is in Ontario Canada if you qualify and Canada is generally last at accepting things like that. However there is a wait list to even see doc for a year they told me and I don't qualify with BMI 36 - must be 40+ unless co-morb's which I don't have. They don't however cover the Lap Band - I kinda see why since there is so much aftercare in some and that would get costly for them rather than a one time thing.

Good Luck to you:smile2:

Have you considered going through OHIP to get your VSG as they now cover it at specified doctors? Many people who get the sleeve use it as a first step in later getting the full DS (duodenal switch) as the sleeve will stretch out after so long which may result in not reaching your goal weight or result in some regain.

I am actually heading heading to MX for VSG on 27th.

I don't qualify here with BMI of aprox. 36 ..

I don't want to gain weight for it and have no co-morbities (YET)

They are about 1 yr to get an appointment to even see them. I don't have that kind of patience so I guess I dole out the cash.:rolleyes2:

Anyway really excited ..

What is the Duo - Switch ? The sleeve isn't supposed to stetch much at all.

Of course you have to learn to exercise and eat good in the mean while. I do eat well just too darn much!