Malaika

Dr. Aceves doesn't use a catheter. I didn't wear panties to the OR and most of the time I was in the hospital because of the drain bag and them constantly emptying it -- I wore the hospital gown most of the time to prevent any damage to any of my jammies and underwear. Once they removed the drain, then I wore my own clothes. As for scheduling your surgery during your cycle, they aren't operating on that area, so other than just being uncomfortable from the surgery and being on your period, there's no reason you can't have your surgery during that time of the month.

Personally, I would be more concerned about ruining your panties after the surgery and from the "peacock poops" - that blue dye RUINS anything it happens to touch -- take advantage of the hospital gowns until that danger has passed!:blushing:

DeeDee - welcome to VST and congrats on making the decision for the sleeve. Hope your blood work comes back good and you're able to move forward with your surgery. If not, don't rush it - be sure all your labs are good before undergoing surgery. Keep us posted on your progress.

why are you wanting popsicles high in carbs? or did I misread the statement? (I tend to do that!)

The crystal light popsicles are wonderful and they are sugar free and low in calories - 15 calories and only 4 gms of carbs and 0 fats. They're $2.38 at Wal-Mart.

Can anyone tell me how to deactivate my account and remove all my postings along with pictures?

I dont see that option anywhere? Am I missing it?:confused

If you're truly serious about wanting to deactive your account and remove all postings; photos, I can do that for you. However, I wish you would reconsider as your posts may be helpful to others on this board and those who may join. Please give it some thought and send me a PM with your decision. We hate to see you leave us permanently.:001_smile:

Research shows that you should wait 1 year after reaching goal to have a Tummy Tuck inasmuch as your skin needs that long to shrink back as much as it is going to. I don't know that I can wait a year after reaching goal - 30 lbs. away - so I am going to make an appt. to see my plastic surgery and see what he recommends. I will let you know once I've gotten in to see him.

How has this worked for some of you? Were you actually ready to go back this soon? When did you noticed you were ready to do more and more daily activities?

I went back to work in one week - I was tired by the end of the day; however, it wasn't a big deal to go back to work - I was out grocery shopping the day after coming home from Mexicali - so 4 days after surgery - and although I tired easily, that was the only physical issue - no pain, no trouble walking, etc. Many were ready to go back to work sooner -- I can't imagine how bored I would have been being off work for 2 weeks!

Awww...Thanks Vegas Angel. (If I Knew how to insert a smiley face, I would put that here.)

I know he doesn't cut you open. (I guess I did say that in poor taste. Sorry! I have a sense of humor that doesn't come across well in writing.) Yes, laparascopically. I've had my gall bladder out laparascopically. I don't remember the pain being that bad but I sure was nauseous and heaving over the side of the bed. I think they only kept me in the hospital 18 hours! I'll have to probably ask for that nausea medicine. I had a c-section and I was sore for a while and had severe swelling of the legs and feet but don't remember needing lots of pain meds. Also had my tonsils out and that was the worst pain for two weeks straight with no easing up! Finished all the pain meds and asked for more! I've never done that before. So, I am prepared for the pains/nuances of surgery.

Vegas, I want to know how long did you have to have those warm liquids? I handle foods fine, now. I still have some spasming if I drink something really cold and don't remember to sip it -- I sure do miss gulping down a bottle of water!!! Also, keep in mind I was in the 1% that have problems from a hiatal hernia repair, so chances are if you have a repair, you won't have the problems I had. I read some old posts about you having some spasms where the hernia was repaired? How are you handling foods now? Did you go to Mexicali with Bearded Italian or alone? Bearded made the trip with me for my surgery and one month later when he decided to have the surgery as well, I made the trip with him. We drove both times, so it was nice to have the company.

I've seen some posts about catheters. Will this be removed BEFORE I wake up from surgery or AFTER?

Dr. Aceves does not use a catheter so no worries!!

Thanks!

Thanks!

They are very good about giving you medication if you feel sick - I had one episode and that was all thank goodness. Bearded was sick most of the time - they gave him medication as needed. Also, if you have pain, they will give you something for that - and if you have trouble sleeping, you can get something for that as well. Just don't hesitate to ask for what you need - they are not mind readers. My pain was the worst the 2nd day and after that, recovery was easy. The only incision that hurt was the one where the drain bag was - it was tender for about a week or so; but nothing unbearable at all. I am sure a C-section is so much worse than this surgery/recovery.

Change,

Thanks for asking this question! I will be going to see Dr. Aceves on April 10th!

Also Nina is great, she will answer any question, no matter how idiotic!

Vegas,

Was Water avalible in bottles? That is my one concern. Also did you bring your Protein drink with you to drink, or can you wait until you get home?

Yes Water was available in bottles - that is how all my and Bearded's water was presented to us -- unless it was hot tea. I did not bring any Protein packets with me to the hospital; I waited to start that when I got home; although I should have brought a few to drink on the way home (we drove).

Wow, thanks for your responses. Just a couple of questions.

When do you make the payment. One big concern my lawyer had here was that I had to make the full payment 10 days prior to surgery. He didn't like that. How soon before surgery do you make the payment? $500 deposit, then you pay the balance the day of your pre-op tests, which is the day before your surgery.

How long is the ride from the airport to the hospital? I'm not sure, as the first time we drove into Calexico and Ernesto picked us up there and the second time we drove into Mexicali.

How far away is the hotel from the hospital? Maybe 5-10 minutes - Ernesto takes you there and picks you up the following morning. It is a gorgeous Resort - if you get the chance, walk around and explore the grounds.

Will my husband be extremely bored if he comes along and just stays at the hosptial with me, or should he stay at the hotel? He can stay at the hospital for free; the hotel will cost you $$. He could bring books to read, cards to play, dvds to watch if you're bringing a laptop. He could take a cab to the mall.

What is there to do around the hospital if my husband comes along?

See above

How many days total was your trip. Is it 3 nights in the hospital, and one night at the hotel? Or 3 days in the hosptial and 1 night at the hotel?

You spend the first night after your pre-op tests at the Resort, then the next 3 nights at the hospital.

What time did your flight leave? Does everyone leave around 7am from the hospital after the surgery?

The day you are discharged you do leave about 7 am - Ernesto is there to pick you up and take you back to San Diego - have your passports handy as he will need the at the border.

Okay, well that was more then a few! :001_smile: Thanks!

Hopefully this answers your questions, if not, ask more - we're all happy to respond.

Wannalise, how do you know if you have a hurnia? Did you know prior to surgery or is that something Dr. Aceves found once he cut you open? I hear that he fixes quite a few of them. Thank you for your support!

I had a hernia and didn't know it - Dr. Aceves discovered it and fixed it.

Please be aware that he DOESN'T "cut you open" - you have 5 small incisions -- it is done laproscopicly - you are not cut open!

I would be happy to talk to your family about my experience with Dr. Aceves ...stick to your guns -- you'll prove them all wrong in the end!

Hello,

Some of you may remember me. I was going to have surgery on April 15th with a surgeon here in Green Bay WI and pay nearly $22,000 total for the surgery.

I have since cancelled my surgery and am going to be starting to work with a personal trainer over the next couple of months. My plan is still to have the surgery in the near future. (Hopefully by this summer.)

I am now very interested in Dr. Aceves in Mexico. If you used him, could you please tell me how everything went with him from start to finish. I have put a request in for more information with his website.

My husband is concerned about Mexico, but I think he is getting more comfortable with the idea because of the experience Dr. Aceves has.

Let me just say this. I planned a trip to Jamaica for our 5th wedding anniversary and it took me 6 months to plan it! I had to find the perfect hotel and I did! I always do my research. I'm just not finding much information on his website about how the trip actually works.

Do I pay for the airfare for two people? Then is everything else covered in his costs?

I know many of you probably had the same type of experience, but I would like to hear it from different people.

What time did you fly in? Were you picked up? Taken to a hotel, or directly to his office, etc.....

Thanks in advance. This is a big change from going to my local surgeon who was only 15 minutes away, but did only 10 sleeves with 1 leak!

Kara:thumbup1:

Hi Kara -

Here's how it works:

You pay your airfare for 2 to San Diego. Ernesto (Dr. Aceves' driver) picks you up at the airport, drives you to the hospital where you meet Lucy and/or Yolanda and they make sure all your pre-op tests are done (blood, urine, EKG and chest xrays). Then you meet with Dr. Aceves and his anesthesiologist. Then Ernesto takes you back to the Resort - it's GORGEOUS - and there are several restaurants where you can have your "last meal" The next morning at 7 am Ernesto picks you up and takes you back to the hospital. You and your companion are shown to your room and you are told the order you are in for surgery. After that, Dr. Aceves meets with you again, as does the anesthesiologist and an internist. When it's time for you to go to surgery you are taken to the OR. Following your surgery, Dr. Aceves performs the first leak test while still in the OR. Your companion waits in your room and when you are in recovery, Dr. Aceves will call your room, or come to your room and let your companion know how it all went. After an hour or two in recovery you are taken back to your room. The next morning you are given some apple juice which has been tinted blue with vegetable coloring to sip on -- if you have a leak, the blue will come out in your drain bag ... that is what I am told. If you get that down and no leaks, then you get chicken broth, some orange drink and hot tea and Water. The next day you go to the same room where you had your chest x-ray and you drink a liquid and they take pictures -- you can see your new tummy and the path the liquid takes -- if there are any leaks, they will show up in this test.

During the time you are in the hospital, Drs. Aceves and Campos visit you at least 3x a day, as do others on his staff. They are all wonderful and you will be taken care of better than you ever have.

As for traveling to Mexico - I totally understand your husband's concern; however, I would not be concerned with traveling to Mexicali at all. It is not a "tourist" town like Tijuana, Acapulco, etc. and I do not believe you would have any problems whatsoever while you were there --besides, you are escorted by Dr. Aceves' staff the entire time.

There was alot going on when I had my surgery -drug wars, etc. PLUS the swine flu epidemic and I did not feel in harms way the entire time I was in Mexicali. I went back in July when my fiance had his surgery - we drove into Mexicali - and one day while he was in the hospital, I drove to a local mall. Everyone was extremely nice. I saw nothing to cause me concern or fear for my safety in any way.

I think that cover it all -- if not, someone will pipe in I'm sure ... or ask away...

Congrats! We'll see you on the losing side.

I too am another satisifed patient of Dr. Aceves. I had my surgery the same time as CYates. My fiance, Beardeditalian had his one month after me, he was so impressed with Dr. Aceves, his staff and the care and testing I received. We would go back to him in a heartbeat - in fact, I may have to have my gallbladder out and have tossed the idea around of having Dr. Aceves do it ... only thing is, my insurance will cover it here in the US so it wouldn't be cost effective to travel to Mexicali; however, if that weren't the issue, I'd go to Dr. Aceves without hestitation - I know I won't get the same great care here in the US as I got in Mexico. I have worked in a law firm doing med mal insurance - both defense and plaintiff and I see all the things that can go wrong, along with the carelessness and lack of caring of the hospital staff.

Dr. Campos is Dr. Aceves assistant surgeon - he is in surgery with Dr. Aceves. Also, Ernesto, the driver who picks you up in San Diego or Calexico also had the surgery performed by Dr. Aceves. You couldn't be in better hands than with Dr. Aceves and his staff - they are top-notched and always there for you.

I did not have one at 3 months; however, I did have one at 1 month because I was having trouble. I did have full blood work done at 3 months and everything came back great.

I had a bullet and returned it as I didn't have room to store all the pieces it came with. I purchased the Ninja at Sam's Club. It came with 3 smaller bowls and 1 large "pitcher" and each have lids for storage. I used it last night for the first time to crush ice -- it was FANTASTIC. I even made my own "snow-cone" - blended the ice to a "snowy" consistency and added a bit of SF Syrup. It was yummy.

I'd vote NINJA!

I'd say don't rush it. Ask him his intentions - you are in TOTAL control of your life - so if he's not going to be able to give you what you need, quit wasting your life on him and move along to someone who can and wants to give you what you need. Life is too short to be unhappy.

hi all, i am 7 days out from my sleeve how longs does this soreness in my upper abdomen last for? i'm okay most of the day but in the evenings its uncomfortable. and how would i know if i had a leak? i'm really scared about that part. i am a vice principal of an elementary school and i go back to work tomorrow...is is too soon? what should i really be careful about?

Welcome to VST and congratulations on your surgery. You should be fine to go back to work after 7 days - I had my surgery on a Friday and was back at work the following Friday - could have gone back sooner. You will be tired by the end of the day, trust me. Just be sure to get in your fluids and your Protein.< /strong>