Mountaingal

I had gastric plication, the same type fold your stomach surgery 7 yrs ago. At that time it was done laproscopically. I have maintained my weight loss till fairly recently. I have gained 8-10 pounds but I can't blame the surgery. I have been grazing due to the difficulties of life including a husband with dementia. I am taking back control and losing those pounds . Gaining weight won't solve the things that are making me want to nibble. This has been avery good choice for me.

Very good to see this procedure up and running. I was very interested in it several yrs ago but could not find it being done anywhere so I ended up getting a plication done which I am not unhappy with. Your post was incredibly informative and it looks as if you are getting a wonderful amount of support. I think nausea is part and parcel of any procedure involving the stomach but I am glad it did not last too . PLease keep us updated on your progress.

Wonderful article. A reminder of things I try very hard to do. Losing weight was my self care after for years of intense caring for a post stroke husband. Even he is thrilled with my doing this for me. I also take 1/2 minimum before he gets up every morning for me and bath time is all but sacred.

Wonderful post. We could all use those reminders and that encouragement. Thank you.

Very good post with lots of salient points that we all need to think about regularly.

CKnorte glad to read your post and know the energy does comes back. I was wondering about that since whenever I go extra low cal I have NO energy despite extra vitamins and supplements. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Hi JW, Thanks for asking about my story. Like you I am not very high BMI compared to some others but I am tired of dragging around that "bag of dog food" (as I think of it) every day. I have fought the battle for 30 yrs and as I get older It is winning. I know my knees would feel better and it would be so much better for my health to weigh less. I am trying to make the decision to do what is best for me regardless of what others might think or say, or the cost involved. I researched lap band and decided for several reasons it wasn't right for me. Like you I am 6 hrs from Dr Watkins. Did you drive up for your consultation? Feel free to pm me if you want to chat.

Hey JoanieW how did it go? Were you already on a liquid diet when you went up for the appt yesterday? How long from first contact with Dr Watkins to surgery date? Hope the trip and everything else went well for you. Keep us informed please.

CKNorte..how long were you in the hospital and in Mexico? Thanks...also thanks Mila for the info you posted.

Does anyone know anymore details about this surgery? Do you have to go and see Dr Cottam ahead of the surgery or can you go have an appt with him, all the tests and get the surgery at the same time.Is this outpatient surgery? Just wondering how many trips might be needed. Thanks

Smile4532 No I never found a Dr in SWVA. The closest ones I found were in Frederick MD or down in NC. This played a big part in my not having surgery. Between the travel for follow up and the costs I decided it wasn't a good solution for me. I am seriously now considering plication as a better tool for me.

Good luck band75. Let us know you you did.

Livinwithfaith/KY do you have access to a pool? I also have fibromyalgia and exercising is therefore a big problem. I have been doing water aerobics in our community pool this summer and find that helps. The water does need to be fairly warm so you don't cease up after a few mins though.Good luck keepin on keepin on.

Thanks to all of you who said Dr Aceves does older folks. Maybe I reversed the #'s in my mind! After my next dr's visit I will make some calls around to see if anyone locally would do fills. I know there are 2 fill centers in northern NC and a Dr in Frederick Md I could go to. However, all those options are between 4 1/2 and 5 hrs each way from my home. Thanks everyone, you are all so encouraging.

I am too far away to consider going back to Mexico for fills or even a post surgical check up.. I live in SW VA and am 5 hrs from any major airport.My complication thoughts, in truth, were ones years down the road, not soon after surgery. Seems as if when there is a rare complication I always seem to get it. I also have a lot of autoimmune issues so I am a little leery. I read, I think on his site that Dr Aceves only does people 56 or younger. Anyone know about that and if it is so?

So what did you end up doing about follow up care and fills? I am thinking of going to Mexico and these (+complications down the road) are my concerns.

Has anyone heard anything mentioned anywhere in the new health care proposals about WLS? I am wondering if I self pay for the banding if there is any possibility in sight that help might be available to pay for aftercare (fills) including any complications. Thanks for your input!

At one time I had success with Sam-e. You just have to buy a decent brand (ebay). My body got used to it over the years and it no longer works but it did for quite some time. Antidepressants can help with the pain and also with letting you get some better sleep.

I found Lyrica worked very well for me except that it made me very hungry. Perhaps after banding I will try it again.

I asked this same question here a few weeks ago. Hope you get replies as it would interest me. We have a friend who lives in Costa Rica and he praises their medical care constantly.

Hi Christiep77, I've heard great things about your Dr. and the support groups in the area. I'm about an hour from you but if I get this done I'll have to go to Mexico..self pay. My Dr isn't keen on that option so I'm taking it one step at a time. He did say he'd look into follow up care for me as that is his greatest concern with out of country surgery.

Haven't heard anything about Costa Rica. My husband has a friend there and respects their medical system and thought we should try and find out about it since they do medical tourism.

My place is like a restaurant as well. Hubby is very picky about what he eats and most of it plain unhealthy high calorie, high fat stuff. Makes life very hard. I hope your husband will learn about this option, go to the drs etc with you and support you. If not then do it for yourself and your girls and maybe he'll get on board as he sees your success and your complaints about pain lessen. Liz

Great question that I would like some help with as well!

How long did it take you all to arrange your surgery with Dr G after your first contact? Trying to give some thought to timing etc. Do you have to go to Mexico for a presurgical consult or is the trip for surgery the only one you make? How long did you all stay in Mexico? Thanks.