Keys Pirate

Thanks Guys. I'll pass on these guys names to my friend. I remember just a day or two ago a woman named Krystal here on the board had been given a name of a doc that charged around $10k... Anyone recall that and who he was? Thaank again... only 5 days to go for me... eeek!!!

Hey Gang,

I'm already set with Aceves - next Monday!!! - but I have an interested friend that may be looking for VSG in the U.S. and in the Dallas area. I know I've seen a couple of names that keep coming up... what were they? Would you recommend them? Thanks!

p.s. already lost 3 pounds in 1.5 days pre-op diet!!! Woohoo!

Research, research, and research some more. I did a lot of geeky research on gastrectomies for cancer and ulcer patients considering those surgeries have been performed for decades upon decades. There are long term results published for the VSG, I can give you some links if you would like.

Tiff, I would LOVE to see those long term VSG links! Thanks!!

"I started my liquid diet on 12/4/09 at a weight of 434 lbs and today - my surgery weight - is 379.4."

~Boy do I feel like a heel even THINKING about complaining about a pre-op diet!!!! I am truly impressed and proud of you! Good luck and I can't wait to hear how it goes!!!

You guys are AWESOME! You all made me laugh and cry at your responses. You also gave me great foresight as to dealing with head hunger vs. real hunger. I know it's been a topic but you all really got me thinking about it - the good and the bad - knowing full well that I'm up for a battle but that it will get better. Patience has never been one of my strong points so I guess this will be good practice for me in more ways than one...!

I'm still concerned about potential complications. Any of you have anything happen that required a doctor's visit after surgery in Mexico? Tiff, I know you had a rough time at the beginning but were operated on in the U.S. to begin with. I'm sure you were glad you went that route at the time! How do you get care here if it becomes necessary - just head to the ER and let them figure it out? I pray that it doesn't come to that but I promised my husband and a very good doctor friend that I would try and find out more. I also have a local family practitioner that I should talk to but I'm scared he's going to make me feel bad. I would rather tell him afterwards but that's probably not smart...

I did choose Aceves because of his sterling reputation and the fact that he works from a hospital. I think he's worth the extra couple of grand. No matter how hard I look, I can't find ANY dirt on him anywhere!

Is anyone getting therapy or just dealing on your own? Maybe you had therapy for awhile at the beginning? Love to hear your thoughts there too.

Anyway, you guys are the best; Tiff I was so proud of you getting the last laugh on Thanksgiving! These are the scenarios that worry me, however. That said, having been on a million diets in the past, it shouldn't be a big deal. Bonus; Tday is a long way from next Monday!!

Stacy - yes, I do live in the Keys. Love it down here. Where are you having your surgery on the 25th??

Chancie, what a story and what incredible weight loss! Thanks for being there for me. All of you!

thinoneday - thank you - demons indeed...

Have a great week everyone and thanks again.

Carol

Hey All,

Set for surgery on the 25th and had my last gluttony session tonight before I start my pre-op tomorrow. We went to Outback had the dark bread they give you, fried mushrooms with dipping sauces, two margaritas, Alice Springs/Ribs combo with french fries and a side of broccoli. Then, we had a huge piece of hummingbird cake for dessert. Good God. And, the worst part is, besides the dessert, that's about what we usually eat... :smile: On one had, I'll be so glad that I just plain CAN'T eat like that anymore but, dammit, I really enjoy everything about food; buying it, cooking it, serving it or having it served, eating tons of it and then looking forward to the left overs the next day. Will my entire mind set really change? I sure hope so but it's awfully hard to fathom at this stage in the game. I hope I'm not going to go nuts not being able to eat. Has this happened to any of you? How do you know you are ready to kick the eating habit besides the obvious benefit of losing weight and becoming healthy?

That is one fear, the other is; I am scared to death about messing with my otherwise excellent health. That is an oxymoron, I know, as it's only a matter of time before the weight starts to kill me. I'm 42 and have been all over the scale all my life. I've lost hundreds of pounds over the years. And re-gained them all. I'm doing this in Mexico and have truly stuck my head in the sand about complications. I have decided that I am just not allowed to have complications. But what if I do? Where do I go? Who do I see for not so complicated complications...?

My apologies for the rambling but it feels good to share. I know I'm going to be truly sh**ting myself here in a few days... You post-sleevers are so stong, how did you not turn and run the day-of?

Carol

Ok Lurkers, who else is going to be there for the belly bashing session on the 25th?? I know there was a gentleman from Arkansas... Gary, was it? You still in, buddy? Who else? Can't stinking wait!!! Four more days (not counting today!) before pre-op diet starts on the 18th! It amazes me, btw, how different the pre-op diets are; Aceves requires an Atkins type pre-op diet - I can SO do that! Anyone else out there? Cheers,

Carol

Hey Gang!

Count me in for the 25th with Dr. Aceves!! I can't waittttt!!!! I wish I would have booked sooner. I know there is a man named Gary (I think) scheduled for the same day as me also. It sure is nice knowing you all are out there - Tiffy - you're an angel, congrats on your journey and thanks for all you've done for all of us - even those of us that haven't even been operated on yet!

Hey All,

Just wondering what the consensus is on boughie size? Is 36 too big? That is what my doc wants to use but it seems the standard is 32 to 34... thoughts? What size were you measured with? Thanks!

Carol

Hey Gary! I wonder if they will knock us out and sleeve us at the same time?!!!! LOL! I am IN for the 25th too with Dr. Aceves. Just got off the phone with Monica tying up more loose nerves, er, ends! See ya there!

Carol

Thanks you all for the support and comments; Tracy you almost brought tears to my eyes thinking about being down 40-60 by June! The reality is really starting to hit hard and in a good way. Unfortunately I have to wear (hot!) uniforms where I work so shedding clothing is not an option. lol! I like the thought, however! Getting rid of my built in thermal insulation will certainly help too, I just know how much we harp on our guests to stay hydrated and most of them are not in "our" situation. Thanks again guys, I am so happy to have this board as part of my support system both giving and receiving. :biggrin0:

C

Hi Folks,

Hope everyone had a good holiday. I am scheduled for VSG next month :thumbup: and I am a little concerned about my lifestyle afterwards. I work as a diving/sailing Captain in Florida and it gets hotter than hell down here in the summer. Presently, I carry around a gallon of Crystal Light tea with me and usually drink most or all of it in 24 hours; about half that this time of year. I'm concerned with the Fluid intake restriction that I'm going to be constantly battling dehyration in the summer both while working and exercising outside. I'm pretty much dripping wet with perspiration June through the end of October. Anyone in a similar situation? How do you deal?

Thanks!

Ok so I've got a tentative date towards the end of January to be sleeved. :thumbup1: But I'm finding myself on a fence between these two surgeons. They both seem equally wonderful although Aceves might edge out Rodriguez just a bit. Price-wise (I know, I know but it is an issue) Dr. Rod is $2k less expensive right now plus he's coming to Tijuana (INT Hospital). A good thing as Juarez would be more convenient but no way right now with the state of things there as they are now.

Any thoughts on these guys?

Scared, delighted, terrified, thrilled in Florida...!

Hello All,

A newbie here, scheduled for surgery on Jan 25. Can't wait.

I have a question for the group, however, and I'm not finding answers anywhere. I will be self paying in Mexico and financing most of the procedure with Med Choice. Apparently MedChoice charges the surgeon a commission of 6%. My surgeon is passing that on to me. Anyone heard of this? Is this common practice? Sounds a little slippery to me not to mention a chunk of dinero!

Love to hear your thoughts.

Carol