sundy65

I remember having a HARD time with the first bowl movement after surgery, too. I took stool softeners and that helped. After that, a lot easier and no issues. Maybe TMI but..... my bm changed to this soft, smelly, sludge that even I couldn't stand. Keep the vent ON. LOL

Glad to read that I'm not alone in this. I had my GB in 2017 and got down to 150lbs and was maintaining. These last 6 months the hotflashes started/intensified and the weight gain spiraled so fast I thought my scale was broken. I'm up to 185lbs and am SO unhappy. I'm beating myself up mentally every day. That old "overweight" feeling in clothes, in the mirror and even the thighs rubbing just brings me down. I hate this. Gotta figure out how to turn this around.

Hello crystal556655, at 5'6 and 230 lbs, I went to Mexico and had the revisional Gastric Bypass (a revision from Vertical Sleeve done in 2011 by another Dr.) surgery with Dr. Zavalza Oct 13, 2017 at Florence Hospital. On that Friday morning, I flew in/traveled alone by choice - was TERRIFIED and said a lot of prayers but it was a great experience. The driver that picked me up was very nice and calming. No issues, no problems, the hospital staff was very nice (despite the language barrier), everything flowed as easy as could be and I don't regret a THING! Just wish I had done it sooner. The hotel was nice and they gave me plenty of broth Soup - which I did not even want. I flew back home that Tuesday with x-rays, paperwork and a post op diet guide and am VERY happy with my steady weight loss. Takes time to realize you can't eat as much as you used to but other than that, I don't do anything differently and continue to lose. I highly recommend Dr. Zavalza and his staff. Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way. I know what you are going through - believe me.

Thanks for your reply I have made my choice I am going with Dr. Kelly as well....I may even be going alone

You will see - you will be taken care of from the moment you get off the plane (if you are flying to San Diego as I did) until the minute you are taken back to the airport. I was so scared but it was not even necessary. I was fine. Was up walking as soon as I was fully awake because that's ALL I could think - I GOTTA WALK! GAS WILL NOT GET ME - I GOTTA WALK! lol My stomach was sore but other than that - I didn't even feel like I HAD surgery. I hope your time there will be as great as mine. Tell Trish Shevy said HI!!!!

I just received an email from Trish for Dr. Ramos and his priced increased again and it is $5700 she said it includes the upgraded hotel. Do you ladies think this is too much..I am paying out of pocket.

I went with Dr. Kelly and Trish in August. I paid $100 less. I say GO FOR IT!!!! I am so happy I went there and had him and Trish to take care of me. I went alone and I have NO REGRETS. I think they price goes up even more later so do everything but SIN to get your money!!! This surgery is so worth it. I had no complications and I know there are some who didn't have it so easy but I'm here to tell you - I sailed right thru it ALL. Even my scars are healing nicely. I was concerned about that but no problems and they are not going to be all that noticeable from what I can see. I'm here for you if you have any questions.

I am having my sleeve with Dr. Kelly on October 31st. My brother was suppose to come with me, but he flaked on me and there is no one else that can go. I don't want to cancel it because I really need this surgery, but I don't want to go by myself. If there is anyone out there that went to Mexico alone, please tell me about your experience and what I need to do to prepare. Also, if there is anyone going to Dr. Kelly at the end of October let me know and we could be a support for each other. Thanks.

It's been one week that I've been home from my surgery experience with Dr. Kelly. Mine was August 19th and to be honest - you have nothing to be worried about. Going alone was freaking me out. I barely remember the 4 hr plane ride to San Diego but now I see I was wearing myself out all for nothing. Your driver will confirm your time you will get to airport and he will be out front waiting for you. You get driven across the border (no issues there - guess they don't care much about who goes INTO Mexico) and on a short ride to the hospital. The roads in mexico are TERRIBLE. Bumpy and dirty but people are whizzing around like ants on an ant hill and I didn't see ONE accident (don't know HOW cuz it would've been like bumper cars here in the states. You are never in any danger. You spend the first 2 nights after surgery there in the hospital and even the first night if you come the day before. The nurses are very nice and come in a flash when you need something or your IV is beeping (that happened to me a lot). Even Dr. Kelly comes in to check in on you. I came in for same day surgery so I was in the hospital and on to the initial tests as soon as I got there. After your hospital stay and drain removal (which I didn't feel being removed at all), it's on to the leak test at another hospital (you're driven again) and if all is well, off for 2 nights stay at the fence surrounded hotel. Very nice place and a room/balcony with a view. I was facing the noisy traffic side of the hotel which didn't bother me at all. It was fun looking off the balcony at all the hustle and bustle going on down on the streets. There are american television stations and you should be very comfortable - I was. The weather is so comfortable I walked around out by the pool and even around the whole hotel just to make sure that gas threat didn't sneak up on me. I rested a lot and was even on line since I brought my laptop. I used my cell phone (Verizon and probably all the others charge "data" fees and 99 cents per minute on calls) but I had to call and let my family know I was fine. There are no phones in your hospital room. Trish was my patient coordinator and since I felt GREAT and didn't want to sit around, she was either coming to get me to go shopping or checking in on me. She supplied me with gauze and tape to change your bandages after your showers and even some Gatorade and Jello (which you probably won't even want but she insists you eat something and keep hydrated). I'm telling you - I was terrified of going at all and going alone - I thought I was gonna lose it but I'm glad I did. I concentrated on ME and was never afraid or felt abandoned. The driver contacted me again to confirm my flight time and set up the pick up time for the next day. The border crossing takes more time going back into the states (long slow lines) but I made it back to the airport in PLENTY of time. Pack light. There's no reason for more than 2 changes of clothes. You can wear the ones you came in as the "Going back home" set if you wear something loose and comfortable. No jeans. Other than that, you should keep it simple. I brought about $100 cash, my driver's lic, and my passport card. I tipped the driver and the hotel concierge who brought my suitcase up and showed me around my room. I did some shopping but not much - all places LOVE & accept dollar so don't worry about converting money. You'll be in gowns or pj's while in the hospital. Bring flip flip flops for your many trips to the bathroom and shower. I forgot to bring but wish I had brought some antibiotic cream to apply to my incisions before applying the bandages. Alcohol pads, something. I just had to wait to get back home to really start "tending my wounds".

Sorry I wrote so much but I was in the same shoes you are in and wish someone had broken it all down for me - it makes it all so much more real and I could process the whole experience better. I read so many posts and was a sponge filling up with so much information I thought my head was gonna pop. Let me know if I can help you in any way. Other than that - you've got Trish who takes care of you and really cares! Then Dr. Kelly - he's a really good doctor and is so down to earth, he makes you feel safe in his hands. You will be fine.

Hello Everyone, I must say this site was so helpful in helping me make my decision to get the sleeve. Thank you to all who share their experiences. Tommorrow is the day and I am nervous and excited, anyone else scheduled with Dr. Kelly tomorrow?

I go Aug 19th so I'll probably see you walking the hospital halls. Good luck to both of us. I'm scared!!! lol

Hi there,

I am being sleeved on Augut 19th. Please add me to the list.

Thanks,

Gabriella

Hi - I'm getting sleeved on the 19th, too! Where are you getting yours done? How are you doing? Have you been doing the pre-op dieting? IT SUCKS!!!

Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana...somewhere..... I live in Los Angeles, so I just drive down. Seems crazy but all the kids are doin it! Now your talking - where's the Margarita Machine... the waiting room I hope.

I will be in TJ, too! I know I would NEVER do anything to impede my surgery but... I know i won't be the "Ideal patient" who walks in all happy and calm and walks out the same way. But I hear that they will give you something to calm your nerves if you need it. I WILL BE FIRST IN LINE.

That's funny!!! I had been viewing videos on You Tube and hers was one that I REALLY followed. I watched so many of them. She really told the story from surgery day on. Where are you having your surgery? Just wondering if we will be close enough that you will hear me FREAKING OUT!!! lol I don't like hospitals or doctors or any of that stuff. Too bad I can't show up drunk....

I start by pre-op Aug 5th. HERE WE GO!!!!! lol I spent this week weaning myself off of caffeine. OMG!!! I didn't know what an effect it had on my body. I miss the energy boost but i'd rather go thru this now than later when i'm concentrating on my new eating habits. The withdrawal headaches I had each day were torture. I went out to buy Protein Drinks and will be getting the Greek yogurt later, also (i gotta research this more - don't know much about that kind of yogurt). So much to DO!!!! How are things with you? Are you ready?

I'm scheduled for Aug 19th also!! Hello Sleeve sister! :regular_smile:

All the other info has been helpful but another thing I was told was: WEAN YOURSELF OFF CAFFEINE!!!! I did and had a headache for 3 days!!! Not kidding!! Caffeine is a strong drug and getting it out of your system is a good idea because the last thing you want is a headache to accompany your pre-op dieting, surgery recovery, or even your post op diet. Mine is just a low throb now and it's day 4. I will be caffeine free before I begin my pre-op diet and I think that will help me a LOT.

You are not alone, what I have been doing since this evening is writing down the reasons why I should do it and the reasons why not. It seems to help so far. I'm 4'11 weighs 165-169 lbs wearing a size 14-16 petite. It gets worst now that my clothes are getting too tight and I'm not about to buy bigger sizes if anything I want to buy smaller sizes and cute clothes that I will fit and look good wearing. In addition I feel like the bigger I get the shorter I look, everybody keep telling me oh no you're not that big but behind my back they called me names, and besides the older we get the harder it is to lose the weight and the easier it is to gain weight. I'm tired of those yo-yo diet I want something permanent and I'm gonna get it. Who's your doctor? Almanza is my surgeon.

I'm 5'6", wear size 18/20 and weigh 230 +/- lbs. Not married and no kids so I can't even blame my weight on pregnancies! :embaressed_smile: I DO know I don't like the way I'm feeling now and know something HAS to change. I refuse to lie to myself like so many times before and think I'll start exercising more or eating less and get down to my goal weight and live happily ever after. I need a permanent change and this sleeve is going to help me to get to the weight I want to be. I'm scheduled for August 19th in TJ, but my doctor is Dr. Kelly.

Now that I finally have the money to pay for the sleeve I'm so scared to call Louise to schedule the surgery. I don't understand how come I didn't feel the same way the first time when I was schedule for august 30th. I got butterflies in my stomach and all kind of thoughts, I even have a headache. I know I read many stories about it's normal to feel that way but, I just wish that I didn't I think it would have made things easier for me. I'm so glad I found this site where I can vent.

OMG!!!!! I'm going thru the same thing but you are financially ready..... I've only paid the $2000 deposit. I'm trying hard not to turn back now. I'm on here most each and every day looking for more information and reading VSG stories and that seems to help but nothing can make the butterflies and doubt go away! I'm a grown woman at age 46 and I'M SCARED!!!! LOL This is something I know I have to do for myself so I'm going to hang in there and say a lot of prayers. Let's stay in touch and help each other get thru.