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I know that insurance might cover for some people but I asked my surgeon about it and they insisted that in Florida they cover it and referred me to plastics in Cleveland Clinic and yet I was told they accepted no insurance. I get bloody rashes especially on my thighs. I just can’t deal with fighting with insurance on the matter. And I’ve seen others post about insurance offering only partial coverage. I will say you can try just to see what happens. For me I ended up going with the plastic surgeon though BariatricPal at Hospital BC. They have excellent reputation and success. And are a Center of Excellence. They are the only American owned hospital in Tijuana Mexico.

To be honest most of it has nothing to do with the plastic surgery. It was put of for several months because of Covid-19 and I didn’t think it wise to wait until afterward. Some I wasn’t keen on putting it to words until I had it done. I did see my primary care physician for some CBC for the surgery, the other tests they do at hospital BC where I’m having surgery in Mexico. I had to see an ENT because of persistent nosebleeds. And will have to follow up Two days before I leave. I had to see my endocrinologist to get reauthorization for a test that was supposed to have been scheduled months ago and wasn’t. A Thyroid biopsy with an interventional radiologist at the hospital. I’m having that June 4th. Then June 10th a double balloon enteroscopy I’ve been waiting months for that, my bariatric surgeon wanted due to history of ulcers in the remnant portion of stomach and blind portion of small intestine as well as my persistent symptoms. I’m not worried about any of it should I be, it doesn’t matter whatever it is, it is. I’ll deal with it in that moment. I’m not going to let it stop me from going ahead with my plans. And I should be good to go for surgery. I have gotten through enough other surgeries despite everything my body goes through every day with lifelong chronic illness. I will do my best to do this as exhausting as it is. It’s just hard to plan to pack and to think. like what position is best to sleep in post surgery. I got a list of things to bring from the hospital but is there any special tips to keep the stitches from stretching. They recommended a boppy pillow. I got some cheap old navy jersey knit swing dresses, a robe ... a sling backpack. For all I know I’ll want to stay in a hospital gown the whole time 🤣 even in the hotel ... I’ve been there done that with surgeries. I had open hysterectomy so it will be similar except all the way around so that’s different. I’ve had long incisions in my calves but not thighs. I watched a belt lipectomy on YouTube. It’s a crazy surgery. It doesn’t scare me. Now crazy ants set off ptsd but something like that doesn’t scare me go figure ... I will have to manage my chronic pain as best I can. The hardest part is It’s ultimate impact on my medical condition M.E. But it’s something I have to deal with every day of my life. So just finding the new normal. to answer the last question. I have to get test for Covid-19 before I have the double balloon enteroscopy. But it wasn’t a requirement before the plastic surgery.

Addiction isn't a concern of mine. I was a consistent weed smoker/user for years. I stopped for surgery for the last 5 months (my first scheduled procedure got postponed bc of COVID) and I had no problem stopping. This may not be the case for everyone, but it was for me. And Ive taken breaks in the past as well. Im two weeks post op and spoke to my surgeon. Not all are agree and that's mostly because there isn't a lot of research done about using weed post op. Since post op smoking cigarettes can cause ulcers some people are told all types of smoking (weed) does the same. But there are actually many studies proving that smoking and vaping weed reduce the amount of stomach acid in the stomach. Anyway, my surgeon told me from a surgical/sleeve perspective smoking, vaping, tinctures, sublingual tabs are safe after 3 months. But obviously watch out for the munchies, luckily that hasn't been a big issue for me ever. I definitely trust my surgeon he's done thousands of these procedures and there are no studies that prove smoking weed can cause ulcers. Obviously there are side effects of smoking and vaping, which you take on regardless of this surgery.

I have to admit this subject has been a big deal for me. Despite the financial challenges of it. I had my gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 and I reached goal earlier than I thought I would. To be honest I reached a goal I never thought I could. My excess skin is more problematic and unsightly probably due to my inability to exercise. Especially my thighs and butt. My core can use the strengthening it would help with along with the skin removal. Some areas I feel like a Shar Pei ... I get bloody rashes on my thighs especially trying to shave but it’s catch 22 I have to shave otherwise I get rashes from irritating hair ... due to pcos. Anyway. I’d hoped that insurance might offer some help. I asked my surgeon they were like yes Florida does pay for certain reasons. They said make an appointment with the plastic surgeon. But when we called they said they didn’t accept insurance. I figured if Cleveland Clinic didn’t no one else would. Honestly I watch that show my 600lb life and how people get free skin removal ... it’s not fair. sorry I rambled. Just when I didn’t know what to do, I found that BariatricPal actually has their own Hospital and researched them and they are awesome. It’s located in Mexico and is a short ride from San Diego airport. It’s called Hospital BC. I’ve been emailing them for some time now and they have been patiently helping me with deciding on choosing their Hospital and then planning this. I am scheduled for surgery June 15th. I’m trying to prepare myself for it! I leave June 14th from Palm beach airport. I return on June 21st and technically get home June 22nd. I will be having belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, tightening of the stomach muscles. And to be honest I will be asking them to not relocate my bellybutton. I will also be having thigh lift. And breast augmentation. I had to have CBC bloodwork at my doctors appointment prior. But otherwise they do everything there. It’s all inclusive. They provide transportation to and from the airport. I stay in hospital one night and in their special hotel the rest but with 24 hour nurse/doctor and concierge. Meals and other things are included that I can’t think of at the moment. They give Faja and even lymphatic massage if it’s needed. im hoping my numerous previous surgeries will have me prepared for how to manage the post op incision care. I’ve never traveled so far and will likely go home with drains in place. My primary care physician wasn’t too pleased with the idea ... but at this point she was smart and didn’t try and argue with me 🤣 Honestly you can be in the states and get really terrible surgeons ... and I found this place looks excellent. this is the website: https://hospitalbc.com

My surgeon was very similar he was straight to the point no BS pretty easy process event with insurance I had to pay a gap and did it online like @elsie77 but that's not my surgeons fault that's the insurance will only pay so much... But everything was covered with that had my own private room and bathroom 24/7 on call nurses free TV etc

His professional set up is just that, professional, but with the addition of zero bs and jumping through hoops, that’s why I give glowing recommendations. Yes, I can see why the cash thing would put you off in fairness but it’s not the only way to pay. I paid by bank transfer. It needs to be received 10 days in advance.

I have told only a few family members and one friend. I’m two years out, lost 123 pounds and no one has raised an eyebrow bc it is such a gradual process. You don’t need to tell anyone you don’t want to know. I’m glad I didn’t tell anyone else. It adds pressure and judgement. 

Hi - wonder if you are having it at the same place I did in Vegas. I had surgery on Monday, flew home on Wednesday. Mine was a short flight. But I felt fine, didn't even use the wheelchair option bc I wanted to walk as much as possible. You will want to be sure to wear the compression stockings you are given. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had forgotten about this thread. Thanks for commenting!! Here was my predicted numbers: 80% of patients reach at least 212 lbs 18 months after surgery. 50% of patients reach at least 193 lbs 18 months after surgery. 20% of patients reach 174 lbs 18 months after surgery. Im almost 6 months out and 185 lbs (-120lb total). So I guess you can beat the calculator. I’ve been fairly strict on food choices, not that strict on water (I know...shame), and have gotten a lot more active. It’s a little off because I used pre liquid diet weight bc it wouldn’t let me do it after with the BMI rules. (Too low and it says you shouldn’t have surgery)

15 years for me as of 4/11/2020. Everything going pretty well. Kept weight the same for the last 13-14 years. Haven't updated my pics for this year bc I haven't really been in jeans. Will do so when the lockdown is over.

Hi Chrissy800, Have you considered Dr. Selim Jalil Illan Fraijo, MD, FACS, FASMBS at Hospital BC. He is a Master Surgeon and studied under Dr. Corvala. Check him out at https://hospitalbc.com/

I’m having so many mixed thoughts swirling around my head. I hesitate to post this today. I am grateful for having gastric bypass to have the tool to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise due to disability (post exertional malaise) and I was at the point it was all or nothing. All my fight was getting me nowhere fast. I know I’ve come a long way, I’ve also paid a hefty price physically and am still dealing with many health challenges. But I also know my body could not carry the burden of all that weight. And I will do everything in my power to maintain the weight loss. i reached goal Sometime last month. I overshot it a little. Although based on my height of 5’ I’m within my goal range. I haven’t been actively trying to lose for a few weeks. I raised my calories somewhat but not drastically. I started out at 208lbs with a BMI of 40.6 and today am 102.4 and a BMI of 20. its Funny though, I write my weight on a calendar daily, and write Daily log of my weight, meals, calories and protein to Track and plan what I will eat the best I can based on what’s available in the fridge, freezer, pantry. I haven’t given solid thought to my progress, I’ve just taken it one moment at a time. My weight fluctuates slightly and that’s ok. Other things weigh on my mind though. I hesitate to call it a celebration when even my birthday this month went unmentioned and Covid-19 will be around for the foreseeable future. It’s not impacted my odd daily routines of living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I’m homebound much of the time as is. It’s risky going to get groceries but a necessity. But It’s had more of an impact on healthcare. i Had an early one year follow up with my surgeon February 11 and discussed continuing severe pain and spasms in left side under ribs along with other symptoms along with my history of ulcers in the remnant stomach and small intestine, they said I needed a double balloon enteroscopy. But I had to see a different doctor for the test. I couldn’t get an appointment until March 12 to see that doctor, I asked if they could schedule the test since it takes a while but no I had to wait to see the doctor first, who of course ordered the test. Which was then scheduled for April 27. And what happened, of course no one called until the last minute and it was then canceled indefinitely. And I’m left in pain, I sent them a message and they tell me I could go to the ER to be evaluated. First of all how is that a good idea? And evaluated for what? That’s why I saw the doctor and he ordered the test (actually both doctors did) I’m at a loss as to what to do and meanwhile I’m just trying to move ahead. i don’t even want to discuss this. I’ve other health issues that I’ve been waiting months to deal with. My doctor gives me attitude. Even things are obviously a problem. I saw my general doctor February after waiting a few weeks. I had sudden severe pain just lightly touching the front of my throat. I had a thyroid ultrasound. I also saw an endocrinologist. I was supposed to go to the hospital for further tests. But this was cancelled indefinitely. I’ve also been having nosebleeds and I don’t know why ... but it’s all been put on hold and none of the doctors care to follow up. I have been making plans about having skin removal surgery. Since it’s the only thing I can manage to do right now. The excess sagging skin is very problematic especially my thighs. A thigh lift, and Having a Belt lipectomy/Butterfly lift to remove excess skin might also help benefit strengthening my core which I can’t do with exercise. I’ve been working on this with Hospital BC that is part of BariatricPal and they are so helpful in the process. I’m trying to think of it as a vacation in Mexico with benefits. I’ll need financing of course. I’m far away from rich. It’s a goal to have a body I haven’t as long as I can remember. I haven’t been this weight as long as I can remember either. I could never reach this goal on my own before even as hard as I tried with strict low carb and calorie counting. I only managed 124lbs and it didn’t stay there long. So taking that last step of getting rid of ugly sagging, rashy problematic skin feels like part of the journey to finish. A crazy thing in times like these. I’ll be pinching pennies as hard as I can. But part of me is determined. And also ... trying to ignore the rest. I had wanted to deal with the other health issues first but looks like that won’t happen so I’m going to try to roll with it and see what happens. maybe it’s dumb for me to write this. I don’t know anymore. I’m exhausted. But I think that I want others to know that if I can do this with my chronic illness and disability And despite how hard it has been for me ... that others can succeed and reach their weight loss goal.

Hey world- so this is a silly question- was anyone concerned bc they felt too good? I feel like a did the day before surgery, just normal- Drink my clear liquids (Diet) a bit slower, sure but nothing like misery I see people post about? Weight loss hasn’t been crazy for this week... maybe 5#s?

Why would you want to go back to a deprivation-diet that will most likely induce bingeing in the near future? It's good and normal that you have that mental block when thinking about deprivation diets. Most likely it won't work so you're right to be afraid of the plan of going back to shakes and "the basics". It's a deprivation diet that will cause reaction-bingeing now that your body is capable of it so you have to be way smarter in your choices. Cutting out too many foods you like won't work in the long run for most of us. Unfortunately many, if not all of us, were fed the mantra "moderation won't work" a bit too often. Back in the days of "protein shakes and basics" we were all newly out of surgery which meant that appetite was reduced in many of us because of having been cut into out intestines and because of general anesthesia. Many foods we couldn't tolerate anyways, let alone big portions of it. But these immediate post-op day are simply gone. The situation has change and you have to take that into consideration when planning dietary changes. Also keep in mind that you were not able to stick to your former post-WLS diet so it makes more sense to try a different approach this time than to repeat what didn't work for you in the first run.

Hi My mother nearly died because of botched surgery at Erdem hospital in Turkey so I want to try & help as many people as I can to NOT go here. On 26th January my mum went for gastric sleeve surgery, gallstone removel & oesophagus repair which was performed by doctor Ali Solmaz. She returned home 1 week later & within 10 days was admitted to a special care unit in hospital unable to keep fluid, food & her own saliva down she was tube feed until the doctors found out what happened. After investigating they discovered all surgeries were botched. After 3 months of being fed via a tube she received corrective surgery last week. I contacted Erdem to inform them & they offered free surgery to fix their mistake but mum was on her death bed and unable to travel. We are from Northern Ireland & mum was in an intensive care unit so travel was out of the question. I asked them for a refund as now mum has been out of work and it has put financial pressure on all the family & they said no and said she signed a form & it’s not their problem anymore. I told them I intend to inform anyone wanting surgery of what has happened & they said “do what you want” their words. I have messages of all correspondence with Erdem which clearly displays their lack of customer service and empathy for how they left my mother. They monitor their Facebook pages & will not let any negative comments be posted so that me or anyone else cannot make anyone aware of how horrific they have treated us. My mum thought she would be fine, she wasn’t. It could happen you. Please please take my advice. Go somewhere else, not Erdem hospital in a Turkey.

So last March I fell skiing and got a nasty concussion. Finally after one year I am able to function again. After hospital stays and med adjustments I gained 40 ibs. I am finally back on track. I am back to walking 2-3 miles on days that it’s not raining and I don’t have a nasty migraine. I cut out all the junk food and finally eating right. I usually eat 3 to 4 ounces of food and am full. I am 3 yrs out. I have a follow up with my dr via phone appointment tomorrow. Has anyone tried and succeeded on weight loss pills? I am thinking about mentioning it I just have no idea how to ask to try them. I am hoping it is going to curb the fake hunger. It’s all in my head bc if I try to eat more I get sick. I am hoping he will go for it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you guys for the support and encouragement! It literally bought tears to my eyes. I’m so happy to have found this site because WLS is not for the faint of heart. I will endeavor to cut out the drinking bc I don’t want to trade one health issue for another. Lily66 I wrote an affirmation on an index card the other day that said “I will be gentle with myself and others” - so your encouragement was the reminder I needed. Unfortunately I tend to be very hard on myself and stress out if I don’t do things perfectly. But perfection is overrated Thanks again guys!

at 6 weeks turkey bacon or turkey sausage should be tolerated. You have to see how your body tolerates it as far as weight loss. Before corona bs started I was eating a large breakfast a few days a week coming out of a 14 hour IF. 2 egg, 2 bacon, half a potato of home fries. Call it 600-700 calories. I have since replaced this with 2 hardboiled egg, 1 cup fruit, 1 slice of cheese. My weight hasnt budged despite this being a much more healthy option.

this comment is nasty and uncalled for! She is sick, fed up and probably in a bad place mentally who do you think you are being so nasty? You should perhaps take your own behaviour advice?

Be kind she is stressed and unwell and fed up

I’m glad to hear your swallow test came back great and you are starting to cope with your new normal. It’s not easy and I know that. I couldn’t find too many people to relate to who took long to recover so I can understand you feeling in the dark and fed up. Hopefully now you are able to keep something down, no matter what it is. Everyone’s body reacts differently. Try to find something you can tolerate and stick with it. For me it was watermelon for 3 months... why? Idk. It was the only thing that I was able to keep down and kept me hydrated. Good luck and keep remembering that eventually you will see a light at the end of the tunnel. ❤️

It was me🙋🏻‍♀️ It was cool on 210 for 3 hours. Mine didn’t come out very well. I think it was bc my strawberry pieces were are diff sizes. Think when you cut them up try and cut up to match sizes. Let me know how yours turn out!! I got it off of Pinterest.

Hey I know this post is old. I live just south of Houston. I heard ciaravino is really good before I even saw your post. Unfortunately when I called for a consult he is now the director and doesn’t do surgery anymore. He has a new surgeon working under him. Soooo I’m not super comfortable with that. Bummer bc I herd so many great things. Your pics look Great!!

I’m back in the hospital. I tried to avoid coming here for the longest for obvious reasons. I’ve been in the waiting room for 3 hours, I’m super dehydrated but every time I drink water I gag/regurgitate and it’s only 3 sips each time. I honestly hate how I’m living right now and I regret my surgery w every bone in my body. I wish I never did it and there’s nothing I can do but basically suffer. I also started getting really bad panic attacks and that’s another reason i’m just fed up with all of this. I pray things turn around before I go insane.

Some random pxts of my weekend away at the Bunya Mtns. Survived 7 children aged 2-10. Beautiful and green. Wallabies by the squillions - roo poo everywhere. Birds sit on verandas to be hand fed. Short bush walk, but several walks up & down the hill to the cafe - still 1km there & another back uphill. Surprised to notice I wasn’t huffing & puffing - huge win. No OOTD shots though - two mirrors in the whole house placed above the vanities & I’m too short. If only I had long legs like my shadow. New work dress - protruding hip bones - who’d ever have thunk it. Stay healthy everyone. PS @BayougirlMrsS - French tucking is my go to at the moment. Shirt out but tuck one side only hip to fly.