Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Making the switch... One day



Recommended Posts

I recognize some of you from LBT...I have made my decision, when I go under the knife again, it will not be to fix my lap-band, it will be to swap to the gastric sleeve.

I am self-pay, had a revision after 6 months to fix a flipped port. After that the LB worked beautifully, lost 100lbs in a year, life was great.. got pregnant, had my baby in April and sometime around January of this year my band felt like it disappeared. After costly fills & testing, they now think I have a leak, because everytime they did drawback the saline was gone. (And the weight I am gaining back quickly can attest to that.)

So next week they want me to pay more money to test where the leak is, then do another surgery. I asked for a quote on the surgery and they are quoting me the cost of the original surgery - $15k.

I can't do that. So I am in the midst of researching doctors-- but I know for certain, since I will have to have another surgery, it will not be to fix my band. I've had it 2 years and already facing 3 surgeries. That's not making me feel good about my long-term with it.

That being said, I don't think the band is a bad thing. I hate the situation I'm in, and honestly if my insurance was paying for all this, I wouldn't even care really. But I can't afford to pay $15k for my band every year.

Time for a change.

I don't know when I can afford it, or which doctor to decide on (sounds like the most experienced would be to go to Mexico, which is a whole other issue I am dealing with, with my family.) So I have no timeframe for when it will happen.

:blushing:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not against the band either. I am thrilled for those who have had success with it. What scares me though, is there are more and more people like yourself, me and several others here who are starting to have a great deal of problems with them at two and three years out. If you are self pay, like I was, it can be very, very costly between the fills and revisions that are needed. With the sleeve, you have the surgery and that is it, you are done.

I can understand your families concern. Mine was concerned as well. My hubby was okay once he did some research and learned that Mexicali was pretty safe. Plus, he went with me. No way would he have let me go alone. Plus, if you go with a doctor such as Dr. Aceves, their staff (Ernesto) picks you up from the airport and drives you to the hospital for your pre-op tests. Then he drives you to the hotel. We just stayed around the hotel that night because we were so tired, and it was very nice and we felt very safe there. Then, Ernesto picks you up from the hotel and takes you back to the hospital. You remain there until Ernesto takes you back to the airport. So, we felt perfectly comfortable and safe at all times.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, right now I am leaning toward Dr. A, and I am compiling all these stories for them to read. I think my husband is listening, my mom's mind is still closed and she is begging me not to even consider going out of country. She will be the tough one to break, but with all the stories, and I found out last night one of the girls from my LB group (and my family met them in June) had her banding by Dr. A and she has nothing but good things to say. That will definitely help, since when I tell her things I've read she ignores it as 'internet people say whatever they want'.. Which is true, but I've been around the forums long enough to know whose opinions I trust and who I don't know and could be flapping their gums. She doesn't get that though.

The bottom line is, especially since husband is listening, if my mom doesn't get on board (I do my best to listen to her despite being an adult :thumbup: ), I'll just have to do it without her approval. My mind's made up that I am swapping to a sleeve, and Dr. A sounds like a better option than even the US right now, cost factor aside. I have to save up for one way or another, so I'd rather go with what makes ME comfortable.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Personally, I think it's wasted energy to try to convince everyone around me that my decisions are the correct ones for me. All you have to do is go to MX and come back alive and ... voila ... you've won that argument! :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Right, that's my bottom line. I am doing it regardless what they think, but I sure would like them to be on board. DH will come around, but I know he said my dad told him last night he needs to talk me out of MX.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So tell them you are going to San Francisco.

They will never be the wiser.

Honestly, I loved Mexicali. Dr. Campos is just adorable and Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos both come to see you in your room 3 times per day.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you are looking closer to home, I got a quote of $16660 for both band removal and sleeve in TX. I was quoted from Mexico that it would be $5000 for band removal, and another $10,000 for the sleeve.

With that in mind, I don't mind paying $1660 more to have a doctor 15 minutes from my house for my long term care and sanity.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't remember what Dr. Aceves price for revision from band to sleeve is. I am positive it's less than $15,000 though. I am thinking it's $11,000. You would have to call the number to the right of the screen. They were running specials during the summer because it's so hot in Mexicali this time of year.

If you want, I have a big long email with all of Dr. Aceves credentials on it that could ease the mind of your family.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't remember what Dr. Aceves price for revision from band to sleeve is. I am positive it's less than $15,000 though. I am thinking it's $11,000. You would have to call the number to the right of the screen. They were running specials during the summer because it's so hot in Mexicali this time of year.

If you want, I have a big long email with all of Dr. Aceves credentials on it that could ease the mind of your family.

Good point. I just checked the email, and my quote was from Endobariatrics - Dr. Alvarez. These were the prices, and they had to be 2 surgeries, 5 months apart.

Lap-band removal only $5,000

Revision after healing to VSG $10,500

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Last I knew of, Dr. Aceves was $12,000 for a band to sleeve revision. While I understand cost is important, I think experience is even more important. Band to sleeve revision is a bit more complicated, and he has a lot of experience with it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just out of curiosity, how would a band-to-sleeve revision be more complicated, as they are generally two separate operations, usually performed with several months between them?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just out of curiosity, how would a band-to-sleeve revision be more complicated, as they are generally two separate operations, usually performed with several months between them?

My revision was performed in one procedure. I haven't heard of a lot of people having to wait months in between unless it was an emergency band removal, or the patient later decided to have a 2nd procedure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, I suppose it would depend on the situation. I do know of quite a few people who were required to wait a bit for healing. In my situation (Band to RNY) it was done in one big, ugly operation.

HH

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon prefers to do it as one operation.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wish i could have had mine done as one operation! Heck they could have just done the c section then too! Would have been so much easier for me!

Mine were two separate....but that was because I was an emergency and was almost 32 weeks pregnant. Guess waht lost the band and became a mom for the 8th time all in about 2 1/2 hours!

I would do it. And all my problems started when I got pregnant too! (had one godd pregnancy...... but never worked right after the m/c before Jordan......or really the correct word would be "never worked the same"

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×