Nervous about Mexico Surgery!!

[lguidry 5]

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy(VSG) involves cutting and stapling of the stomach (though not as drastic as bypass) and the Vertical Sleeve Plication(VSP) no stapling or cutting away of stomach tissue. VSP is in it's limited trial phases in the US, so insurance will probably not cover this yet?? But it is the latest procedure and they are doing it in Mexico with success. If you google either, you can get good information on both. Good Luck!

[Cknorte 7]

Lguidry,

To answer your questions:

Why Dr. Corvala instead of Dr. Aceves?

Dr. Aceves doesn't perform the VSP (Vertical Sleeve Plication, Imbrication, it goes by a bunch of names so it gets confusing). Dr. Corvala is one of the pioneers of this relatively "new" procedure for WLS.

Why VSP instead of VSG?

I think mainly I chose the VSP instead of VSG due to my own mental freak-out. I was actually scheduled to have VSG with Dr. Aceves, and started having a total mental freak-out about having surgery in general, about having something done that was so drastic, my husband also was having a melt down...I was still going to do it, since I was a big girl (still am but not as big....). I had also started to see and read about the VSP procedure.

Once I started reading about it, it made sense to me to have the VSP instead of the VSG. I know that it it still considered experimental and new, it has no long term history or results, I was running a risk of having a surgery and have it not work.....but on the other hand, I was having surgery to make a life style change, a tool that could help me reduce the quantity of food I ate. In general I was a very healthy eater, but a volume eater.

The difference between VSP and VSG? The main difference is that with VSG, 80-85% is cut out and disposed of, you are left with a "sleeve" or a pouch that is stapled and you are left with a very small stomach, therefore you will be restricted to very small portions. None of your intestines or organs are re-arranged and there is no mal-absorption issues like they have with the RNY. With the VSP, a sleeve is also created, however your stomach is folded and sutured onto itself to leave the same size pouch as with a sleeve. Your stomach is left in, it is just sewed unto itself. There is a "claim" that this surgery is "reversible"...I don't really buy that, because I'm sure that there will be scaring and taking the stitches out isn't like pulling out the hem in a pair of pants....so I'm not kidding myself. This is a permanent change.

However, since there is no long term effects or information, there have been some trials done here in the US, and now 2 surgeons that I know of are doing the surgery here in the US. Dr. Watkins in Ohio, and Dr. Cottam in Salt Lake City. Dr. Watkins posts on this forum in the Total gastric plication sleeve.

Total Gastric Vertical Plication Sleeve Surgery - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum

It is totally a personal choice. I don't think one surgery is better than the other. But for me, the plication just was the choice for me.

Pre-Op Tests?

When you get to Mexico, either the day before surgery or the day of surgery depends on how you have set stuff up, you have all of the pre-op tests done at the hospital. EKG, bloodwork, urine test, chest xray, flouroscopy/barium test, etc. The basic pre-surgical tests you would need. The Dr.s there want to do their own tests and get their own results, so having the tests done in the US doesn't mean you won't have them done there. I had a few tests in the US before I left for Mexico with my PCP, because though he supported my choice for surgery and going to Mexico, he wanted to have his own baseline to work with (he wanted his own tests done, etc)...he was going to be giving me all my follow-up here in the US (not much is needed for either surgery, bloodwork at 3 months 6 months and a year....sort of like your typical annual after that, just that the first year, at least my dr. wanted to have labs and make sure I wasn't missing nutrients, etc....since then I've changed PCP's my Dr. left the practice so all of my planning was for not.....such is life, right?)

As far as insurance coverage of VSP I don't think insurance will cover here in the US because the procedure is so new. But if your insurance will cover...that would be awesome.

Hope this answers some questions....feel free to email me or check out my blog (in signature), I post my progress, I also posted my decision process, etc.....

Take care,

CK

[lguidry 5]

Lguidry,

To answer your questions:

Why Dr. Corvala instead of Dr. Aceves?

Dr. Aceves doesn't perform the VSP (Vertical Sleeve Plication, Imbrication, it goes by a bunch of names so it gets confusing). Dr. Corvala is one of the pioneers of this relatively "new" procedure for WLS.

Why VSP instead of VSG?

I think mainly I chose the VSP instead of VSG due to my own mental freak-out. I was actually scheduled to have VSG with Dr. Aceves, and started having a total mental freak-out about having surgery in general, about having something done that was so drastic, my husband also was having a melt down...I was still going to do it, since I was a big girl (still am but not as big....). I had also started to see and read about the VSP procedure.

Once I started reading about it, it made sense to me to have the VSP instead of the VSG. I know that it it still considered experimental and new, it has no long term history or results, I was running a risk of having a surgery and have it not work.....but on the other hand, I was having surgery to make a life style change, a tool that could help me reduce the quantity of food I ate. In general I was a very healthy eater, but a volume eater.

The difference between VSP and VSG? The main difference is that with VSG, 80-85% is cut out and disposed of, you are left with a "sleeve" or a pouch that is stapled and you are left with a very small stomach, therefore you will be restricted to very small portions. None of your intestines or organs are re-arranged and there is no mal-absorption issues like they have with the RNY. With the VSP, a sleeve is also created, however your stomach is folded and sutured onto itself to leave the same size pouch as with a sleeve. Your stomach is left in, it is just sewed unto itself. There is a "claim" that this surgery is "reversible"...I don't really buy that, because I'm sure that there will be scaring and taking the stitches out isn't like pulling out the hem in a pair of pants....so I'm not kidding myself. This is a permanent change.

However, since there is no long term effects or information, there have been some trials done here in the US, and now 2 surgeons that I know of are doing the surgery here in the US. Dr. Watkins in Ohio, and Dr. Cottam in Salt Lake City. Dr. Watkins posts on this forum in the Total gastric plication sleeve.

Total Gastric Vertical Plication Sleeve Surgery - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum

It is totally a personal choice. I don't think one surgery is better than the other. But for me, the plication just was the choice for me.

Pre-Op Tests?

When you get to Mexico, either the day before surgery or the day of surgery depends on how you have set stuff up, you have all of the pre-op tests done at the hospital. EKG, bloodwork, urine test, chest xray, flouroscopy/barium test, etc. The basic pre-surgical tests you would need. The Dr.s there want to do their own tests and get their own results, so having the tests done in the US doesn't mean you won't have them done there. I had a few tests in the US before I left for Mexico with my PCP, because though he supported my choice for surgery and going to Mexico, he wanted to have his own baseline to work with (he wanted his own tests done, etc)...he was going to be giving me all my follow-up here in the US (not much is needed for either surgery, bloodwork at 3 months 6 months and a year....sort of like your typical annual after that, just that the first year, at least my dr. wanted to have labs and make sure I wasn't missing nutrients, etc....since then I've changed PCP's my Dr. left the practice so all of my planning was for not.....such is life, right?)

As far as insurance coverage of VSP I don't think insurance will cover here in the US because the procedure is so new. But if your insurance will cover...that would be awesome.

Hope this answers some questions....feel free to email me or check out my blog (in signature), I post my progress, I also posted my decision process, etc.....

Take care,

CK

Love your post and Love your BLOG!!! Still Laughing!! Love the hospital list!! Congrats! on your weight loss and keep posting!!

[Miss Lili 0]

hi!

I too am going to Mexico, as I am unable and unwilling to pay 3 times the price here in Canada. With the money I have saved, I have hired a nutritionist and a personal trainer. I also did all my blood work and an ekg last month (not necessary but figured why not) and had my family doc check it out. I have scheduled for blood work and other tests 3 months post op.

If I was in the public systeme here (or even private) I would have access to a nutritionist only a few times. And there is a wait time. This way, I can see her when I want and as often as I want.

I am not worried at all about aftercare. I have done all my research and know what I need to do!

[lguidry 5]

hi!

I too am going to Mexico, as I am unable and unwilling to pay 3 times the price here in Canada. With the money I have saved, I have hired a nutritionist and a personal trainer. I also did all my blood work and an ekg last month (not necessary but figured why not) and had my family doc check it out. I have scheduled for blood work and other tests 3 months post op.

If I was in the public systeme here (or even private) I would have access to a nutritionist only a few times. And there is a wait time. This way, I can see her when I want and as often as I want.

I am not worried at all about aftercare. I have done all my research and know what I need to do!

What procedure are you getting? Who is your Dr? Congrats on being so proactive on hiring a nutritionist and personal trainer. You've inspired me to check into doing the same. How did you go about selecting and/or finding your nutritionist and trainer? I wasn't planning on getting my blood work done prior to going because it is included in the price and I've been told that regardless if you've already done it, they will still want to do their own?? Should I do it anyway and if so why? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to make sure I cover all bases:thumbup1:

[KathyM 14]

I had surgery in Mexico in July with Dr. Almanza and haven't needed any follow up care at all. I feel better than I have in years. My patient coordinator was a putz but is no longer working for them. I actually had a new patient coordinator from there contact me and tell me that if I ever had any questions or problems to call her and she would help me. I have emailed her a few times with questions and she has always answered the same day.

[lguidry 5]

Did you have VSG or plication?

[KathyM 14]

I had the VSG

[Miss Lili 0]

What procedure are you getting? Who is your Dr? Congrats on being so proactive on hiring a nutritionist and personal trainer. You've inspired me to check into doing the same. How did you go about selecting and/or finding your nutritionist and trainer? I wasn't planning on getting my blood work done prior to going because it is included in the price and I've been told that regardless if you've already done it, they will still want to do their own?? Should I do it anyway and if so why? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to make sure I cover all bases:thumbup1:

Hi! I am getting the sleeve with Dr.Rodriguez in Juarez! You probably don t need to do the bloodwork, but I wanted to be sure to rule out anything if there was a problem. Same for the ekg. It is free here to do those tests in the public health care system, and I just wanted to be pro-ative! I knew I was a bit low on my Iron, so with the tests I was able to know that it was close to normal.

I know they will be doing their want tests when I arrive, but I have faxed my results anyway, that way they know more about me!

For the other specialists: I went to our provinical website for all nutritionists, and sent out emails to anyone listed in my area. In the email I explained my situation, and reqeusted anyone who had specific experience with barriactric patients. I got tons of emails and call backs. It was actually quite easy to rule many out, either by the tone of their emails, or even easier when I spoke to them on the phone. The lady I went with was just a great fit for me. Really open and easy going, and was a nurse in the barriatric section several years ago.

Same for the personal trainer.. sent out emails, and based on the responses, choose one. I really want this process to be enjoyable, even if hard at times, so I am trying to surround myself with positive people.

Another thing I did was select several friends that I know will be of great support to me and created my own support group. As I told them, I want to share my experience and also be held accountable (yup,, the old fear of failure is still there...). Some of my friends are local, but most are in different countries. I will update them with emails and photos. I tried a blog, but I am not sticking to it... Facebook is too public for me (have way too many people connected to my work there).. and UTube is not personal enough for me... So I emailed my friends to ask them if they would participate!

Ok.. please ask me any other questions you want!!! :thumbup:

talk soon

LISA

Edited September 11, 2010 by Miss Lili

[lguidry 5]

Thanks for the post, congrats on the weight loss! Keep posting I want to follow your journey!!!

[Sadiegirl 1]

I had surgery last February, and really haven't needed any aftercare. The food plan I chose to use was easy to follow. google Cornell University Gastric Sleeve Guidelines.

My primary doctor has been supportive and ran full labs at about 3 months post op. Everything was great - just a little low in Vit D, but then the sun really isn't out much in my corner of the world! LOL

There is always that "what if" factor in every surgery ... I based my willingness to go to Mexico on prior surgeries. I have always recovered quickly, with few pain meds and no complications.

Would be nice if you could find a doctor before you have surgery just in case you do need something afterwards.

Good Luck!

[Secret Surgery 34 4]

I am 5 hours post open. Dr. ACEVES DID MY SURGERY. I am very happy with the care so far. I would do it again in a second. I plan on telling my PCF about the surgery when I get back. Give her all the xrays blood work exc. This is my support group however I know of a local one as well I will be going to. Cost was $9500. Well worth it.

[cubinche 0]

I am paying $5000 for an all-inclusive plication package with Dr Mario Almanza on 12/4

Out of curiousity, how much cheaper is it in Mexico? My sleeve is set for 9/7 here in Dallas TX- my insurance excludes any bariatric surgeries, so I am paying out of my pocket.

[Cyle 0]

Hey! No worries my friend. I just had my surgery 6 days ago in Mexico with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras, Cohuila, Mexico and it was awesome!!!! I was nervous at first also, but once I got there I immediately felt comfortable! Good luck and take care!!

[doeboy77 12]

Out of curiousity, how much cheaper is it in Mexico? My sleeve is set for 9/7 here in Dallas TX- my insurance excludes any bariatric surgeries, so I am paying out of my pocket.

i just paid 5000 for the sleeve in mexico