Hi I'm Waterlover. I chose the name because Water is my solace and calm. I also love to drink lots of it!!!

I am doing my research right now on getting a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I am 225lbs and find it very hard to lose weight. I am very shy (until you get to know me!), so I might not pipe up too often and just read a lot. I am also interested in meeting other people from around my area who have been through the process or are thinking about it. I would love to have a buddy to go through the journey with!

I have been doing a lot of searches on different sites and this one seems really supportive. So that's why I joined. I hope I can become part of your community and not only receive support through others experiences and advice, but also be supportive to others too.

Right now I'm doing two things.

Deciding on a good surgeon & trying to learn all I can so I know what to expect pre, during, and post surgery, have realistic expectations, and do the best I can to become as successful as many of you have.

Waterlover...

Welcome! This site has been great throughout my process. Good luck on your journey!

Hi Waterlover Do you have insurance? Are you self pay? I am pre-op. My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 13th in Tj, Mexico with Dr, Lopez.

I have been researching WLS for over a year now. I have attended seminars, online research. You name it Ive used it as a research tool. I have insurance but they won't even consider WLS. So I researched local and surrounding states hosp. for WLS info and costs. If you are self-pay, your looking about $18,500 to start and they won't touch you until they have the money upfront. I then started looking into other options.

After a lot more research and much help from my coordinator. I decided to have my surgery in Mexico. If this is an option for you. I personally suggest Mexoco Surgery Solutions. mexicosurgerysolutions.com

Rick is the coordinator and he is awesome. He is so helpful and informative. He, as well had VSG surgery, so he is personal with his journey. Dr. Seranno is one of the Dr's their that works with you and talks to you along the way. Just wanted to let you know of my experience so far and I have had such a great experience working with this group. They have helped me so much along the way. The stress everytime you speak, Your health is their number 1 priority. Not to mention everything is done in a hospital, not a clinic. So you will be in good hands. Good luck on making your decision. :-)

I'm actually from Canada, and I could get it covered if I wanted to wait 8 years but I don't think I'm heavy enough to qualify - you need to be near death. I am not familiar with any Canadian doctors that have self pay type deals but I'll be looking into it first.

From what I've read so far on these boards, a lot of people go to Mexico and are successfully sleeved with little to no complications. (My biggest worry is a leak, infection or incompetence, poor follow up care ((especially once I get home with doctors who may have no idea what's going on with the sleeve because there aren't very many bariatric surgeons where I live)), and safety). I will certainly look into your doctor and see what he/she has to offer. Thanks!

Hi waterlover,

i'm in the US and i have insurance, but it only covers the lapband (and i'd have to gain weight and upgrade my plan to qualify), so i'm self-paying for the sleeve. i'm probably not much help in terms of going to mexico, as i plan to be sleeved here in kentucky. but i just wanted to welcome you to the boards, and i hope you are able to find what you're looking for!

Welcome Waterlover! These boards are great with lots of wonderful people ready to help out and support. Best of luck on this wonderful journey. I will say that for me, and I may be speaking for a lot of us, every step has been worth it. I could not be happier with this surgery. I've had a great experience and I am feeling so happy. I wish you the very best. Please post your thougths and questions. We are all happy to chime in and help out where we can.

Everyone seems really happy with their decision. I really really want this as I feel, due to my family history and general knowledge of how my body works, I will never be able to lose this on my own and keep it off, I mean I could diet and try to lose it but I know it would be a most miserable existence and I would be suffering tremendously with the desire to constantly eat. I have an insatiable appetite too, does the whole getting rid of the Grehlin production part of the stomach thing REALLY work. Because seriously this is the thing that attracts me most to the surgery. I'm always 'hungry' and always eat till I'm satisfied and that takes like 2 or 3 servings! Would be AWESOME if it would only take a few oz to feel satisfied.