Hi All!

I was 'sleeved' on August 23, 2012 and although I did a lot of research there was a lot I still had/have to learn!

I've struggled with my weight my whole life. A few years ago I seriously considered getting the lap band but didn't go beyond researching options. My weight has steadily crept up and these last couple of years have been depressing; I could not lose the weight. Most recently I tried adipex, lost weight temporarily, and then gained it all back.

My health insurance does not cover weight loss surgery so I knew I would have to pay for the procedure my self. I considered lap band, and then gastric plication, and then through research decided on gastric sleeve.

I researched doctors in the US and Mexico, cost, expertise, etc. I choose (verified) a doctor in Mexico that is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery; and the surgical center is designated as an International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. I felt comfortable with my choice, as the credentials of the doctor and surgical center in Mexico are the same as in the US. I considered purchasing 'catastrophic/complications' insurance but figured that I'm healthy and need to save money for the procedure and follow up back in the US. (NOTE--This was just one of my misjudgments,)

I was to arrive in Mexico, have the procedure that same day, stay two nights at the surgical center, two nights at a hotel, and return to the US on the fifth day.

I went to Tijuana, Mexico, by myself, for the procedure. (NOTE--I do not speak Spanish.) I arrived on Thursday around 11 am and was picked up by the surgical center at the airport as planned. I had the procedure early that evening and the doctor said all went well (good surgery, no enlarged liver, etc.). The next day (Friday) I was informed that during the night when I was moving around I must have pulled stitches loose (or something) because there was abnormal/excessive bleeding from my drain; the doctor would need to go back in to resolve the problem; the doctor cauterized all the surgical sites and said all went well. Saturday, the doctor said there was still bleeding and needed to go back in to see/resolve the cause. At this point I was SCARED! I had to have blood transfusions, plasma, etc. Saturday evening the doctor informed me that they would be transferring me by ambulance to a US hospital in response to several serious complications that had developed: liquid in lungs, breathing, etc. The doctor called my sister in the US and told her to come to the hospital where I would be transferred. (I found out later that the doctor had my sister pay $2500 additional for surgeries, blood transfusions, etc.) Saturday evening I was transported by ambulance to the Mexico/US Border, met by a US hospital ambulance, and transported to a US hospital emergency room.

(I have to admit at some point I thought that the ambulance would stop, roll me into an alley, and leave me. Moreover, I thought, "I'm so out of it, I can't even run to save my life". )

I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on Saturday evening. I had every test imaginable and I was seen by every type of specialist: cardiologist, pulmonologist, internist, infectious disease, surgeon, etc. I remained in ICU for three days while they resolved my complications (pneumonia, pulmonary, etc). The specialist 'cleared' my sleeve and indicated that all digestive processes were fine. (That was relief!) I stayed in the hospital two more days and was released on Thursday to go home (with the recommendation not to fly). We flew back to the Midwest and I’ve been adjusting to the sleeve ever since.

I don’t regret the surgery, or even going to Mexico; I would however recommend taking a friend/companion and having a plan for complications/transfer to a US hospital if one ever wants to engage in any type of Medical Tourism. I wish the doctor would have sent me to a US hospital sooner, I don’t think I would have been in such a critical condition, I could have received acute care, and had potential for insurance (or indigent) pay.

I’ve lost about 23 pounds since my surgery. Initially I felt somewhat discouraged but then I read postings on the message boards indicating that 20-25 pounds is an average weight loss for the first month.

I’m hoping my medical bills and follow up care is covered by insurance and that I continue to lose weight and get to my goal of 140 pounds!

Did I mention that I have a $5000 health insurance deductible? After all is said and done it may have been less expensive to have stayed and had the procedure in the US!

My surgery was exactly 28 days ago' date=' and my care at Geisinger hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania was less than stellar! I thought I was going to die between the poor care, being left in supine position in the hallways for hours with semi-collapsed lungs, and the massive overwhelming pain that could not be controlled. My situation was so bad.....I still cry when I think about it, and I am in the process of writing a scathing letter to the hospital nursing coordinator...and maybe seeing a lawyer. I am still in pain and coughing crap up from that procedure...and the lack of care I got afterward. But...when I read your story, I feel fortunate. Personally, I would never go to Mexico to have any procedure...Mexico and Hispanics are tearing our country apart, and I would never want to give them money to continue to do so, or whatever else...and those are my feelings and beliefs on the situation regarding Mexico...but...I am going to have to agree with you 1000% about having someone with you at ALL times in case of poor care, as in my case, and as in the case of complications like you had. My daughter had to tell the nurses what to do, and she's just a child. I could go on and on about it...but you are so right!

Is it worth it? I have lost 35 pounds in 28 days....and 34 of them were in about 20 days. The 35th pound fell today. Ask me in one year if it's worth it. At this point, even 35 pounds is NOT worth it. This procedure should be an absolute LAST resort.

God bless and keep you, and all of us, as you/we recover.[/quote']

This is not the forum for racist, ethnocentric, or denigrating comments. We come here to find support and information. Period.

I think sometimes people forget this forum is multicultural and is made of people from all walks of life. I am offend by the comments and I am not Latina; however I live in a Latin American country. That was a very bigoted statement and unfortunately because we are on a forum people feel the need to say what ever they feel no matter who's feelings are affected. I have seen posts from particular individual on VST and I try to stay clear. I am reporting this post.-

<SNIP>Personally' date=' I would never go to Mexico to have any procedure...Mexico and Hispanics are tearing our country apart, and I would never want to give them money to continue to do so, or whatever else...and those are my feelings and beliefs on the situation regarding Mexico...<SNIP>[/quote']

True that sister! And don't get me started on them colored folks. We should just ship them all back to Africa, amirite? Of course, the Mexicans and blacks are just a drop in the bucket compared to the fatties! I mean, talk about bringing our country down, they just sit on the couch and eat bonbons and watch Jerry Springer all day...

Seriously, coming from a group of people (obese) who are routinely discriminated against and judged by their appearance rather than the content of their character, how can you spew such hate and bigotry? By any chance were any of your nurses Hispanic? Sometimes you reap what you sow.

. Personally, I would never go to Mexico to have any procedure...Mexico and Hispanics are tearing our country apart, and I would never want to give them money to continue to do so, or whatever else...and those are my feelings and beliefs on the situation.

Nasty, inappropriate and racist

TROLL ALERT!!!

To OP Misseducated, I can tell you have learned a lot from your experience although it was horrible, you're ok now and I really hope you grow to think it was worth it, that you achieve everything you want from it.

Peace

@Pepper Paul....that was a great post! Thank you

YOU are the people forgetting that I am entitled to my own feelings on whether or not I would want to go to Mexico or any other country besides the U.S. and why I think things are worth it or not, etc. I always stand on principal, and live with the consequences of what is happening to our nation every day. That is part of my life, and I am allowed to express my opinion anytime I want. That is the American way! It's too bad you are so offended...and that's another thing that is wrong with this country...too many people offended all the time...many of them illegal aliens and anchor babies or do-gooder liberals who are blinded by their college education. Grow up and stop the baggering.

"Blinded by a college education" that's a first! I bess undo my college edumacation afore I get really stupid, huh. We want the country run by uneducated, ignorant folk...that's what this country needs. Holy Moly. As an indigenous person of this continent I CAN say: remember Cindi, You are the immigrant or child of an immigrant here. but we Natives are more accepting of you, than you are of them.

Done Did It!

"A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool." Proverbs 17:10

and

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him." Proverbs 26:4

(gosh, Proverbs certainly talks about being foolish a LOT)

"A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool." Proverbs 17:10

and

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly' date=' or you will also be like him." Proverbs 26:4

(gosh, Proverbs certainly talks about being foolish a LOT)[/quote']

Well said...or quoted

Done Did It!

YOU are the people forgetting that I am entitled to my own feelings on whether or not I would want to go to Mexico or any other country besides the U.S. and why I think things are worth it or not' date=' etc. I always stand on principal, and live with the consequences of what is happening to our nation every day. That is part of my life, and I am allowed to express my opinion anytime I want. That is the American way! It's too bad you are so offended...and that's another thing that is wrong with this country...too many people offended all the time...many of them illegal aliens and anchor babies or do-gooder liberals who are blinded by their college education. Grow up and stop the baggering.[/quote']

Oh boy!!! You're saying that us college educated people are blind. Now im understand what is your problem. Poor, poor child. Hope you the best in this journey.

I'm a native too, and I have more than a Master's degree...so you really can't turn it around. I was not referring to the subject matter of education, rather the rest of of it. Really, learn to think, and leave me alone, because you really don't know what you are talking about.

Your ancestors must be so proud

Done Did It!

WOW!!

YOU are the people forgetting that I am entitled to my own feelings on whether or not I would want to go to Mexico or any other country besides the U.S. and why I think things are worth it or not, etc. I always stand on principal, and live with the consequences of what is happening to our nation every day. That is part of my life, and I am allowed to express my opinion anytime I want. That is the American way! It's too bad you are so offended...and that's another thing that is wrong with this country...too many people offended all the time...many of them illegal aliens and anchor babies or do-gooder liberals who are blinded by their college education. Grow up and stop the baggering.

You're not in America on the Internet! You may have rights there but here we follow the rules of the forum! In going to report you for your rascist and offensive comments. But you wanted to offend didn't you! You mock us for our delicate sensibilities. But we mock you back! You are the minority! The ignorant, self-entitled, wasteful and jealous few who will be dead soon, leaving the world a much better place! Get on with it!