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!

Why can't we all just remember why we are on this forum to begin with. We are all in the same boat...we all want to lose weight! And to have a happier healthy life. Well this isn't being happy or healthy. Just keep your personal opinions to yourselves. Just share your weight loss experiences with us. Sorry if this upsets people. But seriously all I want from this is positive feedback from the already sleeved.

Somebody needs to Turn off the TV and stop watching Fox "NEWS" ....... Sucks that this post has been tainted with negative post....

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']

Lets all pray for cindi

Why can't we all just remember why we are on this forum to begin with. We are all in the same boat...we all want to lose weight! And to have a happier healthy life. Well this isn't being happy or healthy. Just keep your personal opinions to yourselves. Just share your weight loss experiences with us. Sorry if this upsets people. But seriously all I want from this is positive feedback from the already sleeved.

I'm sorry this is one of your first nasty threads they pop up occasionally and although I hate feeding the trolls, sometimes you have to speak up or silence can be seen as agreement. We are all here to lose weight but some people bring other baggage with them. Its what makes us human, but don't worry it won't go on much longer Sorry for continuing thread, just needed to get that out of my system, because here in Aus we have a few small rascist groups that make us all look bad, and I HATE it! Especially from those who call themselves Christians- EVEN WORSE behaviour!!!

Unless you are an American Indian/ First American, I don't think you can say anything!!!!!!!!!! If anyone is ruining this country, it's bigots like you! You need to go join Westboro Baptist Church

Please remember our terms of service, which were agreed upon when you became a member of this site, located here:

http://www.verticals...tion=boardrules

Specifically, I would like to reference rule #16, which states the following:

16.

Show Respect to All Groups and Individuals. No derogatory references to sex, gender, ethnicity, religions, or sexual orientation, or endorsement of violence against any person or group, even if couched in humor, will be permitted. This includes expressing stereotypes about any group or community.

From this point forward, please refrain from any further disrespectful comments to one another or anything else that violates our terms of service. I also request that we now return to the original topic of this thread.

Thank you.

Please remember our terms of service' date=' which were agreed upon when you became a member of this site, located here:

http://www.verticals...tion=boardrules

Specifically, I would like to reference rule #16, which states the following:

16. Show Respect to All Groups and Individuals. No derogatory references to sex, gender, ethnicity, religions, or sexual orientation, or endorsement of violence against any person or group, even if couched in humor, will be permitted. This includes expressing stereotypes about any group or community.

From this point forward, please refrain from any further disrespectful comments to one another or anything else that violates our terms of service. I also request that we now return to the original topic of this thread.

Thank you.

Thank you Susan!!

Sometimes a gentle reminder is what is needed. I move that everyone just let these posts go and move on to other topics that will prove more beneficial to our individual journeys.

People pointing the fingers need to look in the mirror.

Unless you are an American Indian/ First American, I don't think you can say anything!!!!!!!!!! If anyone is ruining this country, it's bigots like you! You need to go join Westboro Baptist Church

Ugh I'm from Topeka and have to live in the same city as those WBC freaks...don't send Cindi here plzzzzzzzzzzzzzz lol

I reported her days ago. We are all titled to our own opinions. However, some of us have GOD given common sense not to express our feelings in a way that offend an entire race. This is not the first post I have seen you spout your ignorance. Talk about leaving people alone... You must be one miserable women. REPORT THAT!

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 a disgusting post!

Actually Cindi, it's small minded, ethno-centric bigots like you who are tearing this country apart.

I don't see how this divisive attitude benefits our country. You need a reality check.

This is appalling.

Hi All!

I was 'sleeved' on August 23' date=' 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! [/quote']

I was wondering if the surgical center you went to in Mexico was located in a hospital or was it a private facility dedicated only to WLS?

I had surgery in Mexico and found comfort in knowing there was an ICU on the floor above the WLS center. Your post makes me wonder if Mexico ICU is not equivelant to US ICU.

We are welcome to our own opinions and if that is what was posted here then there would be no conflict. For example if what had been posted was... 'going to Mexico was not something that I was comfortable with. The struggles facing our border with Mexico concern me and I chose to spend my money in the US.' That is something that is an opinion but blanket statements about entire groups of people is hateful. My sister in law lives in Oaxaca and her husband is from Ensada, my husband is a Border Patrol Agent we live in a border town with a 96% hispanic population and my brother is dating an illegal immigrant that crossed here when she was fourteen. Our country is complicated, a melting pot of culture, food, language, ideals and that is American! We were built on the melding of difference and in that we found unity. Now its shifted become more complicated in ways but there is no room for blame here! God made us all equal in His eyes and therefore not a single person on this earth means less to Him than any other! His love is unending and completely impartial. Even for those that don't see it that way!

Sadly, attending a church makes you no more of a christian than standing in a garage makes you a car. Some people don't get what they're supposed to out of it As we've seen here.

You know- I'm very proud of identifying as a conservative republican but you Cindi is what gives us a bad name. I'm embarrassed by your comment and hate that your comments and those of the like tend to group us conservatives together. Sick.

OP- hope all is going well.