I have battled with my weight for years like many. And not unlike those who are battling with the scale I have issues with depression, self esteem, and health. I have tried sooo many diets starting from freshman year in high school. Some I had success and others none at all. So much money wasted on trainers, memberships, special food, medications, videos, equipment, therapist and no long term results. Granted some techniques I didn't give it my all and others once I started to see the results that became the trigger to start eating again.

After a year of research and attending seminars I decided to have the Gastric Plication done...in Mexico with Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I am excited and nervous. Surgery is scheduled for January 21, 2013. My starting weight now is 210. Surgery date it should be 200. My highest was 240. I've lost 40lbs through the HGC shots and diet medications that I've been on for a year.

I hope to have long term success and recover from some of the ailments that are preventing me from living my life to the fullest...

Melody..... Please don't second guess yourself...EVERY doctor is going to have procedures with complications. The average is 1% for VSG.

I too have come across bad reviews but it's important to remember that a large portion of the posters have either had a really GOOD or really BAD experiences...that's why they are posting. This DOES NOT represent the 99% (NINETY-NINE OUT OF A HUNDRED!!!) who had no complications ...

Every doctor is going to have their detractors...it's just matter of who actually takes the time to post. Also, keep in mind that Almanza has considerable experience with this...he may be one of the MOST experienced in MX.

I am confident that I made the right choice and everything will work out wonderfully. You should too!

-Alan

I am seeing that most people have had or are having the sleeve done. I chose the Plication. I'm wondering if there is a reason for that???

Melody..... Please don't second guess yourself...EVERY doctor is going to have procedures with complications. The average is 1% for VSG.

I too have come across bad reviews but it's important to remember that a large portion of the posters have either had a really GOOD or really BAD experiences...that's why they are posting. This DOES NOT represent the 99% (NINETY-NINE OUT OF A HUNDRED!!!) who had no complications ...

Every doctor is going to have their detractors...it's just matter of who actually takes the time to post. Also' date=' keep in mind that Almanza has considerable experience with this...he may be one of the MOST experienced in MX.

I am confident that I made the right choice and everything will work out wonderfully. You should too!

-Alan[/quote']

I am having mine Jan 7.

If I am correct , the plication just staples off a large part of the stomach vs. removing it. If that is the case, does that mean that you will still have hunger impulses because ghreline is still being produced? With the sleeve option, the production of ghreline is greatly reduced with the stomach removal.

I am seeing that most people have had or are having the sleeve done. I chose the Plication. I'm wondering if there is a reason for that???

If I am correct ' date=' the plication just staples off a large part of the stomach vs. removing it. If that is the case, does that mean that you will still have hunger impulses because ghreline is still being produced? With the sleeve option, the production of ghreline is greatly reduced with the stomach removal.

[/quote']

I am seriously rethinking the Plication. I've made my appointment already but I think I should have the sleeve instead???

I am seriously rethinking the Plication. I've made my appointment already but I think I should have the sleeve instead???

Do what you decide is best for you. We all have reasons for the choice we make. Some

Of my reasons for choosing plication are: less invasive surgery : could use that portion of my stomach if needed (esophageal cancer): not all vs patience loose their hungry sensation: and my mom was part of the 1% with vs and almost died. So after going through 8 mos of hell with her I could not bring myself to do it, but also realizing I needed to do something. I know her case is the exception, but it was scary and I have three little kids. That being said I see many success stories with the vs as well. The decision is yours... I wish you the best in whatever you choose:)

If I am correct ' date=' the plication just staples off a large part of the stomach vs. removing it. If that is the case, does that mean that you will still have hunger impulses because ghreline is still being produced? With the sleeve option, the production of ghreline is greatly reduced with the stomach removal.

[/quote']

They fold the stomach inwards and do two rows of sutures. No staples:)

Do what you decide is best for you. We all have reasons for the choice we make. Some

Of my reasons for choosing plication are: less invasive surgery : could use that portion of my stomach if needed (esophageal cancer): not all vs patience loose their hungry sensation: and my mom was part of the 1% with vs and almost died. So after going through 8 mos of hell with her I could not bring myself to do it' date=' but also realizing I needed to do something. I know her case is the exception, but it was scary and I have three little kids. That being said I see many success stories with the vs as well. The decision is yours... I wish you the best in whatever you choose:)[/quote']

Omg Bos.... What exactly happened to your mom if you not mind sharing?

Wow well with my insomnia I'll be up tonight doing more research. I thought I was confident of what I was going to do. I know that either one is life changing but I want the one that will give me the best result with the least complications and so far it's looking like the sleeve is a better choice for me.

Omg Bos.... What exactly happened to your mom if you not mind sharing?

I hate to scare people because ( by the looks of these forums) hers is an exception. But she had the sleeve done, they found no leaks. Two days later she was so sick and sore we took her to emerg. Turns out she got blood clots in her lungs an her blood pressure wouldn't stay where it should. So they flu her to the city. She got phnemonia and a staph infection and was in the hospital for two months. She then had a drain bag in for infection for six months ( bs communication btwn the two hospitals that were caring for her). She has to have a stent put in in two weeks and hopefully she will be better ( this should have been done months ago IMO). So it a crazy story that prob wouldn't happen to most. But for me It scared me. I have made good friends on here that are doing great with the sleeve. But so far I am doing great with the plication. On my secret dec sleev fb page there are tons of people on it ( all with sleeve) and only one has had a leak so far and she is getting it treated right away. Crazy hey... Everything happens for a reason I guess. My mom

Had it done here at home and I had mine in TJ Mexico so things can happen anywhere i guess:/ glad it's all over!

So I decided to switch from Plication to Sleeve. My gut is telling me that is the better choice for me. I made my initial decision based on what the coordinator told me and not on my own research. After reading so many posts over the past few weeks the information on Plications is sparse. I'm figuring that this is a fairly new procedure so I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and do the sleeve. I feel way more educated about that. My surgery date is still the same 1/21/13. Starting weight right now is 211. In about 2 weeks I'll start my pre-op diet. I'm going to do the 14 day 2 protein shake daily and diet meal for dinner. I'm hoping to get down the 10% necessary. I'm a smoker and no smoking for 2 wks plus no real food is going to very hard. I pray now for those around me and hope they survive those two wks lol.

So I decided to switch from Plication to Sleeve. My gut is telling me that is the better choice for me. I made my initial decision based on what the coordinator told me and not on my own research. After reading so many posts over the past few weeks the information on Plications is sparse. I'm figuring that this is a fairly new procedure so I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and do the sleeve. I feel way more educated about that. My surgery date is still the same 1/21/13. Starting weight right now is 211. In about 2 weeks I'll start my pre-op diet. I'm going to do the 14 day 2 Protein shake daily and diet meal for dinner. I'm hoping to get down the 10% necessary. I'm a smoker and no smoking for 2 wks plus no real food is going to very hard. I pray now for those around me and hope they survive those two wks lol.

Good luck with your journey! I wish you a safe and speedy surgery/recovery;)

Good luck with your journey! I wish you a safe and speedy surgery/recovery;)

Thank you!

Today my mother and I got our passports! Monday I officially start my Pre-op Diet. I've been trying out the weight loss shakes trying to get used to drinking them. So far I've tried the Walmart Equate brand in chocolate. I actually like it. I'm going to struggle with stopping smoking. What is the rule about smoking post op?

Congrats on your decision. I'm so excited for u! I too am a smoker so I totally know where ur coming friend on quitting! U can do it! I am going to my first seminar invite 17th so I am excited to take the first steps to becoming a sleever! Keep us informed!