33 BMI and scheduled for VG...

[marie bella1968 21]

I have a question everyine here w low weight low bmi. Do they have to do self pay or go to mexico. Because im 207 bmi of 37 but if i dont have anything i need to be on meds for. I may be denied im fat but. Maybe not sick enough. So unfair

[NtvTxn 1,262]

I have a question everyine here w low weight low bmi. Do they have to do self pay or go to mexico. Because im 207 bmi of 37 but if i dont have anything i need to be on meds for. I may be denied im fat but. Maybe not sick enough. So unfair

I didn't even consider going to Mexico, I've been twice, once I walked across the bridge to Juarez back in the early 60's when it was safe to do this, the second time I went to an all inclusive resort with my daughter. Now days, no way would I go over there for anything. Period.

My BMI was 36 or just under, I was self pay. My PCP told me to find a 'Center of Excellence' doctor, that was her only advice. I had no health issues, I consider it preventive maintenence.....when it comes down to it, surgery was mostly because of vanity. I wanted to shop, look good in clothes and enjoy doing so. Mission accomplished.

[No game 14,436]

Ahhhh... You are the one who started the thread,

Who else did it for vanity!!

I have lots of thoughts on that, but one is. I think all of us want to look better, as well as enjoy the benefits of being at a healthy weight..

[peggers6 1]

I have a semi low BMI, I cannot lose any weight during my preop,still following NUT diet though to maintain in a healthy manner. I am with WTgirl,I have lost the weight, gained it back, plus more. I was thin most of my life. I just can't do this to myself anymore. Out of control eating, being much heavier and growing ,and health issues creeping in.These are the reasons I am using this as my tool, I know I can stick to a diet if I have some support, and I WANT this so badly!!

[sue8925 17]

I am loving this thread and have struggled with the same issues. I am 183 and 5'2. I have to work very hard to maintain this weight, have been overweight my entire life. Last year went to a weight loss spa, lost 5 lbs. I feel if I dont do this I will continue to struggle and I am tired of the battle with food. I also have diabetes, hbp and sleep apnea(mild). I am looking forward to not focusing on food, having freedom from food and being healthy.

[Wrinkle 37]

I have a question everyine here w low weight low bmi. Do they have to do self pay or go to mexico. Because im 207 bmi of 37 but if i dont have anything i need to be on meds for. I may be denied im fat but. Maybe not sick enough. So unfair

I am self-pay. My insurance would not pay due to lower BMI. I have read some people had good results with Mexico/Trip-but I preferred to stay local.

[marie bella1968 21]

I am self-pay. My insurance would not pay due to lower BMI. I have read some people had good results with Mexico/Trip-but I preferred to stay local.

How much is self pay

[NtvTxn 1,262]

Dr. Davidson and Dr. Nicolson, both here in Dallas and both have the Center of Excellence stamp of approval....they are about the same price, in the neighborhood of 12k. That includes a lot of pre-op stuff and post op visits up to one year. The nurse that was working for Dr. Davidson when I had my surgery, she was available from something like 7 AM - 9 PM every day of the year! Patients were given her cell phone number. It was great, I called her several times with questions about whatever. If she didn't answer, I left a message and she ALWAYS called back within an hour, normally less. Forest Park Medical Center is where the self pay patients have surgery with both these doctors and several others. I know Davidson and Nicolson are both good physicians, but there are others in the Dallas area....and they all run about the same.

[Wrinkle 37]

How much is self pay

Mine is 12K. Includes some preop costs, doctor charge, surgery costs and 2 night hospital stay. I've heard of cheaper-but-I asked my friends who they recommended.

[zoekids 120]

While Iggy's story can be the case, do know it can be relatively smooth sailing too. Here is my almost 2 week post-op story. Yes, I know I am not out of the woods yet and can develop a leak or some other complication.

-- No major pain after surgery, other than my wrist arm swelling from the vein they blew -- still hurts

-- No major gas pain

-- No nausea

-- No close calls with throwing up

-- Able to drink fluids relatively easily, albeit slowly

-- Moved to full liquids per my Dr's plan easily

-- I am getting 60+ grams of Protein, and close to the 64 oz of Fluid (remembering to sip Water and waiting the 30+ minutes after is annoying)

-- Since moving to full liquids, I am been getting 600 to 700 calories in, is that too much?

-- Finally lost the water weight gain plus, and an additional 4.2 lbs since the surgery for a total of nearly 12 lbs

-- Traveled to my client site and worked pretty much my same routine of super fulls days, i.e, 10+ hours (yes, I did crash as soon as I got back to the hotel)

Now, for the minor complaint, when will my wrist along the vein stop hurting? It hurts to stretch the arm out and to touch it.

OK, I know I will hit a stall, I am thinking moving to more solid foods might present a problem, I just know I will hit a road bump at some point and will be on here asking for help. But, until then, pre-op patients, please know that the ride can be smooth. I know so far I have been one of the lucky ones. Thank you to who ever is watching out for me, I really appreciate it.

Personally, I attribute some of my smooth sailing to my lower BMI and being healthy going into the surgery. No heart complications, no high BP, etc.

Mary

[Bos123 221]

How much is self pay

I went to TJ Mexico with dr ortiz. It is a center of excellence. Very clean professional hospital. The price was 6500. He was on Oprah, check him out;)

[altagirl 127]

I'm also on the lower end of the BMI scale I'm 30.5 and going to have my surgery done by Dr. Alvarez in Mexico. Everyone keeps telling me I'm too small and I shouldn't do it. I'm doing it anyways because I'm ready to be happy with my body and do the things I want to do!

People thought I was too small too. It was a good decision for me. I have been very happy with my decision.

[altagirl 127]

I am loving this thread and have struggled with the same issues. I am 183 and 5'2. I have to work very hard to maintain this weight, have been overweight my entire life. Last year went to a weight loss spa, lost 5 lbs. I feel if I dont do this I will continue to struggle and I am tired of the battle with food. I also have diabetes, hbp and sleep apnea(mild). I am looking forward to not focusing on food, having freedom from food and being healthy.

Your stats are close to mine when I had surgery. One of the best parts of the surgery for me is that I am not hungry - I do not focus on food. This was a great decision for me at the lower BMI before I was so obese that it caused more problems.

[sue8925 17]

I cant imagine not being hungry. I always want to eat. It is like a monkey on my back if I can use that metaphor. I want to be free of it ( and wear some tight jeans)

Also sick of diabetes meds that make me sick. Even if I can decrease them it will be great.

Thanks for your stories

[janarae 93]

My self pay in Mexico was 5,600 for a band sleeve revision, Mexico is a great place to go for surgery. I had my band there and had no second thoughts about going for my sleeve. I will be going back for an arm lift if needed, my insurance will pay for my tummy tuck!

Jana, sleeved 1/31/13