I feel 100% better today!! I got sleeved on Monday. I would totally recommend Dr. Borland and the staff at the New Iberia Surgical Center (in New Iberia, Louisiana) they are all so nice & professional but friendly at the same time. I needed to be there by 8:30 Monday morning. I arrived about 8:15 and filled out some paperwork, put a bracelet on my wrist, then they called me to the back about 8:45 and and I was given a gown, the nurse asked asked my name, birthdate & reason I was there, then I was put on a stretcher, they did the IV, blood pressure cuff, and gave me a dose of stomach acid neutralizer (tasted like a very tart sweet tart) I was given an anti-inflammatory shot and something to dry out my mouth and then the anasteologist came in and talked to me and then the 2 surgical nurses talked to me and then the asst surgeon came in. They each asked if I had any questions or any concerns. Like I said they were very friendly & professional.

I was wheeled to the OR and they put the mask on my face & next thing I know I'm waking up in recovery.

I had a hard time staying awake and they kept giving me something for pain and it would knock me out.

My surgery was finished by 12:30 but I was in recovery until 4:30 and I started waking up and I needed to pee really bad. I got up and was able to walk to the bathroom. I stopped at the sink and I rinsed and rinsed my mouth. It was yellow & gross. My cheeks were sticking to my teeth. The nurse gave me a cup of Water and I'd rinse and spit.

My husband drove to the front of the surgical center and they wheeled me out to him. We checked into the Candlewoood Suites Hotel and Dr. Borland was there in about 10 minutes and he checked on me. Took temp, BP, checked incisions and gave me his beeper, home & cellphone numbers and told me to call if there were any problems, if I felt bad or had fever to call him. He told me to begin sipping around 9:00-10:00. I took tiny sips and managed ok that night. I had liquid lortab for pain, but it made me nauseated to take it. I got bad dry heaves.

I had to wear the massage stockings on my legs (to prevent blood clots) and I had to get up every 2 hours and walk and sip water. I had to pee every couple hours anyway due to all the fluids they pumped into me.

I walked around our room often and sipped slowly.

The next morning I felt ok and the surgery center called to check on me. She told me to sip chicken broth, Gatorade, water, Clear Liquids, apple juice and ice chips. I tried chicken broth from a can and it was gross, I gagged on it. The apple juice was way to sweet, but the Gatorade was ok. My husband got me some ice from Sonic Drive In.They have soft small round ice and it practically dissolves on your tongue.

I hurt a bit but was able to shower and I felt better. My stomache kept gurgling, making sounds and I felt like I needed to burp but couldn't. I used a gas x strip and it settled my tummy right away. The most pain was and still is in my belly button and my ribs hurt quite a bit.

Day 2 was better than day 1. The ice chips make taking in my liquids easier. I used a spoon and would sip Gatorade & eat ice off the spoon. Also chewing the ice makes it feel like your eating. I am not hungry at all. In fact I feel full after a few spoons of ice.

The doctor released me this morning and when I got home my mom had made a pot of chicken Soup and I sipped a bit of broth and I feel so much better. Day 3 really is a good day. I'm a bit sore but I am able to walk and move and sit up with minimal pain.

This is the BEST decision that I ever made and I do not regret it one bit.

If anyone is considering self pay I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Borland. I'm very satisfied and I have my follow up on Monday. I can't wait to see how much I have lost.

Glad to hear your doing so well, keep us posted.

Thank you

Thank you for your detailed story. I have an appointment with Dr. Borland on Monday 3/26/13. I see you had your surgery a month after your initial visit.

Can you tell me more about the Pre-op process (testing, costs, scheduling surgery ect?). I'm from LA but living in Alabama right now so I wondered how often I'll have to get myself to New Iberia before and after. Also, I'll self pay as well- when did you have to finalize your payment?

I paid $200 for initial consultation, I had to pay $9,600 by cashier checks at least 1 week before my surgery date.

I stayed at the Candlewood Suites with my husband. It had 2 beds, a lot of pillows, tv, recliner, desk, coffee pot, toaster, pots, pans, microwave, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, ice maker and plates, bowls, utensils...they provided dish soap as well.

The bathroom was nice size and very clean. My husband was able to heat up canned items or tv dinners for himself have to eat out every day. The doctor came to the hotel every day to check. Plan to stay until Wednesday morning at least.

You will need to see him 1 week post op so it might be better to stay in town the full week instead of driving home & then driving back 4 days later. After that I had to see him 2 weeks after the first appt. and I will see him again on 4/1. I live 35 minutes away. A friend who lives in Mississippi had surgery the same day and for the 3 week post op appt she did a conference call with him.

Good luck!!!

I had to have blood work, h pylori test, 2 chest x rays, EKG test. I brought the orders from Dr. Borland to my family doctor and he sent me to the local hospital to have the testing and that way my insurance paid for it.