Hi folks,

I am new here and wanted to introduce myself. I just had VSG in Tijuana Mexico as a self-pay three days ago. My experience here with the doctors, the hotel, etc has been excellent so I cannot complain. The surgeons also were very competent and had great bedside manner. I do think if I had done things in the US (where I live) I would have gotten much more patient education, so I have been trying to read the e-mails the patient coordinator sends me and do research on my own. The good news is that even though my insurance did not approve my surgery, they will cover my post-op care, nutrition monitoring, etc, so I hope to feel more confident in that regard soon.

My insurance would not approve my surgery because my BMI was just over 35 (which qualified me) but I don't have any comorbidities. Basically I have always been very healthy, but fat. However I knew my luck might not last much longer in terms of blood pressure, diabetes, etc. so I wanted to go ahead and do something about it. Mexico seemed like a good option because it was more affordable, and since I happen to live in southern California, was close to home.

I keep wondering if this step was too "drastic" but I think I made a good choice. I have been fighting this struggle all my life, and I know the fight will continue, but this extra tool will be nice. I have dieted, love to exercise, did Optifast, etc etc and nothing sticks, so I hope this will. I have two small children at home and I really want them to grow up seeing me model a healthy relationship with food, and I want them to enjoy having a mom who chases them, runs/hikes/bikes/swims with them, etc. I am a little nervous about going back home to my little ones when I am still so sore but I know we will manage and they will hopefully learn to be "gentle" with mama for a few weeks.

I would love to know what folks think are the most useful parts of this forum, what your successes and challenges have been, etc. I am excited to be on this journey with you!

No, your decision wasn't too drastic. I wish I had made the decision for surgery done 40 years ago, then I would have spared my hip that I had replaced. One thing I have not felt, is belittled because of my decision to have surgery. I was a BMI of 47.

I have tons of patient information that was e-mailed to me by my Nutritionist including what to do from day one including meal suggestions for each week. liquid, puree, soft foods and regular food. If anyone who didn't get decent or no information, I would love to e-mail them to you. I had my surgery done in the only place in the USA that it is day surgery. It was outpatient surgery. In the Seattle area. Just let me know....DeeJay

Hi folks,

I am new here and wanted to introduce myself. I just had VSG in Tijuana Mexico as a self-pay three days ago. My experience here with the doctors, the hotel, etc has been excellent so I cannot complain. The surgeons also were very competent and had great bedside manner. I do think if I had done things in the US (where I live) I would have gotten much more patient education, so I have been trying to read the e-mails the patient coordinator sends me and do research on my own. The good news is that even though my insurance did not approve my surgery, they will cover my post-op care, nutrition monitoring, etc, so I hope to feel more confident in that regard soon.

My insurance would not approve my surgery because my BMI was just over 35 (which qualified me) but I don't have any comorbidities. Basically I have always been very healthy, but fat. However I knew my luck might not last much longer in terms of blood pressure, diabetes, etc. so I wanted to go ahead and do something about it. Mexico seemed like a good option because it was more affordable, and since I happen to live in southern California, was close to home.

I keep wondering if this step was too "drastic" but I think I made a good choice. I have been fighting this struggle all my life, and I know the fight will continue, but this extra tool will be nice. I have dieted, love to exercise, did Optifast, etc etc and nothing sticks, so I hope this will. I have two small children at home and I really want them to grow up seeing me model a healthy relationship with food, and I want them to enjoy having a mom who chases them, runs/hikes/bikes/swims with them, etc. I am a little nervous about going back home to my little ones when I am still so sore but I know we will manage and they will hopefully learn to be "gentle" with mama for a few weeks.

I would love to know what folks think are the most useful parts of this forum, what your successes and challenges have been, etc. I am excited to be on this journey with you!

Hi! I have sometimes asked myself if this is too drastic for me as well but I have attempted to lose weight too many times and failed. I have my surgery Tuesday 11-12-13 great date for my new begining. I have 3 young kiddos and I'm 33. I have been on bp meds for 2 yrs and have high cholesterol so I just know this will be a great tool for me and my health. Good luck on ur journey.

Thanks for this feedback! sissy13, good luck with your surgery. It will go great and you did pick a great date!

Hi! I have sometimes asked myself if this is too drastic for me as well but I have attempted to lose weight too many times and failed. I have my surgery Tuesday 11-12-13 great date for my new begining. I have 3 young kiddos and I'm 33. I have been on bp meds for 2 yrs and have high cholesterol so I just know this will be a great tool for me and my health. Good luck on ur journey.

Thanks for the supportive reply! Deejay, it is so nice of you to share your info and I would LOVE to see it if you won't mind. Is there a way on the forum I can send you my e-mail address? I am new to the site so I don't really know the nuts and bolts...

No, your decision wasn't too drastic. I wish I had made the decision for surgery done 40 years ago, then I would have spared my hip that I had replaced. One thing I have not felt, is belittled because of my decision to have surgery. I was a BMI of 47.

I have tons of patient information that was e-mailed to me by my Nutritionist including what to do from day one including meal suggestions for each week. Liquid, puree, soft foods and regular food. If anyone who didn't get decent or no information, I would love to e-mail them to you. I had my surgery done in the only place in the USA that it is day surgery. It was outpatient surgery. In the Seattle area. Just let me know....DeeJay

My personal e-mail address is: dj@farm-home.com

Hi, that is a question I had to, but being a type 2 diabetic and on bp meds, I had to do something other than the yo yo diets I had been on for many years. My family Dr. had been suggesting surgery for several years and finally this past February I got serious about it when I started experiencing numbness in my hands and feet! I had surgery just this Monday, nov 4th and I am off my bp and diabetic meds!! It's such a great feeling and I am down 9lbs already. You are making the right decision. I wish you the best and if there's any questions I would be happy to answer if I can. Best of luck to you!!

No, your decision wasn't too drastic. I wish I had made the decision for surgery done 40 years ago, then I would have spared my hip that I had replaced. One thing I have not felt, is belittled because of my decision to have surgery. I was a BMI of 47.

I have tons of patient information that was e-mailed to me by my Nutritionist including what to do from day one including meal suggestions for each week. Liquid, puree, soft foods and regular food. If anyone who didn't get decent or no information, I would love to e-mail them to you. I had my surgery done in the only place in the USA that it is day surgery. It was outpatient surgery. In the Seattle area. Just let me know....DeeJay

I would love your nut information!! I fly out tomorrow and have surgery Monday. Wow, I am nervous. But ready. Thank you so much!!!

I am in the same boat, nov 11 is my day ..bmi 34 wt 206. High bp and now high cholesterol and high lipids.. Tried every diet under the sun and just sick of it. Headed to Mexico only my hubby and brother know. My friends wd ridicule me...trust me.. So this forum means everything to me. I wish everyone success and great health...

I need your email address to send them to you. I would be happy to. DeeJay