Anxiety about All this

[IssyKitty 0]

I am new to all this. Has anyone else had the surgery using Bariatric Pal MX hospital?

I am interested in having the surgery but my insurance will not cover it at all even though it is medically necessary. It is one of the things they will not do. My brother used Bariatric Pal MX Hospital and he said it was really amazing and the place was 5 star and so was the treatment. I still have some anxieties because I have never been out of the states. I have never flew on a plane and Mexico is so far from my family.

I asked my brother is he ever regretted having it done and he said it was the best thing that has ever happened to him.

I guess I am wanting to see how the process was for every one else as they started their journey and how it was after the surgery.

I also worry that I already have thin hair because of my thyroid and that with the surgery I may end up with little to no hair? Do people grow their hair back after it sheds ?

Any feedback would be great. I am excited to possibly have this done but I really want to weigh my pros and cons.

[HappyHikerGal 132]

I am still pre op but scheduled to have surgery in Mexico at a different clinic in November. Mexico was my best option since my insurance doesn't cover it. I've felt anxiety off and on, but when I return to the science of this surgery, I know it is the right choice for me. It sounds like you have an awesome cheerleader in your brother. You can't beat having a family member to mentor you. My understanding is that Hair loss is temporary. People handle this in different ways, from different haircuts, extensions, or wigs until hair grows back. Some people don't notice much change. Taking Vitamins and eating Protein is important. Good luck on this healthy next chapter!

Sent from my Pixel 2 using BariatricPal mobile app

[IssyKitty 0]

HappyHikerGal, I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I was a little sad that no one had responded because every one on the forum seemed so chatty and supportive. I just sort of felt stupid. May I ask what clinic you chose? How has the whole process been for you so far? It looks like you are doing well losing weight so far!

[HappyHikerGal 132]

No problem! This is a very intimidating journey, especially to those of us self-paying in Mexico. I'm going to the Obesity Control Center and Dr. Ariel Ortiz. My surgery date is November 18th, but I will head to the clinic on the 17th. They provide transportation from San Diego airport and back again a few days after surgery. My husband will be coming down with me. I also used to live in San Diego and have a bunch of concerned friends who will be waiting to hear that everything went okay! Most people I tell are a bit leery of my decision to go to Mexico, until I give them my clinic's website and they see the same qualifications and accreditations for both the clinic and Dr. Ortiz as I would find in the US. I'm comfortable with this decision. Through my research I found many awesome doctors and clinics down there so I think TJ can be an excellent choice. I only came across one Dr. to steer clear of, and that is a Dr. Almanza who has botched many operations and spread infection.

Having your brother give an endorsement must be a comfort to you. Maybe he can go down there with you! When is your surgery date?

[ColoradoCanuck 70]

My surgery date is November 18th

Surgery twin! I'm also on November 18.


@izzykitty:

I've also been pretty anxious and the best thing I did was read as much as I could on Reddit.com/r/wsl, watch YouTube videos of people who recorded their journeys before and after surgery, and read lots and lots of forums like this site.

My anxiety is still there, but I feel FAR more educated. My surgeon in Colorado is very patient and understanding and takes time to answer any sort of question I have as well.

Funny thing, I was anxious before they set a date because I didn't have a date. Now I have a date and I'm anxious about the countdown.

Stay in touch here!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

[FormerUser 218]

On 10/20/2019 at 5:19 PM, IssyKitty said:

I am new to all this. Has anyone else had the surgery using Bariatric Pal MX hospital?

I am interested in having the surgery but my insurance will not cover it at all even though it is medically necessary. It is one of the things they will not do. My brother used Bariatric Pal MX Hospital and he said it was really amazing and the place was 5 star and so was the treatment. I still have some anxieties because I have never been out of the states. I have never flew on a plane and Mexico is so far from my family. 

I asked my brother is he ever regretted having it done and he said it was the best thing that has ever happened to him.

I guess I am wanting to see how the process was for every one else as they started their journey and how it was after the surgery. 

I also worry that I already have thin hair because of my thyroid and that with the surgery I may end up with little to no hair? Do people grow their hair back after it sheds ?

Any feedback would be great. I am excited to possibly have this done but I really want to weigh my pros and cons.

Hi Issy,

I can only speak to some of your comments - I had my surgery here in the states, and by some miracle, my insurance <i>finally</i> started covering WLS last year.

I'm just about 5 months out from my surgery, and I have zero regrets about doing it, despite being warned by some that I might experience "buyer's remorse". My journey hasn't been without its bumps... my pre-op program was pretty rigorous, and they expect a lot out of you, but it was well worth it, since it prepared me so thoroughly. After the surgery there were very few surprises. I'd say to make sure you educate yourself as well as possible to know what you're in for (and I get the impression you've already done quite a bit of research!)

As far as hair... I will admit, I've lost a ton of hair 😞 I had fairly thick hair before the surgery, and it's stunningly thin now - but my hairdresser says it's already starting to grow back. I don't know that every single person regrows their hair, but I think it's much more common than not for it to grow back. I've recently taken to wearing hats, and I get lots of compliments on my hats now, so it's a compromise I can work with

Oh, and as far as planes... I've flown lots of times, and the only issues I've ever really had were my own anxieties about how I fit into the seats 😞 I found I could discretely ask flight attendants for seatbelt extenders and that helped! But as far as safety, I've always felt perfectly safe, even on a 12 hour flight (though let me tell you, that was a LONG day...)

I hope some of this helps - keep us posted on your journey!