SophieJaneB

Wow, that was FAST!!!! Congrats!!!

I am in that same in-between/ before surgery phase, and I've been gaining weight in anticipation of the surgery, I think it's my nervousness! I know how you feel!

When I was self pay I was signed up to go to Dr. Borland. But then i started a new job and got insurance and just made my appt. in Houston, no reason, except I was a little hesitant about the hotel thing, however, hearing the personal testimonies, I probably wouldn't hesitate to use him. Houston is a little closer for me, so that is why I chose Houston. I say go for Dr. Borland!!

So glad to find this thread! I'm 5'1 and a HALF also! Starting weight, 200, don't have surgery date, but have done all pre-op testing. Waiting on insurance approval and then to set a date, hopefully spring break, but if not, then it will be summer time.

This is not related to VSG, but I did register my first born for Kindergarten today, she'll start in the Fall. Reminds me of one reason I'm on this journey, to be the best mom I can be. :*)

Great question! I'm interested to see the replies.

well what I DO have knowledge about is that I need to have my surgery close to home due to having small children, at a reputable hospital, great surgeon, with very little travel costs. That is what I do know, and that is whats best for me. And I have nothing at all against Dr. Aceves. If I lived in Southern California, thats who I would use.

I'm having my done in Dallas at TLC Edge, for $9990. Its not that much more than Aceves, and I get to stay in the states.

WOW! I want to rock my sleeve just like you! OMG that is sooo amazing. You inspire me. My first appt. is Sept. 1st. WOohoo!!

I've found a surgery center, I'm approved for financing, Husband has reservations about the $$, Have NOT told any family or friends because I'm nervous that they will not support me, or question me. I'm 80 lbs overweight with a BMI of 36.5.. AND pre-diabetic.There is no way I will ever lose 80 lbs and keep it off. but I'm afraid my family members (who are not overweight) will just tell me to get my butt on the treadmill. But I know myself, I know I'll never lose that much weight and keep it off on my own. I really want the sleeve gastrectomy. Any advice on how to tell my family ??

VIdor (close to Beaumont)

Well, I turned in my paperwork to the surgeon's office yesterday, which is a tiny babystep on my WLS journey. Then, last night over dinner, i brought up the topic again to my always skeptical husband, and again got the "why can't you just save us $12,000 and do this on your own? $12,000 is such a lot of money, thats like what a car is worth" wow, anybody want to guess that he doesn't have a weight problem? Of course he doesn't. This is so frusterating. Roadblocks: 1) skeptical husband 2) big ole $12,000 bill. Yes, I can get financing, already qualified in fact, however we'll get to tack on a $350 a month bill to our already stretched finances.3)don't really want to tell my family and co-workers, however I'll have to since I'll need help with the kids, and I'm not fond of making up cover stories , just dreading spilling the beans and letting them into this very personal decision. However, I know that this is what I want, I WILL do it, roadblocks or not.

September 1st is my first consult, in Houston with Dr. Marvin. ((Squeal!!)) I am cash pay, so I pushed it that far back to allow me to save money, and make some extra money to put down for downpayment. I am soo excited, but still dealing with very skeptical husband about spending so much...and he will not budge on letting me to go Mexico, I'm not going to fight it. Just going to save as much $ as possible to have minimal impact on our finances. Still haven't told my family...thats a milestone for another day

Dixie, It is Houston Surgical Associates, www.doctormarvin.com

Thanks DIsney! That is good information. I am so excited, I am now scheduled for consult in Houston on Sept. 1st~ SO EXCITED!!! Time to work hard and save $$!!

Yes! it does! I'm floating a little bit today heeheee

My husband flat our refuses to allow me to go Mexico for the surgery, he just doesn't think it's safe, regardless of the $ savings. I would go if it were my decision- I personally think it would be safe after reading all the posts on here ,but he's been there before in the military, and just didn't want me to go. So i'll be having mine in houston and spending a lot more $ for it. *sigh*

I love the idea of him getting on this forum and reading up on all the information and success stories. I don't know what he has against mexico, but when I brought it up, he said, people disappear in mexico! it's not safe! I've been to tijuana when I was in the military and it is a dirty town. --I hated to hear him say all that because it pretty much shut the door to the mexico option. But maybe if he reads up on these boards it will open his mind up a little bit. Education is the key.

Fingers Crossed Chicadee!!! Let us know asap what the doc says!!!

If you flew to Mexico to have the surgery, did someone come with you? I know they let you stay for 3 days, and provide a driver, so is it necessary to bring someone to help you, or was it pretty easy with just the nursing staff and driver? Thanks!

Rock on Jeffrey! Thank you for that encouragement! You are right, this is my right to privacy and no one should try to take that away from me!

Thats what I thought! Thanks so much!!

I feel a sense of dread being lifted off my shoulders at the thought of not telling.?!! I think it would be so much easier that way- not to have to face their judgment. I'll have to convince my husband to "allow" me not to tell anyone because he always holds me accountable and wants me to be honest at all times. He means well, but he's hardheaded/ lol.

I definitely know its not easier than a diet. Every time I look at my plate I think, after surgery I'll not be able to eat this. I must come to terms with that.. but I feel that is what I need to actually succeed. And i am excited about getting on a treadmill and actually having results! One of my goals is to run a 5k in the next couple of years. I like the gallbladder advice, and I'd use that except I had my gallbladder out a couple years ago...so I'd have to think of something else, and keep my parents away from the surgery center because they'd want to be there. I'm thinking about just not saying anything at all. Just doing it, and telling them later, after the fact.

Thanks for the advice! I hate keeping secrets from my family, but I might do the surgery then tell them at a later time. My dad is always the skeptic and on occasion has mentioned certain people who've had gastric bypass and has gained part of the weight back....thats why I'm nervous to tell him. I have a very nice family, and I guess I'm afraid to admit my weakness (even though its easy to see) with losing weight and wanting to use this wonderful tool to help me. It's hard when you're the only overweight person in your immediate family (extended family members have weight problems). And I don't know if I'll be able to keep a secret since we all live in the same city, go to the same church, see each other every week. It would be hard. I guess i still have some soul searching to do!!