I Made It

I had my surgery on a Wednesday and drove 6 hours home on Friday afternoon, no problem! Doc gave me some non drowsy pain meds. (I think like advil but they melted on my tongue). The 1st 24 hours of surgery are rough. After that you start feeling normal. No lifting or heavy physical stuff for 6 weeks.

I can't be your surgery buddy because I won't be there, but I had my sleeve done on 4/13 and I went alone. Actually drove myself down from a little north of Los Angeles. Had great experience and would go alone without reservation all over again! Good luck to you, and if you want to chat I'd be more than happy to talk to you! ps - it's been almost 10 weeks and I'm down 30lbs Wendy

I was sleeved by Dr. Aceves 4 weeks ago. I am similar to many others on the board. Initially, not interested in Mexico but after reading hours of information it kept leading me back to Dr. Aceves as the right choice for a cash paying person. Money is always an issue to everyone and everyone is different. Dr. Aceves does your surgery in the most sterile private "full service" hospital. His reputation is at the top of the list of great surgeons who do this particular surgery. He and his assistant surgeon Dr. Campos (who also had the surgery) check on you 3 times a day until you leave, and you leave with xrays and a detailed breakdown of the procedure he did including the brand of staples he uses in your stomach! They simply know what they are doing and what your needs are pre and post op. You recover in a hospital for 3 nights and not in a "recovery house". You CAN find cheaper, but you really do get what you pay for. I was willng to pay $8750 to ensure I was not in a "surgical center" or a "recovery house" or an "outpatient" patient. Hope this helps.... I have no regrets - AND let me say that had I had the same surgery and hospital support in the USA, the cost would have exceeded 25k. I am SURE of that.

Stacy, I have a 4 year old and 5 year old. I explained to them that the doctor was fixing my tummy and they have to be very gentle. I also told them I can't lift or carry them for a whole month. I showed them my ouches on my tummy and I am 2 weeks out they have been great! My kids are pretty rough and busy, so I am genuinely surprised and relieved at their concern and carefulness.

I concur with Mariah. I want to add a few things. Dr. Aceves also has another doctor, Dr. Campos, assisting him during surgery. Dr. Campos has actually had the surgery himself and is involved at all stages of your stay. In addition, the price includes the 1st night at a hotel and 3 nights in the hospital in your own private room. The hospital is a full hospital with an emergency room, security and it is an immaculate private hospital. Although I could have chosen to have my surgery as a cash pay patient for almost the same money, it would have been outpatient and with doctors that didn't have the experience, recommendations and support staff of Dr. Aceves.

Just wondering if anyone has or has had regrets getting VSG? I'm scheduled to have VSG in 2 weeks and I am so excited but also want to hear if anyone wished they hadn't done it and why? Thanks!

I Love hearing all of the replies, the good, the bad and the ugly. I have yet to hear anyone say they completely regret it. I am 6 days out, very tired - not a lot of energy at all. But I think that it's temporary. Keep the feedback coming!

Hang in there - that sounds awful! Make sure you ask for sleeping pill at bedtime AND take some extra Saporal (the pain meds) home from the pharmacy! It's worth it! Each day gets better, and if your core feels sore, pop the Saporal (not sure of the spelling) and it works like a charm! I had mine on Wednesday with Aceves and missed you as I left on Friday at noon.

I just got back from Mexicali, I deposited my stomach there too! Thank you for this post, I read it several times during my stay, it was my reference to grasp what was in store for me each step of the way. I must say it was SPOT ON! Everything! From doc's lecture to fading to black, to Mexican meds, to annoying chatter at the nurses station my first night (improved after that), to finding a pain pill in the middle of the night... No kid, but I had to hunt down a nurse who hunted down the correct nurse and quickly I was given paid meds and heading back to sleep! The first 24 hours are rough, no doubt! I agree that the apple juice and chix soup rocked my world! Anyway, thanks for the Mexicali experience guideline... It gave me confidence to persevere the experience. And by the way, considering they opened me up and took out my stomach, it was overall a good experience if anyone is considering Dr. Aceves and his staff. I have no regrets about my choice of doctor. I am 1 day home and looking forward to a healthier lifestyle!

I am here in mexicali. Just finished meeting with the anestigiologist and had blood work and EKG and chest xray. Looking forward to meeting the Dr. Aceves. I join the sleeved tomorrow! Nervous, anxious, and excited.

Thanks for the great summary, I love it! I'm heading down to Dr. Aceves on Tuesday, with a surgery date of Wed. April 13th. I now know to ask to go first and to make sure I am in a quiet room! Please post your progress!

Hi Everyone, I am scheduled for VSG next Wednesday and want to know what others did to manage the caffiene addiction? I usually have a cup in the morning and either soda or ice tea in the afternoon. I haven't weaned off of it and forsee a problem!! Anyone else out there that has been sleeved have the same issues and how did you handle it? Can I crush up no doze?? Help!!!

April 13th with dr. Aceves!

I really appreciate these posts. My surgery is scheduled for April 13th and I am trying to get my mind around all the mental and physical dynamics associated with the permanence ofmthis decision. I'm a bmi of 35 with weight of 210. I have struggled with weight since i was 12 and im 45 now I have come to terms with the realization that I will never be able to sustain the weight loss on my own even if I ever got there without vsg. Im not mentally strong enough when put in challenging situations. I believe this will help me maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight going forward.

My surgery is April 13th with Dr. Aceves. So anxious and excited!

I am hoping to find a USA doctor that will do the sleeve for about 10k all inclusive, I am a self pay and REALLY REALLY want it done, I'm so ready! Of course I want a great doctor that's highly recommended on a "beer budget". Does anyone know of a doctor they can recommend? Thanks so much!

Thanks! I'm looking at dr. Umbach but am hoping I can find a doctor in so. Calif that is under 11k and then I won't have to travel. I take it mini-me you were happy with umbach? I've read a few questionable posts and some great ones.