kemo46

I feel so bad for you and I hope for a speedy recovery. I was surprised to hear you were released so fast to go to the gym or lifting. That was a no no for me until after 6 weeks. I could not do any exercise besides walking until after 6 weeks. You mentioned your job requires heavy lifting, I cannot imagine your doctor releasing you to do any heavy lifting until after 2 months. I would revisit that with your Doctor, it sounds too much too soon. We will be praying for you.

Yes, that is correct. Go to my blog which is in my signature line and start at the beginning, it will tell you a lot about the process. Good luck, you will do great .

That is great, I know that is a big goal for myself. Keep up the great work.

I had type 2 diabetes. I had the surgery on 5-25-2011 and my blood numbers were back to normal about a week after surgery. Losing the weight pre-op and eating healthier is what I felt achieve this. My doctor wanted to start me on Meds once I was diagnosed but since I was going to have the surgery so soon after diagnoses, we waited to see how the surgery was going to affect the numbers.I was told by my PCP that the RNY is the best surgery for diabetes but it depends on what is causing it. We all know that weight, diet and exercising are all keys to correcting blood sugar and if these can lower your blood sugar, the sleeve will achieve this.. I was told that if you have an issue with the way your body produces or processes insulin, that the surgery, losing weight , diet or exercise might not help. If the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or your body is having issues processing it, you might still have to be on meads.

I paid 4,500.00 with Dr. Almanza, that included everything on the medical end including meds. The flights will vary depending on where you are coming from. You do not have to have a passport, 2 ladies in our group just had their certified birth certificate and drivers license and had no issues. The driver said he has never had any issues as long as they had those two items. I wish I had known this, I had paid over 400.00 for me and my wife's passports to be expedited

Those are very good questions to ask. I recovered in a recovery house with a nurse there 24/7. My nurse, Servano is an ICU nurse at the hospital right behind the clinic, I cannot rember the name of the hospital. When he is relieved, another nurse comes in, her name is Elsie. She is an RN as well. I think the main difference in costs in Mexico are the same differences as here in the states. It all comes down to the bottom line. The expenses, marketing and the amount of business they generate. Everyone has the monthly revenue number they must meet just to break even before a profit is made. Some surgeons charge more because they do not book enough surgeries. Some charge more because their overhead is a lot more. One of my main questions was why my surgeon charged less than most surgeons in Mexico. It was broken down for me from the number of surgeries they performed a month, their overhead such as recovering at the recovery house instead of a hospital, the clinic being in a strip mall instead of a hospital. My main concern was infection rate, everyone that I had talked to that actually had the surgery there said it was very, very clean and they had great experiences. This is the way the clinic makes a ton of money and also keeps it affordable for their clients. I cannot say for certain but I am pretty good at math, this has to be one of the most profitable weight loss clinics in the world. I did not mind the recovery house or the clinic as long as they did not cut corners on supplies or safety. As far as staples, this was a big concern for me. Dr. Almanza uses titanium staples and this was important for me. I had a friend in the states that her insurance would not pay for titanium staples, the reason they stated was they would last longer than the human life and they were not necessary. They stated that they would pay for standard staples. This was in the states. I thought that was crazy. She went ahead and had the surgery, I am not sure I would have. This is a case where the insurance company dictated the procedure where the doctor would have used titanium staples. As far as black market supplies, I could not imagine a surgeon using them. I am not saying it does not happen but why would a surgeon, especially if they have a cash cow of revenue generation risk complications from black market supplies. This would sink them as a business if they had any issues. I think most surgeons in Mexico would rather cut their expenses using recovery houses or hotels than using black market supplies. With that said, more and more doctors are getting into WLS's and might not be in this for the long haul. They could be out to cut every corner there is by every means. Like Suzanne said, you have to ask many questions to your coordinator and your Doctor. You have to feel comfortable with your decision. You should never make your decision off someones post or something you heard. You need to do your own research, talk to actual patients who used the doctors you are thinking about using. It is your body and this is surgery. Do not think you are being a pain by asking questions. I felt so sorry for my coordinator, I communicated with her about everyday for months. I called the Surgeon as well.

What type of surgery did you have? VSG What was the reason you had the surgery/ Weight/ Diabetes What was your chief complaint that resulted in the surgery? Obese/Health How long were you suffering from the chief complaint? Weight, about 20 years. Was the surgery elective or medically necessary? Insurance will always say elective, I say medically necessary. What treatments or diagnostic tests were done prior to surgery/ Blood work, EKG, Scope, The rest depends on patient history. Were there any preoperative instructions? Yes. Were there any preoperative issues or complaints? No, just different being on liquid diet. What was the outcome of the surgery? Fantastic, 53lbs down 2 months after surgery, that included pre-op diet. Was there a post operative visit? If so, how long post op? No, had my surgery in Mexico. Were there any post operative complications/ None at all. Was there any additional follow-up that has or will take place? I will be seeing my PCP for my 3 month Blood work up.

It depends on if you have a clotting history. I do not. We actually drove and I stopped and walked around every two hours. I did buy the compression hose just to be safe. Drink a lot of water and move around, even while in your seat. Get up and walk on the plane, if only to the bathroom, that will help. Louise will talk with you about this. Talk specifically about this with her.

Bernie, all good questions but to get the real spectrum of WLS, I think there should be more questions you should be asking. I am sure you will get plenty of answers from the great peope on this forum on your listed questions. I have listed a few below if you want to branch out, just a recommendation. 1. Why so many insurance companies do not cover WLS and our experience with them. 2. Why many people choose to self-pay and go to another country to have the surgery. 3. Why an insurance company will not approve many people that have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and High BMI, many companies do not consider this medically necessary and would be considered "elective" on your #5 question. 4. Why some view surgery as "an easy way out", which it is not, the surgery is simply a tool. There are many people on the forum and had the surgery for a lot of different reasons. To lose the weight, of course but to change their lives and for medical reasons. Good luck on your paper.

I know what you mean Jenny, I just posted about that on my Blog. The only thing that keeps me going at the gym are the results. I meet people that seem to really like it, I do not think I will ever like working out at the gym. Since my surgery and I have started working out, ( light weights and cardio) I have seen great results. What I had to do so I would not get caught up in all the gym scene is I created my own exercise regimen. I only work out with light weights and do the treadmill and stair stepper/ski machines. I use resistance bands and have started sit ups as well. It seems kind of intimidating when I am working out with 40 to lbs and guys in the gym are lifting lbs or more. I am taking it real slow per my surgeons instructions. I think it is human nature, we are results oriented and we will continue as long as it works. I think ANY exercise is great after our surgeries.

That is funny, I would try Zumba before pole dancing, I do not think the world is ready for that yet. I guess I could start a pole dancing class for 260 lb guys, do you think there would be a demand?

At 3 weeks, you are still swollen. This will get better with time. I think it was after my 4th or 5th week when I did not feel as stuffed. The restriction will always be there but it let's you know when to stop eating. Congrats on the weight loss.

May 25th, two months ago.

I would ask your surgeon about the ointment but we were not allowed to. They did not want us using any petroleum based products on the incisions. I was instructed to use a saline based wound wash 3 times a day and then anti bacterial soap in the shower. My incisions healed nicely with no issues.

1) How long have you been sleeved? 5-25-11, almost 2 months 2) Who was your surgeon? Dr. Mario Almanza 3) What were your experiences with your surgeon? Fantastic, attentive and caring. 4) Would you recommend your surgeon? Yes, for sure. 5) How much weight have you lost since your sleeve date? I have lost 53 lbs total and 34 since the surgery. 6) What type of sleeve do you have? VSG, A 32 BOUGIE SIZE. 7) Would you recommend the type of sleeve you have? It is good for me, everyone is different, you should discuss with your surgeon on what is best for you. 8) Do you find you still have the necessary level of energy to sustain a good workout? I am getting there, it is getting better every day. I never exercised before. 9) Do you find it difficult to keep the weight off once you have lost it? Only been sleeved 2 months, I cannot imagine a problem with the amount of food we eat now. 10) Do you have trouble eating, such as getting �stuck�? I have been very lucky, I have not had any issues, it has been a perfect recovery, just normal restriction. 11) What is the one things about getting the surgery that you regret? That I did not do it years ago. 12) Would you do this surgery again, or would you have made another choice? I did a lot of research and I still feel this was the best choice.

Noel, that is an awesome job. I just noticed something on your ticker. You are only 1.8 away on your BMI and you are no longer obese, that is freaking great. That is the number I have been watching myself. Keep up the great work, the feeling of this weight loss is incredible.

Look at it this way, that first bite of that scambled egg ( when you get to have it) will be like heaven. To this day, or since I was able to get on solid foods, that is the most satisfying food. That was the first non-liquid I was able to have and I was so looking forward to it. The one thing that you will notice are the foods you have been craving since you have been on your liquid diet are just not satisfying anymore. Anything sweet, bread, pasta, pizza or anything heavy, they are just not the same anymore. I did not think I would ever not want pasta. I have eaten more chicken and turkey the last few weeks than I have in my life. Hang in there, your liquid diet is almost over and you will see what I am talking about, your cravings will change. Let us know how that egg is once you can eat.

My drain was removed before I left the hospital. The only thing that I will need is my blood work after 90 days. This is important to make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Most doctors will give you follow up care, if there are issues, that can be a different story. Who is your surgeon, I had my Surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Almanza.

I was told by my surgeon to use wound wash. It is just a saline based antibacterial spray. It is not expensive and works great. I had no issues with infections.

MINI LABOR DAY GOAL ( STARTING 7-18) SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal KEMO46..... 265.................. 265............235 ............. 30

Hello Kristie, I would follow your surgeons instructions all the way. I had a perfect recovery, I had no pain or naseua after I left the recovery house. I was instructed to do no lifting or exercise ( except walking) until after 6 weeks. I followed his directions because I was so scared I would mess something up. I just recently started riding my bike and light weight lifting and I was very sore. I keep thinking, I hope I do not stress my stomach. I called and Dr. Almanza told me that I am good to go and the stomach staple line is healed by now ( it was 6 weeks when I called) and I should gradually increase my exercise, not jump in over my head. As far as your question about energy, it took me about a month to get my energy back to normal levels. It did not have as much to do with the surgery as it did with not being able to get enough protein and calories in. I think I took a nap every day for about 3 weeks. The weight loss has been awesome but getting enough protein and calories have been my struggles. Good luck with the kids, I think a 2 and 5 year old would wear me out years after surgery recovery.

I have a question about the vitamins and supplements people are taking. I have not yet had my sleeve but i have read that some people take vitamins and some do not. Does the (VSG) surgery rob you of any vitamins or nutrients our body needs. Is it because we will be eating less food the main reason we would take them to make sure we do not have any deficiencies that our body needs? Do all surgeons encourage the patients that have had the sleeve to take these vitamins and supplements? My next question is how would you know what to take and how much without having another blood work up after the surgery? Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me and I am just trying to get educated on what to expect after the surgery. Thank you.

I used Dr. Almanza for my surgery in May of 2011. I am very satisfied with the whole experience. It is a clinic, not a hospital. It was very clean and we were well taken care of. You go to a staffed recovery house, not a hotel for recovery. I felt the care was excellent there as well. There are a lot of great surgeons in Mexico as well as here in the states. I do think price is part of the equation but not he deciding factor. You just have to do your research and choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with. I will tell you this, you are NOT receiving sub-par care just because you pay less with Dr. Almanza, as you can tell by the posts, he has many very happy and successful patients on the forums. The main factor for me was the communication with the Doctor and the coordinator, they were there to answer many questions before the surgery and even now. Who is your coordinator?

That is just awesome. What did you do early on as far as exercise and what are you doing now? Keep it up.

That is awesome, it is a great feeling. Have you run into any foods that are not tolerable? The only thing that really makes me feel uncomfortable is bread, it seems so heavy. I know you mentioned you have been eating a lot of fish, PM me some of the ways you have been preparing it, I have baked and grilled it and having a hard time aquiring a taste for fish. Keep it up Noel.