theosmom

Was anyone sleeved with Dr. DeBarros or Dr. Blackstone in AZ as a self-pay patient. If so, can you share approx. price and what the experience was like as a self-payer. I asked this on the Lapbandtalk site as well, getting ready to actually make some appts and see what my options might be. Thanks!

if you've had VSG in the twin cities area, I'd love to hear your feedback on your surgeon and satisfaction with the dr., hospital, etc. I'm not definitely decided yet, but if I go thru with it, I will be self-pay. Thank you very much for your help.

I noticed on Dr. Cirangle's website (http://www.lapsf.com), there's a little blurb that says something like "It's smarter to have surgery in San Francisco than Mexico..." I'm assuming he must have a fair amount of out-of-town patients. Does anyone know if he's more lenient about bmi like the Mexican surgeons are? I'm between 30 - 31 and know there aren't that many good US surgeons that will accept a VSG patient at 30bmi. If anyone has experience of info regarding Dr. Cirangle and lower bmi, would love to hear from ya. Thank you!

Has anyone had Lap-Band done by Dr. John BeBarros? I'm a potential self-pay patient. Thank you!

Sleeve of Steel, how did you get your caloric intake up so quickly post-op? I"m pre-op and I think this is a common concern for us newbies. I don't want to be eating 600 calories for life. I think I could be comfortable at 1200 for the rest of my life with the help of the sleeve. But with the major restriction at the beginning, I just don't understand how you can get the calorie intake very high the first few months. This is very informative and thanks for sharing.

Is there anybody who drinks more that 64 oz of Water a day. Or any of you who just drink lots of different liquids each day? I love water and drink tons. Are there some folks who find that months out they can enjoy plenty of liquids with no problem - as longs as they don't do it with meals. I think that's gonna be way harder for me than not eating. Thanks!

With all the concern over loose skin, just wondering if beginning weight training as soon as possible will help. Anyone have experience/feedback with that? How far out from your VSG did you start weight training? What's the general time frame post-op that people get the green light to exercise in general? Thank you for the info!

I know there are quite a few strength exercises (from one of my past attempts with a trainer) that use a ball and small weights that might be good for when you're first approved for it. I'm pre-op and trying to get all these things lined up in my mind and how and when, etc. I've read people who really worked out and it helped them tighten up and not have a ton of loose skin. Some of it might be age, skin quality, etc. But I just want to do everything I can if I'm gonna take this serious step to change my life completely.

I'm going to call his office tomorrow and see if I can do a Skype consult - his website says that he will do that if you're out of town. I would love it if it worked out. I read thru his whole website and it kind of seems like he'll be open to lower bmi. I'd be happy to pay that amount for such great surgeon and to stay in the US! How many nights does he have you in the hospital? Does he do the swallow test with barium/x-ray? How far out are you? Thanks for responding!

Does anyone know how common strictures are after VSG? Thank you!

My husband and I eat out a fair amount sometimes due to business trips/conferences, etc. I can't tell you how many times some thinner woman in the group has ordered an appetizer for her entree - say 2-3 scallops or 1 crab cake and I've thought WTH? But, I always wanted to be that woman who could enjoy a dinner without ordering the 12 oz filet and all the sides! The thinner gals would be having a little side salad, having an appetizer for dinner and maybe a one-spoonful taste of someones dessert. If I had that control I would've been doing the same thing and feeling proud and confident of myself and I wouldn't be here now with a closet of clothes in a range of sizes. So, while some people are really worried or disappointed about what it's like to eat out, I'm actually looking forward to it. I told my friend that it will be refreshing to order the "pretty" food (meaning not the gargantuan plate of grub) and eat what I like and take the rest home. My sister who's about 3 months post-vsg, makes 3 lunches out of one lunch out with co-workers and if there's still more left, throws it away. Luckily, she works with 2 gals who are sleeved/banded! It's fun to read everyone's experiences, this forum is great!

I think a lot of us who are contemplating VSG or getting prepared for surgery have a lot of pangs about how much food we're going to be able to eat or how we'll miss this food or that food. Well, I had an Ah-ha moment today! The amount of food we're going to be able to eat after VSG, down the road 5-6 months, is really the amount that most "recommended servings" for healthy people really are. I used to laugh when Dr. Oz would say "a serving of almonds is 10-12 almonds", but he's right! "Normal" healthy/fit people don't eat a whole can of almonds for a snack, they eat 10-15, maybe. They don't eat 16oz of steak, they eat maybe 6oz. So, I realized that I won't be eating the massive amounts I used to, but still able to eat yummy foods in small, reasonable amounts, which is just the "normal", healthy thing to do and something I've not been able to do on my own. It's not going to be the end of the world and I have no need to worry about mourning food. I feel better now that I can see it this way very clearly.

Thanks for your responses and setting me at ease. Most important to me is that I am nourished and healthy through out this journey.

I'm pre-op and wondering how I'm going to drink a Protein drink during full liquid an soft food stage and beyond, if the sleeve only holds 4 oz. I'm really going to depend on those high Protein drinks (Premier Protein, Muscle Milk, etc) during the early days and I'm scared I won't get enough protein if I can't get one little box down. Answers, thoughts, ideas??? Thanks, all!

So, when you say it goes thru the stomach faster, does it absorb and fortify you? It's not like it's washing thru and you're not getting anything from it, right? Might seem like a silly question, but just want to make sure. Thanks!

For those who went to Mexico for whatever reason, what do you do in terms of post-op care here in the states? Did you have a supportive PCP? It looks like the only procedure I can get in the states for my bmi is Lap-band and I just don't want it. No offense to Lap-banders at all, I just don't think I'd like it or get what I need from it. Thanks, all!

I agree, Butterthebean. Everything I've read and researched said get that protein in as soon as you can because that's what's gone help you feel energized, possibly keep you from losing hair and without protein you'd be going thru you're day on several ounces of almost nothing. I realize there will be a time for using lean meats, eggs, etc for that protein, but I'm talking the first 3 weeks or so. I know I personally will be trying to keep my protein intake high from day one and if that means mixing the powder with a few ozs of milk and that's all I can get in, that's what I'll do. Thanks for the replies everyone!

That's a great idea. It's not too thick or chalky that way?

TheGamer, That's awesome, right? We all want or wanted that control and the VSG can give it to us. I know it won't be easy, but I think if I have the sleeve and strive to re-learn what a portion of food is, I can do it.

All you low bmi'ers, where'd you finally go to get your surgery? I'm right at 30 and I am determined to have this surgery. The yo-yo'ing over 20 years has just drained me of self-esteem and self-belief. All the women along my mother's side have/had Type II Diabetes and I'm heading that way. So, for those who were pushing the limits of acceptable bmi, meaning 29'ish, 30 or very low <35, who did you find to do your surgery without having to compromise on quality and safety? I don't want to knock my head against the wall meeting surgeons who say "no", so any suggestions would be appreciated. I also don't want to end up in a hospital being told they won't do my surgery after being approved by the surgeon. Did anyone have a letter from their PCP to present at consult? Did that help? Thanks for any help!

That's great to know, thanks. I'm going to call OCC tomorrow and get the ball rolling. Was the Marriott pretty decent? I'm just so ready.....ugh!

With Ortiz you fly to San Diego and cross over, is that correct? What kind of leak test does he do? Hope you don't mind me asking.

I'm from MN, too, but in AZ for winter. My sister had surgery at Park Nicollet with Dr. Svendsen - he was awesome and her surgery went without a single hitch. She has gone from 205 - 166 in about 7-8 weeks. I wanted to see him too, but they have a strict criteria and my bmi is not high enough. I know MN has some great bariatric surgeons, between the U of MN, PN, Mayo, etc..

Good to know! Does he use a booking service or can you call his coordinator directly? Any language barriers with his staff? Thanks for the info!

FABby40, I swear, delving into the waters of Mexican VSG can be a real trip! But seriously, each of us has to feel good about our decision and go with our gut as well as our head.