scarbedazzles

Wow...love your story...keep writing. My hubby and I enjoyed imagining what I may be going through this time in two weeks. I'm getting excited. Thanks for your perspective.... luck, love and prayers...

I think the statistics are skewed because there are a lot of people who sabotage their success with soda, slider foods, etc... There are many here, at, or even BEYOND, goal. How you handle it will be directly proportionate to your personal outcome. I really also think that other types of bariatric surgeries are factored into the stats. There has not been much time to accumulate information because it's a newer procedure. My research has shown the odds are far better with the sleeve than with either the Lap Band or Bypass. The Bilio-pancreatic/with duodenal switch has a really good outcome, but it's super invasive with mal-absorption....I personally don't want that. Don't be discouraged, she was supposed to make sure you are prepared for the possibility of mediocre results. Remember STATISTICS are just that....they are meant to be challenged and conquered. Make it your goal to beat the stats...or to at least be at the top end.

Thank you for giving us a view into what it's going to be like. I love t read everyone's take on it. As far as your arm goes.....from what I've read, I think that may be the gas you were looking for. It can cause shoulder/arm pain. Good luck on your journey...it's going to be amazing!!!

I'm on the 21st w Dr Rodriguez. At int also!!! I hope to see you there Ashley.

I think its a relatively small hospital. Like 7 private rooms per floor. I do know my coodinator will be there with us. This site seems to promote only certain surgeons but I've thoroughly checked out my doc and I'm well pleased. You will be too Im sure. Its a huge scary step but worth it.

I'm also at INT but on Aug. 21... with Dr. Rodriguez./ Dr. Elmo... Don't see their names around here much but I am very convinced I'm doing the right surgery with the right surgeons... Who's your Doc? To the person worried about the "State Dept's" concerns with travel to TJ.... There's a risk to travel ANYWHERE... but armed with a little knowledge, and a plan it should be fine. For instance, I will NOT be staying an additional day at a Hotel. I will go home one day early in the evening. That eliminates the need for me tom travel to/from the hosp. They will just take me straight back to the airport. I may be a bit less rested, but I will be home....yay!!!

So I am on for August,21, 2013... It never occurred to me that I have rare blood. O neg, Is there a need for having blood supplies? I'm getting sleeved in MX and a little worried because I read in The "Big" book that bleeding is one of the more common complications??? Somebody talk me down...it's bad enough that I've never had general anesthesia....but losing blood could be muy mal......

I'm pretty sure it won't be a problem....but I'd sure hate to need it. My 16yo daughter is coming with me to help.....I don't know her type but maybe she's my insurance policy....ill have to find out.

I gotta say that I love reading the post-op stuff...because I'll be sleeved the 21st of Aug and I'm getting nervous. Seeing that exhaustion and nausea may be a bit of what I'm in for is actually encouraging. Remember, on the biggest loser....they are always tired and under energy/ over emotion in the beginning. You gotta wait for it I guess.....it's worth it I think. Good luck...try what the experienced ones tell you to try...they've been there, done that. I trust them...

August 21, 2013 Dr. Rodriguez/ TJ,MX Just excited to start living the REST of my life... rofl

Mexico was my solution.....my insurance won't cover any weight loss surgery even with co-morbities, which I don't have. So I just am sucking it up and going to MX. Aug, 21 baby!!! You can sched real quick and be home living your life in one tenth the time.... Cheers and luck

Well ladies and gentleman... I told a few of my clients. The response hasn't been too good. Couple the WLS fears with going to (God forbid) Mexico... you'd think I was skinning puppies on youtube!!!! Funny how when you are doing something (finally) for yourself....others don't take kindly to it. They only like what you have to offer if it benefits them. Many think it's selfish....and it is. I'm finally going to do something amazing, and challenging, and yes, a bit selfish, for myself. I'm willing to bet once the weight is gone they will be singing a different song. At least I hope they will. My husband was really REALLY worried about me going to MX, but he is a saint and supporting me to the max now that he knows I'm in it to win it. He is my rock and reason for being. Others can.....what did Cheri say???? Oh yeah!!! PISS OFF!!!!!!

I'm a newbie so don't hang me from the highest tree.....what about alcohol? I'm not much of a drinker, but it would be terrible to drink if I'm not supposed to. (I'm talking about once on full foods)

I'm an August sleever too!!!! Feeling a little left out though...I'm going to Dr. Rodriguez at INT Hospital on 8/21....flying home on the 23rd. Starting my pre-op diet on Monday just to try and shrink my liver even more. I was only asked to do a 10 day pre-op. Why don't I see Dr. Rod on here more?

My surgery will be done Aug 21st and I will go home the 23rd

I have not had my surgery yet, but I can tell you I have yo yo'd soooo much in real life. I want my sleeve as a tool because I've always regained the lost pounds. Dont feel judged.... im just jealous that I have so much further to go than you. Lol.....oh well in two years we will be even steven. Its not the easy way out but it IS a powerful tool.

What insurance are you looking at? I knew this was possible but had no Idea where to start! You can message me the info if you'd like...thanks!

If everything goes well....my date is set for 8/21 with Dr. Rod in MX. My coordinator has been wonderful. (JoAnne) I am super scared as I've never undergone general anesthesia in my life! I hope I don't react badly to it. I'm going to have to go over my pre and post op diet instructions again as I believe it wasn't a "liquid" diet as much as a low carb, liver shrinking type....maybe I missed something? hmmmm... now i'm worried

As of today I found out I believe I will be with Dr. Rod in TJ on August 21! I am both excited and scared to death. My companion will be my 16yo daughter. She will be great but then I start thinking about complications and her being there without my voice to guide. I also was beginning to wonder about Dr. Rod as I've not seen him on here too much. I have to say though....JoAnne has been my coordinator and she has been amazing! Every question has been answered almost immediately even though we've done it through e-mail. JoAnne also will be there for the surgery dates and that makes me feel much more comfortable. She was also a patient of Dr. Rod and she sings his praises. I've been waiting for this for quite some time. Seems to me that if you have surgery in the US, then you are covered by your insurance. If you go to MX, then you are self pay. I'd really like to know the complication % out of MX versus US. I believe more complications are US at least if what I'm reading here is true. I don't have a choice really....it's either go to MX... or no surgery. I can't believe the crap people give you if you tell them. It's as if they think you are just going to automatically get kidnapped or worse, the surgery will self combust. I can't say I have NO worries but after reading as much as possible, I think I'm ready to accept the risk. It's just happening soooo fast!

I understand your thoughts on this....and I LOVE "hateration" lol.....funny. I am hoping to have my own surgery soon and am dreading the comments from the peanut gallery also. I probably won't tell most people in my life except those closest.