shanda7182

Hello, welcome to the forum. Im in the Houston area as well. In reference to your question, anything that you do according to the doctor's orders will help with liver shrinkage. The sleeve has been performed on much larger people, so I wouldnt be too worried about your current weight. Just follow what the doc says and you will be alright. Anyway, welcome to the VST family.

Good Luck, with everything, keep us posted. I was in your city this past weekend my fiance and I went to a resort down there. Conroe, is very beautiful.

YEP, I want to proudly state that im the big 26. LOL. Not many 20 somethings have the sleeve ive noticied. But its okay, we are trendsetters.....

Hi, Welcome to the board. I am soon to be sleeved as well but you will have the honor of going before me! Also, im in Texas as well! Keep us updated on your progress.

Wow, you got to goal in 6 1/2 months. That is awesome!!!!! Congratulations on your success. How difficult has maintaining been?

HI Margoboo, Im from the Houston, TX metroplex and when I was considering being sleeved there. I looked @ Dr. Alanis. He was very patient during my interview---he spent 45 minutes with me describing the procedure, etc, etc. His office staff is quite lovely as well. He had a relatively good special going on, when I booked with him. He's done about 850 sleeves with no leaks. I met a few of his patients and they had GREAT things to say about him. Also, his reviews (from my internet search) were great. I didnt read not one negative thing about him. However, I am no longer being sleeved by him. My reasons for going to Mexico were: 1. The surgeon (Dr Aceves) has an excellent track record 2. You get 3 nights in the hospital versus an overnight stay (with most Houston Drs...) 3. Dr Aceves basically guarantees his surgery (and complications will be covered if they occur). Sound like a great deal to me. Since I am self pay (im not sure if you are using insurance or not) I have to factor in the what-ifs......I wanted to feel confident that if anything went wrong I wouldnt have to file bankrupt to cover complications. Anyway, if you plan to stay in Houston for your WLS. I would check out Dr Audencio Alanis. He seemed to be the best deal going on in that area. I also checked out Dr. Garth Davis (From the TV Show Big Medicine). He and his father have a big time practice & their patients LOVE them. They work out of Methodist and Memorial Hermann. Their office just moved to the Katy TX area though. Anyway, he seems to have a good track record as well but I was talking to him for the lap band, not the sleeve. Good luck on your search....and you can PM me if you have further questions.....

Wow, you've lost 20.2 lbs already! Great job! I cant wait until im on the loosers bench. LOL. I would love to loose 10-15 lbs now but it seems that my body just doesnt want to loose anymore. I weighed over 300 lbs about 2-3 years ago and I have been stuck at this weight for about a year (~200 lbs now). Everything I do, I cant seem to loose anymore. Does anyone have any pre-surgical diet ideas. I typically follow weight watchers or your typical high Protein low carb diet but no results anymore! :sad0: Anyway congratulations on your success!

I dont think that ever happens in the U.S. LOL

Thanks, its good to know that im not GOING CRAZY! I guess, im normal then. :001_tongue:

Thanks WASa, I knew I joined this site for a reason. Sometimes, we just have to share our thoughts, anxieties (no matter how little or stupid) they may sound. Now I see how my patients feel prior to surgery, I have never had surgery......LOL I have not even been under for a dental procedure. But you are right, I am at greater risk by being overweight and this is something I know. Thank you for your continual words of encouragement, its greatly appreciated.:help:

I was wondering to those who went to another city, state or country for their sleeve surgery, did you ever wonder what would happen if your surgery wasnt successful or if something horrible happened? How did you handle those thoughts? I guess its kinda scary to have these thoughts and know that you will be far away from loved ones. I know, im a worry wart or are these thoughts normal? I have been considering all of the what-ifs. Im sure its pre surgery anxiety talking......

Its good to know that there is something on board to combat blood clots. LOL. I still cannot believe that I am getting all of that for the price! WOW, 3 nights in hospital plus one night in resort + a board certified surgeon = priceless P.S. I have set my surgery date with Dr. Aceves---- He approved me for the surgery and I was sent the preoperative information:::: Now, I just need to change my signature block. Thank You ladies for alllll of your help and assistance as I pondered my decision.

Cool, all I needed to know. Thats for the details, just wanted to make sure I won't become dehydrated or have a PE. LOL

Thanks for your report, your information made me feel more comfortable.

I have another question for Dr. Aceves patients? Okay, here is the nurse in me again..... 1. Did you receive blood thinners after surgery? Some surgeons use this, some dont. Most say, just ambulate. 2. Did you receive constant IV fluids? If so, what kind if you can remember? 3. Did you have SCDs on after surgery (They are these things that wrap around your legs and squeeze the blood up and down) they help to prevent blood clots? 4. Were you provided an incentive spirometer? (A little thing that you breathe into that helps to prevent your lungs from collapsing, etc. Okay, I think that is all I want to know. Thanks

Hey VAngel. I have a question for you. Since you are still on the post op diet thing, are you experiencing a tremendous amount of hunger? Ive heard that since the ghrelin hormone thing is gone--you dont have much hunger pangs. However, I just cannot imagine in my pre-sleeve mind how I Could not be hungry?? Thats too good to be true. LOL

The more I read, the more I learn. This is truly a great site for sharing stories and giving advice, etc. I appreciate all of you all's support.

Yep, Ive heard of those. I went to Puerto Rico in March and I just decided to get a Passport (but didnt need one) any way, they give you the option of getting a passport card vs. the traditional one. The passport card is more limited on where you can go, etc. I think its recommended for cruises, etc. Things like that. But it was less expensive than the traditional PP that we are use to. Also, did you get to do any site seeing where you were in Mexicali? I love to travel and I was considering going a few days earlier. Never been to San Diego,CA but have been to the LA area. So I was wondering if there was anything worth going early to see???? Might as well make a vacation out of it.:laugh0:

Oh ok, that is cool, we will probably get that one 4 him. Thanx for the info.

Wow Rose, you have had a very difficult road but FREEDOM is coming for all of us pre-opers. I am 26 and I feel the same way, I cannot imagine getting older and getting larger and larger. GOD forbid, I have not had any children yet, they say it just gets harder and harder (weight wise) after children. Well congrats on making your decision. Keep us posted.

Yep, that is important to know. We wouldnt want him to get stuck in Mexicali, LOL. Oh wow, he has his own UNIT? That is cool with 10 patients it sound like they have a low nurse to patient ratio and are able to be attentive to their patients. Thanks again for your update:thumbup1:

This may sound like a dumb question but do you need a passport to go to Mexicali? I have one, just thinking about my fiance'. I want to say that I read that you dont need one??? But that doesnt sound right.

Good for you. Its always nice when someone doesnt take advantage of you, that speaks alot of Dr. A's character. Wow, its alot of nurses on here, how cool. Thanks for the great update and information. I am just waiting to actually schedule my surgery date with him, with each post I feel more and more confident with my decision.

Wow, his ratings are phenomenal! I've never heard of such a doc.