Hi all,
I have been an "arm chair" observer in your forum ever since a friend (physician) confessed that her weight loss was not due to the traditional methods I had assumed. She spoke freely about her experience and surgery in Mexico. Ever since then, I have been curious about the sleeve.
A little back ground...I am 47 and had two children later in life (at the age of 39 and 42). I have been a yoyo dieter, and have achieved my goal weight (within a few pounds) several times by strict exercise, Jenny Craig, WW, etc. I am about 50 or 60 pounds overweight with a BMI of 32 or 33. I do not have any "co-morbidity risks" and I exercise frequently.. I am also a veterinarian with a strong background in surgery. But I think I am becoming a wimpy patient in my old age..LOL...I'm fine with performing a surgery but not so keen on being on the receiving end of things.. I would love to finally be in a position where my obesity doesn't
shadow my whole life. I could probably lose the weight through exercise and diet, but am confident I would eventually gain it back
unless I quit my job.
That said, I have LOTS of questions. I know that answering these forums takes time. (so as a payback feel free to PM any dog or cat quesitons you may have and I will do my best to answer them.)
So here are my questions:
1. Why isn't the surgery more well known? In this day of paprazzi/etc. I've never heard of a celebrity having this. And they have more pressure to be thin. Is it more common than the public knows?
2. Since I am considering the surgery, but have a lower BMI, would any US doctor perform this surgery for me if I paid out of pocket? I just worry about surgical follow-ups in the US. if I do it in Mexico.
3. I'd love a realistic idea of pain involved post-op. Is it an ache? Please describe. Some have said it is excruciating while others said a mere inconvenience.
4. I inquired online and was given the name of Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, Mexico. But most members (including my friend) seem to have had the surgery performed by Dr. Alberto Aceves or Dr. Alanza Reyes. They seem to perform the most number of sleeves. Any feedback on any of the above dorctors?
5. What do you feel like when you eat after the surgery? What is "foaming"? Is eating uncomfortable or painful? How long until
eating (not over-eating) feel normal?
6. I would prefer to have a slightly larger sleeve so the weight loss is more gradual and my weight manageble. What are the options? My friend has a 5 oz sleeve.
7. I am freaked out by two possible side effects: gall bladder problems (very painful) and hair loss (doesn't sound too preventable unless the weigh loss is more gradual). In the US, doctors use a medication aimed at preventing gall bladder issues...is this standard in Mexico and is it effective?
8. Any regrets? Or any tidbits you wished you'd know and prepared for before hand?
9. How difficult is the post-op diet? I like Soup, chili, etc. but not so sure I can handle "mushy" food...
PLEASE EXCUSE ALL MY QUESTIONS. They've been building up and thought I'd post them all at once!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!!!
Maybesleever