Charity

Too bad - I'm November 18!

You have to have serious sedation before you're able to be intubated. Your gag reflex and muscles will not allow the anesthesiologist to intubate without being sedated or numbed. I'm really shocked by this statement - we intubate people ALL the time with small airways at work. As someone else said - tis' most likely a different view on things, rather than actually being "awake".

I am scheduled with Dr. Almanza in December. I do want to let other people know that this issue has been discussed between my coordinator and I - the intruder was a disgruntled ex-employee. They have done a complete overhaul of their staff, as well as buffing up security, i.e., changing locks and lock codes, etc. I have been assured that it is the first time in 14 years that this has been an issue, and that serious measures were taken to prevent anything else. All lost property has been returned/refunded. Just wanting to let others know. As far as this whole situation - there have been issues in many hospitals in every country. I do feel content and at peace with my choice since speaking with my coordinator.

I can't comment on how you're feeling since I"m not sleeved yet, but I can tell you this - I had my lapband placed in 2008. I was self-pay, since my insurance did not cover it. Last year, I had to have the band emergently removed due to a serious slip. Even though I had insurance, it would not cover the removal because they hadn't paid to have it placed. I'm STILL fighting that and appealing their choice. I would certainly make sure that you have insurance that will cover issues before too long!

My excuse is an appendectomy. No need to tell all.

Thanks for looking out for me. I have done my research, and have researched the facility. I'm a nurse - I take these things very seriously. I've spoken with people who have gone to Almanza, as well researched his credentials. I feel 100% confident in my choice. The truth of the matter is - infections and post-operative complications happen. After my appendectomy in a huge hospital, I got a staph infection from dirty surgical tools. Statistically, Dr. Almanza has done more VSGs than any other surgeon - which means the results of his 'issues' are skewed. Again, thanks for looking out for me. I hope you find a surgeon that you feel as comfortable with as I do in my choice! Good luck!

Hello all! My name is Charity. I'm 26, a pediatric nurse from Missouri, and scheduled for a VSG on 12/20 with Dr. Almanza in Tijuana, MX. I am a prior LapBand patient (banded 4/16/08 and emergently removed 10/1/10). I hated every day with my LB and didn't lose more than 20 lbs in the 2 years I had it. It was the worst choice of my life. Now, I'm happy to say that I am on my way to a VSG! I hope I can find some people going the same time as I am because my boyfriend is most likely unable to go with me. I'm not nervous about the surgery (being a veteran of WLS and all!), but I am nervous about leaving the country. Other than the Bahamas on vacation, I've never left the US! I work in a school setting, so although I want the VSG sooner, I don't want to take much time off of work. I have from Dec. 20-Jan. 4 off, so I will only have to take 2 days off of work! The wait for the surgery will be killer though. The good news? Hopefully I'll be able to save up enough money that I don't have to finance anything. Good to "meet" you all!

I had the LapBand placed on 4/15/08 and had it emergently removed on 10/1/11. I had trouble the entire time I had my LapBand. I threw up the entire time I had it. It was constantly fill and unfill fill and unfill. In the long run, I had such a bad slip (80% prolapse of my stomach through the band) that the surgeon had to remove it in pieces. It was MISERABLE. Since then, I have had nothing, and am so excited to be sleeved on 12/20 in Mexico with Dr. Almanza. I miss my WLS, but if I could do it again, I'd had done the sleeve in Mexico the first time, rather than paying $17K for a surgery out of pocket that was a joke to begin with...which I still have almost 2 years to pay left on.

Hello all! My name is Charity. I was banded on 4/16/09. I had an emergency removal due to severe slippage on 10/1/10. I had trouble the entire course, and only lost about 40 lbs, despite following my diet. I was constantly having it filled and emptied, and no one could figure out why until it slipped so badly that I couldn't drink Water and i was rushed to surgery. It came out in over 10 pieces. The most frustrating part? I had paid out of pocket for it, and still have 20 months left to pay on it. I am now seriously considering going to Mexico to have the VSG. I have been unsuccessful at attempts to lose weight on my own, even with Phentermine and an endocrinologist following me closely. The endo recommended the VSG, and even said that because my insurance will not cover me (as I had a failed bariatric surgery in the past), I should look into Mexico for the great reputation and the low price compared to the US. I am a school nurse, so I'm hoping over Thanksgiving or Christmas break. Cross your fingers, and it's so good to meet you all!