becksnky

So there is a flip/flop stage? If so, I am surely in that stage. I had made the decision to have the surgery, been through the process and have a surgery date. NOW, I am unsure. Now I am questioning where to go for surgery. Thought I knew, but because I am self pay, thinking I should go to Mexico to save some money. My first choice was to go to Dr. Alvarez, which would save me about 2-3K. I had already found the most affordable place in the US. Wow, this process is agonizing!!

I am just like you. I already have a surgery date but I am wondering if I can go through with it. I am afraid of the complications, the discomfort of surgery and afraid that I won't lose much weight because I am in my 50's with a lower BMI. I don't want to go through all this for a small amount of weight loss. I am terrified. I can't do anymore research, I have researched til I can't anymore. I think I know TOO much. I was excited in the beginning until I started reading all these blogs about pain, discomfort, problems, etc. Now it's just making me think I should just go on a diet.

I have yet to go through surgery, but I have been through my husband leaving. I know this must be devastating to you, as well as struggling to maintain your diet and care for yourself. Engage your family, friends to help you anyway they can. Talk to them, let them know how you feel. If they want to shop for you, sit with you, however, take them up on it. You must take care of yourself, one hour at a time, then one day at a time. That will add up to months, etc. The key is to TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH. You have made the most important step in securing your future health, the VSG. Just keep your faith. I'm a KY girl too, we are strong women.

That does sound very frustrating. Did you continue on the prescribed diet after the first 3-4 months, exercise? Have you talked to your surgeon, nutritionist? Good luck and try to start back on your pre op diet or the protein and veggies if you can make yourself.

Have you chosen your surgeon yet? There are places that offer insurance for complications. Send me a PM if you want.

I am trying to decide to have surgery at home in states for 14K vs mexico with Dr. Aceves for 8750K. Plus airfare with my companion etc will probably bring totally to close to 10k. My family wants me to stay in the states. My local doc is good but has less experience with sleeves than Dr Aceves and I would only get 1 night in the hospital vs 3 with Aceves. I am freaking out trying to make this decision. HELP

Thank you Susan for the great info. I am no longer torn about Mexico. I have made my decision to go with Dr. Heider. I can see all the benefits that he has to offer. I was just excited and wanted more info prior to calling his office tomorrow!

Do you know what size bougie he uses and did you have a drain? Thanks.

Looking to buy a blender to make protein shakes. Anyone have one of these? Which is best for blending with ice and easier for clean up?

Susan, Thank you so much for your post. You are very thoughtful to give me this info. Yes I have been struggling with this decision but getting there. Thanks again!!

Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Heider and if so, what was your experience? THanks for your info.

Have you just not found a protein that you like? Or just too nauseated to drink anything? If you look under nutrition forum, there is a review of all the protein drinks and lots of suggestions. Good luck to you.

Has anyone had their surgery in KY?

Good luck. You will do awesome. Just go forward and keep your eye on the goal!!

Is this blood clot a complication of your sleeve surgery? Sounds serious. Wishing you the best.

Thanks Cheri for a well written and thoughtful response. I have read all the replies to this post. I wish if individuals had information, statistics, etc. that could help us make informed decisions about choosing to go to Mexico for surgery, they would share it. That would be the compassionate and caring thing to do.

I am age 56 with a BMI of 38. I am ready to have my sleeve in about a month. I have been reading alot where there are alot of stalls and I am worried that I may not be able to lose much of my weight. I, like many of you, have always felt like I don't eat that much and my metabolism is slow anyway. And especially now that I am older. I have been on the high protein preop diet and even now, the weight isn't melting off, I have lost about 10 lbs and seem to be stuck there. Anyone else been here or feel this way? I almost am thinking I won't lose enough weight to even have the sleeve, will it be worth it? I am self pay and plan to go to Mexico.

Thank you all for the support. Sounds like we all have alot in common. Yes I have the same hip. feet, knee problems. Just started to not enjoy the grandkids, mobility problems. Time to just get this thing done. Thank you all for letting me know I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE!

I am still deciding, down to the last day of making my decision. The two factors I keep thinking of - I like 3 days in the hospital with Dr. Aceves but I like not having a drain with Dr. Alvarez. I am a big wuss when it comes to stuff like that! But i am an "mature" sleever and could probaby use the extra day in the hospital.

I am EXACTLY where you are now, deciding between the two and have done so much research between the two. I think either is a good decision. I asked the same question about the drain. All surgeons do not use the drain. It is a preference and their past experience. It would definately be more comfortable without I would think. Both use top grade materials, have full hospital facilities, great reputations, staff, etc. I don't know which to chose either. I am looking at dates, airfare, drive time to the facilities, etc.

Unfortunatley, it won't be any better anytime. I will have to go alone. Very complicated story. I have lots of responsibility and no one to help me out.

I am supposed to send in my paper work tomorrow to have surgery on Nov 20th and now I find out I will have to go alone. And lots of other things going on here at home that make it difficult to put ME first. I will probably have to just forget it. I am just in tears. I want this so much, but I can't see me doing this by myself.

I am going nuts too, trying to decide which doctor, or even should I do the surgery!! I have no support from family. They think I should lose the weight on my own and should never consider going to Mexico. (I am self pay). I am up at 3am looking on this board everynight, lurking, searching, trying to find answers. Going NUTS!!

This sounds exactly like me. I am ready to make my decision to go with Dr. Alvarez but my family and friends are saying, why don't you just try on your own to lose the weight. you're not that heavy, etc. Mexico isn't safe, that's crazy to "cut off your stomach", blah, blah, blah. Meanwhile, I have hip problems, diabetes, etc. Right now, I am about to cry with frustration. I am 5'6" and weight 234, so my BMI is about 37-38. But I was at 250 and just lost some weight on the preop diet. So I do wonder if I could lose weight, but haven't ever been able to. Just go up and down, but never any REAL significance. I know you all can relate. Just feels hopeless when no one seems to understand.