SoCalDixieGal

I"m also taking the week of surgery off and have blocked off the following week. Although I'm committed to a conference call. I have a desk job and can work from home quite a bit. I'll probably start having some business trips about 4 weeks post-surgery. As to telling people, I've only told a few people. Some had a similar initial reaction but then I explained all the pros/cons etc. After that I just told people that I'd hope they would be supportive but that I was doing this for me. One friend I know is leery but she's still supportive.

I would definitely do what's necessary if my insurance covered it and I was close to the BMI. I could argue all day long though about the "no doctor would touch you" issue. That mentality assumes that nobody would ever move after their surgery . . another state .. another country, etc.

Leaks can happen several weeks out so may want to rule that out again. However, increased heart rates and arrhythmias may occur after any surgery. It also can be a reaction to any medication, pain relievers and sometimes even Vitamins. I go berserk with PSEs (I have a mild arrhythmia). Periodic racing and short-term arrhythmias are usually nothing to worry about. If your pulse is a constant 100 you may want the cardiologist to check that out. Or the skips/flutters last for several minutes followed by any feeling of faintness that's something to be concerned about (my PCP just reminded me of this today). If it's normal most of the time then occasionally races, that could just be after effect of surgery and should settle down.

I'm not sleeved yet, but would like to share what I've learned having the band (which sucks as a WLS tool, at least for me!) Your stomach will be smaller and initially you may not be hungry . . . but at a grazer you need to determine if you eat because you're hungry, out of habit, boredom, emotion, etc. I keep on thinking it's going to initially be pretty awesome getting rid of that hunger hormone (but it is produced elsewhere in your body and from most accounts I've read, hunger will return in time - and some folks don't lose it at all). But, then I look back at all the times I ate even when I'm not hungry. It won't control for that. Also, having WLS doesn't necessarily control WHAT you put into your mouth - only the amount. It's still calories in - calories out. If those 6 - 8 Snacks are high calorie fatty foods it's entirely possible to not lose weight with WLS and in fact gain. You'll see a lot of that type of topic here. WLS only does part of the job - the rest is up to the individual.

I fly nearly every week and the belts are always a bit different. Sometimes I have lots of extra space, sometimes not so much! Ask when you get on, as recommended above. Be comfortable. . . .because kinda like the elephant in the room . . . we're not in disguise. Fellow passengers know we're overweight. There's no hiding that! So, why be uncomfortable. Especially on the return flight - you're not going to want a seatbelt cutting across your lap with healing incisions. The attendants do not make a big deal about handing them to you.

I live in California with an *** policy through my non-govt employer. Legally, the insurance company has to provide me with a copy of my policy. For me, it's available online directly from the insurance company (United Healthcare).

I know a lot of self payers are financially strapped and at their wits end looking for a solution. And, while you can't put a price tag on health there are a lot of things to consider on the affordability of this surgery. Some programs may include these costs, but just a few things to consider: Actual out of pocket - are there additional drug costs (I know mine is about 140 in prescriptions) Cost of Protein supplements post-op (likely offset by price of grocery savings in early program, but not always) Monthly Vitamins post op average 30-40 a month Identification (passports/I'd cards) Airfare Tipping for shuttle drivers in Mexico, etc (minor, but neede to point out) International cell phone roaming or data charges (it is a foreig country! Hotel likely has wifi, but adjust your phone data coverage to not automatically push/pull updates). Potential for post-op care (just know what coverage you may have if heaven forbid and something happens) New clothing! During loss you'll need periodic new stuff and eventually new everything, including shoes (a lot of folks llose width), remember undies too! It sounds fun but imagine the cost of replacing everything! And more! I don't want to be a downer, but I work in the financial consulting industry and there's always more financial cost than realized. Yes, there are tons of intangible benefits, but this post is just about tangible!

In an altruist world there is no price on health, but reality is another story! And everyone is right, you can't put a price on health. This post certainly doesn't argue that point, but there are many more expenses than coming up with the surgery fee. Really just wanted folks to consider other expenses because often the idea of health is vague if you don't suffer from co-morbidities (as with many cash patients) while cash and the ability to pay bills is definitely more tangible. Love the ideas on consignment stores! Also, selling on eBay. As to insurance, you don't need to give a lot of examples, you could simply ask about what would happen if there were complications from an elective procedure. You can also get a copy of your policies legal coverage. This is a huge document but should list everything.

Just an FYI on exchanging currency. The best way is to use your ATM card. The hotel may have an ATM, so might the hospital. Even with an ATM fee it works out better than mist currency exchange desks Your shuttle drivers will appreciate dollar tips.

Yay! Congratulations. Keep up posted. I'll be there in just under 3 weeks!

Trying to better understand the risks and complications associated with band/sleeve conversions. I understand from one doctor I spoke to that there's a greater risk with revisions. If you've had any complications, no matter how minor - or no complications, I'm looking to learn: how long did you have your band? did you have a lot of complications with your band previously - e.g. that's what would have led to lots of scaring, etc If you didn't have any excessive band complications, did your sleeve surgeon say you had a lot of scaring from the band? I think I"m just trying to get to whether or not there's a great chance of scaring if you've had your band longer (I've had mine for just over 5 years.

Thanks for sharing everyone. The increased leak complication does have me worried, but I also feel like my band is a time bomb! It does make me feel better that my dr keeps conversion patients for a few extra days to check for leaks.

I think it would be odd not to be nervous! I'm 2 days before you so will try to post my experience for you. I'm heading down to the Marriott the night before and I already asked if its okay to take Ambien the night before - yes, thank goodness! I think it helps that the next three weeks are really busy for me. It will be here before we know it!

Traveled to Atlanta today on business with Orlando later in the week. Yesterday I beat the cravings. Today I was pretty strict. I typically fly first class being a frequent traveler and boy, they just try to feed you! I did pretty darn good today. Not perfect but soooooo much better than I would have done even a month ago. Think I may just go find a treadmill in the hotel to kill time.

Three weeks to go with a requirement to lose 11 lbs prior to surgery. Nine to go. Last two weeks are liquid only (band to sleeve conversion). I'm starting more conservatively as I have some business trips coming up, will make the best choices possible but wont be able to be 100%. Those horrible little voices make comments like "go ahead and have another last splurge, you've time." I will beat these cravings! Winning in the short term will be a mong term win.

I stay about half my life in Marriott hotels. Blow dryers are definitely in the rooms. Typical bath stuff includes shampoo, conditioner, soaps and lotion. Secret is the front desk will give you toothpaste and deodorant as well as razors. These are also sold in the store but they have them behind the counter too. the only thing they don't comp is hair product. Plus there is in room coffee and usually tea bags with at least one being a decaf herbal type. (typing this as I stare around my Marriott room in Atlanta!)

Sounds like everyone is having a great experience. I'm on the 3 week countdown! Great tip on the pain meds.

I'd check in and get rid of luggage. Then grab a cab downtown. I'd recommend using the aircraft carrier as a base and easy point for the cabbies. It is in a stretch of ships including the maritime museum, ferry, cruise terminal and more. Just a few blocks from the airport actually. So really cheap cab fare. If you walk away from the airport (Water on your right) you'll have a beautiful promenade through cute shops. Continue further and you come to the gas lamp district. Another fun thing is to take the ferry over to Coronado Island (ferry departs near the cruise ship terminal). It's about $8 I think each way. The landing area on Coronado is also neat for walking or grab a cab to the Hotel Del Coronado on the other side of the island and explore its history for free. Have fun!

Heck, as a whole our society is uneducated about nutrition. Documentaries and reality shows have brought WLS to the masses and we are practically conditioned to think this is magic. Don't like something about yourself, have surgery. I fell for all the advertising on the band over five years ago and had minor success. Very minor. I'd remind myself it is a tool. However for me the tool was nearly nonexistent. But I remember sitting in the NUT classes and being appalled at the questions being asked by post surgery patients. And who can forget the documentaries of extreme bypass patients eating fried chicken and pizza post surgery and being disappointed.

Man, I live in the wrong place! If it would have been within $5k I would have stayed with my local surgeon. When you hit more than $10k difference I seriously began researching Mexico!

My guess is full price but perhaps a shorter surgery. Maybe a little lower $ if using same surgeon.

Same here! I really like the idea of having the time to myself for a surgery about ME. I did buy a very lightweight suitcase to help with lifting restrictions.

I hear ya! I've been banded for just over five years. Self pay then and now. Most I lost was 50 but it took years. Only about 30 the first year then two years for the rest. I've since regained 30. I never had took restriction or was either too restricted so yep, slider foods. I'm doing the revision in one step, but had a total infill and liquid diet for two weeks. Decided to go to a top surgeon in Mexico. These boards have been great. Lots of good info and support.

Many surgeons have requirements for dieting before surgery. You may have to lose 5 - 10% of your excess weight before your surgery date. Others have no pre-op diet requirements at all. Sometimes the diets are very low carb, others recommend liquid diet supplemented by salads and lean grilled meats. It may vary program by program. Many also require up to 2 weeks of liquid only diet prior to surgery. It's really all over the board. Bottom line is that most agree that losing weight before surgery reduces the amount of fat in and around the liver which makes the surgery safer. The liver gets moved around during surgery and a fatty liver is more prone to damage.

What an amazing transformation! Your eyes now glow! You can tell you're so much happier.