mmhutch

My insurance excludes wls, therefore I went to Tijuana and paid $4400. Plus $266 airfare. I couldn't have had a better experience.

I am in the same phase. Today, I mixed deviled ham spread with guacamole. It was tasty and did not bother me. I can still only get an ounce or two in at a time.

Who is doing your surgery in MX? I just got back from being sleeved by Dr Elias Ortiz. The hospital put compression stockings on me prior to surgery that were mine to keep. I wore them for my stay at the hospital. The hospital also does not have washcloths. Bring your own if needed. Non-stick gauze pads, Neosporin, and paper tape will come in handy. Slippers for walking the halls. I did not receive any of the nonslip socks like we have in the States. My best to you.

I am in TJ now and headed home today. My surgery was Friday 1/31 with Dr Elias Ortiz. I am very pleased with him, his staff, the hospital, etc I had no complications. Only pain I felt wS from the CO2 that is put into the abdomen for laparoscopic surgery. It is normal, pain in left shoulder area. I came alone, also. Have no fear, you will be well taken care of. Unlike hospital stays in the states, I never had to ask for pain meds. The nurses came in on schedule delivering anti nausea, antibx, and pain meds (non narcotic) round the clock. The hospital is small but clean and has everything necessary. ALM also pays for their own private nurse to be at the hospital for night shift to oversee Dr Ortiz' patients. This is in addition to the hospital paid nurses. My best to you! Melissa

I will be having my sleeve surgery this Friday, 1/31, with Dr. Elias Ortiz at Mi Doctor. Just looking to connect with others that will be there, too.

There is a delicious protein shake powder called "Oh Yeah" Total Protein by ISS Research. I love their vanilla and cookies and cream. 32 G protein per serving. Also, I ordered a sample pack of Unjury protein powder packets. They even have an unflavored one that can be added to any food or liquid. Many sleeve patients use that stuff. I read that those 42g protein shots do not have good quality protein in them. Another brand I have read about on here that I just ordered is Syntrax. They have a sampler pack of 11 packets of flavored protein powder called Nectar that would be good for our first couple weeks post op. You mix it in water. I think I ordered it from Bjsbariatrics.com. They also have Syntrax Matrix which is protein shake powder. I think they have 23 or so g protein. I ordered Oh Yeah and Syntrax Matrix from allstarhealth.com. I will begin my pre-op diet Tuesday and have surgery 1/31. My best to you with surgery Tuesday!

I have not heard of him and I had been researching Tijuana surgeons since December. My best to you.

Search online. I found them at several locations online. Unfortunately, shipping is expensive.

I have a Mirena too (4 years now) and it is on my list of questions for my gynecologist appt this week. My surgery is scheduled for 1/31/14. I have been reading posts by Sleevers stating that they had difficulty losing weight with the Mirena. One person stated that her GYN said that 60% of her patients with Mirena complain of not being able to lose weight! I am considering having mine pulled early (due to come out Sept.) and replace it with one that has no hormones. The last thing I want to deal with is going through with VSG only to continue to have difficulty losing weight! But, to answer your question, others on this site did not remove their IUD's for the surgery.

I have not read one post here that mentions eHarmony. I joined it when I was divorced as well as a few other sites (Match, Christian Mingle, Relationships.com) Almost every man I met/dated on eHarmony was an incredible match for me. Chemistry was unbelievable. I met my husband through eHarmony 6 years ago and I couldn't be happier! I encourage anyone looking for quality to try it out. They often have free weekends and trials. It's worth it.

I just scheduled for January 31, 2014 in Tijuana with Dr. Elias Ortiz. Excited and nervous, too!

I have been compiling a list from other postings I have seen. I might add some of the following to what jaxtan posted: *small bills, $1's and $5's *Lock for your suitcase *Eye Mask *Ear Plugs *Crystal Light Packets *Chapstick I am also planning to bring a couple shoe strings to use to secure the drain to and tie around my waist when showering. I had to do this in the past, post-op tummy tuck. Otherwise, its very uncomfortable to just let the drain(s) hang freely while in the shower. My best to you in this journey! I am hoping to have my surgery 4 days after you, Jaxtan. Which Dr Ortiz are you using?

Depo is known for fairly significant weight gain. I gained 20 lbs in 6 mos on it and had not changed eating/exercising to attribute to it. I know lots of women who had this same experience. Further, Depo should not be used for more than a couple years at a time. It decreases your bone density. I became osteopenic in one vertebra after 3 years use. One year after stopping, my bone density did return to normal.

Thank you so much for taking time to check with others and answer my question. I greatly appreciate it!

Yes, he is now at the Florence Hospital System.

Wow! You look amazing! Congratulations and thank you for sharing. Your photos are very encouraging for me. I am hoping to get the surgery in the next few months. My husband is my obstacle. He is ok with the surgery; not ok with spending the money. (We can afford it; he is frugal) Thanks again for sharing; I am very happy for you!

Many surgeons perform this surgery, such as Dr. Garcia, Dr. Lopez, Dr. Diaz. It is only appropriate for patients whose BMI is under 40. The incision is larger than a typical laparoscopic incision. The surgery takes 1.5 to 2x longer to perform because it is more tedious/difficult for the surgeon. There is an increased cost from $1000 to $1500 extra for SILS. I decided not to go with single incision (SILS.) It is scary enough to have the surgery, I don't feel like adding more risk to the event. I have had laparoscopic surgery previously and the scars from those little incisions are not even visible anymore. Therefore, I am hoping that the same will stand true for the four or five punctures that are made for VSG.

Thank you so much for posting that information! Since posting my question, I have found a couple of surgeons that perform this surgery and many positive patient testimonials.