MadB

Greetings Everyone! Hope folks have been well. I have one of those 'delicate/TMI' type of questions, and who better to ask then you fine folks. I am almost 4 months post-op, (surgery on 01/27/14). I went in at 272lbs. As of this morning, I am 203.4 lbs, (ugh, I am sooo close to 'onederland' I can taste it, haha). Anyways, I have noticed over the last month or so, that my bowel movements are changing a bit. I have been having the "long thin ribbon-like" bms. I initially thought it was simply cause my new stomach was long and thin, but reading online that doesn't make as much sense as it first did to me. Since only my stomach was changed, wouldn't my normal bm size/shape remain? The thin ribbon like thing is a sign of a blockage/colon cancer, so obviously I'm cautious now. I wanted to see if anyone else post-vsg noticed a similar change to their bms. Look forward to hearing any replys, especially if your experiences match mine. :-)

I had pretty bad dehydration about 2 weeks post-op. Had minimal/dark urine output, muscle cramping in my calves, ankles, and feet, dizzy when standing up, and failed the skin-pinch test, (pull up/pinch you skin on the top of your hand, and it should almost immediately pull back once released. If it 'stays tented', then your definitely drying out, haha). I went to a local after-hours urgent care/ambulatory center, and sucked down just under 3 bags of fluids. Thank goodness kidney-function tests were still good. They also gave me a Rx for low-level 5mg valium for the cramping. All said and done, I was MUCH better about doing everything in my power to sip, sip, sip. I honestly thought I had been, but that showed me I wasn't.

Thanks for the comments thus far folks. I found a surprisingly good article ( http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/02/14/normal-stool.aspx ) while looking around. One of the "Good signs" states the following: " About one to two inches in diameter and up to 18 inches long ". Whereas the bad sign states: " Narrow, pencil-like or ribbon-like stools: can indicate a bowel obstruction or tumor ". I think I may just not be used to what is appearing with the change of diet. I failed to mention I have Crohn's, so am much more comfortable identifying my loose stools than, well, formed stools, haha. It is obviously not the norm for me, but then again, this is potentially an 'improvement' over what I usually have had for years. I think I'll watch for another week, and if I don't go back to "my norm", then I'll have to shoot my GI doc an email. I just had a colonoscopy last year (I think it was last year, I get them on a regular basis), and not even a polyp the last time.

I agree with those that say it's certainly possible, but with the caveat that it depends on your starting stats, post-op care plan, and personal body/metabolism/adjustment. As long as you are doing what you should, it will happen, just don't push it. Mine has been semi-erratic, but still plenty of progress. When I don't lose as much in a given week, I tend to still notice a change in a particular shape of a random body part somewhere. I've tracked every Sunday since surgery, with the exception of the 1st week post-op, and when I was on a cruise. (I still lost a tad on the cruise, because despite splurging on some bread pudding and a few other items, I ensured that I still focused on my Protein the majority of the time). For reference in case it may help you.... 1/27 - 272 2/02 - none taken 2/09 - 250 2/15 - 243 2/23 - 238.8 3/2 - 233.6 3/9 - 230.0 3/16 - 225.9 3/23 - 220.6 3/30 - 215.8 4/06 - 215.4 4/13 - 213.6 4/20 - 212.4 4/27 - 210.6 5/4 - out of town 5/11 - 209.4 5/18 - 207.0 5/23 - 203.8 (I think that's what it was this morning).

Morning all, quick question to see if anyone has experienced similar..... I'm 8 weeks post-VSG, (1/27/14). With the exception of one bad dehydration incident that required IV fluids, I've managed well, and am down 52 lbs so far. (272 down to 220, currently in a small stall but can't complain). My current issue is in my feet though. For the last 1.5-2 weeks, I get woken up by ankle and foot cramps. These aren't your 'typical' Charlie Horse style cramps, (thank god, cause we all know how much they hurt), but are more of a knotting/tightening sensation. I have to get out of bed and stretch my foot/ankle, goes away in 30-60 seconds, rinse and repeat in a couple hours. It's very strange having a cramp on the top/front of your ankle, lol. I'm leaning towards lack of hydration, but wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and if perhaps it was Vitamin related too. I'm an out-of-country sleever, so I'm limited locally. But I do have a set up labs that will be done in another month at least Thanks in advance all. Also, anyone on MFP, user name is Madbullogna feel free to add me!

While I generally avoid the whole 'devils advocate' stance, I have some concerns with this. Please forgive me if this comes out wrong, which it surely will..... You are a new member, signed up, and immediately made two identical posts in two separate forums about your ordeal. You speak of MBC as if they are a fly by night illegitimate operation. In reality, they've been around for a little bit, (though not as long as some of the other Medical Tourism companies). Hospital MI Doctor and their staff are used by several of the above companies, not just MBC, ;I think even A Lighter Me, though not positive). You were emailing MBCs rep in the US? Why? Did Daniel not answer his phone? What about Tatiana? Even the Marriott staff have contact with them and can get ahold of either of them when needed. Were the forms you signed translated, or did you have someone there to translate them for you? Or did you just sign them? Remember that MBC, (like ALL of the companies out there), are there to recruit you, and farm you out to whichever city and Dr meets your needs. It's up to you, the patient, to verify the correct procedure is going to done. (At the facility, not what the US company's paperwork says). Wrong procedures are common enough in the US, you're using an intermediary to pass along info to a foreign healthcare system. Perhaps they only had it scheduled as the band removal? You get a cold-call from another competing company, who takes care of everything for you, and says that MBC, (their competitor), is not legit. If your ordeal is legit, I am deeply sorry for what you have gone through. However, in this very forum, there are dozens of posts/threads about MBC. I know, because I participated in them when I had my surgery in January, through MBC, at Hospital Mi Doctor, (though it was with Dr Cabrerra). I am a cynic by nature, but this sounds like either simple 'bad mouthing' of a competitor. The alternative, of it being completely true and accurate, are obviously more scary, but just browsing through the multitude of threads in Self-Pay/Mexico, I am finding too many questions and red flags pipping up.

I'm a stomach and side sleeper. I probably would have been 'comfortable' being on my stomach after about a week. However, the incision just above my belly button has been slow to heal, (not the outside skin, but my muscle and fat tissues mending together). When I would twist, as if to turn over on my side, I would wake up in pain, almost like a tearing sensation. No bueno, lol. So, I used a pillow and put it on my left side under the covers. I made a point to ensure my left side/back was ever so slightly on it thus preventing me from turning over that direction. I don't roll over via my right side, dunno why, but if I did I would've put a pillow there too. Oddly enough, spending the last 2 weeks sleeping on my back have drilled it into me. The last couple of days no pillow, but I'm not rolling over at night.

I also brought powder drink packets of the Propel Zero as well as some generic Crystal Lite packets. I was initially thinking about bringing a premier Protein shake with me, but opted against it for two reasons. First, TSA doesn't have to let it through without a medical note/Rx, (though as the above poster saw, they aren't all super-strict, it's luck of the draw). Second, I was jumping the gun, as I was on clear liquids for the first week post-op. So, no point in even worrying about it. Instead, I brought some individual packets of chicken and beef bullion in case I needed it. All said and done though, I just stuck to my propel.

Hello all. Today is Day-8 Post-Op for me, (yes, yes, I am indeed a newbie to all of this still. Experience thread here - Protein shakes again, haha. Anyway, I am not a person who likes to spend time preparing meals. If I wasn't on some various diet or meal plan, then I always found myself eating out. I don't like to be in the kitchen. Unless it's to eat the food, lol. So, I decided to pre-prepare everything. While this seems to be rather easy for my Full liquids phase, I think I am going to try and do this for my Puree, Soft, and Full phases as well. If my food is in a 'grab-n-go' format, it's already pre-measured and I am less prone to stray as well. I got a little plastic bin that fits on a shelve in my fridge. In that bin, I have several 1/2 cup tupperware containers. I spent a whopping 25 mins or so today getting everything ready for the next couple of days. I have my Greek Yogurt, (bless you inventor of Torani SF Syrups), my SF pudding, my Premier Protein, and my Soups, (tip - give your roommate, spouse, s/o the goodies after you strain your Soup. They can put them in a salad so they aren't wasted). I also have two larger containers that have my Malt-o-Meal already measured out, (just add my Water and tsp of margarine in the morning). I also cleared off a shelve in the pantry just for me. This way I can insure I have the proper stock and can go shopping before I run out of something. Right now it's simply my soups, unsweetened applesauce, Malt-0-Meal and pudding mixes. (I keep my shakes on the floor, and my syrups by my kuerig). I look forward to Day-21 when I can add some cans of Refried Beans to my shelve, mmmmm, yum. Anyway, just tossing this out there. Dunno if it'll help anyone, but as I said I hate preparing meals, and think this is a good way to stay on track and organized.

Okay, I'm almost ready. Took tomorrow of so I can pack, plane leaves Sat morning since I'm going to spend an extra day in San Diego. Anyone else going to be at the Marriot on Sunday (the 26th), and having their procedure on Monday (the 27th)? I'll be having Dr Cabrera giving me my new start, (and being assisted by the way to handsome for his own good Dr Altamirano). I'll be down there with my mother, but it would be cool to meet up with some folks post-op for some broth sipping story telling, haha. (I know I'll meet some folks on the van ride down from SD, as well as around the hospital, but would love to meet up with some forum dwellers).

Sorry for the delay...... Anyway, Tuesday night was really rough on me. I was obviously being weened off the stronger pain meds by that time, (which is good), but I could not get comfortable at all. It was all that dang drain. Whenever I moved, breathed, even thought it seemed to send shooting pains throughout my body. The night Dr approved more pain meds, but after two more shots of morphine, there was no change. I just had to 'suck it up' and get through the night Luckily, they took it out around 0900 on Wednesday morning. That was a very strange experience. I could feel the pain in my gut and my shoulder as he pulled it out. My mother watched, (since I wasn't about to), and said he pulled out about 1-1.5ft of tubing. The good news - the moment it was out and I was bandaged, there was a 200% improvement. I showered, got all fresh bandages, and brought back to the Marriott. All but one of my meds was given to me, (as they were out of one). So once I got to the hotel, I called the lobby and asked for a pharmacy. They connected me, and 20 mins later I got a call that the guy was downstairs with my drugs for $15. Beat that Obama Care. (I kidd, I kidd). So far, I would definitely recommend the procedure and my doctor. With that said, I am only 72 hours post-op, so that needs to be remembered.

Whelp, couldn't sleep a wink, just too uncomfortable. This morning I resumed taking my laps around the floor, and have continued that every couple of hours. Also remembering to inhale using that lung exercising thing with the balls in it. (I hate those, lol). Had my leak test, and was told all was good. Met with Dr Cabrera again who let me know there were no complications. He made the comment that my stomach was larger then he thought it would be. Weird thing to say, but the important thing is that it's much smaller now. It took a few hours, but the leak test became official, so they moved me to Clear liquids. I'm staring at these huge cups of Apple juice an grape juice. They taste so good, but after just a few sips.....haha. This is going to take a while to get used to.

Almost forgot. Pic shortly after post op back in my room.

So I was lucky, and was the first surgery of Dr Cabrera's day. Got over to the hospital, and gave my ID and admission form to Tatiana, my coordinator. She took them into the office, then came back and took me to my room. Rooms are nothing fancy, and seemed on par with older hospitals in the US. Over the course of the next hour, I changed into my gown, stockings, and scrub cap. (I purchased my own, something to try and stand out a bit. It seemed to work, as I got plenty of comments). Had my lab work, EKG, and IV put in. I then met with the anesthesiologist, followed by Dr Cabrera. Both of them were very polite and allowed me to ask any questions. They confirmed I was the first one scheduled, and would be in the OR shortly. True to their word, a wheelchair arrived and wisked me off. It looked like they are set up with two ORs right next to each other. I hopped up on the table, while they strapped my arms in and added thing to my IV. Bam, out for the count. Wake up time. Holy hell, it was rough. I've had back surgery before, and this was tougher. However, I didn't have my abdomen pumped full of gas for that either, lol. I know I moaned quite a bit, and plenty of folks were talking to me, but all I really remember about the recovery room is pain. I vaguely remember being brought back to my room and hearing my mom's voice, but apparently moaned and slept for the next hour or so. Finally, I was awake. Over the last 8 hours, I've walked a total of 5 times, ranging from one lap to five laps. 5 laps was my limit, as I got nauseous. My gas pains come in waves, but are generally minor except for a spike here or there. I'd say 50% of my overall pain is from my drain. I've never had one, and the entry point is tough for me. If I'm lucky, that will come up before I go back to the hotel. (I REALLY hope it does). I've chips only so far, though they just brought my some liquid clonazepam as well as some goodies for my IV. That was the first thing I've drank, and it was a surreal experience. It wasn't much, but I still had to sip, then hiccuped and it hurt. :-(. So, hopefully I can get some sleep tonight, we'll see. Till next time.

All checked in to the Marriott. Folks were right, it's a nice hotel. So far, enough of the staff speak plenty of English, (especially desk staff), so no problemo there. I have to be downstairs and ready to go at 0645 for my ride over to the hospital. It hasn't quite sunk in yet. Feels like a regular afternoon, eating lunch in their restaurant. Well, except for what I get to eat versus the buffet my mom gets, haha. Pics of the hotel room and dining attached, (assuming I did it right).

To clarify, many surgeons will refuse to see a post-op patient if they had their procedure ANYWHERE other than with their practice. That means another state, or another city, or even another practice in your own city. Others only care if it was outside the US. And most, if they will see a patient that they didn't operate on, will charge a 'retainer fee', ranging anywhere from 500-2k. So it's not just a concern for medical tourists, but for anyone who wishes to go elsewhere. It is definitely something to think about. For me personally..... My gastroenterologist will be looking after me for any issues. This will be the simple things, like incision checkups, labwork, etc. Should there be an emergency, I will be going to one of two ERs. Both of those ERs happen to use general surgeons that do bariatric procedures on their oncall rotations. Any general surgeon can fix you up should something happen. You don't need to specialize in bariatrics to go in after a leak is found, etc. (I wouldn't want a 'routine' general surgeon to DO the VSG, obviously, but post-op complications don't require more than that). It is also important to note - if you are a self-pay patient, your insurance will most likely not cover emergency surgery once it's all said and done if the issue is directly related to the surgery. (A long time down the road is a different matter, but I'm referring to leaks, etc). It doesn't matter if it was in the US or in Mexico or somewhere else. You can frequently get 'coverage' through your original surgeon where he and his practice will go back in and fix things if something occurs. BUT, you're still playing the odds that if something happens, it'll be in your town, and you end up at their hospital where he has privileges. TLDR version - These are ALL things that should be considered when you do your research. But be careful about rumor mills and how some local surgeons may phrase things. It's a business, and they want you to go through them. They tend to conveniently avoid some of the facts at times.

You need to watch a few things. Since you mention getting insurance, I'm assuming you don't have any right now. Once you locate a company that you feel comfortable purchasing a policy through, you need to make sure what they require for WLS. Some will cover only if there are comorbidities, others simply for being at a certain BMI regardless of any other existing conditions or not. Also, you need to find out if they have an elimination/cool-off period for any procedures. Since you would be new to them, they could easily have a clause requiring you to wait x amount of time before they will consider it. (Similar to a pre-existing condition, where it would be covered, but only after you have been with them for x amount of time). They may also require more time and documentation than just what you can show them, especially if you don't already have a track record of regular Dr visits already. If you can not locate an insurance plan that meets what you need, then you are only really left with self-pay. If you go this route, many places will offer payments plans after a large chunk down. You should also look around to other providers. Don't limit yourself to just your city or county. Check in the other major cities with a few hour drive to you. Even look at out of state places. If you still can't find a Dr you are comfortable with in a price matching your needs, you can consider Medical Tourism as well. It is a highly popular option, but is not right for everyone. While you can get a VSG in prices ranging from 4k to 10k, depending on time of year, surgeon, facility, and location. The 'good' doctors will be easy to find by word of mouth, on these boards and others. I chose the Mexico route, (Monday is my procedure), as it's costing me only a third of what it would in the US, and that's including the airfare and extra nights I'm staying. Complications can happen to any person, with any doctor, at any facility, in any country. It's up to you to do your homework as always. If you stay positive and keep at it, you will find the solution that works for you.

I'm on day 5 too, (only one more day as Friday I start my Clear Liquids for my 3-day final prep for surgery on Monday). I've been drinking the Premier Protein shakes for Breakfast, lunch, and a mid-day snack. I'm lucky in that I get to have a lean meat with a salad for dinner each night though, but that doesn't really help much during the day, haha. I've drank an extra shake on the days it's tough, as well as trying to make sure I get lots of Water in. The only downside I've experienced is that I may be getting "keto breath", though I thought that took longer than just 5 days. Nasty yucky after-taste and odor than I can 'feel' on my breath. Semi-related - Post-Op, do you keep the 'keto breath', since you're still pretty much still on an all protein diet? If so, I foresee needing to buy some mouthwash to carry around with me.

Awesome, thanks much for the reply!

I'm spending this week setting aside things to pack and picking up last minute items, as I hop on the plane on Saturday. I'll be at the Marriott Sunday, Hospital MI Doctor on Monday & Tuesday, and then back at the Marriott Wed and Thur. I know the Marriott has Wi-Fi. Can anyone advise how good the connection is? Also, does the hospital have Wi-Fi? I'm debating bringing my laptop since I'm a bit of a nerd and need my gaming, (World of Warcraft, the true essence of nerdom, haha), but won't bother if the connection is too crappy. I might go ahead and bring it anyway, since Saturday pre-op, as well as Fri and Sat post-op, I'll be at the Hyatt Grand Manchester, and they have decent Wi-Fi. In between walks around seaport village and the USS Midway museum, I can get my fix in there at least.

Sending you good thoughts. I'm guessing you'll be back at the Marriott tomorrow (Thur). Let us know how you're doing and how it went.

I barely made it through the whole episode. This had to be the most frustrating one for me to watch. It did allow me to understand the argument for why some doctors and/or insurance companies require a pysch eval though. She obviously had some pretty deep emotional things that needed to be worked out prior to her procedure.

I DVRd them all when they re-ran season 1 just prior to season 2 starting, and have watched them all. I was very happy that the one from last Tuesday had a patient who underwent a lap band conversion VSG, as all the others have been bypass. While I've been disappointed that some of them have regained their weight, I think the beauty of the show is that it isn't 'just' the surgical side if it. They make a point to show the trials and tribulations on theses patients' journeys. It becomes really apparent how their environment and habits have just an effect on their outcomes. The first season followed them over the course of 7 years. This season only watches them for one year. To me, I take their stories as a learning experience. It helps to reaffirm what I will be doing right, and what to avoid.

My sister and I just returned using the same doctor and hospital. We have been 100% pleased with the process, the doctor, the hospital staff and the driver are wonderful. Good to hear. I'm obviously nervous, but so excited at the same time. One week to the day now. Woot!!!

ht3013 - (sorry for the delay, work)....I am still pre-op, (having my VSG on the 27th). My gastroenterologist is on board with this, (and her opinion was a very big factor for me). She would prefer I get it done in the US, but understands the need to look elsewhere due to way the US medical and insurance industries are. My PCP has not been supportive, but since I see my gastro doc much, much more than the PCP, I could not care less. At this point, my plan is to go to one of two pre-selected, (by me), highly rated ER's in my area should an emergency situation arise. I am still hunting for a bariatric surgeon in my area who would be willing to provide post-op followup care, but so far have been unsuccessful. Heck, no one is even willing to do a simple 10-day post-op incision check for me. It can be frustrating, but you have to weigh what is important to you. For minor things, I can use my gastro doc. For surgical needs that are an emergency, you should do your homework on your area ERs and the surgeons that are affiliated with them and the hospital. A general surgeon spends plenty of time on people's insides, and will be able to handle things that pop up.