lifeislikeaboxofchocolates

Oh my, avoid the processed deli meats like they're the plague! They are way too dry. Get some stew meat throw it in a crock pot, pour beef stack on it and cook it on low for may hours until it's falling apart. It slides right down that tumm.

Congratulations on your decision!!!

What did you decide to do? I totally understand your desperation because of your time frame. I have found out that the surgeon I went to in Mexico now has financing. Yes he costs more, but it isn't because he's greedy. Watch some of the videos on you tube of Dr. Alvarez. He shows you the type of staple gun he uses with the titanium staples. Also listen to some of his radio show runs where people ask all these questions you're asking. You could ask him the question about masks on his show! Every Monday night, people from all over the world ask him questions. I think you need clarity. I know you want to have this done, as I was the SAME way. But you have to have peace and confidence in your surgeon. Another thought here...I enjoy painting pictures. If someone told me I must paint with gloves on, I would not be able to paint as well as I usually do. Why? Because I am not used to wearing gloves, and it would be uncomfortable to me. A surgeon is the same way. I have been a surgery nurse. All surgeons are artists. They are creating a body part. They have very specific rituals before and during surgery. Most listen to music, eat a specific food that day; they want certain people to stand in a certain place in the OR. point being....You can't tell an artist how to create his work of art, as you may not like the end product.

Sure. If you're confident that in all other areas this surgeon practices the utmost of infection control standards. If you are sure that this is the only major sloppy infection control issue he and his team practice. If you are sure he is comfortable with performing a life threatening ( sorry but all surgery is) procedure on you, dawning his mask over his nose as he is likely not comfortable and accustomed to doing. Also ask him to keep the surgical area sterile with no cardboard boxes in the corners. Ask him to please pull his gloves over his gown, and have someone else help him do this, so that he stays sterile. Take his entire surgical team some shoe covers too. Ask him not please not let the janitor come in the surgery room to start cleaning before the surgery is over too. What type of stapling device does this doctor use? What brand? have you researched it? Is it one that is used in the USA, or is it from a company that has been recalled because of misfires during stapling? Is it preloaded and sterile for each patient? Are they titanium staples? A pre packaged filled staple gun using titanium staples for one procedure cost 2k. each patient uses 2 preloaded staple guns. If your surgeon is charging you 4500 for surgery he is cutting major corners somewhere. He is not using titanium staples either. Don't expect a diamond when you are paying for a pebble. Sorry to sound harsh, but this is your life you're talking about. Save your money, and wait until you can go to a doctor who cares if you go septic, after crossing back over the border.

A face shield is worn to protect the surgeon / dentist...it protects against splashes to the surgeons/ dentist eyes, mouth. The mask a surgeon wears protects the patient. It prevents airborn contaminants from entering the sterile field. If a surgeon does not cover his nose while doing surgery, I'm telling you, you are risking your life. The above poster who says the dentist uses a face shield therefor it is fine if a surgeon does is 100% wrong. All it takes is one little molecule of bacteria to get in that surgical area and you have yourself a possible abcess, which may not show up for some time. It is shady substandard and irresponsible practice. Anyone who allows a surgeon to do surgery on them, without remaining sterile is ..well, I'm sorry.... incredibly foolish. (Just my professional opinion)

If you're wanting Mexico, I just had surgery with Dr. Alvarez. I did an unbelievable amount of research. I'm 2 weeks out and I believe I made a great decision. Infection control, experience and success rate is how I based my decision. He is not the cheapest, and it is not in a Resort area, but he is in my opinion, the best. You can google his videos and see what they're like. I don't know if you are into country music, but Melissa Lawson went to him too.

Sweetie I just had surgery with Dr. Alvarez May 12. I totally understand the freak out thing. I cancelled my surgery once, lost $$$ in airfare, then rescheduled 2 months later! I was a nervous mess. I mean nightmares, couldn't eat, freaking out mess!!! I promise you he is an awesome surgeon. I'm a Registered Nurse so I know what can happen, and yes it's terrifying. But the benefits outweigh the risks IF you follow his instructions. You will read horror stories about people with major complications and it will mess up your head believe me. When a person walks out of that hospital, the decision is theirs as to how compliant they want to be. You would be surprised at the stupid people who do not comply with post op instructions. They try to eat a pizza week one, they drink alcohol, take harmful medications, smoke...IF you follow his instructions you will live a healthier happy life, many sizes smaller than you are. The choice is yours really. The outcome is in your control, not Dr. Alvarez's control. I think you should do it. I also think you should stop researching it and stop looking for the bad things. You looked into this for a reason. If you believe in God, then pray about it, make your decision, and have peace. I am so glad I did this surgery with Dr. Alvarez. He is the very best doctor you could choose.

It is bad. That was on a video when they were on their best behavior! What do you think they do when the camera is off? think about it.

I am a nurse, and for me yes that would be a hands down,definite deal breaker. Maybe to some people infection control is not high on the list of priorities, but for me, I would run . Good for you for being so observant and recognizing that!

You are likely dehydrated which is why you're week. Prilosec over the counter twice a day has saved many Sleevers. Please get yourself some!

Please do not flame me for asking this. I am over weight. I have tried EVERYTHING. My fear with getting the Sleeve is that I'll lose so much that I will not be able to stop the weight loss. I want/need to lose 60lbs, but absolutely no more than that. Is it possible to stop the weight loss? I am planning on Dr. Alvarez in Mexico. I realize I put this in the wrong section. Sorry! I'm trying to move it.

If it's any piece of mind, signs and symptom of a leak would be pain in the left shoulder, not the right. I guess because the incision faces that way. I bet it's gas.

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Thanks Sassy Pants. I'm disappointed, but really too sick to be very upset.

Who gives a **** about "Celebrity Status." It's not like the celebrities go around advertising who did their surgery. A good surgeon does his best no matter who you are. Additionally, just because they can act, does not mean they make good decisions. But how many Redcarpet Walkers have had bariatric surgery?? Oh yeah, Tom Cruis used to weigh 400 lbs and had 4 chins...... I picked Alvarez ....

I hope he feels better. Dr. Guillermo Alvarez is reliable, but he must not have received the message. You need to email Susan. She is wonderful and will get hold of Dr. Alvarez for you.

Please tell me you have lost weight! I'm about to schedule surgery, but 14lbs?? I'd be disappointed too! I know exactly how you feel. I am 6 or 7 weeks out. I lost 14 pounds the first 2 weeks. The last 32 days the scale has not moved on ounce. I know I am doing everything right. Get all my Protein and Water. Exercise a minimum of 4 days a week. I Track everything that goes into my mouth. I have even put the scale away because I do not want the scale to determine how my day will go. I have upped my calories and exercise, and still nothing. I have lowed my calories and still nothing. I cannot seem to shake it. I am so discouraged and frustrated. My biggest fear before having the surgery was to fail at this. I monitor myself extra close and I feel like I am the only one in the world that this will not work for.

Please do not flame me for asking this. I am over weight. I have tried EVERYTHING. My fear with getting the Sleeve is that I'll lose so much that I will not be able to stop the weight loss. I want/need to lose 60lbs, but absolutely no more than that. Is it possible to stop the weight loss? I am planning on Dr. Alvarez in Mexico.