JawaGal42

I was sleeved September 4 with Dr Elias Ortiz and have nothing but abundant praise for him, his assistant Dr Morales, and the anesthesiologist Dr Malagan. Even the hospital internist whose name I sadly cannot remember was wonderful, competent, and thorough. Mi Doctor Hospital was satisfactory and many of the nurses were caring and lovely. The Tijuana Marriott was absolutely gorgeous. Now, as for A Lighter Me, there's not much to say that the word AWESOME doesn't cover! Very, very positive experience all the way around. As for my after care, Ronda from ALM sends out rather detailed emails with all sorts of info and my first post-op visit with my regular NP is tomorrow afternoon. He's one of those who is stern and as serious as a heart attack yet he was supportive of my decision to have the VSG done in Mexico and has expressed that he will continue to be supportive of me in my health endeavors and goals. I am also fortunate in that we have a local bariatric surgeon who will accept 'adoptees' should I ever need his expertise. Am not anticipating any problems though getting in my daily water requirement has not been easy.

I've read that getting the maximum possible Protein intake helps curb hair loss. Yes? No?

I'm scheduled for early September.

Really praying I do not experience this since my hair is fine, thin, and short to begin with! And I don't think I can rock the G.I. Jane look very well.

I actually scheduled my surgery after I bought my plane ticket since I wanted a good airfare without lengthy layovers, didn't want to spend extra time in San Diego, and there are no longer any directs to San Diego out of Albuquerque. It was just easier for me to book my flight first since the surgeon was actually more accommodating than the airlines. I'm sort of worried about luggage, though. I'd prefer to take just carry on but don't know if I'll be able to lift it into the overhead bin post-op. Hate to check in luggage on domestic flights.

After you rest up, we want to hear ALL about it, please!

I'm scheduled for my VSG in September and have only come out and told one co-worker who is actually very supportive and was sleeved years ago. The others (inluding one who is having a band to VSG revision in Oct) have pretty much guessed that I am either deep in the contemplation phase or am scheduled and they are being a bit catty, saying amongst themselves "She won't be able to do it, she eats all the time", ""She thinks it will be easy but it isn't", "She's going to Mexico because she doesn't really need the surgery" and the like. I know, blow it off and chalk it up to people just being catty -- which is what I plan to do. But, why does it seem that weight loss surgery is a topic people can be just so darn vicious about? I've heard more stories about cattiness in regard to WLS than breast augmentation!

I'm getting about a week and half post procedure so if I'm not up to returning, it simply cannot matter -- I have to be there or I won't have a job (and I work for a hospital). Thankfully I am now in a desk job and not in the clinical setting.

I just wish they'd keep it to themselves at work. Talk about me, talk about it all you want, but do it where I can't and won't hear. Makes me wonder if I should have just announced the VSG instead of only mentioning the minor plastics work I'm having done for something entirely unrelated. I totally expected the negativity if they discovered I was having the VSG done in Mexico but not the negativity over/about the procedure itself. Guess it makes some people feel better about themselves if they can belittle others. That's sad because I really like these people and I love working with them.

I'm heading in for my VSG on September 4 and am just now perusing Protein choices. Received a sample of a drink mix called Amazing Meal by Amazing Grass in a subscription box, of all places. Mixed with 10 oz of Water it says it provided 10g protein and 6g of fibre. It is entirely plant based with no added sugars. A little gritty but the vanilla chai flavour doesn't taste bad at all. Would this be a viable Protein shake option? Thanks!

Wow! Thanks for all of the input everyone! I've read and heard that the tastebuds and textural preferences can change drastically post-op so no caselot purchases here until after the procedure. Waiting on the samples from unjury now.

I've two months pre-surg so I'm taste testing. Seemed a little light on the Protein to me, too, but am thinking it might be a good way to get some veg in. Thanks for the input!

Keep us posted!

This is someone whose own sense of identity and self-worth is threatened by your very personal decisions to have WLS. She's toxic. Please, Celebrate your freedom from this person.

If people put the same amount of diligence into researching their options, surgeons, and hospitals here in the US as we have in researching those in Mexico we would actually have a better standard of care in the US.

My mother had to have emergent surgery in Budapest in the late 90's and the desirable American style hospital was booked full up. She wound up in the local general hospital, Szent Janos, which was like NOTHING we'd ever seen. Seriously. Being right on the banks of the Danube, their idea of pest control was having cats reside in the basements of the various hospital buildings. Her post-op meal was pickle Soup and we had to smuggle her a spoon from the Hilton so she could eat it. She was walked to and from testing, the surgical theatre, etc which meant several round-trips outside in the snow. Their English was halting at best; our Hungarian? Nil. Scary? Oh, Hell yes and both my mother and I are battle hardened ED nurses so very little shocks either of us! The entire experience was absolutely surreal for our whole family. Yet ... They had the latest equipment, experienced surgeons and nurses, practiced universal precautions with diligence, and mom's surgery was, in a word, impeccable. Add in a CT scan, lab work, all physician's fees, the fact that her surgery was done laparoscopically (which, at that time, it would have been done open in the US) and the grand total was $263 USD. There you go, folks. Proof that high quality medical care can be found everywhere, even in a place where it's not expected. PS: Federal BCBS initially denied reimbursement because they couldn't read the operative note which was in Hungarian and wanted us to have it translated. Ironic since we lived in NJ and the BCBS office is in Washington, DC.

Also heading to Tijuana solo (in early September.) Fortunately, am used to traveling by my lonesome and am fluent in Spanish. A big plus is that I've already met someone via these forums who will be there the same time!

I understand that. I wouldn't base your decision on who has been doing them longest though. Make sure they are honest too. I know of specifics about experienced surgeons there and how they have ripped off patients. One woman I met went there for a band revision to sleeve. The surgeon only removed her band and led her to believe she had a sleeve too. Dr Ortiz "fixed" her by performing her sleeve surgery and documented things to assist with her lawsuit against the other group/surgeon who cheated her. Others up-charge for hernia repairs that were not really done. It's very sad but we are vulnerable there as patients. I can testify to Dr Ortiz' integrity. My best to you with your decision and surgery. Sadly, this sort of stuff happens in other countries, including the US, as well, Self-pay patients tend to be more vulnerable due to the missing 'checks and balances' that are ever present in health insurance plans and even with insurance it can and does happen.

Started packing on the pounds when I let an Ob/Gyn talk me into levonorgestrel implants (Norplant) in my early 20's and it's been an uphill battle to shed the weight ever since. Was an average sized kid and slender and very fit teen. Now? Just sort of a blob.

I was told the same, over 2,000. From everything I can find online he appears competent as well as caring.

It's official, am booked with Dr. Ortiz on 4 September. Now, let the anxiety commence! (And it will, regardless of the fact that I am comfortable and confident in my choice.) Anyone else out there who will be booking about the same time, please send me a message. I'll be going solo so a sleeve buddy would be awesome.

I had an uncomplicated laparascopic cholecystectomy about 7 years ago and am wondering if the pain/discomfort of a VSG is similar? Many thanks.

Par1959 -- Thank you! I recall that "pulling" pain at the puncture sites after the lap chole. Nothing traumatic, just a good reminder to take it easy for a wee bit.

Thanks for the reply, Linda. My lap chole went uneventfully, just bloated and gassy for a few days and unable to lift anything over 10 lbs for two weeks, so I am hopeful that the VSG will be equally uneventful.

I am planning to have VSG by Dr Elias Ortiz in Tijuana in September using A Lighter Me coordinator. The comments here make me feel that much more comfortable with my decision. Thank you!