BitterSweet*

@@Elode, do you know that you don't have reflux from a diagnostic test (EGD), or you're assuming you don't because you don't have any symptoms?

How are things going now?

That area is where the terminal part of your large intestine is located. With the weight gain and pain in that area, could you be constipated?

Gosh. I'm so sorry about all of your complications. You have been through so much.

A healthy organ won't be removed automatically. That's correct. The key to this process is determining if in fact your gallbladder IS healthy. That is determined by having LFTs (liver function tests) drawn and an EGD pre-op. The confirming test is an ultrasound of the gallbladder. Gall disease must be assumed to be present, and ruled out through those tests / diagnostics. If those things have not been done, the "healthy organ" argument goes out the window, because they are only assuming there's no issue with it because you are asymptomatic. The fact is, obese people have fatty livers. Fatty livers affect bile production, which in turn affects the gallbladder - which is where bile is stored. Many obese people have sludge and stones in their gallbladders and yet they are completely asymptomatic; rapid weight loss and dietary changes will turn that asymptomatic, diseased organ into a a nightmare. My tip to you is to advocate for yourself. Find out the specific things that have been done to rule out a diseased gallbladder. If nothing has been done, nicely demand it. It may save you another surgery in the near future. Good luck to you!

No, it'll be in December. =)

Love it. You look amazing and I love the red lipstick. What exercises did you do while losing weight?

It's beautiful. You can do it!

I needed to hear this post. Thank you. Congratulations and good luck!

Yep. What Kindle said. I'll also throw in some info that is not so well known. Fact: U.S. doctors obtain an undergraduate degree (4 yrs) before going to medical school (another 4 yrs). They can pass with a 70 (a C)....One point less is a D.....Hmmm. So, they can graduate from medical school and be YOUR doctor, barely having passed anything; it happens all the time. The title of MD is still the same whether they earned As in school or barely passed. You would never know that when you walk into their practice or trust them with your life for a surgical procedure. Yes, there are surgeons in MX who have less training than U.S. doctors, but there are also surgeons operating on patients who barely passed anatomy and physiology classes. So there's that..... The point is, you can receive poor care right down the street from your house. You can receive poor care in MX, Belize, the UK, New York, etc..... It can happen anywhere. MX surgeons do not operate in alleyways with dirty spoons and forks that are left over from Cinco De Mayo. If you choose to go there, you have every right too, and it's your job to do the research and find a surgeon who has the credentials you are looking for. Upon your return, there is no reason a PCP can not order the routine labs needed for follow ups. They do your regular / annual labs don't they? I guess it would be asking too much to have a couple of other labs drawn at the same time, right? If you get dehydrated, you get dehydrated. Administering fluids will happen the same way it did prior to surgery. Vomiting and pain? CT scans, MRIs, CXRs, and ultrasounds all done the same way. The medical treatment is universal (for the most part) which means you can travel to Timbucktoo and should receive comparable care, which any doctor / specialist can do. Again, if surgery in MX is NOT in the equation and it's simply a case of someone relocating for their job, how does the liability logic work when another doctor needs to assume your care? Public Announcement: If you sign a consent form, you are having elective surgery. Period. It matters not what type of surgery it is.

Sewing up the stoma and then what? What's the plan afterwards?

Where's the love button? What a fantastic idea!!!

My goodness. CowgirlJane just emphasized my earlier points. Let go of the Mexico mentality and stigma. Let go of the liability argument. Again, people relocate for a million reasons. Someone please explain the liability logic and how that applies when it is NOT Mexico........ Exactly. Doctors have and will continue to take care of other doctors and surgeons' work, and it's quite terrible that an issue is made of it at all.

Post the pic! We want to help you celebrate!

Shoot, I'm impressed too. I'm worried about walking a short distance in the airport just to change planes, let alone 6 miles. You're the sh!t.

That filter will keep you safe. If they deem it necessary, have no worries, it's for the best.

Hugs and prayers coming your way. You'll do great. =)

I've finally decided on a surgeon (Dr. Ariel Ortiz at OCC) and now that I've chosen him, I'm ready to go. I've been researching for over 6 months and listening to everyone's tips and advice. So thanks to all of you. I know a passport is recommended, but I've read many times that it is not required for travel. I'd prefer to have it of course, but if it takes too long to get here, will my documentation be adequate? Meaning birth certificate and drivers license?

I've finally decided on a surgeon (Dr. Ariel Ortiz at OCC) and now that I've chosen him, I'm ready to go. I've been researching for over 6 months and listening to everyone's tips and advice. So thanks to all of you. I know a passport is recommended, but I've read many times that it is not required for travel to MX. I'd prefer to have it of course, but if it takes too long to get here, will my documentation be adequate? Meaning birth certificate and drivers license?

Flying into San Diego and getting picked up by the transport van for OCC.

Side note: Getting a passport was not on my list because I never even considered going to Mexico. Something didn't sit right with me with the surgeon I have here and eventually figured out that it was his lack of expertise that bothered me; so I'm foregoing a free surgery with an inexperienced bariatric surgeon, and will self pay in Mexico with a bariatric surgeon who is an expert.

I am fully expecting to feel this way after surgery. @@cornhusker and @@SThomas209, thank y'all for those wonderful responses. I will refer back to this in my rough moments.

I am fully expecting to feel this way after surgery. @@SThomas209, thank you for that wonderful response. I will refer back to it in my rough moments.

Indeed.

Amen! Planning on seeing Dr. Ortiz next month. Sorry I'll miss you and your daughters at OCC! Please stay in touch.