RellaBelle

I have two questions... with planning to have a VSG in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta to be specific, how does the pre testing differ than if you were to go through a US bariatric surgeon? I'm assuming your PCP still had to clear you? What tests were done? Are there some tests that aren't needed since I'm going to MX, like a psych eval? I don't have any medical issues other than the usual aches and pains that come from being overweight. Also, how did you approach your PCP about it? I'm asking because my husband and I have been in Houston for 4 months and I have not met my PCP yet. I will be upfront about what I would like to do but have no idea about how to even begin that conversation, aside from blurting out "HEY! I'd like to go to Mexico to have a VSG done! Whadaya think!?" I'm making calls on Monday to both potential surgeons, my PCP and my HSA account but I'm a little anxious about getting information beforehand. I'm just impatient like that >.<

I was going to use Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta but have since switched to going through Tijuana. Found out I could shave off $700+ by going there instead. I just moved from Baton Rouge to Houston this past Feb. Congrats on your procedure! How are you feeling @@home3253?

@@slimmindown, that's actually where I was looking . All the travel websites only go as far as June 2015, I'm not scheduled until July. I already have an idea of how much my ticket will be.. just thought it would be neat to see what deals people got and if they waited or just bought it immediately.

Hey all! I've seen in several different places that your tastes sometimes change after VSG. I was just wondering how everyone's tastes have changed? Anything you use to love but now can't stand or vice verse? What are some foods that just set your stomach off and you can't go near it? My date to joined the sleeve community is 7/24/15.. yeah, over a year away but Im on my way! I just thought this would be an interesting topic :0)

That's crazy how your tastes changes like that.. especially the sweets. I've already laid off of kool aid but I couldn't imagine not enjoying my pralines n' cream ice cream or debbie cakes... but it would be for the best so it wouldn't be a total loss. I wonder what it is about the sweets afterwards though.

Like @@InfiniteButterfly, I have anxiety issues and have absolutely thought of dying under general anesthesia being a possibility. The reality of where I was headed was a bigger concern as others have said. I have 4 year old twins and one broke their arm this past May that required her to be put under to have pins placed. I cried/snotted everywhere as I watched them put the meds in her IV and watched her go to sleep. 1.5 hours later I was visiting her in the recovery room while she sported a very stylish pink camo cast. I say all that because as nerve wrecking as that situation was... it helped me get over that fear, at least a little bit. I think it helped because the reality of her situation was go under and have her bone properly set and casted or not go under and forever have issues with that arm and lack of movement of her fingers. The unknown is a terrifying thing but I can't let it hinder me. The pros far outweigh the cons for me in this situation as well.

I'm asking because I'm going with Dr Lopez & Dr Osuna, I was originally going to pick Puerto Vallarta because of the shorter flight but found that the surgery in Tijuana was less expensive in several different ways BUT while browsing another gastric sleeve forum thread, here, and found some pretty scary issues. One poster, Luann, was there last year in November and had a godawful experience with the staff being rude and not being attentive, she had a issue with a nurse not wanting to drain her bag when it was quite apparently full, they tried threading her IV with the needle still in place, she developed an infection that was the same as what another person on the same thread had. It was just a bad experience with the staff in general. There were at least 2 other women that said they also had the same experiences with nurses just staring at them and then walking away, brushing off the patients concerns and just concerning behavior in general. This is really concerning to me. I will say that these are the first bad reviews that I've seen about this hospital. I've watched YouTube videos of people who had had their VSG done there and didn't have issues with staff. Just.. really nerve wrecking hearing that woman's story. If you could share your experiences at Hospital MI Doctor, that would be great

Ok, so it seems I may need to speak with the bariatric surgeon I plan on going to first and find out what type of tests they would like done on future patients. Then I could combine that with what my PCP says they would like for me to have before proceeding.

Hey guys/gals, What are some must have items that you brought/are going to bring/wish you would have brought along with you on your trip? I see Gas X strips mentioned often, small pillow, heating pad for your back.. anything else?

Exactly why I asked this question.. I knew there would be some things that I would forget or not even think of. @@Travelmego, I was watching a YT video earlier and the girl mentioned have a little cash to give out tips so I'm glad you mentioned it as well. I wasn't sure if that was just her experience or a common thing that no one really mentions. @@Kindle, you can bring bottled drinks on the plane with you? I wasn't aware that you could take drinks with you. That was one of my questions to ask the coordinator or whomever I speak with Monday, was wheter or not the hospital had a filtration system.

I've added Dr Joya to my list of possible Dr.'s. How did everything go?

Travelmego! Yes! I saved the link for the spreadsheet they made, that was definitely a huge help. I just couldn't remember their name. Thanks for this as well though.