OCSlim

I am pre-op, self-pay with a BMI of 30. I have suffered an eating disorder for most of my life, even before weight became an issue in my late 30's. It is my hope that this surgery will provide me the opportunity to finally have a healthy relationship with food. I have eaten a primarily healthy diet, but have experienced terrible episodes of out if control binge eating since I was 5. I am hoping to hear from others who struggled in this way to hear if the removal of the part of the stomach that secretes ghrelin has made the difference? I'm not expecting a panacea, just hoping this will be the answer to helping me win this terrific battle I've been fighting most of my life. Your insights and experience as long-term post-op sleevers is most appreciated!

I am scheduled with alejandro lopez in December in Tijuana and want to hear others experiences. I like the idea of not having to have all of the extra scars from the traditional method. Thanks!

I considered Dr. Lopez, who has great training and credentials, but decided to go with Dr. Rodriguez, who has aid one of the most experienced and credentialed bariatric surgeons anywhere. With regard to the single incision, it is safe only for lower BMI patients who haven't had other significant abdominal procedures (scar tissue). He was very adamant about proceeding with caution, and said that if for any reason he felt my anatomy (or any other issues) once he looked inside, made it risky, he would not proceed. With that being said he did a fabulous job, and I healed very quickly with minimal pain. This is the best thing I ever did for myself, and I have zero regrets! Best wishes to you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

After exhaustive research, planning and consideration, I had a Single Incision Sleeve Gastrectomy with Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana at Hospital Angeles on December 12th, and wanted to provide this review for all who are still considering their options. My choice was based on the credentials, experience, quality and capabilities of the facility, surgeon, and team of professionals. They did not disappoint. I was picked up by the owner of BeLiteWeight from a business meeting in San Diego, along with another patient who was picked up at the airport where we were personally driven to the Hospital. The city is developed, lively, and I felt very safe during our drive. Upon entering the hospital we were warmly greeted by the surgical coordinator, who had us complete some forms, and then led us to an area where our pre-op chest X-ray, EKG and blood work were done. I was so impressed by the clean, modern, and attractive appearance of the hospital and equipment. Everything was on par with US Hospitals, as the facility was built in 2007. I was then checked into my hospital room on the 2nd floor. Again, it was very clean, modern and nicely appointed with a safe for your wallet, passport, and such, television with DVR (bring DVDs if you wish), and a bed for your companion if you choose to bring one. The bathroom was good sized with a large shower and fixtures like you might find in a boutique hotel. Very nice. I did not bring a travel companion, and was somewhat glad I didn't, as the care was so good, and I could just rest and not have to worry about anyone else. I then walked across the street with the patient I met on the ride over to enjoy a fabulous Mexican dinner (complete with Margarita)! She was an absolute delight, and we quickly bonded over the shared experience and continue to keep in touch. When we returned from dinner we got to meet Dr. Rod & Dr. Elmo to ask any questions. They were very kind and polite. Dr. Rod confirmed that he would use a 32 French Bougie on me, and that my low BMI without a lot of abdominal fat, and lack of a history of other abdominal surgeries made me an excellent candidate for the SPIDER Single Incision technique. He also was adamant that if for any reason he felt he could not perform the technique safely on me, that he would go the traditional approach, which was fine with me. Dr. Rod has done over 500 single incision cases, so I felt extremely confident. Next morning was surgery. I was wheeled down to the pre-op area where more history was taken, and I was introduced to the anesthesiologist on the team. She was thorough in her examination and questioning, and had a lovely bedside manner. She gave me some medicine to calm me and the next thing I knew I woke up in the recovery room. This was the hardest part of the ordeal, as I had severe gas pains that were localized in my heart area, and I thought I was having a heart attack. I also had pain in my umbilical area from the surgery, but it was mild compared to the gas pains. The nurse was very comforting and reassuring. They then moved me back to my room and on to my hospital bed. I asked them to elevate the leg area of the bed all the way, which relieved the gas pains enough that I could drift off into a nice deep sleep...which I did most of the day and through the night. The nurses were extremely professional, responsive, and kind. If I hit the call button, which I only had to do once, they were there within two minutes. Additionally, the nurses were very fit and quick. They wore hospital uniforms that looked so fabulously modern, clean, crisp and professional. Most spoke good English, although a couple had minimal command of English, but it was not a problem, as the essential communication always transpired. When the person from nutrition delivered my meals, he showed up in a black suit....how do you like that one! The gentleman from housekeeping was constantly offering to change my sheets, and kept my room impeccable. I did get up and walk around some the day after surgery, but mostly hung out in my room until the morning of our departure. Dr. Rod & Dr. Elmo performed a beautiful single incision on me and after only 3 weeks it is almost completely imperceptible, as they left no scars. Incredible! Dr. Elmo asked for permission to photograph my belly button for lectures, which was fine with me. The night before we left was our last leak test, which everyone seemed to detest. The barium swallow is not something I'd like to have to do often, but I didn't find it to be as bad tasting as some described. I did great...no leaks, and a wonderful success overall. Victor, driver from BeLiteWeight, drove us in the van to the airport. The ride again, was very safe and pleasant. I received multiple follow up calls from my coordinator Jessica, as well as the owner, Joanne, of BeLiteWeight to check in on my recovery and progress. I have had a very smooth recovery at home, with minimal need for pain medicine after the first three days. I am now in Phase 3, eating soft/puréed foods which is going okay, but digestion can be painful unless I eat really slow and stop before I get full. I've lost about 15 lbs. in 3 weeks, which has occurred at a nice steady pace. I feel very excited to start 2015 mostly healed and on my way to wholeness. I hope this helps anyone who is considering their options. It cost $7200 (it was $500 extra for the single incision, which was worth every penny), for the best care Mexico has to offer. I strongly feel the care I received greatly surpasses anything I would have gotten in the United States. I am so very, very grateful for this wonderful opportunity to take care of this medical need in Tijuana with this team, and strongly recommend them to anyone who wants the very best care!

Dr. Rodriguez charges $6800 for the Sleeve Gastrectomy, and another $500 for the single incision, as it takes about an extra half an hour, and additional instruments. Yesterday I saw my primary care physician for follow up, and she asked to see my naval. She was shocked at how the incisions were practically invisible after only 3.5 weeks! After hearing of his credentials and my results, she wants to refer patients to him!

If I needed a revision, I would go to Dr. rRodriguez for the same reason I chose him for my sleeve. He is a FACS with over 8000 surgeries under his belt, so there isn't anything he hasn't seen. I know Dr. A. Ortiz also has wonderful credentials, but as a medical assistant I think your reasoning is valid about being in the hospital environment with all of its resources. As a side note, Dr. Wilhelmy is also supposed to do revisions out of Hospital Almater in Mexicali. He has great credentials, as well, but I wasn't able to get enough information on him, and he didn't do single incisions, which is what I wanted. Best wishes to you...I'm sure you're going to make a great choice!

Thank you, Okiebon, you've made an excellent choice! I was one of 3 patients that had surgery that day, and depending on the complexity of the cases, they typically do between 3 and 5 in a day. We got to the airport at around 9 am, so if you choose a flight at 11am, but check with the coordinator about the best time. I live in Orange County, so my daughter drove down to the airport and picked me up, which was really easy. I am still in Phase 3 or the soft/puréed foods stage which is going well, however, it is when you get to this stage that you really get to feel what the restriction with solid food is like. I can only tolerate minimal (1/4 cup) amounts at a time, and it is painful to eat too fast or too much. So I am definitely learning how to eat very,very slow, and take tiny bites at a time. For the most part, I'm still using a lot of the protein supplements, as it is a challenge to get all you need in with regular food. I like the supplements I've purchased do far, and find them to be very quick, nutritious, and convenient meals. I've been using Unjury, Nectar, and Pure Protein. I hope this helps. Are you going through BeLiteWeight? They're extremely helpful if you are. Good luck on your journey, and let me know if you have any other questions. I'm so excited for you!

Hi Rocky1, I checked in on December 11th, had surgery on the 12th, and checked out on the 14th. They would have been fine with me staying an extra day if I wanted to, as well. They did not use sequential compression devices on me, but did have thigh-high compression socks on me and encouraged me to get up and walk ASAP. They also provided me with a little spirometer and asked that I use it as often as possible. If you feel the compression devices are important, they might make them available for you. If you have it done at HATJ in the spring, you won't be disappointed. Best wishes, and let us know what you decide.

Hi Sarah, I just wrote a detailed account of my experience at Hospital Angeles with Dr. Rod and Dr. Elmo. It was truly excellent!

To anyone interested, I had the single incision done by Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Tijuana at Hospital Angeles 3 weeks ago. Among the highest rated surgeons and facilities in Mexico. He has done over 500 single incision procedures and you can't even tell I had the surgery done after only 3 weeks. Highly recommend this amazing physician, team and facility!

I'll be at Hospital Angeles from the 11th till the 14th getting sleeved by Dr. Jose Rodriguez, and would appreciate the opportunity to "buddy up" for support.

Yeeesh...that's horrible! I'd like to know how prevalent that is. Hopefully not very!

Dr. Wilhelmy seems to be a fantastic surgeon. I'd love to hear more about your experience with your first failed sleeve, and how you knew it needed to be redone? This is the first post I've seen like this, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can, so anything you can share would be much appreciated.

Did anyone make it? I wasn't able to get out of my office until after 8:00pm last night.

I have clients who live in San Diego and travel back and forth to Tijuana each day without any problems. Some of our employees in our Otay Mesa office live in TJ and come to work each day in the states. It seems pretty calm down there.

Hi Collinus , I'm having surgery with Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana on the 12th. As the date gets closer, I am getting nervous too. After all, this is major and permanent. My close friends keep asking, are you SURE you want to go through with this? And since I have a 30 BMI, they see it as unnecessary. With that being said, I know that in six months from now, no one will be thinking about the procedure when they see all the positive changes. I researched copiously and feel I chose among the very best in Mexico among physicians and facilities. I am also seeing a therapist and registered dietician who specialize in eating disorders, so I can ensure my results are long term and very healthy. The way I see it, we were designed as hunter gatherers who were designed to eat small portions all day, which is how we'll be eating. In order to get adequate nourishment,we have to be more deliberate about what we choose for each of those tiny meals, so I'll be supplementing with medical grade protein, and concentrated vegetable and fruit smoothies to get the important vitamins and minerals. So,I've researched and have set a support system and plans in place, and am ready to go. I'm sure you've done much of the same. Take comfort in that. This procedure will require better self-care from each of us, which is much overdue for me. Think about how you're going to look and feel next year at this time. So healthy and youthful. I don't think you'll be feeling regret. You did mention complications ...have they been in relation to Dr, Rodriguez? I haven't heard about problems with him, and would appreciate anything you've heard that perhaps I should know Thanks and best wishes!

Hi Lisa, I'm so very sorry for your loss, and hope and pray that you will be comforted in your grief. I'm scheduled for surgery next week, but also started therapy a month ago for an eating disorder. I have used food to bind anxiety since I suffered a violent assault when I was 5. I'm seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders and trauma, as well as a registered dietician who also specializes in eating disorders. A good therapist can help you use food as the nutritive substance it is, rather than a means to palate pain. I know most people don't have eating disorders,but anyone with a BMI greater than 30 certainly has an issue with disordered eating and could probably use some help. With all that you are dealing with, it would really provide you with a construct for support and healing, as well as set you up for long-term success. Blessings and hugs!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm going to Tijuana next week for surgery with Dr. Rod at Hospital Angeles,and Jessica is my coordinator, as well. I hope you're recovering well and the swelling is behind you. I'm having the single incision technique performed, and was wondering if you had that, as well?

Zoey1962, That's simply horrible that he did that to you. I was scheduled with him,and decided to change to another doctor. Guess it was a good decision.

Hi All, I will do my best to be there, as I'm pushing hard to get everything done at work before my surgery on December 12th! I think I'll be able to make it, and will look forward to seeing you all there!

Hi All, It's been several weeks since we got this page started. AlexsisV and I met up once, and so I was thinking that maybe we should try for another meet up in the near future. What do you all think? Just as a note, I am having my surgery on December 12th, and will be traveling for business that entire week until the day of my surgery.

Thank you, Rocky1. It was quite a process getting to this decision, but I feel really good and prepared. I will provide a good and detailed report on how it all goes.

I am scheduled with Dr. Rodriguez at Hospital Angeles on December 12th. I'm feeling very confident in my decision, as he and the hospital both have credentials that make me feel comfortable. Additionally, he has performed over 500 single incision sleeve Gastrectomies, which is what I'm having done, which is all the better!

There are some wonderful juice cleanses I've done that really make you feel wonderful and nourished! It might be good for cleansing the body of all the anesthetics and pain meds after surgery, as well. I'm sure they could mix them to help you can get the protein in, as well. Might be a nice alternative periodically from the shakes.

Bless your heart. I can just feel your shame and humiliation. You're safe to bring all that here, and remember...next year at this time, all those feelings will be behind you!