ABB'sObesityFight

I know I want/need to get VSG surgery. I found a great doctor in my area who offers a really good price for the US of $15,999 for self pay. That to me still seems like a lot of money with all of my other bills. I was researching Mexico, specifically Tijuana, and wanted to get all y'alls opinion on if I should go there? I am sure there are great surgeons there but I am concerned about cleanliness and immediate post-op care, and post-op care throughout the following year. Everyone that I have talked to and mentioned that I was considering this keeps telling me I am crazy and should never consider this, but they do have never researched it or had anything done in MX. What was your experience and do you have a recommendation? Any and all help is much appreciated!

Hello: I am so excited for my operation! While I will be traveling with my husband and I know he will try very hard, I know he wont truly understand all of my worries, pain, and overall feeling. That is why I am sending out a "wanted" sign for a sleeve buddy traveling to Tijuana so we can support each other while we are there, pre-op, and post op. My operation is on 7/2/2015 with OCC. Look forward to talking with and possibly meeting y'all.

@@Stlgirl74 Hello! It is really nice to know that there are others that are walking the same path as you. For we it takes off a bit of personal pressure know others are there fighting with me. I fly in on the first so I am sure I will see you around the hotel toward the end of the stay. How are things going for you so far?

@@anna0322 hang in there I know you can do it! Pintrest has been my best friend so far. Soo many good ideas. If you are struggling with something let me know and I will see if I have a potential recipe to help. If you have not started your Vitamins, I would recommend it. My nut said if I use an otc Vitamin I needed to double the dose. I found this really helped with the cravings. If you are on an otc vitamin ask your nut if you could double up if you have bad cravings. You are so lucky to have a 1 1/2 hour flight. Mine is about 4 1/2 hours flight followed by a 1 1/2 hour drive in addition to the 3 hour time change, yuck! I will definitely keep you updated.

@@wascott that is exactly what we were looking at. I hope the trip goes well. Have you heard of any tips for traveling? I want to bring a pillow to go between me and the seat belt. How do you plan on handling protein drinks?

@@wascott good luck with starting your liquid phase! I know they didn't say to but about 3 days before I start that I was going to switch to 2 shacks a day so it is not such a huge change when I do start the next phase. I have not tried the EAS, but I heard it was good. I was going to do a mixture of nectar fuzzy navel and Cytosport chocolate. I have been on Amazon trying to find a bunch of variety packs of stuff so I can try many things out without having to commit to a bunch of something I don't like. I also purchased the Vitaleph Vitamins. I agree they are very expensive. I also don't like the fact that I have to spread out the vitamins through out the day. I also decided to start the ca+ d and that means I have to take that between the 3 servings of the multi since there is Iron in that. (If you did not know you should not take iron and Calcium together as they do not effectively absorb and it is wasted. You should also avoid real dairy products when taking iron, I say real because products like almond milk have no affect on the iron.) I figured I would do these vitamins for about 8 months to get past the really rapid portion of weight loss then look at something else. I order a lot of my own blood tests online and have already had a baseline panel done so I know where my Vitamin levels are. I plan on repeating this blood test every month for the first couple the backing it down to every other so I can keep a very close eye on my body. Side note, i am doing this myself because I need to find a new primary who will support me. My doc thinks surgery is just a "fad" and everyone can lose weight with diet and exersice alone... I did hear about the gas-x. My friend said he got a pocket of air stuck in his shoulder and between gas-x and walking he got it out. He said it was not fun and hurt but it is fairly common and easy to deal with. We are staying an extra day because of how long the flights are, we couldn't find one that worked with occ's trasport times. So they are dropping us off back at the airport one day before we leave and will take a shuttle to a hotel in San Diego to hang out for the day. If I am feeling well I really want to go to the zoo. I heard it is great and I love to photograph animals. I am glad your cousin had such a good experience, and I hope he is doing well.

wascott - Congratulation and good luck! If possible, I would ask that you let me know how it goes. If there is anything that we should know about what to bring, leave at home, or information about San Diego and Tijuana that was good or bad. Have you started the Protein shake only portion of the pre-op? If so, how is it going for you? Side question, did you order the Vitaleph Vitamins that they recommenced?

anna0322 - That is great! I am getting sleeved with Dr. Ariel Ortiz, but I am sure we will see each other around the hotel. I have started my pre-op last week. They have me on a Protein shake in the morning and lean meat and leafy greens the other 2 meals with no carbs or fat allowed. Next Thursday I start the Protein Shake only portion on the pre-op. They told me they want me to lose 13-26 lbs before the surgery. So far it has gone really well. Every once in a while I have a craving for mayo or something not good. Have you started your pre-op diet? If so how is it going for you?

Maggie, Cecilia is correct. You can edit how much you would like to set your goal to. However, ever since UnderArmor bought out MyFitnessPal, when you compete you day and you are less than 1,000 calories it will give you a warning and will not automatically post to the wall. This is because for most people, you should not go less than 1,000 calories. I know on this site we fall into a different category where it is difficult to obtain that and since we are supervised by a doctor it is ok. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to not show the message. What I do is just not "complete the day". This really does nothing in the app except automatically post. I would recommend you don't bother clicking the button, and if you are excited and would like to share that you were under your calories for the day then create a manual status update that says that.

Thank for all the help! After reading your reviews and doing quite a bit of research myself, I have decided to go to Mexico to see Dr. Ortiz. I am scheduled for the sleeve on 7/2/2015.

When I use it I love it! it really holds me accountable, and I need all the help I can get. Feel free to add me... abbrooks

Hello! Congratulations on your big step to a healthier you. While I have not had my surgery yet I do have a VSG scheduled for the end of July and would love to become friends and part of your support team. I feel very similar to you. I live in Ringgold, Ga. I have been here for about 2 years after moving from MO. I do not have any family and very few fiends down here. I was thinking of creating a MeetUp group for those who are pre op and post op to socialize and be a strong support system. What do you think? Ashley