Marie1120

Hey everyone, So I've finally come to terms that I may need help. I've tried to lose weight since I was a teen and I'm now 29 with no success. I've hit my highest weight of 250lbs at 5"3 and it's extremely depressing. I know I'd technically qualify based on bmi but every clinic I've called has said I need a referral even though I have a PPO through Covered California. Does anyone have any experience with covered california blue shield of California? I am meeting with my doctor tomorrow and in the off chance that she doesn't want to provide a referral, I want to know my options. Thanks in advance

So my process of getting the sleeve has extended way beyond what I had in mind. I wanted the sleeve done in October originally but now the end of the year is soon approaching and I may do it right before or shortly into the new year. There's just been so many set backs and I guess I didn't do as much research as I intially thought. So hopefully this is my final set back before proceeding with the surgery. After experiencing tooth pain I remembered I have dental work I need to do which lead me to research whether I should take care of it before or after surgery. As most people know in the US dental work can be extremely expensive and most of us going to Mexico to self pay are doing so because it's less expensive or insurance won't cover it. But unfortunately I read that a tooth infection should be cleared prior to surgery. So my question is this. If I am prescribed antibiotics and get the infection cleared does anyone know if it is possible to proceed with surgery before completing the root canal? I am a 22 year old and I've managed to save a little over $7000 in the past 7 months just for the surgery I have no real career so the money I make is limited and I am working two retail jobs just to do so. Hopefully you can understand why the money crunch is an issue. I do plan on getting all my dental work sorted out but I really wanted the surgery before the New Year. And I am quitting one job soon to give my body time to relax so I am ready for surgery meaning my stress levels should be lower. So that is why I rather take the antibiotics and then proceed with the root canal after vsg. Maybe 4-6 weeks after VSG. Anyone have any advice to give? Today is Sunday and I rather call the office and speak to someone on Monday but before then I would really really appreciate any input from anyone at all! Thank you all so much!

Of course! So I will see a dentist tomorrow.

You are absolutely right I was thinking of this as a one way or the other. I definitely should call the office tomorrow and see what suggestions they give maybe speak to the surgeon as well and see what he thinks.

That's actually a great idea! But I am mainly concerned with getting the infection taken care of prior to surgery which I was told could take approximately 7-10 days of antibiotics. Maybe I can get antibiotics prescribed here and then proceed to Mexico with the rest of dental work and the gastric sleeve! Do you have the contact information of who you worked with? I love you idea.

The only thing that stresses me out is that the length of the dental work would expand over several months and cost all the money I saved for the surgery. The infection is localized to only one area. Other than that I really have no problems with my mouth. Maybe a cavity or two I need filled but no chipped or cracked teeth, no red inflamed gum, no deep pockets or bleeding when brushing. However when I was quoted at the dentist office I was told I need a lot of work done. Nothing major just simple things and wisdom teeth extractions. I mainly want to get the one infection taken care of and then proceed to surgery. Heal up and continue the dental work once again.

I'm so scared I feel like crying! I've pushed my date back to November as I'm trying to find a place I'm comfortable with and make sure my job can get me a week off. But last night I just found out a family friend died during gastric bypass. She had sleep apnea as well and ended up dying after the surgery. The doctors don't know when she stopped breathing but she was taken off of life support yesterday. This scared me so much. I was deciding on going with Doctor Fernando Garcia at CER Hospital but I feel like this is a sign. I keep trying to convince myself that it will be okay. The surgery is minimally invasive. I'm so scared that I wish I could be awake for the operation just to make sure everything is going fine. I need to get it done. I'm just so unhappy with my weight and tried soooo many times I feel as if I can't do it on my own not only that but the weight is piling on slowly every year. Yet I keep thinking what if I don't wake up? I'm only 22 and I have major plans for myself. I need to be okay.

Okay, so I've been heavily looking at the Angeles Hospital in Tijuana Mexico. I only felt safe telling a close friend about this but she is just not supportive. In the beginning I planned for her and I to go together. We hadn't seen each other in several years since I moved away. We are both young 22 year olds and have been in contact over the years just never met up. I should add that we have been friends since we were 7. Like most people we often had our differences but never saw eye to eye. Still we were there for each other. This situation has really bought our friendship to a tipping point. At first I was fine with her not being supportive. I said I would travel alone which I read many people do. However this morning she texted me and asked who I was bringing and I said no one. She proceeded to call me stubborn and say it's dangerous and I need to bring someone. I'm not afraid at all I feel okay about the situation and told her that she was pretty much causing stress that's not needed especially if I feel okay. I tried to explain to her that there would be someone who picks me up directly from the airport and that the surgery is in a hospital and that most importantly I feel safe with my decision. But that wasn't good enough for HER. She basically told me that it's on me but she's not discussing the situation anymore. I told her that if she isn't willing to stick with me the whole way through and important decision in my life that she thinks is something I should be cautious of then maybe there's not point in speaking with her at all. I feel so confused. I don't get it. She thought I wasn't trying to hear her out but I was and I tried to reassure her I'd be fine and I feel okay. I feel like if she really wants me to be safe and okay she would try to keep tabs through out the journey. The only reason I opted to go alone was because SHE didn't feel safe going with me. I feel a little hurt that I now have no one to support me through this. It's something I really really want to do as the weight keeps piling on through the years. I'm only 22 and I've literally never lived my teenage or previous years happy and comfortable with my body and I've finally found something I think will get me started on that path. I just need some reassurance or support. Hopefully I can find it here.

Well just wanted to update everyone. My surgery will be on the 10th of October. I'm giving myself time in advance to get everything sorted out. I'm getting very nervous as its only two months away!

Thank you so much! I won't be having my surgery until around October. I currently work two jobs so I'm trying to make sure I give enough time in advance to get a week off from both jobs.

@@akapadster Awesome! What Doctor did you choose if you don't mind me asking?

Hi thanks everyone for your responses, advice, and even experience! I appreciate everything! I'll most likely be scheduling my surgery for October and I'm so excited. My friend agreed to come with me and meet me in San Diego, I guess after she realized how much I wanted her to be there for me whether emotionally or physically she decided to come along. I watched this video that just hit the button on how I felt. Basically the young lady in the video said to not let anyone make decisions for your life. No matter who they are. This is my life and as far as I know the only one I get. I should be living it happily.

Thank you! I'm so glad I found someone who feels the way I do. How was the surgery? How are you doing now?

I've shown her lots of information I read and reviews and even the video of the hospital but I just think she's set in her idea which is fine. It's mainly the refusal to speak with me about it that's put me off. I haven't been diagnosed with pcos but I also haven't gotten a Pap smear, I know shame on me. I'm just nervous. The HS is on my inner thighs as well and I'm so embarrassed by that. I'm sure they've seen it all its just that feeling that something is wrong with me and feeling like I need to hide it. But since you've mentioned it I will schedule one ASAP. Also thank you so much for your support I honestly appreciate it more than you can imagine. Hopefully this journey goes smoothly.

Unfortunately I don't qualify here. I am obese but I don't have enough health effects. No diabetes, high blood pressure, no sleep apnea, nothing like that. But I have a disease called Hidradenitis Suppurativa. It can be helped by losing weight. I am not comfortable saying my exact weight but for a 5'3 frame I'm pretty heavy. I decided to go to Mexico for that reason. I don't qualify here. So I chose a hospital and after seeing a video online of a guy showing the whole process I felt very secure in my decision. I don't want to be stressed about this. Of course complications can arise but I'm trying to remain positive. I've mentioned it time and time again that I feel okay. If she can't be there physically I would love her emotional support but how do I get that if she doesn't even want to discuss the surgery at all?