Taylor5

That's awesome - I am so happy to hear that! (and happy for you as well, lol!} I used to take Miralax but got to where I thought it might have been causing some discomfort. Now I take Amitiza and stool softeners daily along with tons of water. I think I will definitely buy some Miralax to have on hand just in case though, since it will be easy to mix/swallow. Thanks for the tip, and I hope I am as lucky as you to be done with this torture for good at some point!!

@Marcy13 I found a liquid Tylenol on Amazon I was thinking of getting. I don't know if it will be necessary or not, but was thinking it might be good to have just in case. It is for adults, not for kids

That's so awesome you're doing it together!! I hope her surgery went well and wish you the best with getting your date/procedure/recovery! I so wish my husband and I could both be doing it so he would really understand everything I was feeling

Good morning and congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I'm still pre-op as well, so I can't speak first hand from being at the facility or from a newly sleeved perspective, nor do I know much about Trinity. However, as you can see, I have decided to go with Dr. Ortiz at OCC. As you said, I too liked that there was a lot of info available on him. I checked the ASMBS website to be sure that he and OCC were definitely members/accredited, and they are. That made me feel better. I also purchased complication surgery, and there were only 3-4 (at most) surgeons & facilities in Mexico that were accepted by the policy I purchased (GPS) and Dr. Ortiz/OCC were on that list too. I watched several of his videos on youtube, including one where he actually performs the VSG on a patient. You are able to view on the O/R screen what is happening inside the abdomen as well as scan around the room to observe the O/R staff and watch the surgeon's hands as he performs the surgery. I thought it might gross me out a little, but it was actually really interesting and made me feel better seeing exactly what will happen to me. Since the moment I contacted them for initial information, they are always quick to respond. They have sent me a ton of information, and have requested quite a bit as well. After reviewing my health history (which is extensive) they informed me that the internist, Dr. Jimenez - who is part of the surgical team, wanted to speak with me about some of my history. He then called me and we talked about how this might affect me during my surgery. His English was excellent, and I could tell that he had honestly reviewed everything I sent them as he ran through my entire history with ease. I don't get that kind of attention with my own doctors. After that phone call, I have felt even better about my decision and am excited to meet everyone in person! I don't mean to sound like an advertisement, and I hardly can be when I haven't even been there yet. Just letting you know my experience so far. I'm sure there are other excellent doctors and facilities down there, and as long as you do your homework I think you can have a great outcome with Dr. Ortiz or anyone else with excellent credentials and patients with great outcomes. I know there are many on this forum under the "Self Pay, Mexico..." heading, so I would check there if you haven't already. Best of luck wherever you decide to go!

Thank you so much! That makes me feel a lot better! I just started panicking thinking if I can't drink the protein shakes or take the vitamins, I'll end up malnourished and feel worse than now. I'm fine with protein bars, but obviously that's not going to work right after surgery - I hadn't really thought of protein water as my main source of protein, but it's kind of killing two birds with one stone Great tip!

My husband and 2 kids know (19 & 26). Oh, and my sister-in-law, but only bc my husband told her. She's a nurse, and also Extremely opinionated, so I was waiting for the onslaught of tsk-tsking and advice. But, after getting over the shock that I'm having it done in Mexico (another reason I'm not spreading the news, too many naysayers on that as well), she finally agreed it sounded like I had done my homework and wished me luck. Hubby and kids are being really supportive, but no one else in my family has ever had a weight problem, nor do they see me struggle every day w/all of my health issues, so they just won't get it. Best of luck to you!

I'm hoping the patches have improved since the surgeon who does the video series made the comment - plus it's just one person's point of view. I believe they will be testing my vitamin levels at my pre-op visit, so I want to be sure they are all really good, but agree that post-op the patches are the best option. Not only do you not have to deal with the swallowing, but there is no stomach upset for those of us sensitive to that issue. Honestly, I would use the patches for everything if I knew without a doubt the absorption was sufficient. But if I tried to get levels tested right now I'd have to pay for that out of pocket and I've heard that can be really expensive. I know a lot of people like the Premier shakes. I thought the taste was fine, but my stomach was killing me after half a bottle. Glad they work for you though as they are really convenient and less expensive than others!

Love This!! A unique way of looking at it, and sometimes people need a new way to visualize to help with motivation. Great advice!!

I'm Dec 27th, have already been sampling a lot of different stuff w/mixed results. Am on an extended pre-op diet, which for me is mostly about cutting things out a little at a time so I don't feel sick/get headaches, and adding things in slowly so I can get used to them. I used to drink various protein shakes in the 90's when I was a gym rat, and found a few that I liked. Now I have IBS and am finding a lot of the shakes and vitamins don't agree with me. So that's not good. I tried some of the Vitaleph products recommended by Drs. office, but they are expensive and not very palatable. I am saving those shakes for my 2 wk pre-op diet, which is the strictest phase. I got the multi-vitamin patch from BariatricPal Store, bc I have always hated the aftertaste of Multivites, but am not 100% sure how much gets absorbed (watched a series of youtube videos this one surgeon does on nutrition and he doesn't think patches in general are absorbed well, which concerns me). So I have decided to save them for right after surgery and have just got Nature Made Fast Dissolve VitaMelts off Amazon. They got good reviews and were priced well. The taste is fine. I had a little stomach cramping after but am not sure if it was from those or my 1st experience with Premier protein shakes premade. I get a lot of stuff off Amazon bc I am a Prime member and get fast/free shipping on most items, so I've also tried an organic B-12 spray (tastes nice but don't notice any difference in energy), and a Vitamin D3 cream (feels nice on skin, not sure if it's helping increase levels or not though). I also have a melatonin cream for post-op when I won't be able to swallow my nightly melatonin. I found one pre-made shake I really like: Orgain Organic Nutrition Shakes, Iced Cafe Mocha. It's like a nice cold Mocha Frappuccino in the morning, but with less sugar and more protein. So far that's my favorite shake drink. I got some other items off BariatricPal store that I haven't tried yet. I got a box of strawberry smoothie mix, grape juice mix, mixed berry juice mix, and cream of chicken soup mix. All high protein of course. I plan to take some of these with me on the plane to surgery as they will travel well. I will sample before I leave and if they are good may order more for post op. So that's my experience so far, hope it was somewhat helpful. I would love to hear about anything you've tried and liked/disliked, and from others as well. Have a great day and good luck with your surgery!

Hey Peeps! So I already knew my insurance excluded the procedure, but had hoped to get on a new plan during open enrollment that would cover. Found out for sure that since we are self employed, no plans in PA offer coverage for individuals or small groups anymore. Major bummer. So, finally accepting if this is going to happen then we are going to pay for it. Hubby is agreeable, thank God. I have been pre-approved for a loan (haven't pulled the trigger yet), but the amount is -right at- the point of the gastric sleeve at my local program, at Reading Health Network (now Tower Health) with Dr. Leon Katz, who I like a lot from the seminar (did not get to one-on-one yet). The problem there is that if there are any complications my insurance probably won't cover it, and I will be pretty strapped already. So do I travel a little and get it done for a package deal that costs less and includes BLIS? And if so, who/where is the best option? Local doc is $16,500 for surgeon/anesthesia/hospital - pre-op tests likely covered by my ins but will have co-pays. No insurance for complications. I have seen package prices quoted between $9-12,000 in TN, GA, VA (I think) and FL. Wondering if there is similar a little closer to me (NJ, DE, MD, WV) that anyone knows of? Or if you have used Dr. Taggar or Dr. Wizman in FL and you went in from out of state, did you have a good experience? Thanks in advance for any advice - just want to put my life/health/money in the best hands possible!

I wish people would talk about it more. I can understand it is probably difficult for the person going through it, but by reaching out you see that there are others with similar experiences and advice to offer. Also, it is really helpful for those of us in the pre-op stage to have continued awareness of potential outcomes. I personally appreciate everyone's honesty and willingness to share.

The decision to go to MX wasn't easy for me, especially as I have pre-existing health issues and I know all of my docs here at home will have something negative to say about it. Told the neurosurgeon's office today, and yep, they think I'm crazy. But I'm comfortable with my choice of doctor and facility, so I'm trying not to let them get to me. I am in PA, and the best self pay prices I found were in Richmond, VA, Chattanooga, TN, Raleigh/Burlington/Cary, NC, Birmingham, AL and Margate, FL. Also some decent pricing at a few places in TX. I believe the places above ranged from $9,000-$12,000, and my nearest facility at home was approx $17,000. Good luck with your research

You literally stole my breath - was not expecting it to end like that. Don't let it end like that though. Advocate for yourself, like the soldier you are, and make them find out what is wrong with you. Sounds like you have a lot to live for. Hope you get it figured out.

I had wondered the same thing. Have a 6 hr flight from Phila to San Diego on Christmas Day for Surgery on the 27th. Will be on the strictest part of diet right before the fasting pre-op phase. Take packets of broth base & a couple bottles of Vitamin Water w/unflavored protein or something...? Was thinking bottles might make carry-on and checked luggage a little heavy. IDK, but def interested to see how it goes for you. Good luck

Thank you! I am seriously flattered, and also cannot wait to tell my husband and 19 yr old daughter that I am a warrior & a Phoenix!! They better recognize!! Also somewhat ironic as I was born in and lived much of my life in Phoenixville, PA

Happy Saturday! So I have been on BP for a few months now, have posted a few times, but am mostly just soaking in the wisdom, lol. This is my 1st time posting in the "special needs" forum, but I am grateful there is such a thing because I totally fit this category. I am pre-op, scheduled for VSG on 12/27/17. Going to MX due to my Ins not covering bariatrics. I am 45, feel like I'm 65, but in my head am still about 22, if that makes sense? I've had Fibromyalgia(FM) for 20 yrs, Migraines (now controlled) for 30, DDD, Herniated discs in my neck & lumbar spine which cause a lot of pain in my left shoulder/arm/hand & both hips, legs, feet, etc. Have had 3 back surgeries & been the victim of 3 car accidents w/in the past 10 yrs, started having "saddle pain" in 2013 which now presents as pudendal neuralgia on left side thigh/pelvic area. Basically, pain all the time in one area or the other plus all the other happy gifts that come w/having FM ! One of which is depression that is exacerbated by daily pain & being 90 lbs. overweight. Anyway, if any fellow sleevers (or other surgeries too) have feedback on how surgery has affected their pain issues & vice/versa, love to hear from you. Also happy to answer questions anyone might have regarding my journey so far & as I progress. P.S. If you have had spinal fusion surgery, which is likely in my future at some point, PLEASE reach out if you can. I am desperate for good/bad fusion outcomes from real live people.

@Danny Paul, I have Keystone Health Plan East right now, part of Independence Blue Cross of Philadelphia. We are self employed, so we have an individual plan through a broker. Our policy excludes all weight loss programs and bariatric procedures (except a $150/yr max gym reimbursement w/proof of attendance). We recently moved closer to Reading, PA, so we are in Berks County now, and apparently out of IBC's coverage area. So we had to switch plans during open enrollment anyway, but we were already considering it to try to find a plan to cover me for this. We found out that no matter if we get our plan through a broker, like we have been, or through the healthcare marketplace, that No individual or small business plans from any insurance provider in PA offers bariatric coverage anymore. So, we can't even pay extra to get the coverage. You can only get it if you work for a Co with 51+ employees - which I cannot work except for helping my husband with office stuff from home a few hours per week - and he is a 2nd generation painting/carpentry contractor doing this for 30 yrs, so him just getting another job is not an option. PLUS, it's not guaranteed the Co you work for has the ins plan that covers it either. The employer has to choose that coverage allowance when they choose the plan for their employees. PA is one of several states that doesn't require it. Also, you can get it covered usually via Medicare (not old enough yet unless I get SSI/SSD - have begun applying for SSD, but will likely take a few years if I do get approved and I'm not waiting that long to have the surgery...) And, it is covered by Medicaid, but we are above the income limits for that. We discussed so many scenarios for ways to get coverage (all surrounding states do cover it, so should I move to MD/DE/NJ for a year, rent a room, get ins there, and get it paid for? But in the end all of that what such a hassle and took me away from, well my family of course, but also my doctors and everything else. Just too much work. In the end, my husband said he was willing to take out a loan for it. I didn't even ask because I felt it was too much - but even though this is only one step in trying to help with all my many issues, he could see how it could be a catalyst for helping make everything else a little better. So he thinks it's worth it, which kind of blows me away. Obviously I think it's worth it, but always worry about my "issues" being such a burden on my family. Right now I am feeling really blessed by their support. So, let's just hope lots of people need their houses painted this winter so we don't have any slow spells and we can make our loan payments!! Sorry, I this is probably way more than you were asking...

Preach!!! Lucky to get them for 2 mins in the morning while they are doing rounds! Waking up all groggy trying to remember what you wanted to ask, etc. So frustrating! The more research I do, the better I feel. Like I'm a little nervous about life with the sleeve, but positive I want Dr. Ortiz to do it. Kinda wish OCC was closer to me (in PA) or actually wish I was in California instead might as well dream Big, right?! I just watched them doing some sleeves on youtube Friday night, and I am so impressed by the facility/drs/Ortiz. I still can't watch a C-Section on TV knowing I've had 2 and that's what they did to me, lol, but damned if I had zero problems watching those gastric sleeve videos! Thank you from all of us soon to go down or considering it. Every positive story is like another brick in the wall of support for me.

Good luck! You're 1 day after me!!

I definitely agree and am desperately hoping to get at least some degree of relief, as you have, and be able to exercise more. These are some of my top reasons for doing it Thank you so much, I hope you continue to have relief and success as well. Your story definitely gives me hope!

Wow, you are a warrior!! It is a hard life, that's for sure, but I am glad to hear the surgery has improved yours and am praying it will do the same for me!

Hi Jennifer, I know this post is over a yr old, and am hoping you are in a much better place now. Hopefully you have found some things that worked w/your specific situation to help you get the scale moving in the right direction again. But if not, or even just as possible add'l help for you or anyone else reading, these are my thoughts... With my Fibro, I started having symptoms toward the end of my 1st weight loss program, which was physician supervised, using Phen-Fen, seeing a nutritionist & exercise physiologist. I needed to lose 30 lbs+/- and I lost 31. Titrated off the meds, but even before that, started having pain in my neck & shoulders which I attributed to my job as an admin (worked a 10 line phone while typing reports all day - phone always scrunched between ear/shoulder). I was still able to keep the weight off, but 6 mos later got pregnant & that was very difficult w/pain & fatigue. Eight weeks after my daughter was born, I got back to the gym. Yes, it was painful. No, I didn't really Want to do it, but I worked hard to lose the weight the previous year. Plus the Y offered child care & that gave me 2 hrs per day to myself. I could work out for 1-1/2 hrs then use the steam room/sauna/jacuzzi (all helpful for pain) for 30 mins. Things that helped me were 1. Starting slow w/exercise & building up intensity (w/weights & cardio), 2. Stretching a lot as soon as I was done - like ASAP, 3. Using the steam room/sauna/jacuzzi at the YMCA, 4. Icing painful areas when I got home (some ppl prefer moist heat which is fine), 5. Using a topical pain relief aid such as Biofreeze - roll-on is convenient, 6. Getting a TENS unit for home use for bad areas, 7. Taking Zanaflex at bedtime to help w/muscle tightness & sleep, 8. Working out at a fairly intense pace actually works best for me for some reason (makes no sense, I know - endorphins, maybe?), but I do HAVE to slowly build up to that level whenever starting something new and/or after a flare-up or anytime there has been a pause in my work-outs. I literally start with 1 lb weights and build up to circuit weight training again. These are all the things that have helped me to stay active and lose weight despite intense pain from Fibro. As far as appetite goes, well for one thing, I am at my highest weight ever rn because I hurt my back 10 yrs ago & it's been a snowball effect. That has significantly decreased my workouts much more than the fibro did. So, I can't speak to how all of this works after having had the sleeve, but will know more on that after my surgery 12/27/17. However, I was at a point after both my parents passed where my weight was up more than usual and just working out and "eating well" wasn't working. So, my family doctor let me take just Phentermine (since Fenfluramine is now off market) as long as I came to her monthly for blood pressure/check-ups, and also went to WW for better food accountability and the YMCA for workouts. That helped me lose about 25 lbs. So, I don't know if appetite suppressants are allowed after WLS, but obviously there are new/different meds on the market now so is worth looking into (also helps w/energy & motivation to "just do it" when you are otherwise lethargic). Also, every person is completely different and I know/respect that. Some fibro patients are bedridden, some still work FT and take care of house/family. Just bc something worked for me, won't necessarily work for you, but I have 21 yrs worth of journals I've kept & those are the things that helped me the most. I really hope you are feeling so much better now. I'm sorry my posts are so long, it is one of my worst traits I think, I apologize. I try to edit but can't get my point across otherwise! Best wishes and feel free to PM me if you are still on here and want to talk or even if you have advice to help me since you are actually post-op!

My heart literally just skipped a beat! I have been telling my neurologist/neurosurgeon/orthopedic surgeons and pain doctors this same thing for years...and no one believes me! Every time I get an injection or take a Medrol dose pack, I gain a few pounds, most of which do not come off! I have a print out of all my procedures the past 4 years in pain management as well as my weight at my first visit (165) and my weight at my last visit (205). Obviously some of this also has to do with limitations on exercise due to pain, but I KNOW the steroids caused so much of it. I am up almost the whole night after I get an injection and somehow always forget it's going to happen until 3 a.m. and I'm wide awake thinking about food! Anyway, I apologize for going somewhat off topic from OP point, I was just really excited to find someone else w/the same issue. Also, I love the advice about going low carb during that time. I'd never thought to alter my diet to help prevent/minimize that gain, but I am betting it would help. So thanks for the tip!

Mine is at OCC with Dr. Ortiz on Dec. 27th. Good Luck!!

I am scheduled for December 27th. So while I can't offer personal experience with the surgery/facility/post-op stuff (actually, maybe you can keep my updated after yours, lol), I did have a phone consult with Dr. Jimenez the other day to go over some things in my health history. He is the internist who assists Dr. Ortiz during surgery. I'm really glad I got to talk to him. He was very thorough, polite, not at all condescending or making me feel like I was being rushed - in fact, he actually called me. I was relieved that his English was very clear. I know they say that the entire hospital staff speaks English, but I was worried about there being extremely thick accents, and I feel really rude constantly having to ask someone to repeat themselves because I don't understand due to their accent. Anyway, super relieved that was not an issue and thought he seemed really nice and professional! Also love that they communicate with me frequently and respond quickly. Did not have the same experience with my local hospital program. Hope this helped at least a tiny bit - good luck with your surgery!!