Kelly Sweetheart

I am having my surgery in Las Vegas and my BMI < 35. I think for surgery BMI >30. I am a mostly a self pay, insurance will pay part of it, like pre-op testing, blood work, etc. I had looked into Mexico too. There are finance companies that will help with costs too. I am using Care Credit.

I’ve noticed some of you are having a gastric bypass because of heartburn issues. I do have heartburn and acid reflux occasionally, but I am having the vertical sleeve. I don’t have my scope until the day before my surgery. I think I’m over thinking things because I’m nervous. I don’t want to fly out there and have my surgery postponed/cancelled

I'm two days after you. March 24th. I just had my phone medical consult. I have a one week diet of 2 protein shakes and one meal per day. Reminds me of the Slim Fast commercials.

Congratulations! I am so glad you are doing so well. You have no idea how happy I am to hear this. I have my surgery on Thursday and I will be back at work the following Monday. I didn't really have a choice. Since I'm flying to Vegas for surgery and need to be there Mon- Sat for pre-op testing, surgery and post-op procedures. That used up my vacation hours. i'll just keep telling myself, I'm not the only one. Blackluxury did it easily

Great! I'm glad to hear this. Are you on a liquid diet before surgery?

You can definitely hire somebody to for aftercare. A lot of surgery centers have a list of local care givers who provide that service. Or you could go to an aftercare facility. I don't think you should be alone right after surgery. At least 24 hours after. If your surgery center/hospital doesn't have a list. I would call some surgery centers in your area for their list. If you have a surgery center in your area that caters to plastic surgery patient, I would try them first. A lot of their patients travel and utilize that type of service.

One of the things that convinced me to book the surgery was looking into why surgery is more successful than other diets/exercise programs in keeping weight off. I don’t completely understand how or why, but the surgery tends to reset your weight set point. And that’s why it’s important to maximize your weight loss after surgery, before your weight set point resets itself

That's the place. Blossom Bariatrics. This surgery can be so expensive, but I'm investing in myself, so I feel it's worth it! I don't mind flying. I was mostly concerned about sitting to long (DVT). I've been reading a lot lately, can't stop myself. Successes, failures. what they have in common. My head is spinning. Now to research vitamins. Iron makes my stomach twist. lol I wonder if those vitamin patches work.

Hi Jessnole, Congrats!! I'm a self-pay as well and doing a fast track in Vegas, so my pre-op testing starts two days before my surgery. Hope nothing gets delayed. Are you traveling , or is it local for you?

Yes, I'm having it done in Vegas with Blossom Bariatrics. I've read that some have a liquid only diet. Blossom has 2 protein shakes and one small meal with emphasis on protein. Mine is a two week diet. I'm doing the fast track so I've never met my surgeon. In fact, I can't choose which surgeon. That did concern me, but I really liked everything else, especially the attention to detail. To be honest, I have had 3 surgeries that I didn't get to choose my surgeon. one emergency c section, one emergency Cholectystectomy (gall bladder) and an emergency Salpingo-Oophorectomy (ovary- fallopian tube). At least this one is laproscopic and planned. No huge scar and unplanned.

The dietician in one of the videos I'm required to watch called it a food funeral. He said the first few days are the worst. I start my diet on 3/10, I think I'll be able to do it. Part of my pattern yo-yo diet was to "shrink my stomach" and stop carb cravings by fasting for at least 24 hours. This was just my psych belief. I've never researched it. But I always began a diet this way. LOL

Great! I know I’m going to be very nervous, but I’m excited to begin this new healthier life. What exactly is a stomach binder. Is it like shapewear?

I was in the same boat as you. I've decided to go with Blossom Bariatrics. My surgery is scheduled for 03/24. They do check and see if any portion of their costs can be billed to your insurance. I didn't ask, but I'm guessing the blood work, stress test, etc. My out of pocket cost is $9800. I'm using Care Credit for most of the procedure. I'm also bringing my mother for support. The hotel is included with your quote and I believe the hotel has all the bariatric patients on the same floor. Air fare is not included.

My mother is coming. Mostly moral support, she's 77. I'll definitely pack light

Hi Ashley, I'm one day before you in Vegas. My preop diet is 2 weeks though. Are you flying? I am nervous about blood clots and the flight home

That's some major rescheduling. My anxiety would be through the roof.

Definitely let your anesthesiologist know. They can add Zofran to your IV

I'm 2 days after you. I'm doing the fast track "safe sleeve" with Blossom Bariatrics. I've been looking into it for quite some time. I'll be doing all the pre op testing when I get there. Literally, I fly in on Monday, meet them in person on Tuesday, testing Tuesday and Wednesday. Surgery on Thursday. Should be a whirlwind of emotion. Do you have to "shrink" your liver? That 2 week diet is going to be hard for me. I'll be here for moral support.

I've got my date scheduled for 03/24/22 in LV with Blossom. I'm excited but super anxious. I've had multiple surgeries and I always have the vasovagal syncope response whenever I get an IV. oddly enough that IV is more scary than the procedure at present. LOL Congrats to everybody else! Anybody else at Blossom around the same time?