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I agree with wasabubble, I watched that Oprah episode and actually sent an E-mail to them regarding a statement she said something like "Getting bariatric surgery now is as frequent/easy as having your teeth cleaned" How crazy a statement is that??? I plan on replacing my food thoughts with thoughts of ME. Going to concentrate of my needs for a change whether it be treating myself to a new outfit or getting a pedicure. Don't worry ...you'll be fine.

My VSG Story PRE-OP: Two weeks prior to my surgery date of April 10, 2013, I had a check up with my primary care physician and tipped the scale at 343 pounds, 5-10 in height. I researched the VSG procedure and doctors in Mexico due to my insurance not covering bariatric surgery in the US for several months. All my findings led me to Dr. Fernando Garcia in Tijuana, MX. I went through the coordinating company, Ready 4 a Change. I chose that company because the response was instantaneous and I never waited more than a couple of hours for a response to my questions via email, even on weekends which is unheard of in the States. All in all, I would definitely recommend this coordinating company again. Also, I travelled alone, which went extremely well, and I guess would depend on the circumstances but I would not hesitate to do it alone again. On 3-27-2013, I started my two week pre-op diet which consisted of all liquids, protein shakes, and small salad for dinner. I did fairly well on the diet but cheated a few times very minor like one bagel bite, or a small bite of my wife's burger. Anyways, the diet sucks nonetheless but after day 2-3 it's really not that bad. The protein shakes I used were syntax nectar strawberry kiwi, and the chocolate/vanilla premier protein. I would advise to start some type of workout regimen during this phase. This pre-op diet is meant for shrinking the liver to provide a safer surgery, not necessarily weight loss. Again, all in all the two week pre-op diet went well and it went by fast after the first couple days. DAY OF SURGERY: On the day of surgery, I flew out from Dallas, TX to San Diego, California. Upon arrival to the airport, which I was 15 minutes early, I called the driver with R4AC, and he said he was just around the corner and showed up in 5 minutes flat. He even asked me on the phone if I wanted him to remove the company sign from the outside of the van, which I though was courteous. I told him no need, I'm not ashamed! So the driver picks me up and we head across the border which was uneventful and easy. We make our way to the hospital, as I elected for same day surgery so I would stay two nights in the hospital, and three nights in the hotel. Upon arrival to the hospital (Hospital was Florence Health System/Oasis) I was immediately checked in and taken to my private room with hospital bed with nurse call button, TV, an extra bed for a support person, etc. pretty much anything you would find in a hospital in the states. Now, this hospital is in the process of renovations with state of the art operating rooms as in the states, but the rooms are a bit older but nothing to gripe about for sure, and very clean. So I make it to my room and put everything up, and I am greeted by Melissa from R4AC, and she starts going over paperwork and answering any questions I had. The nurse comes in with a hospital gown and says to take everything off, including the underwear. So during the next 1-2 hrs, I have blood drawn for labs, an EKG done, chest x-ray, and an IV put in (first try,) and given a happy pill to relax. I also meet with all of the Dr's at the hospital including Dr. Velasco who is a bypass patient herself. Dr. Grafias who is a sleeve patient. Dr. Cabrera the anesthesiologist, Dr. Luna who is a bariatric surgeon as well, and Dr. Fernando Garcia, my bariatric surgeon. Pretty much all of the Dr's ask about medical history and prior and current health conditions so your basically checked 4-5 times to make sure your clear for surgery still. At about 5:30 or so, I was wheeled in to the operating room. You have to scoot over onto the operating table but no biggy. Dr. Luna took my wife's number down on his phone to call and let her know once surgery was done and everything was ok, which he did according to my wife. I remember one of the Dr's asking me if I had anymore questions as he was pulling out the left arm rest. I said just make sure I wake up and I was out like a light. I woke in what felt like was just seconds after going out. I sat up with minor pain in my abdomen from the incisions, not gas pain. I looked at the clock and it said 7:30. I'm not sure how much of that 2 hours was surgery time vs waking up, etc, and I didn't really care. I immediately stood up when I woke up and started walking the halls. All of the nurses looked at me like I was crazy and asked if I was ok. I told them I was because several speak pretty good English to communicate. They said most people are not up and walking that quick after waking up from surgery. I guess I was the exception. So that first night was pretty good except the minor pain in my abdomen from the incisions which basically felt like I did too many sit-ups, not unbearable in the least. POST-OP DAY #2 So I slept off and on mainly because the nurses come in every 2 hrs or so to check on you and give meds, check BP, etc. The nurses were AMAZING! No complaints whatsoever, and if I pushed the call button, the longest I waited for a nurse was maybe 25-30 seconds. This day was pretty much the same, walk, rest, meds, repeat! I also had 2 leak tests done, which went good and no leaks detected. One of the leak tests was odd as you lie down on the x-ray table and drink some liquid while laying down. It didn't hurt to drink but was just an odd feeling. While walking the halls, I met 3-5 other people from various online forums and FB who had the surgery and became friends and exchanged info to keep up with each other and our progress. POST-OP DAY #3 I had my drain out this morning. it was WEIRD, like a snake in your tummy. it did not hurt at all, just awkward. I got copies of my lab work, x-rays, etc and was discharged. Then around 10 or so, I was picked up by the Hotel Marriott shuttle and taken to the hotel. It was extremely nice and the same as you would get in the US. I got checked in and taken to my room. You get 3 free bowls of chicken broth, 3 free Popsicles, and 2 free bottles of water daily. I would not eat the Popsicles, but there is a small shop in lobby you can buy Popsicles which were awesome. The broth was ok at times, and way to salty others, but then again it's broth...boring! The first day I relaxed mostly and went out by the pool and lounged around and didn't really do much. Still no pain really except for abdomen from incision sites. POST-OP DAY #4 Today I lounged around again and walked a bit around the hotel. I ventured out and took a can to the local Walmart as I started feeling some acid reflux, which is common with VSG, and bought some omeprazole which helped a lot and it was gone in 2 days. Dr. Luna came by and removed the staples from the incisions, which did not hurt, and cleaned all the sites and put steri strips on them and covered up the drain hole. I was given medicine before leaving the hospital which included antibiotics, disgusting liquid acid reducer, and pain meds, which I didn't take any of it. I had dinner with some new found friends and co-sleevers and got some sleep. POST-OP DAY 5 Today was the same as day 4 pretty much. Lounged, went out with some new friends, had dinner, etc. I packed up all my stuff and got ready to leave in the AM. I got a call around 8:30 by the driver who gave me the option of leaving at 6 am or 9 am. My flight left at 1:20 pm but I was ready to get back to the states so I opted for 6 am. POST-OP DAY 6 I woke up and was checked out of the hotel and in the lobby by 6, when driver promptly arrived. Myself and 2 other sleevers headed back to the US. It took us about an hour and a half to make it across the border, it was very busy but an easy process as we all had our passports. Made it to the airport, caught my flight home, end of story! All in all, I would say the level of service and care in MX was equal to and even greater in some areas than that in US. I would highly recommend Dr. Garcia and his team, R4AC, and Florence/Oasis Hospital. I would do this whole over again and look forward to taking some of my family members and/or friends to MX for this procedure. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me and I hope to help others with their journey if I possibly can. Johnathanw1988@gmail.com

Ok now I'm concerned I'm mentally challenged. As I was saying, ahem, APRIL 22, JOHNS HOPKINS BARIATRICS, HERE I COME!

@@tinkrbll Honestly this group has been my primary support system outside of my husband. There are plenty of people who would be willing to help including myself. Also I have made friends on this site that I know I will have forever. If you think you need more, the best thing for you to do is ask your surgical team if they are aware of any local support groups. Also, a therapist at least in the beginning is a huge support. I found a nurse on my Bariatric team, her name is Dorothy and she herself had RNY 12 years ago now. She is slim, feeling great and has tons of advice. You might also find resources like that with your team but if not, I am here an would be happy to help. Just click on my pic and send me a message. Good luck with your upcoming appointment! Congratulations on making the decision to get healthy.

I'm scheduled for March 8, 2011 now and would love to hear experiences with the Scottsdale Bariatric Hospital and Dr. Blackstone. I read somewhere that Dr. Blackstone offers a massage on the 2nd day post-op. Does she still do this?

yes, i am currently going through the process at norfolk surgical group. i was a lil taken aback when they told of the program fee but my insurance will only pay if i have surgery through norfolk general or hampton careplex but i am very pleased so far with their program! i am a sentra employee and got a 20% discount. so i paid $396. the fee is for the copays u may have to pay and the whole program they put u through.i also have optima health through sentara . both hopitals are bariatric centers of excellence. i do know also if u cannot pay the whole fee up front u can make payments but unfortunetly the actual program will not start until u complete payments. good luck with ur process, i hope it goes well.....i really like them if that helps at all. and i'm not sure who told that they have only done a few bands because they have a whole support group of bandsters. and i have personally met 2 just at the office in the waiting room.last edit i swear..lol, also they don't try to convince u of either surgery they give u the info and let u make up ur mind. they support u , unless u r not a good canidate for one over the other.

YAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow you are losing weight already!!! Good for you. I will start mine on monday and im kinda excited but i hope i keep this" positive' atitude when im hungry and watching my family eat we can go through this "together" I have the Bariatric Advantage shakes and bars. ill look at how many cals/ carbs/protein and ill let you know yaaa!!!!!!! high five to you! Y

A time to change. I guess the beginning of the story comes about three years ago. After a major change in my life, I returned to school and earned two Associates degrees. The first was in medical assisting and the second in a medical office administration. Following a series of jobs to hold while finishing school, employment was found with the sisters of St. Francis out of Michigan city, Indiana. The job was as a medical assistant with a company named Working Well. These clinics specialized in occupational medicine and I was hired as a floating medical assistant to work between the companies five clinics in Northwest Indiana. This was definitely a change of pace compared to what I had previously been used to working within the cable television industry. It was a cold fall morning in late October when driving to work, it became increasingly harder and harder to breath. A cold which had been caught was becoming increasingly worse and worse. Driving became a task that was more difficult than usual. A decision was made to go to the emergency department of St. Anthony hospital. The results from that trip was a diagnosis of bronchitis and I was sent on my way back to work. Within the next week. The symptoms became increasingly worse, leading to a visit to my new Dr. for the hospital health insurance. The doctor was booked but they got me in to see his nurse practitioner, Ms. Nicolette Alexander. During a visit with Alexander took some precautionary tests and a chest x-ray gave me some medicine and said she would follow up with me. Less than a day later I received a phone call at work from Ms. Alexander's office. Not tracking me down was no easy task because I have been bouncing around from office to office for the last few weeks. Needless to say the message from the doctor was. I need to see you now! Gary my whole life I have never had a doctor track me down and use that phrase. So I knew was urgent. You have come of that meeting has stayed with me to this day. She stated. My heart was enlarged and my symptoms were indicating a need to see a cardiac specialist. It was at that point I was introduced to Dr.Sammie Dali. He informed me of a diagnosis of congestive heart failure and a ejection factor of 24%. In layman's terms that meant my heart was operating at only 24% capacity. After that Dr. Dali began a regime of medications, cardiac rehab and lifestyle changes to correct this condition. Within a few months. My overall health improved, but not enough to make a satisfactory change. My weight, but still an issue and the doctor and I began discussing bariatric surgery as an option. After being referred to above Midwest Bariatric Institute, it was decided that I was a good candidate for bariatric surgery but there were conditions. It was necessary for me to demonstrate that I could live the program and walked the walk. So with that began a series of nutrition classes, medical appointments, support group meetings, evaluations and lifestyle changes. Physically I was beginning to improve. But emotionally it was a roller coaster. One day the motions would be highly because everything was going alright and others because a reverse to rock-bottom when things went wrong. Six months later, after various evaluations, another cardiac scare and various doctors discussing my situation, it was decided that surgery was a go. In my corner was Ms. Alexander and Dr. Dali in the opposing corner was Dr. Gerald Cahill and his team off specialist. Dr. Cahill was concerned of possible cardiac issues, but finally agreed after Dr. Dali went to bat and hit a home run. Going into the surgery was a scary proposition. I remember thinking please hurry up and get this over with so I can continue on with my life. Papers have been filed, a medical leave. Approved and most of all a long heart-to-heart talk with my wife. The date of the surgery, after a comforting visit from my pastor, and imposing on one of my good friends to stay with Kathy, my wife, it began. I remember being wheeled into the cold operating room being given medication to relax and almost choking as a breathing tube was placed then blackness came signaling the true beginning of my new life. It is now 2 years later, I have lost over 150 pounds and feel great. Now has come the time for me to get serious. Time to exercise and watch the diet. It will be a challenge.

Has any pne used this Center. So far very impressive, but would love feed back

kckaye: if you call Syntrax and let them know you are a bariatric patient they will send you a varity pack of 10 for $13. That way you can try it, I went to The Vitamin Shoppe and the 3lbs tub was for $36.00 I was told that Syntrax and Isopure are one of the best. Their phone number is 1-866-333-7403 ext. 803. I just ordered today. Good Luck....

Be sure you know exactly what is required first and make sure Dr is documenting what needs to be at each visit. My visits were with my Bariatric Team (Nutritionist).

In 2010 and at my highest weight (315 lbs), I was told by my primary care doctor that because of health conditions related to my weight, there was a big possibility that I would not see my daughter graduate from high school. I think of this as my wake up call and is when I asked about bariatric surgery options. After much research and discussions with my family, I decided to go with gastric banding and had the surgery in April 2011. It has been a bumpy road caused by issues with my port and even though I have not reached my goal weight, I know the surgery was the best decision I could have made for myself because I am healthier. I no longer have diabetes or high blood pressure, I can move easier and as I grow stronger physically, I am getting my self confidence back. Best of all, I got to see my daughter graduate from high school. Hopefully, my port issues have been resolved and I can continue on with this life changing journey.

Hi. I have BCBSGA. They require a Nutrition Evaluation, a BMI of 35 with 1 co-morbidity or a BMI of 40+. My Dr's office submitted for approval on 8/17 and I was approved 9/1; my surgery is 9/22. They don't require a supervised diet or any % of weightloss; but your specific doctor might. I would call BCBSGA to verify your specific plan has bariatric benefits. [They can email you thier gastric policy, which lists their requirements for surgery in detail] Good Luck!

Hi everyone my pcp sent a referral for me to start the process to have the sleeve done. I am 34 years old 5'2 310lbs.The bariatric center called last week and said i have to go to a seminar before i can get an appointment with the surgeon. So i go on the 5th to the seminar. After i do the seminar do they call me or do i call them and let them know i went and then we can schedule my appointment? I am in nevada and on medicaid if anyone can give me an idea of how the whole process works? Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

When you go to the seminar they should give you a list of requirements. Most Bariatric surgeon's offices will have a person on staff who is familiar with your insurance requirements or can help you find out what they are. You may be required to have a pre-op diet, nutrition counseling, a psych clearance, pulmonary testing, an EGD or similar, and a cardiac clearance. Just be prepared to write everything down and ask lots of questions. You are on your way! Thank you its nice knowing how things work instead of going in blind and clueless Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

There are some great surgeons in Mexico, however you must be very careful when choosing one. For instance, stay away from the ones that still use the outdated 4cc bands. The 4cc bands are no longer used in the US due to their very high rate of complications, but many Mexican surgeons still use them because they can get them at a cheaper cost. Also, you need a bariatric surgeon locally to do your fills and manage your health. It's very important you find one before having surgery in Mexico because many American doctors won't touch a patient banded in Mexico so it's crucial you have one established ahead of time. Otherwise, you run the risk of coming home with a band no one to fill it or help you. Just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't go to Mexico for any form of Medical Tourism, including weight loss surgery. I just don't feel like your health is something to "shop around" for the best deal on. Best wishes.

Or if anyone else has this answer. Aetna I think requires that bariatric surgeries be performed at an IOQ (Institute of Quality) hospital. On their site the only two that are IOQ in Nevada are North Vista and Desert Springs. My problem is that my surgeon of choice is Dr Teng. I just ran through a barricade to get past the bill owed. That has been cleared up now. I want to stick with him because he took out my gallbladder and did a great job. Thing is, he operates out of MoutainView and Summerlin hospitals. I know he has had patients with Aetna so I'm just curious.

I believe it was the July issue of Atlanta magazine...they had a section for their top docs. Dr. Sweeney was voted top Bariatric Surgeon. I went to his seminar and LOVED him, but, sadly, I'm self pay, and can't afford Emory.

Hi, I am just beginning. June 25th is my consulation with the bariatric doctor. Then the week after with my cardiologist. I have had a major heart attack and I am 230 pounds, 5'2. Not sure what the BMI for that is but it has to be a lot. So my question is does anyone out there have any experience with Oxford Insurance? I am really hoping they cover this because I will probably have to stay in the hospital longer than most of you. I am trying to get it done at Mount Sinai in NYC, Dr. Kini- Anybody familiar with him:confused:

Went to meet with the Bariatric Coordinator on Wednesday to start the process. She thinks I’m a good candidate and has given me all the first steps I need to do Already have all kinds of appointments set up... psyc consult, nutritionist and physical theory (that one was new to me... apparently its to help people who have not been active get active safely... she admitted it was silly for me but I have to go anyways). Go back in a month to see how I’m doing and how much weight I have lost (Need to lose 11lbs before I can have surgery). I’m very excited, but of course I had a curveball thrown at me today... found out I’m officially 'pre-diabetic' (exactly what I wanted to avoid) and I have some insulin issue too... now the doc wants to play the game of weight gain because of above or above because of weight gain :scared2:. This should be fun but seeing I have been over weight my whole life, I think the band will be a great tool for me. Well, that was long but what can I say... I’m excited :w00t:

So I am in the process of getting approved for bariatric surgery. The Doctors I use do not expect you to make a decision on which surgery until closer to time. I was looking into the Band, but I have a VP shunt and according to MD it increases my chance of infection to one or both appliances to have both and has reccommended I look into the sleeve gastrectomy. I am doing research and like what I see, but have had a general surgeon tell me not to do it. I would like to hear from people who have had a postive and negative experiences. I am a single mom, ICU RN, and BSN student. My life is very important. I want to be a role model for my childre and patients.

Hi Jess, I'm thinking that your doctor is saying that you are ultimately responsible for his bill if it isn't covered by insurance. I believe you will get an approval letter in advance from most insurance companies. I don't see how a doctor can say for sure whether your insurance will cover it - ALL policies are different. It isn't just that some companies cover it and some don't. For example, I have Aetna. Aetna covers bariatric procedures under some of its policies but not under my policy. On the Vitamins - follow whatever your doctor recommends. I just ordered and tried the Celebrate chewable vitamins in pineapple strawberry and they tasted ok and didn't upset my tummy at all (mind you - I haven't been banded yet). Best wishes and good luck for a speed approval!

Mans point of view READY lol honestly keep communication very open include him in when possible when people are complimenting you tell them you couldn't do it without your wonderful husbands support that will make him feel good i do this with my wife i include her in as much as i can..A group i started is having a dinner next saturday night its called Bariatric Friends on Facebook and we are bringing our spouses because we would never want to exclude them from anything so its a group of 20 going...And just make sure you tell him how you feel and ask him how he feels talk talk talk thats all i can say If He loves you and you love him you will be fine ...good luck with your surgery and wl journey

I should have stated this that in 2008 I weighed 350 lbs. In May 21st 2013 when I started my journey with meeting the surgeon I weighed 282 lbs. On the day of surgery which was September 25th 2013 I weighed 242 lbs. As of yesterday I weighed 160 lbs and we agreed that I was close enough to a normal BMI and that I felt great at this weight that this is where I'm staying. The bariatric hypoglycemia is different then regular hypoglycemia and is treated differently from what I was told yesterday. I will meet with my nutritionist to figure out a game plan. I have sagging skin but I don't care because I am so much healthier now then I've ever been after being overweight and obese most of my life. This surgery saved me I truly believe that.

I had a horrible experience. Historically, the sleep study technician is to form some sort of rapport with the patient thus learn sleeping habits in order to offer the right cpap for one's comfort. For example, if one sleeps with mouth open or not, which in my case I don't. So she waltz over to my room with a seemingly darth vader Cpap device and proceeded to place it over my face (without explaining anything to me regarding the apparatus) while I was half asleep. It's funny to me now looking back at my frustration with this device and how I failed the second part of the test and had to do it over. Thanks to my best friend who is a Dr who gave me some great tips on how to overcome the claustrophobic anxiety, I passed the test. The key is to take a deep breath, hold it in, keep your mouth closed and try to breathe in ONLY from your nose once the device is properly placed. Why didn't this tech say this to me? Where do they find these people? lol. Anyway, the wires were an inconvenience, the freaking glue remained in my hair for days...I was only able to remove the glue with an oil treatment. So glad that part of the WLS/journey is over. As it turns out I suffer from sleep apnea - I would have never found out I had sleep apnea if it were not for bariatric clearance. Well, I hope your results come back OK.