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Question for everyone that has gone to mexico for surgery. What do you do for any follow up visits? What do you do if you have any complications when you get home? Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks Joe
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I had two different health insurances when I first went in for a consult and my coordinator told me the same thing. She said it is basically because if you have two health insurances they'll essentially fight over who has to cover it because neither of them really want to and you get caught up in all the red tape. Your primary will want the secondary to cover a certain percentage and the secondary will want the primary to cover it all. Plus if you have different waiting periods (4 months and 7 months like you stated) it can get fairly complicated. Its not as simple as just submitting to one insurance because they check to see what other health insurance you have by looking up through your SSN. That said, 7 months seems like a long time but it took me about that long to prepare for surgery both psychologically and with all the pre-op requirements. I had to wait 2 months just to get an END consult, and then I had to wait another month just for an open appointment. The psych eval takes a little while to track down as well. To be honest, 7 months for nutritional counseling will prepare you much better than 4 in the long run. You'll be more knowledgable about what you should be doing post-op and how different types of food affect your body. I know it sucks to wait that long, but a longer prep period before this major, life changing surgery will benefit you so much more in the long run.
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We aren't doctors. Your daughter has some serious complications. You need to find a surgeon that you trust and follow his recommendations.
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Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass
MegInNOLA replied to Ready4aNewLife's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi there! My sister, her husband, and her daughter have all had bypass. My husband has had the sleeve. Of these four, the three with bypass have all had some form of complication or other (iron deficiency anemia, bleeding ulcers, and Vitamin deficiency)--and my husband has had no problems at all. I know the bypass has been the surgery of choice for years, but I really didn't even consider surgery prior to learning about the sleeve.... I wanted to keep the top and bottom of the stomach intact--less chance of acid issues, ulcers, etc.--and all I really needed is volume restriction. As others have said, the decision of whether or not to have surgery and which type is a very personal one. Do what's best for you.. Best wishes! Meg -
I pose this to everyone. I have noticed alot of posts, blogs or mentioning (here and elsewhere), that post operative pain and persistent conditions are beginning to trend to MD's, their staff and other MD's post op - and even sleevers - that pain and discomfort is typical. If it is not easily diagnosed or found in a test it is "probably ________", fill in the blank. Gas, bloating, settling (wtf you aren't supposed to "settle", they took out a part of your stomach, they didn't detach it and leave it to float around)! This alarms me. We are taking this big step, and the improvements on mortality are getting better everyday for post-op sleevers, but there seems to be a trend for post-op pain to be explained away into this category of "it is what it is". If you had an apendectomy and you still felt pain months later, or developed pain in another area of your bowel, no doctor would go "it was where you had an apendectomy, it happens". It should not be OK within the medical community to allow themselves to ignore cronic pain of any kind - that means the patient is still in pain! You should not be left alone afterwards, you should be offered therapy for the pain if a solution cannot be found. Pain meds, qualified abdominal massage, heat therapy. If nothing else works, why aren't people being offered anti-inflammatory meds or antibiotics? If you experience relief after, you at least begin to pinpoint the situation. Hit and miss with drugs is a last resort, but is an accepted therapy in other people - why not sleevers? I very rarely come across posts where the doctor checked a patient out for an emergent heart condition or heart attack!!! We were an ignored group for so long. Shadow sufferers that are just now being understood in the medical community as this being more than just willpower to loose weight. Why now are we faltering in this fight, and allowing ourselves less that complete recovery? Is this a rant? I do not know...I just feel so frustrated, and concerned, and ANGRY that I see so many posts for my VGS fellows that are hurting, and it does not seem to always get enough attention - and the more it persists, the less attention it gets. My science theory and eval teacher would now tell me that I have pinpointed my general topic, isolated a target, recognized the problem, and now I find a solution...but I can't find a solution for everyone, for anyone. I am not a doctor. This is damn frustrating. Does anyone know of a general advocacy group for post-sleeve chronic complications? -
Hi, I'm scheduled for August 26th! I started my journey back in October with 6mos of doctor supervised weightloss and weigh-ins. My highest weight was 291 and I'm currently at about 275. Im 26 and 5'5". Sooooo relieved to get my approval because insurance was making me jump through a ton of hoops and I just didn't think I was going to get approved. My surgeon was ready to do the surgery as early as next week but I just started a new job 3wks ago and my vacation time doesn't kick in until August, hence the delay. I'm only getting about 10 days off work so I'm hoping for a speedy and complication free recovery!! Good luck to all of us on this exciting new journey!
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First plastics consult with DR Harris @ PSSC
CowgirlJane replied to Fiddleman's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Before and after pix....lots of them. Ask about realistic expectations of results, recovery time etc. Ask what is the risk of dog ears (one reason for the lower body lift for me). Ask what is included (ie how long follow ups etc.) Ask if he offers a way to buy complications insurance. Can't get that in Mexico but I would buy it in the USA. I like dr harris but he is a cosmetic not plastic surgeon. Shouldn't make a difference for a tummy tuck, but just be aware. I think you should next schedule with Dr Mary Peters who has an amazing results portfolio but is more costly. She had different recommendations for me than Harris so it was educational to meet both. -
Good luck with your decision. I heard that an anchor incision can have more complications. This might be something to research or ask Dr. Lo about.
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What happend during your 1st consultation?
Moni_0330 replied to Megan00's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
During my first consultation with the surgeon, he asked me a bunch of questions regarding my past efforts with trying to lose weight. He asked about my support system, my reasons for wanting the surgery, and he asked my ideal weight. We also discussed my goal weight based on my body type. The bulk of the session was the opportunity for me to ask questions. Here are some of the things i asked the doctor that may be good to bring up. 1. How soon after the surgery would I be able to start trying to get pregnant? 2. What are the risks/complications and the chances of them occurring? 3. What are the stages of the approval process and what classes/doctors appointments will i need for approval? 4. What is the average amount of weight a person my size would lose in 6 months after the surgery? 5. Why is gastric sleeve better/worse than other procedures...lap band/gastric bypass/etc? 6. What is the recommended goal weight that I should ultimately reach based on my body type? 7. What exactly happens during the procedure and how long will it last? 8. How many years experience does the surgeon have and how many patients has he lost during the operation and why? (this is a pretty hard question to ask, but i did so that i would at least know. My doctor has lost 2 patients but they were almost 500 pounds, high risk, and had multiple commorbidies and were going to die if they did not have the surgery). Since I am a low risk patient, he assured me that he had done thousands of surgeries and that i would be fine. Good luck to you!! -
Banded Since 2007 But Newbie
Krussell19 replied to Tabatha Davis's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am right there with you on the complications... They seem to be never ending.. I to was banded in 2007 and ive been up and down the scale -
@@Tweety208 so sorry to hear about your struggles. I hope you get well soon. Do you mind if I ask what caused your complications?
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If you're getting stuck all the time, a fill isn't what you need. If anything I'd get your band checked just to be sure childbirth hasn't caused any complications with it. In the meantime, I would suggest taking very small bites, like the size of your fingernail, and being careful to pause between bites. Bite size can make a huge difference in eating success. Congratulations on your baby!
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Man, I really can relate to so much of this. I do a "chew and spit" thing all the time, too. Not only do I not enjoy food but the process of planning what to eat or forcing myself to eat is extremely anxiety-inducing for me, too. I didn't have all of these complications you had to deal with, but from day 1 I've had a really (irrational) intense worry that my new stomach isn't strong or that if I get something stuck it will just tear or explode... things that don't even really make sense or have any chance of actually happening. I feel much, much better when I restrict my calories. Maybe not physically. But mentally, on the days I have some reason (whether real or invented) to greatly restrict my calories, I feel like I'm doing well. The days I actually eat 1000-1200 calories - I've only had two of these days - I feel absolutely horrible and the urge to drink nothing but a Protein shake or two the next day is almost unbearable. The fact that I do lose more when I starve and stall or gain when I eat enough, coupled with how good my bloodwork still looks, just reaffirms my positive reaction to not eating enough and my anxiety and self-criticizing just pushes me further away from actual physical health. I'm in therapy too. Let's hope we both kick these problems in the ass in the end.
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The diet should be treated as a prescription and not a suggestion. Plenty of people don't take medications as directed and are fine. Many others don't follow directions and end up with complications or illness. Your stomache has to be empty to perform the surgery. If you eat after your doctor tells you not to, you risk botching the procedure. The preop is typically used to treat enlarged livers. Your liver sits right on top of the stomache and needs to be clipped up out of the way in order to proceed with the sleeve. If you haven't followed the diet laid out by your doctor, you risk your liver obstructing the area required. Your doctor is not asking you follow the diet, but instructing you to. The surgeon wouldn't bother with a preop regime if it wasn't necessary, they are not just trying to make people miserable for entertainment.
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advice needed The good, the bad and the ugly.
alli.wakefield posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I got the lapband in 2013 and had some mild success but due to other complications I ended up with all my Fluid removed about a year ago. In that year, I've put on some serious weight and am now sitting at 330. I am 28 and recently married so as my husband and I talk about our future and kids, I can't help but panic. Between my PCOS, current weight and only one ovary, I believe that I will have an extremely hard time getting pregnant, let alone being healthy enough to carry the child to the full 40 weeks without complications. I have an appointment with a bariatric surgeon on Monday and they offer both the sleeve and bypass. I am still very undecided about which surgery would be the best option for me. I am terrified that the sleeve won't produce the results that I need to shock me into a healthy lifestyle permanently. I'm also terrified of the dumping syndrome or malnutrition if I do the bypass. But also, from what I've read the dumping syndrome is a good thing? Which just kind of confuses me. Moving forward, I know I don't have the option to fail or 'cheat' post-op with either of these surgeries because it's my future potential family on the line, my world is more than just me now so I can't be selfish or self-destructive with my eating. So what I'd love is all the advice that everyone has to offer. Informative articles, experiences, thoughts and opinions are all welcomed here! Thank you in advance!- 8 replies
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- 3
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- failed lap band
- gastric sleeve
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I don't know about the 20 grams of Protein, I stuck with the guidelines from my doc. He wanted me to eat 60 to 80 grams of protein a day. And a mix of 75% protein 25% vegetables in my total calorie intake per day. During the 1st few months, I never made it to 60 grams of protein per day and focused on getting enough Water. I had no complications or problems. So I recommend sticking with the eating program your physician or nutritionist recommended. They are in the best position to have 1st hand, long term experience with what works for their patients.
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They should have online access to your policy coverage without needing a user name and password. At least BCBS of IL does. They required 6 month NUT, Psych counseling and such. My BMI is 40.3 with no other health complications and I got approved in 3 business days. Good luck.
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Are you still on heartburn meds? Some ppl are still advised to take their prilosec or whatever other med you may be on daily after their surgery. It also is supposed to help with "mind hunger." I didn't have any heartburn symptoms but my doc told me to stay on it until my f/up. He then took me off and I've been fine since then. I'm struggling with low energy too and I've had no trouble getting my protein and water in. A big issue with me now is that I really don't feel "restriction." I'm able to drink 6 oz slowly w/o a problem and most ppl say they feel restrictions after only 2-4 oz. My husband says I'm crazy and I shouldn't look at no complications as a bad sign. I don't want to have gone through all this and have some massive stretching of my pouch or something. I've been following doctor's orders and I haven't pushed it, but I think I should feel some "restriction." I feel a little discomfort when I 1st eat (or rather drink something), but that's it. After the 1st sip, a slight spasm, then a burp, and I'm good.
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Pre-op "what ifs" without medical insurance?
SerendipityHappens replied to fletcherette's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I don't think it's going to mexico that's the problem.. it's if they cover complications from surgery or not. If you went to Las Vegas for surgery you'd be in the same boat. -
Lap Band issue and possible revision
JustFluffy replied to Paultx's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I had my band placed in April 2008. I lost a little over 60 pounds in the first six months. I had to have port revision because my port had flipped after surgery, but once corrected I had no other issues the first year. The honeymoon phase was wonderful! In the next two years, I ended up with acid reflux and esophagus issues, port complications, weight regain (and then some). I moved and had to find a new "band doctor", which by the way isn't an easy task. We were only able to do one fill due to my port being so deep and found out later stitched to my rib under my left breast (long story). I had RNY revision in August of this year. I'm down 49 pounds since surgery. I did my research and knew there would be higher risks with a revision surgery. RNY (like the band), isn't a cure to weight loss. It too is a tool. The first 18 months you are almost guaranteed to lose weight, due to re-routing and malabsorption. After that time hopefull we have learned to eat right and have a new lifestyle. It is usually after that time period if we go back to our old habits, we will probably regain the weight. It has its pros and cons...but for me it has been worth it. I'm not in pain anymore, I don't nor can I "eat around it", I don't get the elepant on my chest feeling like I did with the band with almost every meal...it doesn't allow you to cheat! Vitamins and supplements are a must the rest of your life. I was on my way to an early grave - even with the band. I regained all weight I'd lost with the band, plus twenty pounds - on top of that my esophagus had all but stopped working. Reflux was horrible (with reflux I should never have been banded - big no no). I was literally in the worse shape of my life three months ago. I can say since then I've had some tough moments. I mean, the surgery was a b***h to recover from...not a picnic - was tough but worth it :-) Do your research, go in with your eyes wide open and adopt a glass is half empty regarding research...I think you should always prepare for the worse and hope for the best! -
There are many, many Dr.'s in Mexico---they do not sound like the same Dr. to me. Be sure to research thoroughly not just the Dr. but the facility they use. Get that particular Dr.'s stats for complications. Find out how many bands they have placed---speak to former patients. Find out info about them from places other than their own site! I am not anti Mexico Dr.'s---I used one myself---but I researched for months before reaching a decision! Your health --- even your life is what is at risk---do your homework!!! You may have already done all this, it just worried me that you thought it might be the same Dr. is all! Good Luck! Kat
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Full of Emotions and Questions
thinoneday replied to needachange's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi , I don't post often anymore, but would like to "talk" to you as a "seasoned" sleever. The pain is not horrible at all. .c/sections and hysterectomies hurt alot more then this does. . just make damn sure you do your walking every couple of hours and sipping of liquids. . . when you get home continue to walk and sip. . if not, you'll run into complications with gas pain and so on. . . None of us have died yet being on liquids for the 2 weeks. you will be ok. . you have to think positively about this. . if not, get ready for some problems. I hated my sleeve the first few months, and the reason was because I couldn't eat like the pig i was. . . I wanted to stuff everything into my face and snort and grunt, but I couldn't. . .I could only eat small portions and sip liquids, like a proper lady. . . i really really hated it, but now 10+ months out, I am so proud of myself, I eat like a proper lady and actually watch how the "other side" eats now. . . I would have this surgery again, but be forwarned, you have to prepare yourself for this, both emotionally and physically. . . don't just jump into thinking it'll do all the work for you it doesn't you have to do the work. . . just like a hammer, it's just a tool, you are the one who has to make it work. . .if not and your not ready, don't do the surgery. . I love Downs children, they are all so cute and sweet. . .they give and show love so openly. . you want to be there for them, you will enjoy your trip with them, you will be proud of yourself once you get over the initial hurl, you will have a good time not only with them, but with your new self, and hubbie. . . congratulations on your February date! You are going to do well. . . just be prepared please! -
You have family who doesn't support your choice about this. My aunt is the only family I can rely on and lives near me. But she doesn't want me to do this. When ever I stay over I have to dance around the subject and hide when I'm talking on the phone about it. She thinks there are other ways and the risks and complications aren't worth it. Her opinion means a lot to me but I need this and she makes me question my self every time but every time I keep coming back to I want to get healthy and in order to do so I need restriction
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My date is 10/10/2011 - I am extremely anxious!
Norman replied to PJ713's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Two days before my surgery I spent all night reading horror stories on message boards and the internet. After surgery I was freaking out the first few weeks. I think I called the nurse at least a dozen times during that time. In fact I even went to the surgeon for an extra appointment. I will tell you this everything turned out great. I had no pain after surgery and was out of the hospital after one evening. I am 10 weeks out today and have lost 67 pounds. Yes some people have complications but set your eyes on the prize and everything will work out. You will be fitting into the swim suit you always wanted to wear next summer. I am sure your husband would love you big or little. Best of luck, Norm -
My date is 10/10/2011 - I am extremely anxious!
Fusilli66 replied to PJ713's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
My surgery is the day after yours 10/11. I'm 45 and I'm lucky that my husband is very supportive of my decision. Try to focus on all the good stories. Actually, there seems to be a lot more good outcomes than bad. I have yet to read an actual horror story, but I pick and chose what I read. I guess I am a glass half full sort of person, but I truly believe that it will all be worth it. I don't expect complications at all, but if there are, I will deal with them then. Worrying about what may or may not happen isn't going to change what happens. And it seems that complications are the exception in this surgery and not the rule. I do expect to feel some amount of pain, I'm sure there will be gas and some nausea for a short time, but I don't consider those complications, just things that come with this surgery. I wake up with terrible back pain daily from all this excess weight, so if I have to suffer in some pain for a few days or even a week post-op, in the end it will result in less painful mornings from carrying around all this excess weight. So it is worth it to me. I am very excited about my surgery, not nervous at all. But I think some amount of nerves is very normal. I think if your boyfriend was supporting your decision, that would probably ease some of the anxiety. But you said your father is supporting your decision, so try to spend some time with him and get some positive vibes off him. You have made the right decision for yourself and it will all be worth it. Good luck! We'll compare stories after surgery!
