My VSG Story

[Ky.hen 5]

Hello Friends,

I had my surgery on Oct. 1, 09 with Dr Aceves and his team.

My hubby and I arrived in San Deigo on the day before surgery. Ernesto (driver) was waiting with a sign with my name on it. We then met some other surgery pts. that had arrived. We started our 2 hour drive to the hospital with Ernesto telling some history of the area and pointing out some interesting sights. The ride didn't seem that long as we all got to know each other.

We arrived at the hospital and were greeted by some fellow sleevers that were ready to go home. It was a thrill to get to meet some friends from VST.

We were taken into a waiting room and called out to different rooms to have tests done and talk to Dr. Aceves and his staff. They were very friendly and thorough about explaining everything that would be going on during our stay and the surgery itself. We didn't have to wait very long to get everything done. They were very prepared. Had our names already on the specimen cups and blood tubes. Everything was very clean and the nurses all wore a mask and gloves when doing any procedures.

We then left for the hotel about 10 minutes away. It was super nice and very comfortable. We ate a delicious dinner there walked around awhile to see the sights and went to bed early. I also took the medicine Dr. Aceves gave me to take before going to bed. (antibiotic and sleeping pill)

Ernesto picked us up at 7am the next morning and took us back to the hospital. We were greeted by the friendly staff and taken to our rooms. The hospital rooms were more like a guest room in a home than a hospital room. There was even a large soft leather sofa for my husband to sleep on. Very, very clean room.

I had a little time to meet some other friends from VST that were already there.

Lucy came in and gave me two medicines to take and said my turn was next. Another nurse came in and gave me an injection of blood thinner in the stomach. I didn't even feel it. Then off to surgery I went. I got my IV put in after I was asleep.

I woke up a little while later and was taken to my room. I did not have any pain. I napped off and on for a while. I am glad I took my own pillow from home. The hospital pillows were like hard plastic rocks. When I was more fully awake I went to the bathroom. The nurses kept checking on me quiet often and offering meds. if needed. Later that afternoon I still felt great. Still no pain. I got up and walked all around the hospital, visited and talked with new friends. Dr Aceves met me in the hall and said, "I thought you had surgery today." LOL The doctors were great. They came in the room several times a day to check on me.

The first night I woke up being sick at my stomach and having dry heaves. Not fun. I was feeling a little pain when I would turn over in bed. I felt really bad the 2nd day with nausea. I was given meds. through the IV for this and it helped. But, I kept thinking to myself, what have you done? Why did my husband let me do this? I must have been crazy to do this. My emotions were a mess. I was wondering how I was ever going to stand the trip home. Then Lucy came in and brought this big glass of blue apple juice and said, "you have two hours to sip this all down for your leak test". Yeah, right. It took me two hours to force myself to get down about half. I passed that leak test though. I will never drink apple juice again. That same day, I was brought lunch. Orange Crystal Light, warm tea and you guessed it, apple juice. I used a teaspoon and sipped on the Crystal Lite. It was really good. I took a nice warm shower that helped me to feel better. Later that night I was brought the best chicken broth I had ever tasted, tea, Crystal Lite and more apple juice. I asked for pain meds., nausea meds. and sleeping meds. at bedtime. I wanted to be out of it for a few hours. No doubt, I slept well.

The third day, things were better. No pain. I was ready for more chicken broth. My husband would always do me the favor of grabbing the apple juice off the tray and drinking it before I could smell it.

Dr. Campos came and got me for another leak test. It was not bad. I passed with flying colors. It was interesting to watch the computer screen. You could see the liquid going through your tiny stomach after you took a drink. Lucy was nice enough to take pictures of this procedure for me. Hubby had went for coffee.< /span>

Later, I went to the cafereria looking for him. He was sitting in there with this huge square plate of pancakes dripping in butter and Syrup and a stack of bacon. I had to get out of there quick. The wonderful smells were more than I could handle. I went back to the room for more broth.

I took a nap that afternoon and when I woke up I had beautiful balloons tied to my bed from my new sleeve sister, Sue.

Dr Aceves came in again to check on me and said, "I was doing great." He said, "he wanted me to fart as much as possible." LOL, Well let me tell you, all my new white underwear look like they have been blue tye dyed now. (from that darn blue apple juice) Takes me back to the 70's. You will also be pooping blue for a week.

I took another shower, packed and went to bed early. This was my third night in the hospital. I slept great with the help of a little sleeping pill. Ernesto was picking us up at 7am the next morning and I wanted to be well rested for the long trip home.

I slept like a baby and was ready to go back to the blue hills of Kentucky.

The doctors came and visited again and wanted us to keep in touch. They really care about thier patients.

We loaded the van again and off to San Deigo we went. Ernesto shared more history with us. He also shared that he had sleeve surgery done 6-7 months ago and had lost 80lbs. He is also does massage therapy.

We went through the border without any problems. The officer on duty said that Dr Aceves had done his lap band surgery last year. LOL

When Ernesto found out that I had never seen the Ocean, he drove down to the habor so we could do a little sight seeing. It was beautiful. He also showed us the street where the movie Top Gun was made.

We made it to the airport in plenty of time. Hubby ate Mac Donalds and I made some chicken broth from the powder packet in Ramen Noodles. Said, goodbye to our new friends and boarded the plane to Alanta. Had an hour layover in Alanta before boarding another plane to KY. After boarding the plane, we were told the plane had problems and couldn't take off. We had to wait another 2 hours for another plane to arrive. The flight was only 50 minutes, thankgoodness. The restrooms were out of order and we were told to cross our legs and hold it.

We finally made it back to Louisville, KY about 1:30am. Then a hour and half drive home. I fell asleep in the car.

I am home now and feel ok except for a slight headache. I am feeling some head hunger and would love to have a grill cheese sandwich. But that is ok, I will have a small one when I am allowed.

Would I do it again? Yes!

Hugs, Judy

Edited October 6, 2009 by Ky.hen
corrections

[iluvthesun 2]

Hi Judy,

Glad to see you are home and doing well. Thanks so much for sharing all the details. It is so helpful to everybody doing their research.

So the day before the surgery you flew in, had the testing done and then 1 night in a hotel. Next morning you had the surgery and stayed 2 nights in the hospital and then flew home.

You said your husband travelled with you. Did he stay at the hotel for all 3 nights?

Take care of yourself and work that sleeve!

Nancy

[thinoneday 445]

But, I kept thinking to myself, what have you done? Why did my husband let me do this? I must have been crazy to do this.

Isn't it funny how when we feel sickly we blame the husband? If he would have told you "no dear your not getting this surgery done", you'd of had a stroke right? I know I would have! Yes, I'm spoilt. . . hehehe. . . wow I'm so amazed how smoothly your surgery went! Thank you so much for sharing that story. . . I would love to go to Mexico for my surgery and maybe safe a few thousand dollars, but hubbie says "No, not to mexico, your staying local regardless of cost". . . heavens my surgeon is Mexican! Go figure!!!! hehehehe. . .

[Ky.hen 5]

Nancy, I stayed the first night in a hotel, surgery the next day and stayed 3 nights in the hospital. I will try to edit and make it a little more clear. My husband stayed in the hospital with me. There was a large soft leather sofa in the room.

Thin, You are right, we always blame our husbands. LOL

You know they are the ones that made us fat in the first place right?

Edited October 6, 2009 by Ky.hen

[iluvthesun 2]

Thanks Judy - I got it now!

One other question. I notice that many of the people who have gone to Mexico talk about "eating a nice supper" the night before surgery. Does that mean that you don't have to stay on a liquid diet for the evening meal before surgery?

Nancy

[Ky.hen 5]

No, Dr Aceves said to enjoy whatever you like within reason. My husband and I had grilled burgers and fresh cut fries. So good. I had a banana later for a snack. I didn't want to push anything very spicy before surgery. Then you shouldn't eat or drink anything for about 8 hours before surgery.

[Bornagainbabe 4]

I had the pangs of regret immediately afterwards as well and was questioning myself as to whether or not I had done the right thing. It's all very emotional isn't it. Like you those doubts were short-lived.

Glad you are on the mend now and that it was a positive experience for you. Hospital and staff all sound excellent xxx

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Judy I am so glad you're home! You will feel better every day, and you'll love watching the scale go down!

[jsm 1]

Note to self: Don't read posts while drinking!

I had just taken a swig of Water when I came to "tie dyed" undies. Needless to say that Water is now sprayed all over the place!:laugh0:

Congrats on your surgery Judy. So thankful everything went well. Can't wait to read about your progress!:thumbup:

Hugs,

JoAnne

[Norma 10]

Judy,

thanks for posting your experience. I wonder why all us women buy new underwear for surgery? I have my package all ready to become tie-dyed! LOL:001_tt2:

[Malaika 50]

Judy,

thanks for posting your experience. I wonder why all us women buy new underwear for surgery? I have my package all ready to become tie-dyed! LOL:001_tt2:

Luckily, I didn't have those issues until I got home - that is what we refer to as the "Peacock Poops" because the blue mixed with the yellow bile turns it a very pretty? peacock green.

As Ruthi said - you don't want to trust a "fart" until it passes ...:thumbup:

[cajun 46]

Judy, thanks for sharing your story. It is good to hear that everything went well.

[Tiffykins 673]

Judy, I am so glad to hear you had a lovely surgical experience, and are now home and recovering. Take care of yourself, and know I'm cheering for you and your great success ! ! !

[JudyJudyJudy 7]

Hello Friends,I had my surgery on Oct. 1, 09 with Dr Aceves and his team.

My hubby and I arrived in San Deigo on the day before surgery. Ernesto (driver) was waiting with a sign with my name on it. We then met some other surgery pts. that had arrived. We started our 2 hour drive to the hospital with Ernesto telling some history of the area and pointing out some interesting sights. The ride didn't seem that long as we all got to know each other.

We arrived at the hospital and were greeted by some fellow sleevers that were ready to go home. It was a thrill to get to meet some friends from VST.

We were taken into a waiting room and called out to different rooms to have tests done and talk to Dr. Aceves and his staff. They were very friendly and thorough about explaining everything that would be going on during our stay and the surgery itself. We didn't have to wait very long to get everything done. They were very prepared. Had our names already on the specimen cups and blood tubes. Everything was very clean and the nurses all wore a mask and gloves when doing any procedures.We then left for the hotel about 10 minutes away. It was super nice and very comfortable. We ate a delicious dinner there walked around awhile to see the sights and went to bed early. I also took the medicine Dr. Aceves gave me to take before going to bed. (antibiotic and sleeping pill)

Ernesto picked us up at 7am the next morning and took us back to the hospital. We were greeted by the friendly staff and taken to our rooms. The hospital rooms were more like a guest room in a home than a hospital room. There was even a large soft leather sofa for my husband to sleep on. Very, very clean room.

I had a little time to meet some other friends from VST that were already there.

Lucy came in and gave me two medicines to take and said my turn was next. Another nurse came in and gave me an injection of blood thinner in the stomach. I didn't even feel it. Then off to surgery I went. I got my IV put in after I was asleep.

I woke up a little while later and was taken to my room. I did not have any pain. I napped off and on for a while. I am glad I took my own pillow from home. The hospital pillows were like hard plastic rocks. When I was more fully awake I went to the bathroom. The nurses kept checking on me quiet often and offering meds. if needed. Later that afternoon I still felt great. Still no pain. I got up and walked all around the hospital, visited and talked with new friends. Dr Aceves met me in the hall and said, "I thought you had surgery today." LOL The doctors were great. They came in the room several times a day to check on me.

The first night I woke up being sick at my stomach and having dry heaves. Not fun. I was feeling a little pain when I would turn over in bed. I felt really bad the 2nd day with nausea. I was given meds. through the IV for this and it helped. But, I kept thinking to myself, what have you done? Why did my husband let me do this? I must have been crazy to do this. My emotions were a mess. I was wondering how I was ever going to stand the trip home. Then Lucy came in and brought this big glass of blue apple juice and said, "you have two hours to sip this all down for your leak test". Yeah, right. It took me two hours to force myself to get down about half. I passed that leak test though. I will never drink apple juice again. That same day, I was brought lunch. Orange Crystal Light, warm tea and you guessed it, apple juice. I used a teaspoon and sipped on the Crystal Lite. It was really good. I took a nice warm shower that helped me to feel better. Later that night I was brought the best chicken broth I had ever tasted, tea, Crystal Lite and more apple juice. I asked for pain meds., nausea meds. and sleeping meds. at bedtime. I wanted to be out of it for a few hours. No doubt, I slept well.

The third day, things were better. No pain. I was ready for more chicken broth. My husband would always do me the favor of grabbing the apple juice off the tray and drinking it before I could smell it.Dr. Campos came and got me for another leak test. It was not bad. I passed with flying colors. It was interesting to watch the computer screen. You could see the liquid going through your tiny stomach after you took a drink. Lucy was nice enough to take pictures of this procedure for me. Hubby had went for coffee.

Later, I went to the cafereria looking for him. He was sitting in there with this huge square plate of pancakes dripping in butter and Syrup and a stack of bacon. I had to get out of there quick. The wonderful smells were more than I could handle. I went back to the room for more broth.

I took a nap that afternoon and when I woke up I had beautiful balloons tied to my bed from my new sleeve sister, Sue.

Dr Aceves came in again to check on me and said, "I was doing great." He said, "he wanted me to fart as much as possible." LOL, Well let me tell you, all my new white underwear look like they have been blue tye dyed now. (from that darn blue apple juice) Takes me back to the 70's. You will also be pooping blue for a week.

I took another shower, packed and went to bed early. This was my third night in the hospital. I slept great with the help of a little sleeping pill. Ernesto was picking us up at 7am the next morning and I wanted to be well rested for the long trip home.

I slept like a baby and was ready to go back to the blue hills of Kentucky.

The doctors came and visited again and wanted us to keep in touch. They really care about thier patients.

We loaded the van again and off to San Deigo we went. Ernesto shared more history with us. He also shared that he had sleeve surgery done 6-7 months ago and had lost 80lbs. He is also does massage therapy.We went through the border without any problems. The officer on duty said that Dr Aceves had done his lap band surgery last year. LOL

When Ernesto found out that I had never seen the Ocean, he drove down to the habor so we could do a little sight seeing. It was beautiful. He also showed us the street where the movie Top Gun was made.We made it to the airport in plenty of time. Hubby ate Mac Donalds and I made some chicken broth from the powder packet in Ramen Noodles. Said, goodbye to our new friends and boarded the plane to Alanta. Had an hour layover in Alanta before boarding another plane to KY. After boarding the plane, we were told the plane had problems and couldn't take off. We had to wait another 2 hours for another plane to arrive. The flight was only 50 minutes, thankgoodness. The restrooms were out of order and we were told to cross our legs and hold it.

We finally made it back to Louisville, KY about 1:30am. Then a hour and half drive home. I fell asleep in the car.

I am home now and feel ok except for a slight headache. I am feeling some head hunger and would love to have a grill cheese sandwich. But that is ok, I will have a small one when I am allowed.

Would I do it again? Yes!

Hugs, Judy

May I ask ? where was your surgery done? How much did it cost? How long did you have to wait for your surgery date? Did you have to sign a wavier? I live in Mississippi. So I'm a fellow southerner. Was wondering if it was any cheaper than Louisiana, which is 13,950.00

[Ky.hen 5]

Thanks everyone for all the well wishes. My headache is getting better everyday. Looking forward to having some sugar free pudding and cream Soup this weekend.

JudyJudy

I had my surgery done in Mexico at the Almater Hospital by Dr Aceves and his team. It does not take long to get a date. They e-mailed me some available dates to choose from. I had checked out a local Dr. and it takes months to get a date for surgery. Cost was going to be over $18000. So, I did more research and decided to have Dr. Aceves do my surgery. The cost to me was $9000. This included everything. Plus one night at the Lucerna Resort and 3 nights in the hospital. The hospital is right over the border from California. I was very pleased with my decision. Hope this helps.

Edited October 8, 2009 by Ky.hen
correction