Sleeved Monday 9/10/12

[altagirl 127]

I am writing this because I have read and appreciated reading other people’s stories.

I have tried numerous diets over the years but can’t seem to keep weight off, and other than the one year when I was 26 I have never been ideal weight. After the third person in a few months asked me if I was pregnant, and failing twice on Medifast in the past 2 years – I decided I had enough.

I was on the Medifast forum and someone posted about Plication surgery being featured on one of the morning show (Today or Good Morning America? Can’t remember?). I thought this might be my answer. After contacting the surgery center (Dr Levine) I seriously considered this – easy recovery, no re-routing of my intestines and I wouldn’t have to take much time off work. I thought the person on the phone was rude and it took a long time for them to call me back. I started googling and found out about the sleeve. I had never heard of it – shortly after this time I discovered Dr Ortiz and was impressed with his experience, credentials, and the Center of Excellence surgery center.

I contacted several of the surgeons in Mexico to find out more. In the end I decided on Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center. I posted some of this in another post but thought I would recap since I am not drugged up today!

I flew into San Diego around 6 on Sunday night. The driver went through the process on our way to the Marriott. I checked in and took an Ambien around 10pm – I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Around 6:45 I went to lobby where there were several other patients – one for Dr Garcia and the others for Ortiz.

We were dropped off at the clinic I was called in first for my nutrition consult, height/weight, ECG, and blood work. I talked to Dr Martinez and Dr Ortiz before surgery and they answered all of my questions and signed the consent paperwork. They are both very nice and have great bedside manner. The only thing that bothered my was my nurse started putting the meds in my IV while we were chatting – It was not a big deal but worth mentioning since I am a nurse and hate not to tell the patient what I am doing and what meds are being given – just a pet peeve.

Next I go into the OR. As soon as I moved to the operating table I started to cry. I kept thinking whether or not this was worth the risk because I am considered a “light weight” The anesthesiologist was very nice and concerned. He really comforted me – and the OR nurse was great too. The last thing I remember was the anesthesiologist holding my hand and telling me it was going to be ok – then I woke up in my room! My pain was so well controlled that I had to ask the nurse if they did the surgery! I have a drain which doesn’t bother me now but I know it will get irritating soon.

I have had several shooting shoulder pain from the gas – but it is fluctuating and not as bad as I had imagined it would be. Both Dr Martinez and Dr Ortiz stopped in to see me and answered questions. I was told that the fluctuating pain was a good sign that I would not experience that to the degree that some people do. It is funny because the hour before I left for the airport I scrambled around town to find gas-x strips. I have 4 boxes –but have not needed them so far. Both surgeons said that everything went well – “textbook”. My surgery lasted about an hour – I have had 2 previous abdominal surgeries so there was some concern about adhesions. I was told my surgery was filmed for teaching purposes, which was ok with me.

I have been up about every hour to walk and have gone to the bathroom 5 times. The other 2 people here with me seem to be struggling a little more with the pain, but I have visited with them and have seen them walking the halls.

We will all be going back to the hotel today. I will keep you all updated.

[Jakat 25]

Alta, that sounds great. I am glad you are doing well. Keep us all posted.

[iPrincess 39]

Sound like you are making a good go from the surgery. Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

[jd13 25]

congrates!!! so glad to hear u r doing so well, keep us all posted!

[Paigers 67]

Glad that your surgery went well!!

[altagirl 127]

Update:

I was sleeved on Monday and so far everything is going well. I struggled a little bit on Wednesday with nausea and pain. I woke up today feeling like a new person. Seriously, it is hard to explain how I can go from being miserable to just fine in 12 hours.

In case I forgot to mention, I went to Mexico by myself. At times I was bored but mostly I was glad that I did not have someone with me because I didn't have to worry about waking someone up in the middle of the night because my sleep schedule is off.

Now getting back to the details, on Wednesday I went back to the clinic to have my dressings changed, vitals taken, and drain checked. I was feeling a bit off and the only thing that could go down well was Powerade light.I took it easy for the rest of the day and spent most of the time in my room watching Netflix on my laptop.

On Thursday, I, again, went back to clinic to have my leak test (barium swallow) which was not nearly as bad as I expected. I was dreading this test and to be honest I don't know why I was so worried. I watched as the barium moved through my esophagus, new stomach and on down the pipe! No leaks so far......thank goodness. Afterwards, the drain was removed. This was a little difficult because I can't really take a deep breath. It did not hurt, it is just a weird sensation when it is coming out. All of my incisions (5 of them) look good so I was cleared to go. I met with Dr Ortiz (who is just amazing) and then back to the hotel. I only brought one very small bag so packing was a piece of cake.

The driver from the clinic picked me and several other patients up at 12:15pm. We made our way to the border. Crossing the border took a total of about 1 hour - the longest part was waiting in van for our turn - I thought it would take a long time to stand in line and go through customs but that part was maybe 15 minutes. Unfortunately, I completely forgot my passport so all I had was my driver's license. It was not a big deal at all. I told the border agent and he said, "that's ok, we're flexible." There were other people in line without passports, too. However, it is easier and quicker with a passport; with the license they have to type all of your information in the computer and I heard one girl get scolded by another border agent about not having a passport.

I was dropped off at the airport with plenty of time. I stopped at Starbucks and got a cup of tea. I am not sitting waiting to board my flight. I am attaching a picture of my suitcase because I saw so many people with these huge suitcases - you really don't need alot!

Good luck to everyone - and for those who are thinking about Dr Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center, I highly recommend having surgery with him.

[nurseghana 167]

I am writing this because I have read and appreciated reading other people’s stories.

I have tried numerous diets over the years but can’t seem to keep weight off' date=' and other than the one year when I was 26 I have never been ideal weight. After the third person in a few months asked me if I was pregnant, and failing twice on Medifast in the past 2 years – I decided I had enough.

I was on the Medifast forum and someone posted about Plication surgery being featured on one of the morning show (Today or Good Morning America? Can’t remember?). I thought this might be my answer. After contacting the surgery center (Dr Levine) I seriously considered this – easy recovery, no re-routing of my intestines and I wouldn’t have to take much time off work. I thought the person on the phone was rude and it took a long time for them to call me back. I started googling and found out about the sleeve. I had never heard of it – shortly after this time I discovered Dr Ortiz and was impressed with his experience, credentials, and the Center of Excellence surgery center.

I contacted several of the surgeons in Mexico to find out more. In the end I decided on Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center. I posted some of this in another post but thought I would recap since I am not drugged up today!

I flew into San Diego around 6 on Sunday night. The driver went through the process on our way to the Marriott. I checked in and took an Ambien around 10pm – I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Around 6:45 I went to lobby where there were several other patients – one for Dr Garcia and the others for Ortiz.

We were dropped off at the clinic I was called in first for my nutrition consult, height/weight, ECG, and blood work. I talked to Dr Martinez and Dr Ortiz before surgery and they answered all of my questions and signed the consent paperwork. They are both very nice and have great bedside manner. The only thing that bothered my was my nurse started putting the meds in my IV while we were chatting – It was not a big deal but worth mentioning since I am a nurse and hate not to tell the patient what I am doing and what meds are being given – just a pet peeve.

Next I go into the OR. As soon as I moved to the operating table I started to cry. I kept thinking whether or not this was worth the risk because I am considered a “light weight” The anesthesiologist was very nice and concerned. He really comforted me – and the OR nurse was great too. The last thing I remember was the anesthesiologist holding my hand and telling me it was going to be ok – then I woke up in my room! My pain was so well controlled that I had to ask the nurse if they did the surgery! I have a drain which doesn’t bother me now but I know it will get irritating soon.

I have had several shooting shoulder pain from the gas – but it is fluctuating and not as bad as I had imagined it would be. Both Dr Martinez and Dr Ortiz stopped in to see me and answered questions. I was told that the fluctuating pain was a good sign that I would not experience that to the degree that some people do. It is funny because the hour before I left for the airport I scrambled around town to find gas-x strips. I have 4 boxes –but have not needed them so far. Both surgeons said that everything went well – “textbook”. My surgery lasted about an hour – I have had 2 previous abdominal surgeries so there was some concern about adhesions. I was told my surgery was filmed for teaching purposes, which was ok with me.

I have been up about every hour to walk and have gone to the bathroom 5 times. The other 2 people here with me seem to be struggling a little more with the pain, but I have visited with them and have seen them walking the halls.

We will all be going back to the hotel today. I will keep you all updated.[/quote']

Thanks all great news