video of my actual surgery done 5/23/2013

[kailie 238]

WOW thanks for sharing. I'm curious to know What that ball thing inside your stomach was that he moved towards the end of your surgery ? I had mine done a month a go and I wish u had asked for video too. That was pretty cool to watch. Good Luck on your weight loss !

That's called a bougie or something like that. They put it down your throat when they the cut to the stomach as a guide as to how small to make the stomach pouch... I think all surgeons use them

[ipso_fatso 11]

Good info here on bougies:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/carmelita/blog/2011/03/31/-2/

[penman53 493]

I also have a clotting disorder. I will be on Lovanox for ten days prior to surgery and however many days afterwards until my INR is back up to 3.5 or higher. I have had numerous surgeries in the past with no bleeding problems so I am confident that this one will go the same. Good luck on your journey.

[Ljones1 48]

Great work!

[Damaris67 76]

I also have a clotting disorder. I will be on Lovanox for ten days prior to surgery and however many days afterwards until my INR is back up to 3.5 or higher. I have had numerous surgeries in the past with no bleeding problems so I am confident that this one will go the same. Good luck on your journey.

You will do great! I wish you luck and enjoy the new you!

[Ahealthyme2013 39]

Thanks for sharing. This seemed a little bloodier than other surgeries I've watching online. Obviously not an issue since you haven't had any complications' date=' just curious if that jumped out at anyone else.[/quote']

That's what I thought too. I had also watched other videos that weren't nearly as bloody, but the blood thinners would make sense. Thanks for sharing the video!

[DougNichols 124]

I shouldn't have opened that while eating lunch.< /p>

[Tropical.Lover 24]

Dr. Pleatman recorded my surgery' date=' I asked for a copy, uploaded on youtube. 24 mins long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2BtyBV6nBE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

48 days later after this surgery and I cannot believe how wonderful I am doing. Dr. Pleatman is in Michigan, I was covered by BCBS but the bulk of his patients come from out of state to pay cash. Having a surgeon with his experience and excellent reviews warranties a future without complications. I was going to a different surgeon but just when I was in my 6 month pre surgery medically supervised diet, I read about Dr. Pleatman, called the office, and switched. Best decision of my life! He is just a phone call/ email away. But I didn't have to bother him. I followed all post op instructions so my recovery was great! As of today I lost 34 lbs on my way to reach my target goal of 60 lbs down.[/quote']

WOW CONGRATS BABES ))

SENDING MY LOVE FROM CALI

)

[Joy428 3]

Thank you so much for sharing. I couldn't pull my eyes away. My husband watched with me and we were wondering, do the staples stay in forever?. I haven't asked my doctor about that yet. Again thanks for sharing.

[nj8988 18]

Thanks for sharing. This seemed a little bloodier than other surgeries I've watching online. Obviously not an issue since you haven't had any complications, just curious if that jumped out at anyone else.

I wouldn't be surprised if the ones on YouTube are "Best case scenarios" i.e. very little blood loss. But yes, I thought the same thing.

[ipso_fatso 11]

Thank you so much for sharing. I couldn't pull my eyes away. My husband watched with me and we were wondering, do the staples stay in forever?. I haven't asked my doctor about that yet. Again thanks for sharing.

Yes - staples stay in forever and (hopefully) make sure you never develop a leak.

[chickadee73 57]

Why do so many folks come from out of state to pay cash? Do you know what he charges for self-pay?

[VSG_Barbie 65]

Why do so many folks come from out of state to pay cash? Do you know what he charges for self-pay?

He charges $11,000 for surgery. He gets $5,000 of that and $6,000 goes to the hosptal to cover the hospital stay and anesthesia. All the surgeons near me are charging $20-$30,000. He also, from what I can tell, has lots of experience and seems to be highly regarded. It's a five hour drive for me, but the cost savings makes it worth it. My husband was not comfortable with the idea of me going to Mexico.

[chickadee73 57]

Wow, that's still more than double what I am paying for Mexico. My husband isn't all that comfortable with it, either. If I could find it stateside for less than $10K, I would save my pennies. Headed to Mx next month -- of course, hoping I am making the right choice. The surgeons there are so highly regarded. I watched part of the video and then youtube lost the feed just as it was getting to the good part, so I will try again later with a faster connection. Amazing!

[Tropical.Lover 24]

Wow' date=' that's still more than double what I am paying for Mexico. My husband isn't all that comfortable with it, either. If I could find it stateside for less than 10K, I would save my pennies. Headed to Mx next month -- of course, hoping I am making the right choice. The surgeons there are so highly regarded. I watched part of the video and then youtube lost the feed just as it was getting to the good part, so I will try again later with a faster connection. Amazing![/quote']

Safe trip babes )

BEST WISHES !!!!