It's going to be for real this time!

[Torias mom 14]

I may have posted my intentions to get the sleeve here before, but I cant remember. But this time its for real! I have had a long road to get here.

In 2007 I had a crap band put in. It did nothing for me. Well, I shouldn't say that, I have not had heartburn since it was put in, but other than that, no weight loss, just lots of stuck food and vomiting. No weight loss what so ever. I tried really hard to make it work, but as time went on slider food became the easiest, so I have gained.

A few years ago I was all set to get the DS, I had a hospital about 5 hours away that was going to do it, but then a veteran DS surgeon joined a hospital just over an hour away, so I switched hospitals. The close on, during some pre-op stuff took my height as 6'1" instead of 61" at one point and when I told them to look at me, im no where near 6 feet tall, along with a failed lap band, they said the only thing they would do was fill the lap band, or find the leak and replace what needed to be replaced. At this point it was too late to go back to the far away place for surgery because they were booked and it was at the end of the year and I was losing the insurance that would pay for it.

Last year at this time, I decided I wanted the sleeve, it just seemed like a much safer choice with great results. After checking with insurance, I was approved, and went thru all the testing and protocol needed by the insurance and the hospital. I got a week away from surgery, and then they called again to check with the insurance, only to find out they were given bad information and the surgery was not a covered benefit. It was employer excluded, from their self funded policy. I begged and pleaded and showed them how much money I had put out over the course of all the testing, deductibles, copays, etc, but nope, no surgery for me.

Now, finally, I have the funding to go to Mexico. I have surgery booked for 4/12 with Dr alejandro lopez in Tijuana. I have the money, I've paid my deposit, and have made all the arrangements. Hubby and 9 year old daughter will fly to San Diego with me, come to Tijuana for the night and to to the hospital with me. After surgery, we will arrange for the shuttle driver to take Hubby and daughter back to San Diego, and I'll be staying at the hospital and the Marriott myself. I am happy with this decision. I know I've been told that it is a safe area, but I'm much more at peace with them enjoying San Diego. I booked the trip for them and have them staying in Old Town, and at this point I'm jealous and want to plan another trip to go there.

I am so happy now that it's really going to happen, but even though it seems so far away, I'm sure the 3 months will fly by. I'm already getting nervous, oh no, what am I doing to myself? It will probably only get worse, but after so many, starts and stops, I can't wait.

So this is how I go to this point, its been a very long time coming but now that its finally happening, so worth it. Anyone else going to be in Mexico at Mi Doctors on 4/12?

Thanks for reading all my rambling.

Lisa

[LuckyT 58]

I'm happy for you too! I had a failed lap band and had very little weight loss for two years before having it removed last March then was sleeved 10/22/13. Best decision I have made in regards to weight loss - huge difference. I feel good, can eat "normal" as far as not vomiting and/or feeling stuck although my food portions are only about a 1/4 cup. Best of all I am down a total of 45 pounds in a bit over 3 months. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope you are as happy as I am . Have a safe & healthful trip to Mexico!

[Torias mom 14]

Thank you Lucky! You're doing great! I can't wait to be on the losing side too!

[CanadaLoser 80]

I may have posted my intentions to get the sleeve here before, but I cant remember. But this time its for real! I have had a long road to get here.

In 2007 I had a crap band put in. It did nothing for me. Well, I shouldn't say that, I have not had heartburn since it was put in, but other than that, no weight loss, just lots of stuck food and vomiting. No weight loss what so ever. I tried really hard to make it work, but as time went on slider food became the easiest, so I have gained.

A few years ago I was all set to get the DS, I had a hospital about 5 hours away that was going to do it, but then a veteran DS surgeon joined a hospital just over an hour away, so I switched hospitals. The close on, during some pre-op stuff took my height as 6'1" instead of 61" at one point and when I told them to look at me, im no where near 6 feet tall, along with a failed lap band, they said the only thing they would do was fill the lap band, or find the leak and replace what needed to be replaced. At this point it was too late to go back to the far away place for surgery because they were booked and it was at the end of the year and I was losing the insurance that would pay for it.

Last year at this time, I decided I wanted the sleeve, it just seemed like a much safer choice with great results. After checking with insurance, I was approved, and went thru all the testing and protocol needed by the insurance and the hospital. I got a week away from surgery, and then they called again to check with the insurance, only to find out they were given bad information and the surgery was not a covered benefit. It was employer excluded, from their self funded policy. I begged and pleaded and showed them how much money I had put out over the course of all the testing, deductibles, copays, etc, but nope, no surgery for me.

Now, finally, I have the funding to go to Mexico. I have surgery booked for 4/12 with Dr alejandro lopez in Tijuana. I have the money, I've paid my deposit, and have made all the arrangements. Hubby and 9 year old daughter will fly to San Diego with me, come to Tijuana for the night and to to the hospital with me. After surgery, we will arrange for the shuttle driver to take Hubby and daughter back to San Diego, and I'll be staying at the hospital and the Marriott myself. I am happy with this decision. I know I've been told that it is a safe area, but I'm much more at peace with them enjoying San Diego. I booked the trip for them and have them staying in Old Town, and at this point I'm jealous and want to plan another trip to go there.

I am so happy now that it's really going to happen, but even though it seems so far away, I'm sure the 3 months will fly by. I'm already getting nervous, oh no, what am I doing to myself? It will probably only get worse, but after so many, starts and stops, I can't wait.

So this is how I go to this point, its been a very long time coming but now that its finally happening, so worth it. Anyone else going to be in Mexico at Mi Doctors on 4/12?

Thanks for reading all my rambling.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

how did everything go? I am considering Dr Lopez as well.