Researching procedures

[satindollphoto 0]

Hello everyone

I am in the process of researching WLS. I am leaning toward the Mini Bypass and gastric plication. I wold like to know please:

what was the cost of your surgery? I will be self paying since I have no insurance.

What complications did you have afterwards? (hair loss, dumping, leaks, etc)

What you wish you had known BEFORE the procedure.

Sorry for so many question but I need to calm some fears so I can schedule a surgery next year.

I have a few co-morbid conditions like sleep apnea, acid reflux, bad joints, depression, sugar addiction and high cholesterol for which I am taking meds for.

Thanks in advance

[Janice1968 92]

I had the MGB and I am 3 months out. I don't dump so far, I have a hard time eating meat at this point. I'm sure it will get better. I went to Mexico because I was self pay as well. I paid $6500. With Dr verboonen. No regrets! Good luck on making your decision.

[satindollphoto 0]

Thanks Janice

I think I might do Mexico too just trying to find a good doctor there.

have not told many people about my decision except my best girlfriend, she is going with me. Were you able to pay in installments? I don't have the entire cost yet, so far i have saved $2500 waiting on my income tax refund for the rest.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I choose the sleeve. I was not keen on rewiring my plumbing and I liked the idea of a slower weight loss in the hopes that I may not need skin surgery afterwards. In my area the bariatric program had an informational seminar that you had to attend before you were allowed to even schedule an appointment with the surgeon. Perhaps if you could find one in your area you could attend and ask questions. If you are self pay, Mexico is the way to go.

[Janice1968 92]

I did not check into payments, we went to the bank and took out a personal loan. I know at the seminar they handed out a flyer on financial options. The sleeve in Mexico with my Dr. Is only $4200. Hope that helps.

[utahgirll 81]

Janice, you mention it was 4,200, here, then above 6,500. Which? How has it been going for you? Please tell me all about it. How many MGB has verboonen performed? Pros, Cons?

thanks,

tristan

Edited December 21, 2014 by utahgirll

[Janice1968 92]

I got the MGB it is $6500. The sleeve is $4200. I'm not sure how many MGB's he has performed but he has a website called the Obesity Goodbye Center. I am doing great still trying to remember to slow down when I eat. My only issue is that I have always been a fast eater, then my food gets stuck for a while. When I am thinking about it and I eat slow I have no problems. Dr verboonen has been great. If I have any questions I either send him a private message on Facebook or send him a text. He always gets back to me within a few minutes to a couple hours.

[Brians147 50]

I had my MIni Gastric Bypass in Tijuana at the INT Hospital with dr. Ponce de leon on Apr 23rd. I weighed 320 lbs and have lost 126 lbs in the past 8 months. I now run 6 miles every other day, am no longer diabetic, nor have high BP, Cholestrol, GERD, or sleep apnea.

I had only one minor issue and that was a week after I got back to Canada.

One of my centre incisions became infected, or rather a couple of deep stitches did, and it required me to see my doctor daily for six weeks so he could repack wound.

The infection had gone deep and I now have a small hernia below that incision. It doesn't hurt and pops in and out but causes no problem. I'll probably get it tended to when I get a Tummy Tuck.

The MGB is free in Canada but in my province of Saskatchewan the waiting list is 5 years. At 57 years of age I didn't have 5 years to wait so I paid the $12,000 Canadian myself for the flight and surgery. It was the best gift I've ever given myself.

INT is the cleanest hospital I've ever been in anywhere and the staff, nurses, and doctors were top notch. ponce de leon has been doing these surgeries for 18 yrs and knows what he's doing. They had a car waiting at the San Diego airport for me and drive me across the border to INT and then back four days later.