Self Pay - Post Op Follow-up Visits

[JordanB 9]

I'm having the surgery in Mexico. Does anyone know how the post-op visits work? Meaning, when you're post-op do you check in with your PCP to have them look at your incisions? Also, what's everyone doing pre-op as far as dieting? Are you trying to lose weight on your own prior to the surgery, are you enrolled in a program or are you waiting until the pre-op liver shrink before you give up the food?

[Kindle 8,667]

Even with going to Mexico, your surgeon should give you specific preop and postop instructions. I was given a detailed preop diet to follow and a preop weight loss requirement as well as a postop diet plan with step by step stages, Protein and Water goals and a daily log. I lost all the weight they wanted me to, just on the 2 week preop liquid diet. My surgeon's office provided my PCP with their postop recommendations. I had no issues so the only thing I've needed him to do is bloodwork at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually. My surgeon and his followup doctor are always available via phone or email and they have taken care of any other questions I've had about the "usual" postop issues including medications, diarrhea, Constipation, acid, etc.

Edited January 1, 2015 by Kindle

[JordanB 9]

Very insightful. This eases my mind a bit. Thank you very much.

[Kindle 8,667]

Very insightful. This eases my mind a bit. Thank you very much.

Good luck! When is your surgery?

[JordanB 9]

_{Thank you. My surgery is 2/2.}

[mdlange 50]

I am having VSG 2/4 in Tijuana, Dr. alejandro lopez at Vida hospital. Staying at the Marriot. I am Eating Everything! It's like I am having little food funerals! You know, like I am not going to be able to eat fudge next Christmas, so I MUST eat 12 pieces RIGHT NOW! We leave in a few days for a cruise and I just know I am going to pig out! I guess I am relying on the 2 week pre-op to wash away all my sins! I have zero control right now! I have found a really good Protein shake, the Arbonne chocolate. Very filling. I did it for a week after Thanksgiving just to see if I could do it and I did just fine. Lost 7 pounds! Then, FUDGE HAPPENED!

[mkw10 26]

I am having VSG 2/4 in Tijuana, Dr. alejandro lopez at Vida hospital. Staying at the Marriot. I am Eating Everything! It's like I am having little food funerals! You know, like I am not going to be able to eat fudge next Christmas, so I MUST eat 12 pieces RIGHT NOW! We leave in a few days for a cruise and I just know I am going to pig out! I guess I am relying on the 2 week pre-op to wash away all my sins! I have zero control right now! I have found a really good Protein shake, the Arbonne chocolate. Very filling. I did it for a week after Thanksgiving just to see if I could do it and I did just fine. Lost 7 pounds! Then, FUDGE HAPPENED!

HI THERE IM HAVING SURGERY 2/6 IN Mexico AS WELL IM STAYING AT THE MARRIOT MY SELF.. I WILL ARRIVE 2/5 I DIDNT DO SO GOOD OVER THE HOLIDAYS WITHER HOWEVER I HAVE TO LOSE 20LBS BY 2/6 MY HW IS 303 CW 295 I NEED TO BE 270ISH BY SURGERY DATE.. WOULD LIKE TO BE SLEEVE BUDDIES. I SEE UR FROM TX ALSO WHAT PART?

[mdlange 50]

Sounds great! I live on the beach near Galveston, Crystal Beach to be exact. Where you from?

I am self pay, so no weight loss requirements pre-surgery.

[mkw10 26]

Because of weight they want my bmi a little lower then what is is now.. I'm self pay also... I know I can lose it just will be some work.

[trulyamazingtoo 127]

I am eating healthier and have started a work out plan already. I purchased a exercise bike and weight system and for cardio I am doing exercise videos off of YouTube. My surgery isn't until Feb 20th but I wanted to get a head start with toning so as I lose hopefully some hidden muscle will be there. Lol

[mdlange 50]

I am 1 full week into my pre-op diet and feel AMAZING! The first 3 days were total HELL, caffein-sugar-carb withdrawals and horrible! Headache, body aches, fatigue. Bad stuff. Day 4, it was like someone flipped a switch! And I haven't cheated a SINGLE TIME! ZERO! My nut suggested adding 2 tablespoons chia seeds and 1/2 of a banana to each Protein Shake and it really helps keep me full. Anyway, I am a week and a day out! Feb 4 seems so close, and so far at the same time! EEK!

[Rubygirl 32]

Even with going to Mexico, your surgeon should give you specific preop and postop instructions. I was given a detailed preop diet to follow and a preop weight loss requirement as well as a postop diet plan with step by step stages, Protein and Water goals and a daily log. I lost all the weight they wanted me to, just on the 2 week preop liquid diet. My surgeon's office provided my PCP with their postop recommendations. I had no issues so the only thing I've needed him to do is bloodwork at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually. My surgeon and his followup doctor are always available via phone or email and they have taken care of any other questions I've had about the "usual" postop issues including medications, diarrhea, Constipation, acid, etc.

What bloodwork specifically did you do at those intervals??

[Kindle 8,667]

My surgeon recommended....

CBC, platelets

Electrolytes

Glucose

Iron studies/Ferritin

Vitamin B12

Liver and Kidney Function

Lipid Profile

25-Hydroxy Vitamin D

I had my PCP add in Zinc and Folate after researching other potential deficiencies for Bariatric patients. My labs have shown no deficiencies, and I was actually able to stop taking Iron and Calcium supplements after my 6 month results showed elevated levels. Everything was good at 12 months.

[Rubygirl 32]

@@Kindle, thanks we had the same surgeon but I didn't receive that information from him. Ruth

[Kindle 8,667]

@@Kindle, thanks we had the same surgeon but I didn't receive that information from him. Ruth

It was on the website and I clarified with Carolyn via email when I was asking my zillion questions before surgery.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Kindle