Long Term VSG Sleevers?

[cmhueto 167]

Oh! Also wanted to add a tip, whenever your mouth is really dry before when you can't drink anything or after surgery ask for a cup of cold Water to rinse your mouth out with, I did and gargled it too, that really, really helped.

Edited June 15, 2015 by cmhueto

[Chrissyg 54]

@@cmhueto

Congratulations and welcome to the loser's bench. I am glad things went okay for you.

[Tonileigh 17]

My experience: I left home at 3am and drove to Groome Transportation less than a mile from my home for transportation to the Atlanta airport. Although I arrived at the airport an hour before my flight I only boarded 5 minutes before takeoff. Atlanta airport is big and confusing and to top it off one of the escalators was broken so climbing the stairs with luggage had me sweating profusely when I boarded. I was sitting with two gentlemen and luckily I had the window seat. I had a layover in Charlotte and this time had an aisle seat with a tiny older couple. I slept most of the trip to San Diego.< /p>

Upon arrival, Lizette ( wife of one of the owners) picked me up from the airport sidewalk outside of my baggage claim area. I was expecting Annette, however she had taken a day off and Ms. Lizette came instead. She found me rather than me finding her. She drove me and another girl, Tiffany to the clinic in Tijuana. The ride was pleasant in her White Mercedes. Crossing the border was a breeze. In fact we didn’t even stop in the medical lane We just drove straight thru.

When we arrived at the clinic, Lizette left and the nurses took over. They spoke little English, some more than others, but enough. We immediately undressed and put on a gown. We were in the room together but there was a curtain between us. They took our blood and hooked us up to an IV for fluids and later for pain and nausea meds. I was really quite surprised at how quickly this process was. They put stockings on us that were really tight but that’s the point. We just rested for a couple of hours and then it was surgery time. I went first. I volunteered to do so. I figured the sooner the better so I could start recovering.

They took me to another room for the procedure. The anesthesiologist who was very nice then gave me anesthesia. It took a few minutes and then I was out. I remember waking up with two nurses sitting in the room watching me. I guess they were waiting for me to wake up. I was then taken back to the original room. I had to use the bathroom a lot which was a pain due to the IV but I still went. I actually felt pretty good and was up walking around very quickly after surgery. The next day, however I felt bad. I was feeling the gas pains (thankfully I brought the Gas X strips) and just felt nauseous. My stomach hurt pretty bad and getting on and off the bed was painful. That afternoon we changed into our regular clothes and was taken to the recovery house. At this point, I felt bad and it hurt to walk to the car. The ride was bumpy as well. It was nice at the Recovery House though. We had our own room, furnished with a flat screen TV, recliner, desk, and bed. They also have free Wi-Fi. The best thing was the remote to the air conditioner. I had gotten hot at the clinic so it was nice to be in the nice cold room. I spent a lot of time sleeping and time on my computer. I watched a little TV. I felt hungry and ate some broth and drank some Gatorade provided by the nurse.

After a while I realized it was the pain meds that were making me nauseous, so I refused any more. I wish I had taken liquid or chewable Tylenol with me.

Day 3 I woke up feeling much better. In fact I was able to shower and wash my hair which made me feel even better. Before leaving we bought meds. They will give you Rxs that you can stop at a pharmacy and fill or you can buy from them. I chose to buy from them as the prices were good. I did not opt to buy the blood thinner it was $100 and I have had no issues with this before. I did get some pain meds (which also made me nauseous), B12 shots, and the antibiotics. I didn’t buy the nausea meds or the acid reducer because I had the same meds at home already. We were taken to the airport and dropped off right where we needed to be. We did have to stop at the border this time and show our passports. We were also asked if we were bringing anything back, including meds. We showed the meds and were told it was fine if they were for personal use. I arrived to the airport much earlier that my flight because Tiffany’s flight was earlier. This was fine with me though because she was afraid she would miss her flight and I did not have this worry. While waiting I got a pedicure and massage at Be Relax inside the airport. It was a nice treat. The flight home seemed long but it was not painful. I did get up to use the restroom so I could stretch my legs.

I had some pains in my stomach for about a week but then all was well. I returned to work the Monday after my surgery, so about a week off. My job is primarily a desk job though. I am 15 days post op and doing great. I am eating Soups, Jello, smoothies, and Protein Shakes with no problem. I don’t seem to have a problem with getting liquids in. I am one of those that can drink a lot in a short period of time. I have also tried some potato salad and ice cream with no issues.

I would highly recommend Longterm VSG for having the gastric sleeve. The price is amazing but so is the quality of care. In fact, I had conversations with Dr. Maytorena, the cardiologist, and the anesthesiologist the day of surgery. They will answer any of your questions and actually have time to talk to you. I am very happy with my decision.

[Chrissyg 54]

Yay Tonileigh.....you're on the loser's bench. Congrats and I am so glad you are doing well.

[Chrissyg 54]

For anyone on the fence about this surgery and for those who wish to share my journey, I have created some YouTube videos which you can find by searching ChrissyG and I also created a blog which can be found here....I started a blog a few weeks ago about my surgery experience. Please share it with anyone who wants to know how my experience has been and continues to be. This is a journey and I want to share mine with anyone who wants or needs guidance. My blog is https://chrissygallegos.wordpress.com/

I hope that by sharing my journey I can help or guide people.

[Sweet Pee 349]

Husband is having surgery with Dr. Maytorena on July 2nd and is looking for anyone else having surgery on that day at Long Term VSG.

[aishajusteasha 13]

Husband is having surgery with Dr. Maytorena on July 2nd and is looking for anyone else having surgery on that day at Long Term VSG.

Hy are you part of the new Facebook group for Dr Maytorena? The doctor and assistant is there. I havent had surgery as of yet in research mode and a tad nervous

[aishajusteasha 13]

Husband is having surgery with Dr. Maytorena on July 2nd and is looking for anyone else having surgery on that day at Long Term VSG.

Just in case this is the group where the Doctor Maytorena and Ruben is apart of. Would love for you to join as this site gets a little overwhelming. W/Facebook i hv a file system going on of docs that im researching lol

https://www.facebook.com/groups/758719204236937/

[aishajusteasha 13]

Hi my name is Kiki im a RN im having my surgery July 13 with Dr. M at LTVSG

Hy Kiki

Can you join the LSG Facebook group if you dont mind? Im a member there and just trying to find more comfort in reading the reviews of his post op patients. Dr Maytorena and Ruben is there as well as a big handful of his other patients. Im not an admin but im sure they hv been on this blog now and or at some point. Here's the link Hope to see you there would love to follow you and all Maytorena patients

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/758719204236937/

[aishajusteasha 13]

My sister and I are both booked for July 9th with Dr. Maytorena... Terrified and excited all rolled into one. I keep having bad dreams that I'll regret not being able to eat for enjoyment anymore (because I'm familiar with how that feels when dieting). What I'm not familiar with, is feeling healthy, fit, energetic, and attractive. I suspect I'll prefer the latter and so will my son and husband.

 

Did anyone else feel like this was really surreal and like other people get WLS but not you???

Yes i have this feeling daily. I wake up and say I dont look that bad (im guessing thats because im at the comfort of my home) get to work and feel the extra weight and how bad it looks to me and possibly to others. My friends and i most common activity is going out to eat and drinking.

I keep convincing myself that i dont need this to hv fun but def going to take some time to mentally prepare myself.

[Designer Edit 41]

I think that's a good idea. I've really started to settle into the idea that I'm getting surgery soon. It feels less weird since I wrote that post and while I felt like it was ages between making the decision and actually getting the surgery, I'm glad I've had this much time to let the idea marinate. Now I'm just looking forward to the changes it will bring. I dream about having the energy to dance all night at my husband's Christmas party in Banff and not dreading those really hot days where shorts and a tank top are the only thing a reasonable person should wear. I took the stairs at my friend's office yesterday and was so embarrassed that it took me a solid 5 minutes for my breathing to normalize. I won't miss this body I'm lugging around everyday! I'll miss the food - actually, I'll miss diet coke and drinking with my meals the most but I think that will pale in comparison to wearing high-heals and sitting comfortably in a movie theatre and not wondering if I'll get stuck if I go down the slide with my son.

I've done a lot of research since making the decision and even finally had the guts to look up stories of botched surgeries and people who have regrets. I've watch YouTube videos of people during their weight-loss and now I know to expect loose skin and to look a little older. I'm okay with those things because I know they're coming. I would be disappointed if I wasn't expecting them.

Anyway, do lots of research. Read blogs on Pinterest, watch videos on YouTube... Do whatever you have to do to not only feel educated, but to feel like you know what to expect. It's made a world of difference for me!

[Tricebhasstyle 51]

I got my date y'all!! Hoohoo! Deposit paid. I'm going through all the feelings about this thing I'm purposely having done to myself. I'm at the point of retiring to the facts now. I am believing that ALL will be well through this entire event in my life. I will make the changes required to be healthy and this tool will help me along the way. My surgery date is July 14th with Dr. Maytorena at Long Term VSG in TJ. Wish me luck! Prayer is even better. Lolbvs ..Thanks!

[Sweet Pee 349]

 

Husband is having surgery with Dr. Maytorena on July 2nd and is looking for anyone else having surgery on that day at Long Term VSG.

Hy are you part of the new Facebook group for Dr Maytorena? The doctor and assistant is there. I havent had surgery as of yet in research mode and a tad nervous

He went on the Facebook page, but no, he is not part of their Facebook group.

 

Thanks for the information.

[Tricebhasstyle 51]

Anyone interested in info or reviews on Long Term VSG should look at "Dorothy's" review on YouTube. They recently uploaded it. She should make vids of her own, I'd def watch.

[Nurse 52 94]

He guys for those of you who have had the sleeve what Multivitamin are you taking? Thanks surgery is July 13 I start my high Protein low carb diet on Sun