Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Single mom thinking of going to see Dr Illan



Recommended Posts

I'll try and keep this from turning into a novel. I think I just need some encouragement.

Last year I was going through the process to be approved for the VSG with BCBS. I ended up being laid off and losing my coverage and my new coverage doesn't cover bariatric procedures at all. So... off to Tijuana I go!!

First, I'm a single mom of a toddler with little support. I would be looking at going to Tijuana by myself and telling nearly no one I was going or what I was going for. Has anyone gone down and made it back home safely alone?

How will the surgery effect me being able to parent? I know rough stuff is out of the question, but being able to get in and out of the car seat, bend over to change pullups, leaning over the tub for bath time, etc? Will I be able to complete my everyday tasks by the time I get home.

Lastly, I know they split the payment for surgery, but how much is the deposit and how much is due when you come? I'm trying to plan and see if I can get this done before the fall.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Something I have learned is that each person is different. I went to Dr. Illan and had a wonderful experience, no nausea or pains. I was up and moving very shortly after surgery. I tried to get up immediately, but they made me wait. Now, my surgery sister next door was throwing up all night. She got meds to help...but this is highlighting some of the differences.

I was told a lifting limit of 10lbs for a few weeks. So, having a toddler might be tough. There are others who have done that and been fine. As soon as i was out of the hospital, I was on the move. I never really struggled with the recovery. However. I have no kids, just large dogs.

The deposit was $500 and the balance was due prior to surgery.



Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I'm a single mom as well of a very active girl and I was able to do everything I did before the surgery. I seriously had no pain except for the first 12 hrs. I was so gassy from the gas they blow up your stomach with it was painful because the gas pressure. But I brought lots of gas x strips which helped a lot. My incisions had no pain at all, no pain when I was bending moving nothing. IT was the easiest surgery ever and I've had quite a few. I had my surgery Jan of 2014 and I'm still doing great and love having my body back to a place I feel comfortable. Now I didn't go alone but the way the experience was I wouldn't be worried to go alone if I needed to go back alone I wouldn't mind. My dad was totally opposed to it and super skeptical and he went with me and he was really surprised by how great the entire experience was.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, mbuczkowski said:

Something I have learned is that each person is different. I went to Dr. Illan and had a wonderful experience, no nausea or pains. I was up and moving very shortly after surgery. I tried to get up immediately, but they made me wait. Now, my surgery sister next door was throwing up all night. She got meds to help...but this is highlighting some of the differences.

I was told a lifting limit of 10lbs for a few weeks. So, having a toddler might be tough. There are others who have done that and been fine. As soon as i was out of the hospital, I was on the move. I never really struggled with the recovery. However. I have no kids, just large dogs.

The deposit was $500 and the balance was due prior to surgery.


Thank you so much! This is really helpful.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 2017-03-23 at 2:36 PM, msdr1 said:

I'll try and keep this from turning into a novel. I think I just need some encouragement.

Last year I was going through the process to be approved for the VSG with BCBS. I ended up being laid off and losing my coverage and my new coverage doesn't cover bariatric procedures at all. So... off to Tijuana I go!!

First, I'm a single mom of a toddler with little support. I would be looking at going to Tijuana by myself and telling nearly no one I was going or what I was going for. Has anyone gone down and made it back home safely alone?

How will the surgery effect me being able to parent? I know rough stuff is out of the question, but being able to get in and out of the car seat, bend over to change pullups, leaning over the tub for bath time, etc? Will I be able to complete my everyday tasks by the time I get home.

Lastly, I know they split the payment for surgery, but how much is the deposit and how much is due when you come? I'm trying to plan and see if I can get this done before the fall.

I went alone to the OCC, in Mexico.im glad I went alone, I relaxed and didn't concern myself over my husband or friend. 5 days post op today and I'm home as of yesterday and doing Great.

Edited by Please

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am a widow/single mom and I traveled by myself and did not tell anyone but my sister and my cousin who had the sleeve 6 months ago. Everything was fine. I paid a $500 deposit and then balance due before surgery.
Down 27 lbs in 6 weeks!


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to Dr Illan and have a 2 year old. I went alone for the surgery because i wanted my hubby to stay home with our three girls. Vallets were a BIG help! I didn't experience much pain but I was up and walking the second I could and I walked a bunch! I think that is why. By the time I got home I was able to handle my mommy duties just fine but I did teach my 2 year old to crawl into her car seat with minimal assistance from me before I left as a precaution. You know, just kind of guiding her in. All other mommy duties like the carpool for my older ones, diaper changes, etc were no problem. I was pretty much back to myself when I got home.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Goyafigs

      I had VSG 11.20.24 with Miguel Burch, MD Cedars-Sinai and I am 1 month post-op. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • DaisyChainOz

      🥳 Jan 1 2025 - Day 1 of Pre Op, surgery on the 16th! 😬😅
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×