POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
Mom and Daughter Searching for a Way out of Obesity - Tijuana, Mexico
ORIGINAL POST
I am a 40 year old single mother who has been...
nolakatygirlMay 1, 2016
WORTH IT$2,999
I am a 40 year old single mother who has been battling obesity all my life. My obesity has been like a thick coat or shell that is very difficult to remove. It has kept me from living life or feeling like I have a life. During the many reminders of my obesity from either family, friends, or the media; the emotional failure of my attempts have added more weight.
I've tried countless weightloss regimes and have spent countless dollars to 'fit in'. My weight is at its highest, 290 pounds, and I am tired of feeling and looking fat and tired. Surgery is an option but it is not covered under my insurance because my BMI hasn't been over a certain point for 5 years. One of my greatest regrets is passing my dysfunctional eating habits to my daughter. She is 16 years old and is 20 pounds less than me. She and I are both looking for something that works. I want her to enjoy the last two years of high school. I want her to enjoy life, being part of life not looking at others enjoying life behind a 'partition'.
In closing, I am searching for other options for my daughter and I.
I've tried countless weightloss regimes and have spent countless dollars to 'fit in'. My weight is at its highest, 290 pounds, and I am tired of feeling and looking fat and tired. Surgery is an option but it is not covered under my insurance because my BMI hasn't been over a certain point for 5 years. One of my greatest regrets is passing my dysfunctional eating habits to my daughter. She is 16 years old and is 20 pounds less than me. She and I are both looking for something that works. I want her to enjoy the last two years of high school. I want her to enjoy life, being part of life not looking at others enjoying life behind a 'partition'.
In closing, I am searching for other options for my daughter and I.
Replies (11)
May 20, 2016
Hi! I find this forum very helpful for me. I'm not sleeved yet but I know in those lonely and depressed moments I'm coming here for support. I hope everything works out for you and your daughter.
December 29, 2016
What was the total cost of your surgery (flight and all). I am looking for affordable options since I dont have insurance and bad credit. Also does one have to have someone go with you? I haven't told anyone I want to have gastric surgery. I am desperate
December 29, 2016
Hi. If you get the promotional price, the cost of the surgery at the surgery center is $2999 and at the Oasis Hospital is $3499.
You do not have to bring someone with you. The doctors and nursing staff takes good care of you. I was going by myself but my daughter and close friend was uncomfortable with me traveling alone. And, the cost of the flight varies. My cost was over $400 round trip per person. I think the cost could have been cut in half if I waited, but I decided to go do the surgery within weeks.
I keep a small circle of friends and family that know about the surgery...and that's ok.
You do not have to bring someone with you. The doctors and nursing staff takes good care of you. I was going by myself but my daughter and close friend was uncomfortable with me traveling alone. And, the cost of the flight varies. My cost was over $400 round trip per person. I think the cost could have been cut in half if I waited, but I decided to go do the surgery within weeks.
I keep a small circle of friends and family that know about the surgery...and that's ok.
December 29, 2016
Thank you so much for the reply. Could you please give me contact information on who to speak and see about getting that pricing. Obesity runs in my family and they think surgery is "stupid". I just want a better life style. Wish you and your daughter an amazing 2017! Hopefully this new year is MY year.
December 29, 2016
This can be your year! I fully understand how family members can discourage you. It's because they do not understand and fear the unknown. Try to keep it within a very few people. Once you have the surgery, you will need love, support and understanding to keep going. It's not because of pain and complications...the lifestyle change and temptations.
LTVSG Patient coordinator is Ruben. If you need support or have questions, I'm here, never think you're bothering me, just message me.
January 3, 2017
I bought it for my procedure but not for my daughter's because I had medicine left over. And, following my daughter procedure, she received a package with antibiotics, antiseptic, and bandages for free.
January 3, 2017
So do you recommend that we should buy the medicine package? Is it worth the $150 or $200 (I can't remember the cost)
January 3, 2017
It's $150. It depends if you can get the medicine somewhere else and for less. The package includes blood thinner, pain med, nausea meds, antiseptic, a medicine for acid reflux and antibiotic. The blood thinner, antibiotic is taken a few days to a week, the acid reflux med is for 2 months and I didn't need to take the other medicine. They give u more than needed.
UPDATED FROM nolakatygirl
19 days pre
Date Scheduled! Count Down to November 18th!
nolakatygirlOctober 29, 2016
I've been following this site since May of this year trying to make
the final decision. The reviews and support from my closest friends have
convinced me to move forward to make a change.
With my weight steadily increasing and the promotional offer, I
decided to schedule an appointment with LTVSG for November 18, 2016. I
picked this date because my recovery period can be with my and my
daughter's thanksgiving leave. My deposit, flight and a hotel room for
my daughter are paid for. The reality of my decision is getting stronger
and now I am feeling scared of the unknown. The closer I get to the
preop diet time, I find myself eating to comfort my fears and anxiety.
I will upload a picture later and periodically track my journey just in case someone finds it helpful.
Height - 5'6"
current weight - 297
the final decision. The reviews and support from my closest friends have
convinced me to move forward to make a change.
With my weight steadily increasing and the promotional offer, I
decided to schedule an appointment with LTVSG for November 18, 2016. I
picked this date because my recovery period can be with my and my
daughter's thanksgiving leave. My deposit, flight and a hotel room for
my daughter are paid for. The reality of my decision is getting stronger
and now I am feeling scared of the unknown. The closer I get to the
preop diet time, I find myself eating to comfort my fears and anxiety.
I will upload a picture later and periodically track my journey just in case someone finds it helpful.
Height - 5'6"
current weight - 297
Replies (5)
October 30, 2016
Don't worry about the eating too much from what I keep reading most folks that had the vsg had "food funerals " lol and they are all fine.
October 30, 2016
Ok. I hope so. I read that from others but didn't fully understand until I was experiencing it. Your replies and supportive comments are extremely valuable to me. Thank you so much!
November 19, 2016
Omg I have mine's scheduled for February, I'm so proud of you and you give me the strong hype to feel secure about getting my surgery. Thanks so much please keep posting I need as much info as possible. Also how was the trip I hear so many of my friends say tijuana is really bad, is the facility and the hotel safe and nice? #houstonchic
November 20, 2016
My trip was very nice. Everyone there is polite and pleasant. I can honestly say that I have no regrets...well maybe one...I didn't do it sooner.
The hotel my daughter stayed in was ok. She said the bed was hard and the water had an odor. However, the clinic made sure she got something to eat and in the hotel.
I felt safe the entire time. I sort of think I could have come alone but having company is always nice. I'll post more pictures.
The hotel my daughter stayed in was ok. She said the bed was hard and the water had an odor. However, the clinic made sure she got something to eat and in the hotel.
I felt safe the entire time. I sort of think I could have come alone but having company is always nice. I'll post more pictures.
UPDATED FROM nolakatygirl
3 days pre
My surgery date is this week. I am nervous,...
nolakatygirlNovember 14, 2016
My surgery date is this week. I am nervous, scared, skeptical, anxious, have a headache and a little depressed. Reason being, only 2 of my friends and my daughter know about my surgery and my mother was just hospitalized. My mother is overweight, has asthma, diabetes, neuropathy, and is in a wound care rehab facility for her legs...I hear the depression in her voice; and my daughter, 17, is overweight too, cried the other day because she couldn't find clothes in her closet to fit her. I felt so helpless! If I could magically make it better in an instant, I would in a heartbeat. Thinking logically and in perspective, my mother is in the best place to get better and has lost weight in rehab, and I hope my daughter find some weight loss success in doing the pre op diet with me.
HW 297
CW 295
The pre op diet is 2 weeks but I got off track with my mother being in the hospital, so I have 5 days to stick to the diet. Overall, I hate being overweight! Food is my everything/comfort...since childhood. But my relationship with food has to change because I have allowed the temporary satisfaction ruin my life far too long. I'm tired of not wanting to do anything because I can't find clothes or observing others wishing to be in their shoes and I don't want to be the lonely fat chick in the room. Im tired of being single and sadly, I was single when I thought I was in a relationship. A picture was uploaded so that I can use this forum to track my ups, downs, milestones and help others along the way. I have so many places to see and memorable experiences I have yet to have! Your encouragement is greatly needed!
HW 297
CW 295
The pre op diet is 2 weeks but I got off track with my mother being in the hospital, so I have 5 days to stick to the diet. Overall, I hate being overweight! Food is my everything/comfort...since childhood. But my relationship with food has to change because I have allowed the temporary satisfaction ruin my life far too long. I'm tired of not wanting to do anything because I can't find clothes or observing others wishing to be in their shoes and I don't want to be the lonely fat chick in the room. Im tired of being single and sadly, I was single when I thought I was in a relationship. A picture was uploaded so that I can use this forum to track my ups, downs, milestones and help others along the way. I have so many places to see and memorable experiences I have yet to have! Your encouragement is greatly needed!
Replies (17)
November 14, 2016
Hi, you are right your mom is in the best possible place, with around the clock care, best nutrition and professional staff. Think of it as a blessing. She will be in a facility not at home where God knows what these granny's do. We have the same struggle with my grandmother. She doesn't follow doctors orders...ever. Doesn't stick to a diabetic friendly diet. She eats like she's a teenager.... But honestly it's time you do you. You need to not stress it will affect your healing. Your daughter will have her turn, she needs to put in some work. Right now it's your turn and she needs to woman up and support you take on your role while you heal. It's okay that only a few people know for some it's best that way.
November 15, 2016
Jocy81, thank so much for the support and words of comfort. I really appreciate you. How have u been?
November 15, 2016
I almost forgot, tomorrow is your day! You'll be on your way back home when I get there. I wish u the best and we will keep in touch.
November 15, 2016
Hungry, and moody. I love carbs! But for the most part I'm good I dropped down to 211. So 7 lbs during this pre-op diet. I'm so excited for tomorrow.
November 18, 2016
Hey! I just wanted to drop by and wish you luck for your surgery today. Hope it goes well! We are all here to support you. Please give us an update when you feel able. Take care :)
November 19, 2016
Hope surgery went smooth.
November 19, 2016
It did. I'm sleeved! Feel a nauseous and little sore but it's not too bad. My daughter is in her hotel room living like a queen. This I really working out better than I thought. How r u?
November 19, 2016
I was a little out of it yesterday. I'm still doing good. My incisions are sore and I feel like I was punched in the stomach a few times in more than one place. Getting up is almost how you do at 9 months pregnant. LOL. And I'm not hungry thank God!
I walked around just a moment ago but the area is so short, turning to go the opposite direction was making me dizzy.
I can't thank you enough for sharing your experience and giving me support. Your comments played an integral role in going through with the surgery.
Now that you are home, how's the transition?
November 19, 2016
I'm doing good. I was so tired the last day at the recovery house. I was ready to be home in my own bed. I've slept really good since. The only problem was the meds I keep puking them out. I just stopped taking them. I didn't need pain meds. I'm just sore like I went for a jog. Other than that staying hydrated. I got a light headache so I ate some broth and later had some jello and I was fine. I was sipping on Isopure all day. Then I switched to Gatorade I started getting leg cramps. So I figured I was a little dehydrated. It's actually hard to consume all the liquid, I wake up at night to take sips of Gatorade.
November 19, 2016
I haven't had any of the acid reflux or anything bad, the only thing is since I was at the recovery house I had bubbly guts, very watery stool no discomfort just weird. So anytime I felt like I had to pass gas I go sit in the toilet just in case lol.
November 19, 2016
I have air in my throat that is difficult to pass. It's uncomfortable. We are now at a clinic to do the leak test. I think I'm ready for the recovery house for some rest.
November 19, 2016
You're right. I just finished it and found a little relief. I became a little nauseas but was able to keep it together. I think I took too much the first time.
November 19, 2016
After today its smooth sailing. At least for me it was. You will do the second leak test this evening and about 45minutes later they give you jello or soup. I took the soup as I had strong chest pains from gas. Rest my friend.
Hey there, and welcome! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I hope you'll get lots of support from the community. Are you considering a sleeve gastrectomy since your insurance won't cover it?