POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
Turning 50 and Want To Be FIT!!!! - Mexico, MX
ORIGINAL POST
Hi all, My surgery is scheduled for March 26,...
FreedomFiftyMarch 1, 2016
$5,250
Hi all,
My surgery is scheduled for March 26, 2016 in Tijuana, Mexico. I do not have a supportive family so I am doing this journey alone. That's a big part of why I joined this on-line support group. ;) I have done tons of research and the one thing I can conclude is that everyone responds differently to the sleeve with regard to pain and recovery time so I'm doing my best not to get too worked up about it. I have stocked up on the things I think I need pre, during and post-surgery. I already have part of my suitcase packed. Ha Ha. What can I say. I'm keen to get this procedure done. I've tried every possible diet, exercise, some pills (bad way to go) and I'm at my wits end. Now with the surgery scheduled, I'm hoping and praying for the best.
A big thank you to everyone on here for sharing your experiences as it has truly helped me to prepare for what I will need while I am away getting surgery and what supplies I should already have at home upon my return.
Best of luck to everyone getting their surgery. May our journeys to a healthier place begin today!
My surgery is scheduled for March 26, 2016 in Tijuana, Mexico. I do not have a supportive family so I am doing this journey alone. That's a big part of why I joined this on-line support group. ;) I have done tons of research and the one thing I can conclude is that everyone responds differently to the sleeve with regard to pain and recovery time so I'm doing my best not to get too worked up about it. I have stocked up on the things I think I need pre, during and post-surgery. I already have part of my suitcase packed. Ha Ha. What can I say. I'm keen to get this procedure done. I've tried every possible diet, exercise, some pills (bad way to go) and I'm at my wits end. Now with the surgery scheduled, I'm hoping and praying for the best.
A big thank you to everyone on here for sharing your experiences as it has truly helped me to prepare for what I will need while I am away getting surgery and what supplies I should already have at home upon my return.
Best of luck to everyone getting their surgery. May our journeys to a healthier place begin today!
Replies (33)
March 20, 2016
Hi there, I just came back from Tijuana where I had surgery on 3/11. While I took my husband I noticed that many do go at it alone and honestly it is possible. I couldn't tell many people about it and so I too felt a bit like I was going at it alone. Let me tell you that everything went very well. Other than be sore for a couple of days and my body retained a lot of fluid for about 6 days making my hands look like blown up gloves and my ankles turned to cankles I really had no significant unbearable pain. I have posted my presurgery story in this forum as well and need to go update it. I used Tijuana Bariatrics and Dr. Fernando Garcia. You are about to make a significant change in your life. Do it right and follow the plan and your success will be amazing. Best wishes and prayers. Sharla
March 20, 2016
Hi Sharla, thank you soooo much for posting a response here. I'm so happy to read all went well for you in Tijuana. I too am having Dr Fernando Garcia do the surgery. I look forward to reading your personal journey and updates post-surgery. I leave Friday morning and I just pray my flights are all on time. That's my biggest concern at this point. lol :))
March 21, 2016
Congratulations on your lifelong decision!!! Stay strong even if family refuse to support you always remember you are doing this because of your love you have for yourself. Mines is 5 weeks old and I am doing excellent!!! Do exactly what the Drs ask you to do take your medication as instructed (especially vitamin and mineral +water lol God bless you and look foward to a better YOU!!!
March 21, 2016
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support miss lisa44. I am so glad to read you are doing so well. I really just want it done and over with now. Lol
March 22, 2016
Congratulations! You are going to be so happy you made this decision. I am 14 months post op and have no dietary restrictions. Feeling great and wishing the same for you!!
March 22, 2016
Awe, thank you so much JackiN and so happy to read you have no dietary restrictions. That is fantastic news and Congratulations to you on your journey! I know how much I will want to eat will change dramatically but I am glad the food choices are still wide open. :)))
March 26, 2016
I'm wondering why you chose the band also. I haven't set my date yet, but I'm getting the lap band taken out and having revision to the sleeve. I can't wait to get that band out of me.
April 22, 2016
Hi Allie8203,
Finances had a big part to play!
We paid for my surgery £4,995.00.
It is £10,000 for gastric sleeve surgery!
I am extremely happy with my gastric band.
I have done really well and I will succeed.
I am now 15stone! April 20th 2016!
I was 17st 9Lb on jan 16th 2016..
I have lost 6st 3.5lb April 2015 I weighed 21st 3.5Lb...
I am no longer a bunny in the headlights!
I am now a HAPPY BUNNY....:))
Best wishes for revision to sleeve!
Finances had a big part to play!
We paid for my surgery £4,995.00.
It is £10,000 for gastric sleeve surgery!
I am extremely happy with my gastric band.
I have done really well and I will succeed.
I am now 15stone! April 20th 2016!
I was 17st 9Lb on jan 16th 2016..
I have lost 6st 3.5lb April 2015 I weighed 21st 3.5Lb...
I am no longer a bunny in the headlights!
I am now a HAPPY BUNNY....:))
Best wishes for revision to sleeve!
UPDATED FROM FreedomFifty
23 days pre
Getting sleeved in Mexico in 24 days! Can't wait.
FreedomFiftyMarch 2, 2016
It seems like its been a long journey to get to this place but now I'm only 24 days away from starting my new journey. I chose Mexico because I'm paying for the surgery myself. I did months of research before choosing my surgeon and am I ever glad I did. There are some dodgy ones out there but I've heard and read nothing but good things about my surgeon and his team. Praying for everything to fall into place from the flights to the surgery to even the weather. Lol
Replies (13)
March 6, 2016
It's gonna happen soon! Are you going to stay on and give a review of your progress?
March 6, 2016
Hi NewDeb78, I will definitely stay on a give a review of my progress. I know how much it helped me to read other people's reviews and to gain tips of how to be prepared before, during and after surgery. So many things I learned from everyone here that shared their experience, including the emotional journey. Certainly, as I get closer to the date I sometimes second guess my decision. But reading how so many people went through that same place of doubt but came through the other side with flying colors has really helped. So, if sharing my journey helps even one other person with their decision about getting sleeved, and in Mexico, then that will make me very happy. :)
March 6, 2016
Thank you. Since you are getting sleeved before me, I'd like to keep up. Like you, reading what others have done and went through has been helping me with my decision this time around. I didn't read any before. With more knowledge about the journey in every aspect helps tremendously.
March 6, 2016
I totally agree. I'm glad we can keep in touch and help each other through this process. I'm happy to go first. :) Do you have an idea yet of when your surgery will take place?
March 6, 2016
No. I don't have any dates. I'm still awaiting for my initial consultation. I'm hoping someone cancels so I can get in earlier. The pace here is booked. And the other doc I would choose is out of town and I really would rather stay local, so I have to wait. But given that my initial appt is on April 13th, 6 months from that would be in Oct. seems so far away, yet I know it'll be around the corner sooner than I think.
March 6, 2016
I think since I know exactly what I want, I'll email the doc and see if I can bypass the initial informational appt. let's see....
March 7, 2016
That's a great idea. One of the other ladies in here said you've gotta be proactive. Even though the surgeons have done this a lot, there are things you can question. one thing I read is that every place makes you drink a barium liquid for the x-ray to see if there are leakages after surgery. Most people assume you have to drink the whole cup they give you. One girl asked the nurse if drinking only half the cup would work and she said that's fine. Most people wouldn't think to ask just like most people wouldn't think to ask to skip the initial consultation....soooo I say go for it!! :)
March 20, 2016
I too am going to Mexico for my GS. I want to have it scheduled for April but I am overwhelmed with choosing a surgeon. May I ask is there a specific site that helped with your decision and which doctor you chose? There are so many surgeons and i need the best as I wont be able to afford a self pay hospital stay in the states if I have complications after I return home, plus 8 have no support as my significant other is not supportive of me having it done. It's such a huge decision and it's the only thing holding me back. I appreciate any input or advice you can provide.
March 20, 2016
Hi s.ziler73, I chose Dr Fernando Garcia in Tijuana Mexico at Tijuana Bariatrics because he's done so many of these surgeries, I've not heard, seen or read any bad reviews about him, the coordinator I deal with its the same person every time (some places have all kinds of different people respond to your emails which in my opinion means no one has to be accountable), but I have one main coordinator, one nutritionist, one nurse and one surgeon. That provides great relief for me. And, you can contact them as often as you like for as long as you like after surgery which again provides great relief. That's all just my opinion and how I made my decision. Yours may be very different. :))
March 21, 2016
Hi there, I just came back from Tijuana where I had surgery on 3/11. While I took my husband I noticed that many do go at it alone and honestly it is possible. I couldn't tell many people about it and so I too felt a bit like I was going at it alone. Let me tell you that everything went very well. Other than be sore for a couple of days and my body retained a lot of fluid for about 6 days making my hands look like blown up gloves and my ankles turned to cankles I really had no significant unbearable pain. I have posted my presurgery story in this forum as well and need to go update it. I used Tijuana Bariatrics and Dr. Fernando Garcia. You are about to make a significant change in your life. Do it right and follow the plan and your success will be amazing. Best wishes and prayers. Sharla
April 21, 2016
Hi Sharlag! I am about to get the single incision sleeve with Dr. Garcia in 2 weeks. Did you get the single incision and if so, can you see the incisions in your belly button?
April 22, 2016
I got the single incision Cherylin and I can barely see the incision in my belly button. I had seen another patient that had it and she had staples down her stomach. I have a small scar in my belly button and it is healing very nicely. The drain scar is me noticeable but over time I believe both will fade dramatically. I'm also using silicone scar patches on them to heal them and help them disappear. I hope that helps. :)
UPDATED FROM FreedomFifty
19 days pre
So freakin full!
FreedomFiftyMarch 7, 2016
So, even though my surgery is not until March 26 I decided to try to start doing protein shakes now to mentally prepare for the Real liquid diet. I have to say I had 1/2 a coffee this morning, and one protein shake made with Vega one plant protein and almond milk for breakfast. Then as we were on the road I had two premier protein shakes throughout the day. For dinner I made Caesar salad and sloppy Joes for everyone. These were made out of lab ground turkey and I didn't have any bread. Now, I'm absolutely bursting. I don't know if it's because I ate quickly (I'm a fast eater) or if I'm really actually full. I'm really hoping this new trend can continue up to and beyond my surgery. ????
Replies (5)
March 7, 2016
lean* ground turkey not lab. My dog is cringing at the lab mistake.
March 7, 2016
Awesome! I believe it can be a new trend. With your determination, it will be done up to and beyond your surgery. It's not too far from now either. Do the Mexico surgeries not require a pre diet?
March 7, 2016
Sweet, thanks NewDeb. I think my two biggest hurdles are going to be cheese and caffeine. Lol my nutritionist in Mexico said I needed to do a three day pre-op liquid diet. I guess it depends on your BMI but some do run a full two weeks pre-op in Mexico. I just paid the other half of my deposit. Easter weekend is my surgery. Had my protein shake at 6 am, then two eggs at 8:30, now a couple slices of Camembert and crackers. Hoping the smaller meals throughout the day train my brain for after surgery.
March 7, 2016
I've heard it takes about 14 days to develop a new habit...you are doing well. I'm excited to hear how yours will go knowing you'll be a success for having your mindset in a positive, proactive position! This is where I plan to be. I have been telling myself, "why can't you take an alternative (with food)?" "Why do you HAVE to have that?" It's really all in the head I think. Because our bodies were designed for healthy foods and exercise. It's hard to change when we've put bad stuff into them, because then, we always want and crave what isn't good for it. For me, it's all in the head. I crave chips and cheese but I know I could equally eat an apple with peanut butter or cheese instead. The other part is telling myself, "will my life end if I can't have hot wings?" ABSOLUTELY NOT! It'll be starting over and just the beginning of getting back to eating healthy.
We're gonna do this and be an inspiration to others!
We're gonna do this and be an inspiration to others!
I am 51 and am having a gastric band fitted on 8th March!
My procedure was scheduled for the 6th March but my surgeon cancelled his surgeries for that day!
I will now have his boss doung my
Procedure...
Feeling upbeat and excited I cannot wait to start my new life!
I have an underactive thyroid, diabetes and a fatty liver!
Apart from my husband only 3 other peopke know and they are not family...
I don't need anyone being judgemental its a hard enough battle..
But one that I intend to WIN...:))
Then 2wks on soft diet...
IIn with my package there is 2yrs dietry advice and fills.
I don't know how long for recovery...
I am hoping to just bea day patient.
I have had my gall bladder out and I remember the referred pain in my left shoulder caused thru the gas! That was bad...
Then I couldn't breathe deeply cos it hurt and consequently my sats were low and they kept me in!
On the plus side I had no abdo pain and if it was not for the scars I wouldn't of believed I had, had surgery!
I am not working at present so I spend a lot of quality time with my step grandson
JEFFREY he is a treasure!
How long ago did you have your band?
How long did it take you to reach your target weight?
:))
Is your pre-op diet a liquid diet or can you eat regular food as well? I still haven't heard from the nutritionist what pre-op diet I'm supposed to be on so I emailed them this morning.
I have not had my surgery yet. Mine is 26 March 2016 and I am getting the gastric sleeve surgery not the band. I heard that with the sleeve surgery at least 25% of the patients need to have their gall bladder removed which is a little scary for me as I don't want to have both the sleeve and gall bladder done at the same time.
With regard to the gas pain, I was told to take Gas X strips with me to the hospital and they apparently help quite a bit. Seeing as you struggled with the referred gas pain in your left shoulder for your gall bladder surgery I thought I'd pass that tip along for your band surgery. ;)
My diet is just fluids and yoghurt...
God I just want to chew something!!!
Will ask the dietician what to do after surgery when you crave something to chew..
I don't think we have gas X strips in England!
But I have been told by the nurse to use gripe water...
That is what we give to babies. Lol
Kind Regards.:))
There are 3 to choose fr
Sorry I had 3 pre-op diets to choose from...
But I chose this one!
Because I am diabetic it was
a bit confusing. :))