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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

BMI 30 Sleeve Instead of Lap Band - Tijuana, Mexico

ORIGINAL POST

I decided to travel to TJ to get my gastric sleeve...

BBLandSleeve33
WORTH IT$4,000
I decided to travel to TJ to get my gastric sleeve since My BMI is 30 (29 after fasting). I originally had my mind set on getting the Lap Band, but after researching for months and months I changed my mind and decided to get the sleeve THE DAY OF SURGERY! I knew that commuting from LA to Tj about every 4-6 weeks for a fill would be too pricey and exhausting. There were many other factors about the Lap band such as eroding, dislodging and stories of poor results that really pushed me away. The thought of going through surgery again to remove this implanted object really really turned me away from it. So because it wasn't as promising as the sleeve I took a chance; I didn't want the sleeve because I thought the recovery would be intense and painful but I was wrong.

Yesterday around 3pm I went in for surgery. I was back in my room by 6pm. I was able to walk around by 9 pm and tolerated ice chips just fine. I have 4 incisions, one of which the JP drain is hanging, one where the camera went in, and the other two for the actual sleeve procedure. I wasn't too nervous going in because the surgeon, anesthesiologist, surgical coordinator, RN and another Dr. came in to my room together to talk to me and answer any questions that I had. Even the RN and Anesthesiologist have this procedure done and showed me their scars. This definitely put me at ease.

My biggest concern was that my BMI was about 30 (maybe even 29 since I have been on the liquid diet) but it was close enough for them to safely perform the procedure. 2 out of the 3 people I told about the surgery were upset that I went through with this because they kept saying "you don't need it, why can't you do it on your own" -"learn some discipline" -" this is for the weak, yada yada yada"- but if I could do it on my own I would have for the last 10 years; even the liquid diet made me lose a few pounds but that’s not a realistic diet that I can stick to, eventually I would cave in and eat until I can't eat anymore- starving yourself is not the answer trust me I know I've tried every diet and fast and diet pill you can think of.

For months I searched articles and reviews about patients with lower BMIs and couldn't find much, but the staff told me that they had done plenty of procedures on patients my size (whether this is true or not I’ll never know, but the made me feel very comfortable and reassured). With my mind at ease, s far I am so happy with my decision. I'll post my post-op pix now and update them weekly (: hope this helps.. feel free to message me if you have any questions

BBLandSleeve33's provider

Dr. V

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Dr. V was sweet, friendly and honest; he explained to pros and cons of both the lap band and sleeve. He told me his opinion as if I were his family. I really appreciate his compassion and patience.

Replies (29)

April 15, 2015
I'm not sure why some people have a drain tube and some don't. I didn't have one. Do you know why you did?/
April 16, 2015
Good for you. You and I both know it only gets harder the older we get. I was a hot, thin gal before having my son even having PCOS for years, I learned post-pregnancy I had little to no thyroid left (levothyroxine for rest of my life) and a rare condition that effects the adrenal glands that slows down the liver/metabolism system. My BMI (this was at my highest prior to surgery) was 38.7, and I got the same, "You're not that big!". Well, the bigger we get the more costly and invasive the recovery is not to mention the higher the complication rate since you have elevated blood pressure, enlarged heart etc. Then there are those who look at you like an ear of corn when you say you went to Tijuana! There are doctors everywhere, and I put in NO more or NO less research I would on ANY doctor. America is full of bad everything and good docs do exist, but we must do our due dilligence when chosing any doctor of any background. I hope you are doing well...1 month and 5 days post-op and down 25 lbs. Great luck to you BBLandSleeve33!! ~Tonya togo2009
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April 27, 2015
Hi.. Thank you for sharing. I too am a lower BMI 30. Getting sleeved in mid May. I haven't told anyone because of my fear of critisism. I'm in my 50's and just can't get rid of the weight I put on after a spine surgery 3 years ago. I'm so embarressed I don't even like to go shopping. It's a vicous cycle of "what's the use" and I "really want a life".
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April 27, 2015
Go for it. U won't regret it. The process was smooth and recovery easy. U can just tell ppl that u lost weight with diet and exercise if u want:)
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April 27, 2015
Thank You for you support of a person you don't even know!
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April 27, 2015
We r all in this together:) ppl who don't struggle with weight or who are not educated about bariatric surgery and surgery in Mexico are difficult to talk to about this stuff and offer little support. That is what I like about realself.com. It is a community if open minded ppl willing to share their personal experiences. Please keep in touch:)
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April 27, 2015
Did you have any issues with water retention? I am 6 days out and have swollen feet and am 5lbs more than when I went in for surgery.
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May 2, 2015
Hi! I get it. Should always do what you think is best! Ty will look even more amazing I'm sure. How much do u weight? and how tall are you?