POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
Getting Gastric Sleeve and Vaginal Reconstruction - Tijuana, Mexico
ORIGINAL POST
I wished I would have known about the Gastric...
ready2bethinJuly 31, 2015
$4,999
I wished I would have known about the Gastric Sleeve 1 year ago. I did things completely backwards. I got liposuction, fat injections for dimpled areas and a tummy tuck about a year ago. Yes my stomach is flat and I don't look horrible to everyone else, but I just feel frustrated every-time I look in the mirror, and now that I know about the sleeve, I wished I would have done that. Even though the outside was worked on I still have a large frame which makes me feel as big as a house. I have never been bigger than 170 and that was in high school since my last child 8 yrs ago I just cannot keep the weight off!! I have done so many diets I should write a book. I am currently 208lbs and cannot get below 188lbs. I am used to being 143 and feel very happy and healthy at that weight. That weight is my goal weight and just don't have anymore dieting in me. As for the vaginal reconstruction, my sons shoulders were too big and the Dr pulled him out and tore my nerves in the process. It hurt so bad I literally collapsed. I didn't pass out but thankfully I wasn't holding him because my whole body went limp. I am hoping this surgery helps because that area has been numb since then and it causes me to not even want to be sexually active with my husband. I do to keep him happy but I am not pleasured at all. Crossing my fingers. I researched and researched to try to decide who I wanted to use for the sleeve and could not decide as there are not too many reviews or Drs for Tijuana. I came across LTVSG not only do they have a fantastic price, but have a lot of patients that use them and post video reviews and updates. I researched them and have not found or heard 1 bad thing about them, so as you can guess this is my choice the Drs name is Dr Maytorena. He has also allowed me to have the vaginal reconstruction at the same time since I mentioned I would already be asleep and he agreed I could do it, so I found a gynecologist, his name is Dr Herrera. So I am getting the vaginal done first and then the sleeve and since I am using 1 surgery center, 1 anesthesiologist, 1 cardiologist ect... it really cuts down the cost making it $2000.00 for a total surgery cost of $4999.00 I'm nervous but hopeful. will update once I have the surgery.
Oh and most Drs have you do a liquid diet for 3-7 days depending on your BMI prior to surgery, this Dr actually is different, he has you do a low carb high protein diet to shrink your liver. I'm a little skeptic on that, but again he does these surgeries on a regular and everyone always has great things to say. So if it works fine with me to eat regular food before surgery. I'm scared because of what I won't be able to eat afterwards :-) but the way I see it is by eating all the good tasting foods is what has my body where I'm not happy with. High Blood pressure and stretchy clothes is all I want to wear. Not me at all!! But it is whom I have become over the past 2-3 years.
I pray to god this helps me!!
Oh and most Drs have you do a liquid diet for 3-7 days depending on your BMI prior to surgery, this Dr actually is different, he has you do a low carb high protein diet to shrink your liver. I'm a little skeptic on that, but again he does these surgeries on a regular and everyone always has great things to say. So if it works fine with me to eat regular food before surgery. I'm scared because of what I won't be able to eat afterwards :-) but the way I see it is by eating all the good tasting foods is what has my body where I'm not happy with. High Blood pressure and stretchy clothes is all I want to wear. Not me at all!! But it is whom I have become over the past 2-3 years.
I pray to god this helps me!!
Replies (41)
August 7, 2015
So how did it go?
August 23, 2015
Everything went well. I'm currently at a stall, but it may be my eating plan. Awaiting to hear back from my Dr now.
August 14, 2015
Looking forward to your updates!! Keep us posted!
August 24, 2015
Surgery went well. I would recommend it to anyone. I am currently on a stall, but am down 12 pounds from Aug 4th to today. I don't know if I am not eating enough or what I am doing wrong, but I am currently awaiting to hear back from my Dr. I feel much better and definitely look and feel thinner.
August 24, 2015
Great! But yeah, the body tries to hold onto weight because it thinks it's in starvation mode. It's pretty normal from what I've read. Let us know about the v. reconstruction, I'm curious to know how the doctor did on that!
August 24, 2015
I will I am still healing. He took before and after pics and It looks better on the outside. I'm not allowed to spread my legs open or insert anything into my vagina for 6 wks, which will be Sept 15th. LOL not in a rush come that date, but am curious. I know my husband can't wait.
As far as the weight my Drs assistant said in my 1st month I should lose at least 20 pounds. I'm almost 3 weeks out, so I still have some time. I'm sure not eating 5 meals a day. Between the protein shakes, water intake and food it's hard. I can't force myself to eat and 1/2 the time I can only get 1 protein shake in. I think I am going to get protein to put in my food which will take the 2 shakes away per day. I just have to find some unflavored stuff and thus far everything is flavored. I'm ready to order a cookbook because finding meal plans for this diet are so hard as each Dr has their own methods and others say certain foods aren't permitted until laters while others say the opposite. Still happy I did it though.
As far as the weight my Drs assistant said in my 1st month I should lose at least 20 pounds. I'm almost 3 weeks out, so I still have some time. I'm sure not eating 5 meals a day. Between the protein shakes, water intake and food it's hard. I can't force myself to eat and 1/2 the time I can only get 1 protein shake in. I think I am going to get protein to put in my food which will take the 2 shakes away per day. I just have to find some unflavored stuff and thus far everything is flavored. I'm ready to order a cookbook because finding meal plans for this diet are so hard as each Dr has their own methods and others say certain foods aren't permitted until laters while others say the opposite. Still happy I did it though.
August 26, 2015
Considering both actually. I was going to do only the sleeve in TJ and the v. construction here in CA mostly because I couldn't find any reviews for the v reconstruction in MX (that is- until I found yours). So seeing your review here has been very exciting =)
September 4, 2015
Dr Arturo Herrera is great, he answers any questions or concerns I have very quickly. He is very honest, if you don't need something instead of taking your money he will tell you that you don't need it. Also how many Drs do you know that will come to do surgery on you at another Drs facility? I have never known of any, and then to come back the next day to check up on you too? Love this Dr.
September 11, 2015
I have his contact info if you would like to contact him. I am beyond happy I chose him. My vajayjay is back to feeling like it did before I had my last child whose shoulders tore my nerves almost 8 yrs ago. I was literally numb inside before, rarely wanted to have sex because my inside area was numb and if I wanted to climax it was something I really had to work very very hard for and then it was really dull IF I was able to reach one at all. I just had sex for my first time since my surgery a little over 5 weeks ago and I feel brand new!! I was able to reach climax more than 1x and very early on. My husband said I felt like a born again virgin lol. It was slow in the beginning because I am now tight again as if I haven't had any kids. Trust me you won't regret it.
September 11, 2015
turymed@hotmail.com is his direct email tell him you were referred by Kris in California
September 14, 2015
Thanks for your wonderful update! I'm happy to hear it was a success with your husband. What was the cost of just that surgery?
September 14, 2015
$2000, keep in mind I was at another surgery center getting another procedure so I didn't have to pay for his anesthesiologist, surgery room etc... If you do what I did with 2 procedures it will cut costs. Also keep in mind I only had the inside done, I did not need any Labia repair etc... Regardless going to be way cheaper than the states
:-)
:-)
September 15, 2015
Omg! I love TJ lol. I hope to get done exactly what you've had. Seriously those 2 surgeries, in my opinion, are by far the best and most life changing improvements a woman could ask for.
September 17, 2015
THANKS, I DID GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM I LEAVE FRIDAY, I GOING TO SEE NOW! PRAY FOR ME.
September 23, 2015
I private messaged you my number, but have not heard back, are you ok?
September 23, 2015
I didn't get it, send it again, where did you see it to? And no im not ok
September 23, 2015
Hey I'm not sure what time you sent this message, but I haven't heard from you. Whats going on?
September 3, 2015
do you have the dr. information whom did you vaginalplasty
September 11, 2015
I don't know whats going on with me not getting my notifications. You or anyone with any questions feel free to email me directly at above and_beyond@yahoo.com responses will be much quicker.
September 11, 2015
I just has sex for the 1st time since my surgery and it was great!!! My husband loved it and I can actually reach climax without overly trying to work it. I was able to do multiples like before we had our child. I have my Drs contact info if anyone is interested.


December 31, 2015
I understand you completely. I'm in the same boat. I have been looking to get lipo, TT, and a bb but been having hard time with weight loss. I've been having a hard time with it for the past 10 years. So I ran across a doll on her that was going to get TT and lipo, but changed her mind and said she was going to get the gastric sleeve first to help her with weight loss. So that's when I started my reach. I pray with the sleeve I want have to go for a round2. I pray I can get the look I'm going for in the first round. With the sleeve I think it will help me maintain my look after I get all dolled up.

December 28, 2016
This is exactly where I am at now. I have surgery in DR scheduled with Dr Manon for a TT with lipo and MR and BBL but I'm really thinking I need a VSG (with less stomach removed so I don't loose too much weight) before I get the cosmetic surgery
UPDATED FROM ready2bethin
19 days post
I was unable to rate both Drs. Dr Hererra was my vaginal reconstruction Dr in Tijuana, Mexico
ready2bethinAugust 24, 2015
Dr Hererra has been great and answers all of my questions via email with very quick responses. He saw me after surgery and again the following morning. He knew I was still sedated so offered for me to email him with any questions or concerns, which I have. His bedside manner is very good and I rate him 5 stars for everything.
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM ready2bethin
6 months post
Long over due
ready2bethinFebruary 19, 2016
Just wanted to check in and let everyone know I am doing great!! I am down to 135lbs from original weight of 208lbs. I love everything EXCEPT my skin looks like crepe paper in a few areas and the bottom of my butt is a little saggy. Scared to work out cause I am afraid if I do I won't have any type f fat what so ever to do fat injections. As for the skin I haven't decided what to do with that. Thinking of rubbing olive oil on my skin right after shower or coconut oil. Not sure if that will change the appearance. I wanted to get butt injections months ago, but the plastic surgeon said I needed to wait for my 1 year anniversary to stabilize ect... which I don't understand. She thinks that if I just exercise everything will firm up. I don't feel this is true BUT she could be taking my money to do something she does and she is telling me no. That is the only reason I am waiting because if she feels this strongly rather than doing the injections and taking my money she is diligent in her thoughts and that makes me feel like there is hope to get a round booty back. I soon did everything backwards. The thought of gastric sleeve never crossed my mind until 1 year after I had everything else done. Hoping I don't need another mini tummy tuck, everything is tight when I stand up, however I do have a minimal amount of loose skin when I sit. Nothing I can't live with, but if it wasn't too expensive I would probably get it done.
Replies (6)

February 21, 2016
How are you feeling? What can you eat? Do you have to take a lot of supplements?
March 28, 2016
I feel great. I am supposed to take a multi vitamin, b-12 and calcium. I haven't for about a month or so, but need to get back into it. I'm not a pill person but I need to make sure I stay healthy. I'm going to get blood work done before I start back up just to see where I am lacking if anywhere. As far as food I eat whatever I want, just smaller portions. I however don't like to eat bread, like sandwiches of any kind because bread fills me up quick. I limit myself on spicy food because of the air it causes, but all in all whatever I want. I haven't drank any alcohol so not sure how that would be.


March 2, 2016
Wow...congrats! I don't think your skin will retract. There is a cable show, "Skin Tight" think it is A & E. The peeps have had gastric bypass. I've seen waaaay to many people that had sagging skin. Age has not helped any. Eighteen year olds had to get skin removal.
Look up Dominican Republic, Dr. Yily, Dr.Duran and others. These docs are popping out hot women every day. I am only saying due to cost and the amount of skin they are willing to take off. Save your pennies girl!
Look up Dominican Republic, Dr. Yily, Dr.Duran and others. These docs are popping out hot women every day. I am only saying due to cost and the amount of skin they are willing to take off. Save your pennies girl!
March 28, 2016
Just saw your message. Thank you. I don't have enough saggy skin that would require any surgery. I spoke with my plastic surgeon and she thinks if I work out that I will firm up. I'm going to try and see if it works. LOL fingers crossed!!

January 9, 2017
Congratulations on your decision and reaching your weight goal. I am confused of which procedure to do first. Tummy tuck and another bbl or the sleeve. I have already done lipo and BBL but feel still big and need another round. However , I am scared if I lose too much weight on the sleeve that I will lose my butt from first procedure and won't have enough fat for the second round . Any thoughts ?
Hi there, welcome to the WLS community!
Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I hope it goes well and you have a smooth recovery!
We have a very active Sleeve Forum, if you're looking for support. There are hundreds of other sleevers in there and we're all on the same journey.
You should also check out the links below to some guides, which may help you prepare.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Guide
Food Survival Guide
Nutritional Guide
Good luck and please keep us updated with your progress.
Thank you