What Scares you about WLS??

Hi Everyone,

What is your greatest fear about having weight loss surgery? I have thought about his over and over. For me it was spending the amount of money it would take to have the surgery and fail again at it, and it was quite of bit of money to fail again at another kind of weight loss. 

I am here to tell you I was 63 years old when I had weight loss surgery and I had been on more diets and failed at them then a lot of you have been. I can’t count the number of times I joined and rejoined Weigh****chers—maybe 25 times. I was pretty successful at Weigh****cher and I still to this day think it is one of the very best programs out there to do. Nevertheless I wouldn’t lose the weight and get discouraged because I would plateau and get frustrated. I would also think “Oh I can do this myself" I know that plan and program so why spend the money to go to their meetings. So I would end up gaining some of it back then I would be so upset with myself that I would go right back to eating what I shouldn’t eat.  I NEVER consider myself on a diet anymore. I have made a permanent lifestyle change. It is a way of life for me. That is why having WLS has worked for me. I think the # 2 thing that scared me was the unknown. We have no idea what WLS is really going to be like, sometimes for some of us we travel outside the US, and for many of us we have never met this doctor that EVERYONE is tell us is so great. We have a million and one questions. For many our families are not very supportive of our choice for having Weight Loss Surgery. Here is what I want you to know. It is a very safe surgery to have. Do your homework and find the doctor that is best for you. For me after 6 months research I pick Dr. Aceves. I can only speak about how wonderful and great he is because that is all I know. I can tell you NOT all Weight Loss Surgeons are great and wonderful. I would NEVER trade one day of my life after I had weight loss surgery for anything. I am healthy and happy and I am NO longer dragging around 105 extra pounds. DO NOT let fear control your health or life. Take back the control and do something that is going to change your entire life for the rest of your life. I wish you great success. I had “Sleeve" surgery 3 ½ years ago and have kept it off, you can do this too.   Hugs, Suzanne
Sleeved 10/21/2008  

Thanks for posting this! I am going to Dr Aceves at the end of March and can't wait... But I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being nervous.

Hi,

Congratulations on your choice, you have picked the very best doctor you could to do your surgery.  I was nervous just like you and the closer I got to the surgery, the more doubt I had.  This is very normal.  I am here if you have any questions.  I have some helpful information if you would like, I can send it to you.

This is the right thing and you will never have one regret!

Hugs,
Suzanne

On February 16, 2012 at 9:16 PM Pacific Time, moonglo82 wrote: Thanks for posting this! I am going to Dr Aceves at the end of March and can't wait... But I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being nervous. Hi,

Being nervous is quite normal.  It makes you like the rest of us.  I had all kinds of feeling and emotions going on all at the same time.  As I was flying down there I though is this the right things to do? What am I doing to myself? And then I was excited that I had made the choice to do this.  So this is very normal.  If you get scared just send me a note or we can talk on the phone.

You have picked the very best suregon in the world to do your surgery.  He has a team of highly qualified doctors and nurses on his team.  You will receive excellen care 24 hours a day.  They are always cleaning your room and the entire hospital too.

I am not sure if you have seen this or not, so I am sending it to you.  It is a suggestion of what to pack for your trip to Dr. Aceves.
Hugs, Suzanne
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Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves.  

1.  Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas?  It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery.  I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no water required—nothing difficult to swallow either.   

2.  A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital.  I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry.   

3.  Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section.  I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in.  I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too.  I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too.  But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were.  If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need.  They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask.   

4.  A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs.  

5.  Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like.    

6.  Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going).  I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases.  

7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT.  For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US.  Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with.  I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great.  

8. I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size).  It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home. 

  9.  As far as money someone suggested I bring about $45.00 to $50.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali.  I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home.  I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might appreciate the cash as a gift.  I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk.  The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec.  

10.  Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any.  All I took was my watch.  Leave ALL other jewelry at home.  

11.  Be prepared that Ernesto will be late sometimes picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up.  Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home.  

12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage" and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do.  I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery.  

13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you want I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink.  

14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too.  

15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips.   If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out!  I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are.  Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask.  We all understand and have been where you are right now. 
I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too.   

Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home.  

This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information   I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message!  I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery.  They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on

PJ’s on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom.   I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too.  Just don't over pack!  You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort.  

You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some ho****er and add some chicken broth to the ho****er--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth.  You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works. I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light!  You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital!   The best of luck to you!  You will do great!        

Suzanne,

Thank you for posting this.

The past few days, I've been doubting my decision to schedule a VSG. I'm self pay, so the cost is... daunting and... what if, after all that money is spent, I'm still stuck being obese? I've tried Weigh****chers, Jenny Craig, doing it on my own.

If I don't get a VSG, then I'll still be on Jenny Craig, trying to lose, spending the $120/week for their food, and still not lose anything. A year or so of that covers what I'll spend getting a VSG in Mexico, which is how I'm now rationalizing spending the money.

Your experience really speaks to me, so thank you for posting this.

Reva

Hi Reva,

You will never regret your choice.  I have lived just what you are doing and this was my answer.  It does require work on your part, by making good food choices, but with the restriction is is soooooooooooo much easier. Also exercise helps a lot--I used to hate to exercise, now I look forward to it.

I am always here if you have any questions.

Hugs,
Suzanne

After failing with the lap band the what if I fail again scaress the hell out of me!

Hi,

I am sorry that you are one of many people who have failed at the lapband.  But, I know that you will love the sleeve.  So many people have had a revision.  Just DO it and your entire life will change.  I know it is a leap of faith,, but you will never have one regret.  This is your answer.

Hugs,
Suzanne

What scares me about having weight loss surgery is that my results will not be typical and I will not reach goal no matter how well I stick to the plan and how compliant I am, that my body will be that one weird one that refuses to give up the extra weight.

Hi,

I hear what you are saying.  But, you will see that it is possible.  It is your brain telling you this because of all the other failures you have had when it comes to weight loss.  It is difficult to stop that "OLD THINKING BRAIN." to stop these kind of thought.  It takes time, be patient and add some exercise to what you are doing.  Try finding a picture of what you want to look like and some cute clothes that you want to buy.  put them up on the frig or in your kitchen some place to remind you that YES, you can do this.  Never give up.  When you are having a bad day, come back here and talk to us.  I am always here to help and answer any questions that you might have.

Hugs,
Suzanne