Responses to newbies researching Dr. Aceves

Nov 29, 2009

A couple of the things that I always suggest when preparing for this surgery is to start tracking your fluid & food intake (I use thedailyplate), start working to consistently get your minimum fluids in consistently (trust me, it will become WORK post-op!), get good measuring tools (cups, spoons, food scale).  I even bought small size bowls and utensils.  Start practicing not drinking with meals (this is difficult for lots of us), and chewing really well!  All of these things are what I considered essential skills the first few weeks post-op, that you don't want to have to adjust to on top of recovery from surgery.  You may want to start experimenting with some of the high quality protein powders.........but get the sample packets so that you don't spend lots on the big tubs.  I had also purchased several of the sugar free syrups (DaVinci and Torani) which can make all the difference with making protein shakes palatable!
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Congrats on your decision and surgery date!!!  After 2 years, you've done the research and your decision is not just some passing phase.  The rest is having the courage to follow through.  I completely understand your fear and hesitation, I too took years to make the decision and proceed with surgery.  I am 5 weeks out now and quite honestly, still adjusting to this new way of being/eating/drinking.  I have no regrets!!  I went in with my eyes wide open and fully aware of the risks, but I was at the point of knowing that I HAD to do something.  When I scheduled my surgery date (the second time), I was at peace and completely ready to do it!  There is no doubt that life post op requires some adjustment, mostly it's mental.  I still have to work to get in the fluids, and now that I'm eating soft foods/some solids, it's hard to wrap my head around the small quantities of food that I can eat.  But it's a trade off...........now my reward for eating less is watching the scale go down.  I am beginning to feel confident that I WILL get to goal, something that previously was beyond even my fantasies!

Whatever you do, make sure that you are absolutely sure of your decision......you don't have to rush if you are not 100% confident with proceeding.  You control your future!  Also, be sure that you are fully confident in your surgeon.........that makes ALL the difference!  Best wishes!!
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Let me start by saying that after being on the board for a long time and reading many, many posts, I felt very confident that Dr. Aceves was the surgeon for me.  I am also very independent and proactive about my health care, so I felt comfortable being in charge of managing my own post-op care.

At 5 weeks out, I am doing wonderfully and feeling quite well.  I have no complaints about my surgery or care.  Here are my responses to your questions:
initial contact with Center:  I sent in my patient questionnaire via email and maintained an email only contact with Nina right up until the day before surgery.  Nina is good about answering questions, but I personally did not get the warm fuzzies from the office pre-op.  They are business oriented, direct, and to the point.
going to Mexico:  It was my first time going to Mexico and probably caused the most stress for me (you can read my blog for more details).  Overall, I never felt unsafe while there, given we never left the hotel or hospital premises.
Pre-op:  All pre-op tests were completed the afternoon of our arrival.  Blood, urine, EKG, chest xray.  No big deal.  And meetings with the anesthesiologist, surgeon/assist surgeon.
Day of Operation:  That was pretty surreal.  We arrived from the hotel and got settled into the hospital room.  Just as I was getting ready to wait, they changed the schedule and took me first, so things went quickly.  I was uncomfortable the first night, mostly due to spasms resulting from my hernia repair.  I probably could have been more insistent on getting more meds, as they left my epidural catheter in, so I could have gotten more morphine, but I didn't actually ask.
Post-Op (how long was it before you were back home in the USA, pain management, acid reflux if any):  Surgery on Tuesday, discharged Friday morning and back to San Diego by 11 am.  Post-op pain management is pretty much non-narcotic.  They'll give you a shot of pain meds whenever you ask, although I didn't need much after day two.  Since they give you a narcotic epidural during surgery, that is supposed to keep the need for pain meds to a minimum.  I asked for an extra dose of IV acid reducer on day 2, since I've had a LONG history of GERD and was experiencing esophageal spasms, I wanted to keep the acid way down.  I also upped my dose of Nexium to twice a day around week 2.  I've had NO issues with reflux post op.  Worst pain day was day 2 post-op, primarily due to GAS pain and hernia repair.  I also had my PCP prescribe me Actigall to (hopefully) prevent gallstone formation.
Any issues since your return (if yes, how were they resolved):  Only issue was a question regarding taking pills (wanted to know when I could start swallowing pills).  I emailed Gaby (the post-op go to person) who replied that Dr. Aceves wants his patients to wait until 3 months post-op.  Again, if you are thinking about going to Mexico, be sure that you feel confident managing your own post-op care and have access to local resources, should you need more support.
What you liked the best about using Dr Aceves:  I knew that Dr. Aceves has done many, many sleeves with no complications.  I also knew that he is ultra conservative in his approach.  His patients have good results.  I just knew in my heart that Dr. Aceves was the right surgeon for me.  I do not take the risks of surgery (especially the VSG) lightly, and I wanted have a safe procedure.  Once under their care, everyone on Dr. Aceves staff makes you feel like you are the most important person.  They provide compassionate, attentive care during the time you are there.
What you did not like etc:  Overall, I am very happy with my experience!  I don't care to travel, so the long flight from the east coast, to San Diego, to Mx, I could have lived without.  But either way, I had to travel for my choice of surgery.  The drive to an from San Diego was probably the least favorite part of the experience.

I hope the information helps.  Keep me posted on your decision!  Good luck!

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