Re: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

August 16, 2010

I had my VSG on 15 July with Dr. Aceves. I had a wonderful experience from

start to finish; every interaction with the office was wonderful and every staff

person I met was courteous and helpful. I had no complications, no real pain

post op, and I have no regrets about choosing Dr. Aceves.

I've lost 24 pounds so far. My starting weight was 242 and my goal is 135,

which means I lost just over 22% of my excess weight in just one month.

While it did take me about two weeks to regularly start getting in my liquids

and my protein requirements, I've had none of the weakness some people get post

op, and my pain was very tolerable. In fact, I bought additional pain pills

while in Mexico and I only used three of the 16 pills I brought home.

I also believe I traveled farther than most for my surgery. I flew from Germany

to have it done, because after more than a year of research there simply wasn't

a better surgeon to be found. While the long travel (13 hours of flights)

wasn't easy, it wasn't difficult, either. I'd do it again in a heartbeat,

though I'd probably upgrade to Business class this time!

I now eat mostly normal - I'm still very careful to eat protein first, but my

only dietary restrictions right now are staying away from salads and raw

vegetables. I've eaten out with my husband (Thai, it was delicious) and I

didn't feel any shame in only nibbling a few bites from his plate. I do eat low

carb and I do focus on protein first. I will continue to do so until I reach my

goal.

Pre-op I was hungry all of the time. I would eat a plate of food and be digging

in the fridge 20 minutes later. I have not experienced any hunger post op,

though I do get an " empty " feeling if I've gone too long between meals. Now,

food only tastes great for the first few bites, and shortly after that, I'm

done. The urge to overindulge is completely gone. Sweet things are completely

distasteful to me and the cravings for particular foods are gone. It's possible

they may come back in the future, but right now, food is purely fuel to me. I

eat because I have nutritional requirements, not because it's an enjoyable

indulgence.

Good luck, continue your research and make an informed decision. I can say that

my only regret is that I didn't have this surgery years ago.

~Cheri

>

> Hi I am looking to chat with others that have had the VSG with Dr A. in

Mexicalli. I ma in the early stages of research and would really love to know

what it's like after the surgery and if life is normal for you other than eating

and how much others have lost from this procedure.

> Thanks

>

> From Saskatoon, Sk Canada

>

August 16, 2010

Hi ,

First you are doing all the right things by checking everything out. I did the very same thing. Dr. Aceves's name was the name that always kept coming back to me as the best possible choice I could make. I live in Oregon and had a friend who had been to have weight loss surgery from him. She was the one who directed me to different places on the Internet to check out things. I was lucky enough to have her around so that I could ask all kinds of questions. Then I got on this board and started asking questions like you.

The people on here are amazing people. They are honest and will answer any of your questions that you might have. For me I feel it was a life changing event. I am almost 65 and had the surgery 2 years ago. I have lost a total of 105. I lost that in about 14 months. I feel amazing. I feel 20 years younger. I am telling you that this is the best thing you could ever do for yourself. It is the best money I have ever spent. It was easy to do, and I actually went alone to Mexicali. My husband doesn't do well in hospital settings, so it was just easier for me to go alone. You are very safe. I flew into San Diego and Ernesto comes and picks everyone up in a very nice van. He works for Dr. Aceves and has also had the sleeve surgery. My husband was so very supportive and said "go for it if this is what you want to do." So I did just that.

Dr. Aceves is the most amazing and wonderful, kind, caring, supportive surgeon that I have ever met. He is just so down to earth and will sit and talk with you for as long as you need with your questions, He truly cares about ALL his patients. This is the cleanest modern private hospital that you will ever go to in Mexicali. They clean 24-7. The staff and team of doctors are incredible group of people. All the doctors I spoke with speak excellent English. All the nurses during the day shift speak excellent English and at night some speak English, but if you have any needs they know what you are saying--they just aren't that comfortable speaking their English yet. I can't tell you how happy I am and how much better I feel. My only regret is that I didn't have this surgery sooner. I know without a doubt I will never gain this weight back.

The weight does not just melt off of you. It takes effort on your part. Eat your protein and, veggies and if you have room a little fresh fruit too. You eat about 800 calories, you are never hungry. You deal with "Head Hunger." This is our heads try to play tricks on us. So we need to learn to listen to: "do I need to eat now or do I just want to eat now." There is a big difference. I never feel hungry any more. That part of my stomach that sends signal to my brain to eat has been removed. You also have to be willing to do some kind of exercise after a few weeks. I used to HATE to exercise before and now I look forward to it and enjoy it.

I never consider myself on a diet, but I have made a lifestyle change. There is nothing worse than a reformed "junk food junky." That is what I am now reformed. I love how I eat now, and know that I will NEVER gain the weight back. You have to have your head in the right place for this to work. You want to lose this weight more than anything you have ever wanted in your entire life.

The surgery is easy, very little pain (they give you pain meds--even some to take home if you need them) and the recovery it fast and easy. You will receive care 10 times better than anything you would get in the US or Canada. Dr. Aceves will answer all your question that you have the morning before the surgery. He and Dr. Compos come and see you at least 2 or 3 times a day when you are in the hospital--that never happens here in the US. If you pick Dr. Aceves you have picked the "Gold Standard" as far as having him do it. Dr. Aceves has the best track record and he does his surgery in a hospital NOT a clinic!

I hope that helps you, feel free to come back and ask any questions you may have. That is what we are here for.

PS go back into this site and check out some of the pictures of people. That will really motivate you. We are all real people on here who have lost a lot of weight!

Hugs,

Suzanne

225 120 125

Start Now Goal

Sleeved 10/21/08

August 16, 2010

Hello ,

I am from Warman and had surgeryFeb.4th,2010 and am down 75lbs...Feel free to ask any questions and we could get together ifyou would like..

Lana

From: <movie_mommy@...> Sent: Sun, August 15, 2010 9:54:13 PMSubject: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Hi I am looking to chat with others that have had the VSG with Dr A. in Mexicalli. I ma in the early stages of research and would really love to know what it's like after the surgery and if life is normal for you other than eating and how much others have lost from this procedure. Thanks From Saskatoon, Sk Canada

August 18, 2010

Cheri, Well my husband said yes..So I am frantically trying to pull this all together getting flights and everything I am wanting this done sooner rather than later. Since you had to travel far, how did you handle the clear liquids being in airports and on planes? It's not like I can walk on the plane with clear broth soup...Any other little things that might help me with this journey? Thanks From: sweetsassycheri

<sweetsassycheri@...> Sent: Mon, August 16, 2010 4:31:29 AMSubject: Re: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

I had my VSG on 15 July with Dr. Aceves. I had a wonderful experience from start to finish; every interaction with the office was wonderful and every staff person I met was courteous and helpful. I had no complications, no real pain post op, and I have no regrets about choosing Dr. Aceves.

I've lost 24 pounds so far. My starting weight was 242 and my goal is 135, which means I lost just over 22% of my excess weight in just one month.

While it did take me about two weeks to regularly start getting in my liquids and my protein requirements, I've had none of the weakness some people get post op, and my pain was very tolerable. In fact, I bought additional pain pills while in Mexico and I only used three of the 16 pills I brought home.

I also believe I traveled farther than most for my surgery. I flew from Germany to have it done, because after more than a year of research there simply wasn't a better surgeon to be found. While the long travel (13 hours of flights) wasn't easy, it wasn't difficult, either. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, though I'd probably upgrade to Business class this time!

I now eat mostly normal - I'm still very careful to eat protein first, but my only dietary restrictions right now are staying away from salads and raw vegetables. I've eaten out with my husband (Thai, it was delicious) and I didn't feel any shame in only nibbling a few bites from his plate. I do eat low carb and I do focus on protein first. I will continue to do so until I reach my goal.

Pre-op I was hungry all of the time. I would eat a plate of food and be digging in the fridge 20 minutes later. I have not experienced any hunger post op, though I do get an "empty" feeling if I've gone too long between meals. Now, food only tastes great for the first few bites, and shortly after that, I'm done. The urge to overindulge is completely gone. Sweet things are completely distasteful to me and the cravings for particular foods are gone. It's possible they may come back in the future, but right now, food is purely fuel to me. I eat because I have nutritional requirements, not because it's an enjoyable indulgence.

Good luck, continue your research and make an informed decision. I can say that my only regret is that I didn't have this surgery years ago.

~Cheri

>

> Hi I am looking to chat with others that have had the VSG with Dr A. in Mexicalli. I ma in the early stages of research and would really love to know what it's like after the surgery and if life is normal for you other than eating and how much others have lost from this procedure.

> Thanks

>

> From Saskatoon, Sk Canada

>

August 18, 2010

some have suggested taking the little packets from top romen then asking for hot water that they would use for tea and whala soup broth

From: Debert <movie_mommy@...>Subject: Re: Re: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Date: Thursday, August 19, 2010, 1:48 AM

Cheri, Well my husband said yes..So I am frantically trying to pull this all together getting flights and everything I am wanting this done sooner rather than later. Since you had to travel far, how did you handle the clear liquids being in airports and on planes? It's not like I can walk on the plane with clear broth soup...Any other little things that might help me with this journey? Thanks

From: sweetsassycheri <sweetsassycheri@...> Sent: Mon, August 16, 2010 4:31:29 AMSubject: Re: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

I had my VSG on 15 July with Dr. Aceves. I had a wonderful experience from start to finish; every interaction with the office was wonderful and every staff person I met was courteous and helpful. I had no complications, no real pain post op, and I have no regrets about choosing Dr. Aceves.I've lost 24 pounds so far. My starting weight was 242 and my goal is 135, which means I lost just over 22% of my excess weight in just one month.While it did take me about two weeks to regularly start getting in my liquids and my protein requirements, I've had none of the weakness some people get post op, and my pain was very tolerable. In fact, I bought additional pain pills while in Mexico and I only used three of the 16 pills I brought home.I also believe I traveled farther than most for my surgery. I flew from Germany to have it done, because after more than a year of research there simply wasn't a better surgeon to be found.

While the long travel (13 hours of flights) wasn't easy, it wasn't difficult, either. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, though I'd probably upgrade to Business class this time!I now eat mostly normal - I'm still very careful to eat protein first, but my only dietary restrictions right now are staying away from salads and raw vegetables. I've eaten out with my husband (Thai, it was delicious) and I didn't feel any shame in only nibbling a few bites from his plate. I do eat low carb and I do focus on protein first. I will continue to do so until I reach my goal.Pre-op I was hungry all of the time. I would eat a plate of food and be digging in the fridge 20 minutes later. I have not experienced any hunger post op, though I do get an "empty" feeling if I've gone too long between meals. Now, food only tastes great for the first few bites, and shortly after that, I'm done. The urge to overindulge is completely gone. Sweet things are completely

distasteful to me and the cravings for particular foods are gone. It's possible they may come back in the future, but right now, food is purely fuel to me. I eat because I have nutritional requirements, not because it's an enjoyable indulgence.Good luck, continue your research and make an informed decision. I can say that my only regret is that I didn't have this surgery years ago.~Cheri>> Hi I am looking to chat with others that have had the VSG with Dr A. in Mexicalli. I ma in the early stages of research and would really love to know what it's like after the surgery and if life is normal for you other than eating and how much others have lost from this

procedure. > Thanks > > From Saskatoon, Sk Canada>

August 19, 2010

,I read somewhere that a woman brought with her the bouillon cubes and just asked for hot water so she could make her own broth.Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 18, 2010, at 9:48 PM, Debert <movie_mommy@...> wrote: