Feeling Discouraged

[Sunflower]

So, I told my husband that I want to get a lap band to sleeve revision in Tijuana, and he about blew a gasket. Said that having surgery in Mexico is dangerous, risky, a "dumb idea", and he won't hear of it. My mother is all for it and would travel down to TJ with me if I could just go. So I checked with a surgeon who was recommended to me by my breast surgeon, and close to home. He doesn't take my insurance and neither he nor his partner do revisions. The doctor who I had before doesn't do the sleeve, but would do a revision to a gastric bypass, which I don't want. There are no other surgeons in my town who take my insurance and who do revisions. I feel stuck and discouraged. Meanwhile, I was diagnosed wih hypertesion over the weekend. I have arthritis in my knee and a torn meniscus. I've been getting chest pain and have been referred to a cardiologist. I want to get healthy, and I have a very srtessfull job (principal of a school in a rough neighborhood. I get screamed at and cussed out every day and deal with horrible cases of child abuse and neglect). I feel like I am dying and can't do anything about it! Any suggestions?

[Mommy1995]

My husband was against the surgery too at first, but ultimately I told him it was my body and my decision. He thought surgery was a drastic thing to do, and I don't even think he realized how much weight I had gained. It was time for drastic measures!! He was also concerned about the risks and did not know anything about the surgery. I gave him the website links to research it as I had and I told him that the benefits far outweighed the risk. Another concern he had was with the cost of the surgery and the fact that our insurance did not cover any of it, so I agreed to work overtime (summer school and tutoring) to cover the additional monthly bill/cost of financing the surgery. I did not have all of the medical problems that you have ....You have all the more reasons to go through with the surgery!! Good Luck

[ladyinred5]

You need to do what is right for you. I would take care of the heart situation before the revision just to make sure your body can handle the surgery. I understand if your husband has doubts because everyone hears horrible things about going to Mexico for surgery but if you use use a reputable one like I have heard Dr Alvarez is and if he is booked ask his office for referrals. Just be healthy about it and research your Dr. If you still had a bug up his but about it oh well. If he loves you he will get over it, but it sounds like he is scared of the rumors so take away the fear and see if his view improves.

[Dana]

first I would call my insurance co and ask them where the closest surgeon is that will do what you want done. Even if its a day away its the same as mexico. I'm not against mexico at all I'm am pro insurance paying for it if possible. If not, then ask hubby to sit and watch some well chosen videos of mexico surgeries and success stories, you tube is full of them. That's how I won my husband over, he was afraid for me. after you get all that done, do as much as the insurance will cover bc your max wil be met for the year will be met. Then, sweetheart, consider another position, you had your turn, life is short enough without making it any shorter. Certain jobs0have burnout rates and yours is one of them. I wish you the best!

[Grace]

I feel your body is talking to you in more than one way. Before you consider a revision, please consider working with your cardiologist to get your heart house in order. You'll have to anyway as I don't believe any doc will do surgery on you if you have heart issues.
I know (believe me) how hard the job market is but as Dana said you've done your part and it's now affecting you. Time to put in for a position in an area that's more peaceful. Can you put in for medical leave due to your heart issues and take some time to be peaceful, get your heart issues worked on and maybe try a fill on your band in the meantime, unless of course it's the band causing some issues? While you are on leave you can do the research with your ins company to see who can do the revision in the states when you are ready. My SIL is a principal in a grammar school in a bad area as well. She was diagnosed with 2 autoimmune disorders last year, and the docs are saying it's all about stress. You've chosen an honorable career but perhaps you need to cycle to a bit less stressful area at least til you feel better?

[Kipepeo]

Have you considered a surgeon in another state that is In-network? They exist and all you would have to pay is airfare and housing. Why pay for MX when insurance can pay for you? I used Dr Audencio Alanis in Houston for a lapband to sleeve switch and he is in network on my nsurance, United Healthcar. Not sure where you are but try options close to you or in the US first. Don't give up so easily. PS: they will do lots of tests so some of ýour health çoncerns may have to be in check to approve the surgery. Good luck!

[KarenMc]

Just do the bypass. It isn't that much different. You will have more weight loss than the sleeve.

[kimfj2]

I would also check where in the US your insurance may cover the operation. My teaching job is pretty stressful, but nothing like yours. I wish you all the best!!!

[cowgirljane]

I think the advice to take a step back and address your cardiac concerns is really smart. I was also thinking that finding a really good counselor who is WLS friendly to sort of help you "puzzle this out". I believe that you would benefit from stress coping strategies BEFORE you get the surgery.

I consider your job a form of service to our country. Thank you for what you do. I know those kids are very difficult, and God Bless you for not giving up on them.

[ToDream]

I agree that you need to get your heart healthy before you do anything further on this weight loss issue. As for your husband, hopefully he will come around. Mine didn't agree either but after a meeting with some successful sleevers, he was much more informed, understanding and willing... his only demand was that he accompany me for my surgery which I would have wanted anyway!

Just do the bypass. It isn't that much different. You will have more weight loss than the sleeve.

I disagree. There is a world of difference between the sleeve and bypass. Bypass results in unavoidable lifelong malabsorption issues, sleeve does not.

[connie]

My prayer is that God leads you to your answers, where you will get healing. Hugs to you- Connie

[headsntails]

i went through the surgery without my parent's consent. yea, it sucked having to go against their wishes but it's my life and i'm the only one that can live it. i'm post 8 days now, and getting the sleeve is by far, the best decision i have made for myself. when you follow your heart and mind- the rest will follow if they really care for you.

[Crys82876]

Hello,

I am also a Lap-band patient that is considering the revision to the sleeve. My biggest problem with the Lap-band is the high level of discomfort on a weekly if not a daily basis if I accidentally swallow to large of a bit...it start's a vomit spell that can last for days with horrible reflux and pain. I have heard a few people on YouTube mentioned pain with swallowing. I'm am just concerned that I would be just as miserable with the sleeve. What was your experience with the lap-band?

[headsntails]

i've only had the sleeve so don't know what lap-band is like, but the sleeve does have that 'discomfort' if a large bite is taken in, but not a vomit spell.. the food going down may feel "stuck" and a bit of discomfort and a lil bit of gas, but nothing violent as a vomit spell. i think you'll love the sleeve bc there aren't any 'fill' nor a foreign object in your body. just a small stomach to prevent overeating. also, cutting away the bottom pouch part of the tummy that produce ghrelin (hunger trigging hormone) also cuts your appetite.

[Sunflower]

I also have discomfort, and vomiting sometimes, and sliming, and , and, and...but no weight loss! I have a pain in my chest where the lap band is, but I am seeing a cardiologist to rule out anything to do with the heart. My hunch is that it's the band because it hurts the most right after I eat. I have reduced my portions, and have had protein shakes for breakfast almost ever since surgery. This is because trying to eat food first thing in the morning is very difficult, and if I'm not very careful, I end up vomiting. A very good friend of mine had the sleeve and did so well. She lost loads of weight, plus got off all diabetes meds. By the time she had surgery, her diabetes was so out of control that she had gone from 8 shots of insulin a day, to an insulin pump, and nothing worked. She also got an ifection in her foot that almost became gangrene. The sleeve savd my friend's life. Having any kind of surgery is drastic, but I need tot ake drastic measures to get my weight in check so that I don't die prematurely. I am still trying to get my husband to warm up to the Mexico idea because he would not want me to get bypass either.
Someone on this thread suggested I get bypass--not a good idea for me as I am a cancer patient and I need all of my nutrition, but thanks for the suggestion. I had every intention of calling a different surgeon today, but my work gave me no breaks and I left after 5 when the surgoen's office closes.