considering going to Mexico to get the sleeve... any thoughts??

[LeahSugar]

I'm considering going to Mexico for the sleeve operation. I have gone over the website I am unclear about two things... 1. how long are you actually there for? and 2. is there a pre-op diet?? oh and 3. What exactly is the post-op diet??

Thanks for your info

Leah

[flipflopgirl]

I was just sleeved Friday!!!! I was there from Thursday to Monday. One night in Eagle Pass, Texas (hotel) two nights in the hospital Piegras Negras, Mexico and one night in San Antonio Texas ( hotel) then home!!!! I had an amazing experience and NOT a single problem at all!!!!! The pre-op diet varies based on weight and or medical history!!!! I had to do one week of clear liquids. I'm 46 and starting weight was 252. My height is 5' 6" and can't remember BMI but you fill out a medical survey and that determines how you diet prior to surgery. Best of luck on your decision and journey!!!!

[slojo67]

I was sleeved by Dr. Almanza in Tijuana mexico Aug 28th. I was able to leave (and have drain taken out on Aug 30th. Everything went well. I flew from San Diego back to kentucky on the 30th (that was a rough day), But I had a good experience and will answer any questions you might have...If you're self pay I think it's the way to go...

[Rdoactv]

I'm headed there in March. Ill have surgery on the 28th. 2 nights in hospital, 2 nights in hotel. The pre and post surgery diets were emailed to me. It will depend on the surgeon u choose and your BMI. good luck.

[Nickijo]

For me the post op diet has been the worst of it, and why not I love food. I am not a broth lover but now I can make my own cream soups I may be able to handle it. I went to Mexico for my surgery and the surgeon was great the facility was clean but what you would have seen here in the states 50 years ago. i did well they have you up and walking soon after surgery. you will then be drinking gatorade and juice and broth for some time then you move on to cream soups, yoghurt,and jello. So ready for something real.

[Mimibren]

I am sleeving Monday 11th with almanza in Tijuana. I'm on my liquid diet now. The purpose of the preop diet is to shrink the liver so they can move it a little out of the way to get to stomache. If it hasn't shrunk they could have complications that would make them open you up to do the surgery. Different doctors have differnt preop diet. Some just two shakes & small meal a day for 2 weeks- some just clear liquid based on your BMI as to how long. They want me to have 7 days as I'm 5'6" 1/2 & 259 start. 41 BMi. In 2 & a half days I'm down 9 pounds (but this is not the goal) shrinking liver is-further research says 15 pds down is ideal. My surgery is Monday 11th & getting released thurs 14th morning/crossing into San Diego. this is normal there. they have you stay one night in hospital & two at hotel before crossing boarder. We are choosing to stay in a San Diego hotel (so we can see sights) thurs 14th & maybe sight see a little before flying home on Friday.

[healedheart]

Speaking from my own surgery, I did not go to Mexico but I did have to travel about 4 hours. I would recommend that you have at least 4 days before you travel long distance. Many people do not but I tried to envision traveling a long trip on day 3 and I would not have done well. I did mine on day two and slept in the car. My mom had pillows and I laid back the seat. An airplane is not so accomodating. It is so expensive to change flights so I would book myself a couple of days recovery just in case.

[LeahSugar]

Wow!! Thanks for the speedy replies. There are a couple of you who are around the same weight/BMI as I am so it is reassuring to me that I'm making a good decision. I'm not super big but I am having issues with my weight.
I'm looking at booking the appointment for the end of March...rdoactv, you and I might be there at the same time!

[LeahSugar]

Mimibren.... how did your surgery go??? I'm heading to the same place on April 4th.

[LeahSugar]

Lots of really good feedback, thanks so much for that .... one thing I'm still not clean on is what is the post-op diet exactly?? Are there things I should have readily available in my house for when I return home??

[pieganjane]

In case you didn't pick up on this, this website is run and paid for Dr Almanza.

[judy79]

Paying cash I went with the best for the best cost and perks (free vallet and hotel). And I researched the facilities and testimonies and am happy with my decision!! Good luck

[Msvetrn]

In case you didn't pick up on this, this website is run and paid for Dr Almanza.

Your are wrong about that, Jane. Dr.Almanza does NOT run and pay for this website.

[jnaed]

Post op diet...From Almanza...clear liquids until you are 7 days post op, then 1 week of liquids and protein shakes, then 1 week of cream soups and mushy foods (pureed) and protein shakes, and then diet as tolerated. This is what I did.

[Socaldixiegal]

I went with a different doctor, but also in Tijuana. I too would encourage adding an extra day or two in San Diego. Even if you feel great a few days after, you get run down very quickly. I was lucky in that I live in So Cal so I just had a 2 hour drive from the San Diego airport to return home.

I also had a liquid pre-op diet (a little longer because I was a band-sleeve revision). First 3 - 4 days are clear liquids then move to full liquid which as stated above is protein shakes, strained soups, etc. I'm on full liquid until day 22 then move to soft food. Actually living the post-op diet is a whole different ball game because there's little to no real hunger. You may have head hunger, but that's about it.

It takes me about an hour to drink my protein shake and I really have to concentrate on getting enough fluids per day (goal of 64 oz water/clear beverage). Not as easy as it seems when you can only take smaller sips!