Starting to get Nervous !

[FerretMomma6]

Hi,

I've been lurking on the boards for awhile now. My surgery is 3/16/17. I am not having a sleeve, but the lap band with Dr. Almanza. Any pointers for the trip to Mexico ? Anything that was a surprise and not expected ?

[Christie13]

I had my surgery stateside but there are a lot of people who have gone to Mexico who should be able to provide you some good info.

[Tamera2]

Hi there, I had Dr Almanza in January. I don't know anything about lapband. If you have special diet afterwards try to plan for trip home, example I was on clear liquid diet so I brought bullion cubes to make broth at airport or on plane. The only surprises I had were all positive except my doctor in the states didn't send my echocardiogram. The cardiologist in Mexico had me contact them to email it to him. It was a little stressful because they couldn't ultimately approve my surgery without it because i have CHF and i needed to show proof it was stable. It all worked out. So I recommend patients bring records from home with them especially if you have any chronic diseases. They took everyone that wanted to go, shopping. It was nice being able to bring home some goodies. If that interest you, you might plan ahead. The area around the hotel and hospital is real nice and we all felt comfortable walking around the area. You might also ask at the hotel for a room on the pool side. Out front can be noisy. Also if you have a med that requires refrigeration, you can request a portable refrigerator and they will set it up for you. Hope this helps. feel free to ask if you have any further questions. Good luck

[mrtumnus]

I am going to give you an opinion here--not that you asked but rather to be helpful..I would not get a lapband but I would get the VGS. The weight will simply come back on with thelapband once it is removed...when I went to Mexico there were 3 people who were coming back to have the VGS done and they wasted money on a lapband...

[RehabNurse]

I am not having a sleeve, but the lap band

Is there any reason you selected the Lap-Band when it has fallen out of favor for the past 5+ years?

Realistically, the Lap-Band is a temporary fix to a permanent, lifelong problem of overweight/obesity. If you want a chance at permanence with your weight loss and maintenance, you might want to look into the gastric sleeve or bypass.

You will still be hungry with the Lap-Band in place. It is easy to eat around the band. And once that band comes off due to slippage, erosion or other issues, the person usually regains all their weight quickly and fiercely.

[FerretMomma6]

Thank you ! I will ask for a pool side room. I'm traveling alone so it's also great to know the area around the hotel is nice. I will be on the same pre op and post op diet as a sleeve. Is the salt content in the broth cubes something I need to be cautious of ?

[FerretMomma6]

Yes, I would prefer the sleeve to a lap band. However; I have some non weight related pre existing conditions that effect my ability to have a sleeve. So even with the life long adjustments and possible complications with the band, it still makes since for me to have one placed due to my inability to sustain a weightloss. I appreciate the steer toward the sleeve, it just isn't the best medical option for me.

[bigdogluver]

Hi FM6, it's just around the corner! Good for you. I've seen other Mexi operation folks on the blogs in here and I think I some a group for them. You can find it in the "Groups" tab above. Welcome aboard, glad to share the journey to the new us!

[FerretMomma6]

Thank you to everyone who responded ! I appreciate the tips and direction !