Welcome guest, you have 1 message! Register

Results 1 to 14 of 14
  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member Truffles's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Brigitte
    Surgery date
    08/24/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Prince George, BC
    Posts
    1,502
    Said "Thanks" 159 Times
    Was Thanked 400 Times in 330 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 140 Times

    Default My second journey

    I had my sleeve 5 years ago. For 4 years, everything was going well. I maintained at 140-145 lbs. However, in 2016, my emotional life took a dark turn. Past demons rose up and I struggled to work through them. My chronic depression spiralled, I was also diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. Throw in a provincial move to a small city to round out the chaos. I was also coming off healing from Whooping Cough and severe anemia (IV iron transfusions), plus finding out the pain I was having was from gallstones and an hiatal hernia. Quite a lot dumped on my lap in 2016.

    My weight shot up.

    Fast forward to this summer, and losing patience with the Canadian health care system (1.5 years and still no consultation to have surgery to remove my gallbladder, hell, not even an appointment for the consult) I decided to seek out Mexico again. Realistically, if I waited for gallbladder surgery, unless it ruptured, I would have to wait until 2019-2020.

    I also decided to have my hernia repaired and get re-sleeved. I had very little restriction left from my original surgery.

    This year also happened to be my 20th wedding anniversary and my twins' 16th birthday. My husband and I decided to make a vacation out of it. I would go to Mexico first, have my surgery and then the family would join me later in the week. We selected Puerto Vallarta and one of the all-inclusive resorts there. The surgeon puts his patients up at that same resort, so all I needed to do was to switch rooms.

    I selected AloBariatrics with Dr. A. Lopez as my surgeon. I had the surgeries at San Javier Hospital. The facility is beautiful. I was placed in a suite that overlooked the marina. The care was outstanding! I've never had a surgery where I woke up without feeling over-drugged, except here. No less than 4 people confirmed my surgical & medication history. The public health nurse even came in to examine my IV placement.

    The total cost for the three procedures, three nights at the resort, and one night in the hospital, was US$7,400.

    My family is having a wonderful time here in PV and I am getting a lot of rest and relaxation in a beautiful setting. Today is one week post-surgery, and I just had a few bites of strawberry yogurt. We will fly home Saturday.
    Nov. 15/17 - re-sleeve, hiatal hernia repair, gallbladder removal with Dr. A. Lopez from AloBariatrics in Puerto Vallarta



  2. Said thanks:


  3. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  4. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Truffles's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Brigitte
    Surgery date
    08/24/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Prince George, BC
    Posts
    1,502
    Said "Thanks" 159 Times
    Was Thanked 400 Times in 330 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 140 Times

    Default Re: My second journey

    Oh, and I forgot to add that this time I had zero throat irritation. I have no idea how Dr. Lopez managed it but I have absolutely no trouble drinking any fluids.
    Nov. 15/17 - re-sleeve, hiatal hernia repair, gallbladder removal with Dr. A. Lopez from AloBariatrics in Puerto Vallarta



  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Stacey03's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Edie
    Surgery date
    11/07/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Phil lockie
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    04-27-2019 09:56 AM
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,961
    Said "Thanks" 854 Times
    Was Thanked 1,179 Times in 902 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times
    Blog Entries
    34

    Default Re: My second journey

    This sounds great Brigitte, sounds like you had a tough year. Looks like you are back on track and how nice that your family could join you. Wishing you much success :-)


  6. Said thanks:


  7. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
    Said "Thanks" 5,839 Times
    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: My second journey

    Brigitte, best wishes to you!

    Sounds like you've had a rough time of it lately. Happily, it also sounds like you're on the right track again. Congrats on your recent surgeries and easy recoveries.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

  8. Said thanks:


  9. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christie
    Surgery date
    11/03/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Wright
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Last Activity
    09-12-2019 04:13 PM
    Posts
    5,169
    Said "Thanks" 978 Times
    Was Thanked 2,940 Times in 2,192 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1,465 Times
    Blog Entries
    97

    Default Re: My second journey

    Congrats on getting your new sleeve but especially congrats on taking care of that hernia and gall bladder. Sounds like you got it all done for a great price. Wishing you a speedy recovery.



  10. Said thanks:


  11. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  12. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member Jeanious's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Jean
    Surgery date
    11/30/2017
    Surgeon
    Clifforth
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    02-21-2023 06:44 PM
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    197
    Said "Thanks" 78 Times
    Was Thanked 115 Times in 92 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 57 Times
    Blog Entries
    13

    Default Re: My second journey

    Good luck on your new sleeve journey.



    Highest weight 247lbs (112kgs)
    1 month. - 224.5lbs (22.5lbs)
    2 month. -211lbs (13lbs)
    3 month - 205lbs (6lbs)
    4 month - 199lbs (6lbs)
    5 month - 194lbs (5lbs)
    6 month- 187lbs (7lbs) 58.5lb loss (26kgs)

  13. Said thanks:


  14. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member PokerGuy's Avatar
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/07/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Last Activity
    06-13-2023 05:16 PM
    Location
    Washington DC
    Posts
    120
    Said "Thanks" 9 Times
    Was Thanked 77 Times in 57 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 6 Times

    Default Re: My second journey

    Congrats!! I'm thinking I may have a hiatal hernia. It Looks like Almanza did you original sleeve. what made you choose Lopez for the 2nd surgery? just wondering.
    PG



  15. Said thanks:


  16. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member Truffles's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Brigitte
    Surgery date
    08/24/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Prince George, BC
    Posts
    1,502
    Said "Thanks" 159 Times
    Was Thanked 400 Times in 330 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 140 Times

    Default Re: My second journey

    Dr. Almanza doesn't do re-sleeves anymore. So, I started looking at other surgeons. I really couldn't find anything negative about Dr. A. Lopez (there are different Lopez out there). Plus, my gallbladder was my first priority and with the hernia second, and re-sleeve third. I knew that I wanted a hospital this time, as opposed to a surgical clinic, because it was 3 procedures. I have six incisions instead of 5. Dr. Lopez seemed to be a good fit. And he most definitely was.

    He also works out of TJ but having him work out of PV, too, sealed it for me. My husband and kids are having a great time here at the resort (today they are parasailing) and I'm happy that there is no pressure on me to do anything other that sleep and recover. I putter around to the market and back daily, enjoying the scenery.
    Nov. 15/17 - re-sleeve, hiatal hernia repair, gallbladder removal with Dr. A. Lopez from AloBariatrics in Puerto Vallarta



  17. Said thanks:


  18. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member tinman's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    08/23/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Last Activity
    11-08-2023 05:37 PM
    Posts
    1,154
    Said "Thanks" 65 Times
    Was Thanked 1,328 Times in 515 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3 Times

    Default Re: My second journey

    OMG........TRUFFLES!!

    I have always wondered what in the hell happened to you. For those that don't know, Truffles and I sat next to each other in TJ everyday, five years ago, taking IV fluids and talking hockey. A Canuck and a Texan talking hockey smack in Mexico. Most in the room just shut up and shook their heads.

    We kept in touch here on the board and she was a monster loser. Always there to help others who wanted it. Think of Ann except with an edge. One thing I have always said about Truffles....well....two things. Truffles has always been one of my favorites, and, Truffles did it her way. Her way and my way definitely did not coexist well together and we would get in some epic internet shouting matches. But, she taught me that there is definitely more than one way to skin a cat when getting sleeved.

    I'm sorry to hear about your troubles, but, I am glad to see that you've decided to take steps to lose what you gained. I have no opinions about re-sleeving. I personally don't see me ever doing that, but, for some, it's a definite option. Sounds like you did your research and liked this option best. One thing I know about you, you will attack it, whoop it's ass, and go on with your life in a much better place.

    Oh, and one more thing, since you and I last typed, my Pens have won two.

    Nuff said!!

    Glad to have you back. Don't ever leave again.



  19. Said thanks:


  20. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Dutchie's Avatar
    Name
    Simonne
    Surgery date
    01/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Pablo Enriquez Valens
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Last Activity
    07-05-2020 12:35 AM
    Posts
    1,494
    Said "Thanks" 1,206 Times
    Was Thanked 1,222 Times in 797 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 365 Times
    Blog Entries
    8

    Default Re: My second journey

    You are one strong lady, having gone through all of that!
    And from what Tinman added I understand that you will do very well.
    Congrats with you new sleeve, I wish you all the best!
    English is not my first language anymore, so I may and do make mistakes in my spelling, or say things oddly. Please ask me, if you want any clarifications.



  21. Said thanks:


  22. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
    Said "Thanks" 5,839 Times
    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: My second journey

    Reunited, and it feels so good!

    Reunited, and it's understood ...

    http://bit.ly/1hXYy8J



    LOL! No edge?



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

  23. Said thanks:


  24. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member tinman's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    08/23/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Last Activity
    11-08-2023 05:37 PM
    Posts
    1,154
    Said "Thanks" 65 Times
    Was Thanked 1,328 Times in 515 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3 Times

    Default Re: My second journey

    Quote Originally Posted by Ann2 View Post
    Reunited, and it feels so good!

    Reunited, and it's understood ...

    http://bit.ly/1hXYy8J



    LOL! No edge?



    I do remember one time when you told me you needed to take a break from me. That's it. That's all you said. Pretty damn edgy for you......lol.

    I think I either offended you or your talking dog.

    And yes, I'm sure I danced a few dances to that song.



  25. Said thanks:


  26. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member simplyseahorse's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    06/11/2018
    Surgeon
    Dr. Motamarry
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    10-17-2019 08:50 AM
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    215
    Said "Thanks" 90 Times
    Was Thanked 126 Times in 95 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 735 Times
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: My second journey

    Well welcome back - sounds like you will have quite a bit to contribute to us newbies! I have wondered about Mexico if my insurance jacks me up - I have to change from BC/BS at the beginning of the year to United Healthcare and am TOLD all will be fine, but I don't trust it until I see APPROVED on a form! So glad you are doing well after one hell of a year or so.


    I am a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist but I have never practiced in the areas of bariatrics or weight loss. I am happy to offer ideas or tips, but please follow your own Nutritionist's advice - she is the expert in the area.

  27. Said thanks:


  28. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member Truffles's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Brigitte
    Surgery date
    08/24/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Prince George, BC
    Posts
    1,502
    Said "Thanks" 159 Times
    Was Thanked 400 Times in 330 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 140 Times

    Default Re: My second journey

    Tinman! Even though I have moved away from my beloved Edmonton, I still bleed orange and blue. I know this season is pretty much over for them, but we got a glimpse, last year, of what this team will hopefully mature into. And, Leon Draisaitl! He's my German boy! I watched him get drafted and I was ecstatic. I already gave my son my Christmas present to give me; a framed picture of Leon scoring his first NHL goal. It will hang in my sewing room.

    I'm so pleased to see you and others of the "old (crotchety) guard" still around. I plan on checking in more regularly once I get back home. The wi-fi isn't great here in PV. We're on our last day here and the family is out on a boat tour. Tonight, we all go to a nice restaurant. I'm at the full liquids stage so they better have some soup!

    The re-sleeve was a hard decision on my part. My main priority was my gallbladder. But, you know me, I tend to jump in with both feet instead of dipping a toe.

    Thanks for all the well-wishes, everyone. It makes me happy.
    Nov. 15/17 - re-sleeve, hiatal hernia repair, gallbladder removal with Dr. A. Lopez from AloBariatrics in Puerto Vallarta



  29. Said thanks:


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •