Revisional VSG after LAP Band

I have only posted 2 responses to others questions in the past, but thought it was time I shared my Journey with others.  I had the LAP Band done in 2001 in Europe while living there.  Weight loss was great, was down over 100 in about 14 months, with diet and exercise was able to get off 30 more and maintain that weight for about 3 years.  I then returned to Canada, should have had an adjustment as was very restricted, no one here wanted to do it as I had surgery out of country.  Anyhow, eventually ended up with slippage, lost about 20 more lbs and was actually very ill.  Had band removed last Nov.  I was involved in Weight Wise program, but the earliest tentative date for surgery would have been this fall, maybe even late Dec due to cut-backs.  As a R.N, I weighed all my options and finally decided to go to Dr. Alvarez in Piedro Negras, Mexico for VSG which was done early June.  I could not be happier, had superior medical and personal care while in Mexico, have had an uneventful recovery and already am down about 25 lbs.  I would highly recommend this as an option for individuals able to pay for surgery and discouraged by long wait times here.  I travelled with my husband, but certainly could have done it alone, only extra cost for him though was his air fare and he could stay with me in the hospital as well.
If anyone wants to contact me personally, please feel free to.  I would be happy to talk about this at more length.  I also would consider travelling as a companion with anyone who is reluctant to go it alone! 

I too am very happy with my Dr. (Dr. Aceves) in Mexico. As already posted the care and medical facilities with either  Dr. A are amazing . Any questions just ask.
ellen

Hello

I don't want to discourage people from going to Mexico, but when I was recovering from my RYN (surgery was May 19), there was a lady in the next bed. She has been in the hosptial for 6 months...she had a VSG in Mexico...was doing great...then her stomach started perforating. She talked to the Dr in Mexico, and ofcourse, would have to pay for any follow up and stay down there.  She ended up being admitted at the RAH and under the care of Dr Birch.

I still feel, there is a reason why we need to jump through our health care hoops....the after care (in the long run) will always be there for us....in Mexico...it won't.

Just my thoughts...

I agree that it's very important to pick the best surgeon and the best WLS  for you. I wanted a surgeon with lots of experience....like 500+ staple lines. A surgeon that had been doing VSG for years, and had trained other surgeons (not just in Mexico). I wanted a Dr. that  had experience with other WLS, like RNY(which has a more complicated staple line that the VSG). There is no surgeon in Canada that has this much experience with the VSG.

I also wanted to be treated with respect....not just from my Dr. but ALL the staff involved.

Yes, I also am thankful that I had the financial resources to pay for this myself. It wasn't easy but doable.

I was in the hospital for 4 nights after my surgery. I then traveled the 1.5-2 hrs back to San Diego where I stayed another 5 days just to make sure I was feeling good. I was terrified of having a complication and 'trying' to get help from an AB Dr.( I don't live close to a major city) I have been very fortunate that I have had no problems. I do have Dr. Aceves cell # and he wants monthly updates on how I'm doing. 

My surgery was in Feb and I have lost a total of 80lbs. I feel great and am so thankful for my health.

ellen

What makes this situation even more scary is that Dr. Birch is having issues finding the right resolution for this patient.  This is something that the clinic hasn't seen before.  I was relayed this information when Dr. Birch mentioned this to my financee this morning when they were talking about her surgical options.  This mysterious patient was referenced as an example of what can happen.

Cheers!
-- Xcalibur