Looking to meet those who went to Mexico

Since I decided to go to Mexico and be in charge of my destiny, I often feel left out of the Alberta forum as so many stuck with the right choice to do it here and all that comes with it.

When I was in my private room in Tijuana, prepped for surgery. I was freaking out, not by my choice, I made the right choice. But what the frack was I doing in Tijuana????

Then on my last day at that hospital, getting my drain out and new bandages and instructions, that feeling came over me.

What did I just do? TIJUANA?? What if I have problems when I get home? Who will take care of me?

Then I read about those who did it here and see how they had classes and counseling. I paid Tijuana to do this and they did just that, there is no relationships, bonds or support once you leave. 

I feel alone.

Anyone else who went to Mexico feel this way? Maybe we can lean on one another a bit more?

You can still do the modules through Alberta Health services, they are not just for bariatric patient. If you speak to your family Doctor he/she may also be able to recommend a dietitian that has more knowledge in the area of bariatric to give you a little more knowledge on food choices. Some do low carb higher protein and right now you are so limited to what you can eat that protein should be your main focus.

It shouldn't  matter where got your surgery this forum is here to support and help. Over the past 3 years I've received the support and encouragement I have needed and even made some life long friends.

If you have questions or concerns just ask, someone will help or lead you in the right direction.

Good Luck.

Kee.

I not only went to Mexicali for my surgery but took my sis along (she's at goal already) and just came back from accompanying a friend as she had hers done by Dr Aceves.

I know there are others - I have coffee every few weeks with one. (Hi Dede!) AlbertaMom is another. Maybe we need to all speak up and create our own support thread.

Those are Starbucks skinny lattes Kelly-Anne 

Cinnamon dolce at that! Makes a really nice lunch out with a friend.

Hi Nicey. I had VSG surgery in Tijuana last October :).  It can be very lonely out there without formal aftercare, but I do find a great deal of information and support here at OH.  Looks like you're in Calgary too, so I'd be happy to get together any time!  Feel free to PM me or add me as an OH Friend too.

Linda

Who do you see for after care?

My family doctor does what little aftercare I need. Generally a barium swallow at 3-6 months after surgery and a complete blood work up (including vitamins, minerals and electrolytes) at about 6 months, then annually. Of course if any nutrients come up as low you need to address the problem, then have regular checks until your blood work comes back as normal.

I was feeling super wobbly and woozy at about a month out, so shuffled to my GP. It turned out to be 2 things - a low grade UTI (common when struggling to get in fluids) and I didn't need my blood pressure medication any more.

I was just back down in Mexicali as support person for a friend. When it was time for her barium swallow Dr Campos checked Fred out for me. Fred looks great - small and healthy. He said my esophegus was a bit stretched and I should eat a little slower. I'd just finished my breakfast of beans and coffee and I'd eaten a bit more than I normally would, which he agreed was probably why my esophegus looked stretched. (And Dr Aceves teased me later about eating beans for breakfast. Mmm.. beans...)

I have a family doctor (who didn't know I decided to have surgery!) and she has bee following me.   Haven't needed anything out of the ordinary, but she did want to do full blood work on a quarterly basis during my first year, then semi-annually in my second, etc.  I've had high levels of calcium and B12, so have had monthly blood work on those particular items.  She also tracks my weight loss, but that's all I've needed so far. 

It would probably be beneficial for you to find a family doc to track your blood work and be available if any issues come up along the way.  Earlier in my recovery, I  made a trip to an urgent care centre when one of my incisions opened up a little bit.  There was a tinge of judgment  about my choice to go to Mexico, but it didn't impact my treatment.  My family doc has been very supportive, even though I didn't involve her in my decision making.  

There's a few of us Mexico-iters around.  Kelly-Anne reached out to me on OH when I started inquiring about surgery in Mexico, how lucky was I that she lives 10 minutes away!  

As far as after care, there really is nothing other then occasional lab work.  The rest is fluff in my opinion.  I am glad to have made a connection with Kelly-Anne, and as time goes on our conversations are drifting further from VSG and more towards real life in general.

it is very nice to have a support buddy at first because everything is so new and foreign, but in no time it becomes old hat and life goes on.  I personally don't feel I need to go to organized support meetings on an ongoing basis post surgery.  I guess what I'm saying is I don't feel I was left out of anything by running to Mexicali for surgery vs having it done locally.