Mexico bound, need dietary, behavioral and exercise change support when I get back.

I really can't afford to have this surgery, and then I really can't afford to not have it right.  SO I'm putting away and in January I will have 7k for surgery in Mexico, the cost for VSG there.  When I get home I won't have the support of a nutritionist, and counseling like what is offered through most WLS programs in our state.  Any suggestions?  I don't want to fail the sleeve with old habits.

Even though I had surgery in the states, I didn't have much support from my surgeon's office.  I learned a lot from reading the boards.  I get my labs done with my family physician.  See if your family doctor would be wiling to do aftercare.  Good luck!

Thank you for the advice, do you mind telling me a little about the lab work required.  

Disclaimer: This is by no means expert medical advice, and the way I explain things below is just how I tend to think of them, so check with your PCP or surgeon for the real deal info. The surgeon in Mexico should give you post-op info that includes what blood work you should get done routinely. Also search the OH forums because there are plenty of posts pertaining to blood work and other routine post-op medical issues.

Here's an example of my routine blood work. Most people get it done 3 months, 6 months, and one year post-op. Then every 6 months after that. However, if I start having issues with low energy, my NUT orders labs just to be sure.

• Insulin (because I was pre-diabetic pre-op)
• Hg A1C (because I was pre-diabetic pre-op)
• Ferritin (my NUT refers to this as the "storage form of iron")
• Iron (non storage form of iron, kind of free flowing in your blood, this is the iron level they typically test when you donate blood)
• Vit D
• Lipid panel (cholesterol)
• B12
• B6

Thank you for sharing that with me!  I see now that I don't necessarily need a bariatric doctor 

I was quoted about 4,500 for the sleeve in Mexico. You might want to call around and save yourself 2,500. That would pay for your lab work. 

I had it done in Mexico in Jan 07.  You can do this!