Having surgery soon with Dr. Aceves...low BMI

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here but glad I found this board.
I posted on the main boards about deciding between VSG & Plication.
I've decided on VSG with Dr. Aceves- after much research.

I have a 31 BMI and 36 years old.  I've tried almost every diet and exercise program out there.  I haven't been at a normal BMI since I was 20 when I did phen-fen...
Obesity runs in my family, my mom had a gastric bypass and everyone in my family is in the obese range otherwise.

I got SOOO flamed about why I would even consider having weight loss surgery at my BMI, but the stats are stacked against me.  I did HCG and couldn't get below 160 (I am 5'5).

I can't see a life in me starving myself to remain overweight.  I eat fairly well, it's just that I love food!  I need that physical tool of a deterrent to correct years of yo yo dieting and being overweight and obese.

Is there anything I should know about or bring with me to my surgery?

Also, would love to know how my fellow Lightweights broke the news to their Primary Care Physician.  (I know mine wouldn't support my surgery, much less in Mexico).  How did you go about finding a doctor who was understanding of your condition and aftercare?

Thanks for any words of wisdom you can provide :)

kitticat

My PCP recommended the Lap band for me, I did not tell him until AFTER the surgery, in fact 3 months later, which one I had. He is not upset and is very proud of me.
Not sure what you will need in MExico but you will most definately need a tube of Chapstick. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Congratulations on taking back control of you life!  I do believe the main reason most of us on this board had surgery, was because we couldn't keep it off - and/or had a very hard time getting it off.

As far as PCP, I told mine ahead of time that's what I wanted.  He was ok with it, and would just go along with me.  Then I had my surgery in VA (I live in MI)...  I don't go to him unless I have a non-WLS related issue.  So far, I haven't HAD a WLS issue... (knock on wood). 

Its been advised that if you have a PCP that's not on board with you, find another that will be. 

Good luck and happy you found us!!

Congratulations on your decision!  I have never read ONE negative comment about Dr. Aceves....all positive!  I do understand the negative conotations about surgery in a foreign country.....but I would have done it in a minute if insurance had not approved me.

My PCP was on board with my surgery but if she HADN't been, I probably wouldn't have told her until a couple months after I had it ....but I'm a big chicken!

BEST WISHES!!!!!

I think you're making a smart move. PCPs are a dime a dozen, if your current one won't work with you, find a new one. One reason the US docs are adverse to LWs getting WLS is because our criteria is 35 BMI with major comorbidities, while Mex and SA's is 30BMI. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. 

If you need to find a WLS friendly PCP, sometimes going to your state board and asking there may help.

Good luck!

--gina

 My BMI was 28.9 when I decided it was time to take control over my food issues. I was "only" 182 at 5'61/2. By the time I had surgery I was a BMI of 31 at 196.
I just know for myself that I would have been back at 257+ in no time if I would not get any help.
And help I did get. Until now this has been a great ride with minor issues and I'm still learning.
I think you are making the right decision. Congrats on taking control. I know o so many people that don't have the guts to do so!! (sorry Sister!!) 

Luckily, I had a very supportive PCP.  I really think you need someone who will be supportive, expecially since your surgery will be further away and less accessible.  I understand Dr Aceves has a great rep and I imagine you will be very happy with the treatment and him.  Do find someone here to be your support, before you go. 

Keep us in touch.  We will be swinging for you.

I had surgery with Dr. Aceves just over a month ago. Here is what I used when I was in the hospital: toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, face wash, lotion, hair brush, dryer), chap stick, a robe, flip-flops, underwear, a pillow, my laptop, my cell phone and a book. I wore home what I wore down to Mexico. Some say you might want GasX since they don't have it there, but I didn't use it. I did use it when I got home.

I did not tell my nurse pracitioner before I left. She is now not responding to my messages asking if she will do my follow-up care. If she doesn't want to do it, I will just find someone else. For specific aftercare in my case, for acid reflux and to have someone to do the upper GI series Dr. Aceves wants done 3 mos after surgery, I am seeing a gastroenterologist on Feb 2. If your PCP won't see you for aftercare, just find someone who will. All you really need is an internal medicine doctor, and they are easy to find. You don't even have to see them as your PCP--you can just use them for the post-op tests and care if your current PCP won't do it.

Good luck! You will like Dr. Aceves and his staff.

Abby

Thanks all for your support!  

I can't wait to get my surgery and start eating right and losing.
I feel my healthy body just dying to get out.

I know it's not going to be an easy journey, I'm sure I will have to learn how to eat again, hopefully the right way this time.

I feel so happy to have found this forum and all of you to ask questions.

Thanks for all of your candid and honest answers.

Cheers!