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Post by bigbrittany on Jan 10, 2012 13:52:40 GMT -5
I made a post in the DS section and got some awesome replies. But, I wanted to come to this board and get opinions as well. I have been planning on having the sleeve for many months. Paid my $2,000 deposit and bout 2 airline seats (cant fit into just one). Have had my date set for many many months. Recently, Dr. Garcia in Tijuana asked me to consider doing the DS instead of the sleeve. My concerns are the fact that I am 450 pounds and its all in my belly. Some of you may know me from the OH board so you know my financial situation (full time student and mommy). The other board shocked me by letting me know that the only good DS surgeon in Mexico is Ungson (sp?). I will lose all the money basically if I switch surgeons. Expecailly since I am getting HUGE discount from my surgeon due to begging crying pleading and showing proof of my sad financial situation now. I dont think any other surgeon would work with me so much. Can I just do the sleeve and lose all this fat? Can I get the sleeve and later down the road convert to a DS? Would that be safer so there is less fat to get through to reroute the intestines??? I dont want to do it open-i am hoping laproscopic...I am just confused and looking for some friends, and some advice.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2012 14:27:33 GMT -5
you should face the fact that the deposit money is GONE in my opinion. sorry, I know it's harsh but better to not have surgery at all than to have a less than ideal surgeon.
my understanding is the DS is not as effective if you have it done in two parts. plus, two surgeries increases the risk. so if you NEED a DS, don't settle for a VSG.
I would not get any surgery done in TJ, honest to goodness.
I wish you good luck!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2012 14:29:10 GMT -5
Insanity can be defined by repeating the same action expecting different results. No, I am not calling you crazy. Many of us are active on several boards. Therefore, I'm pretty sure you'll hear the same things here: Ungson is the only highly regarded DS surgeon in Mexico.
Post WLS surgery life is expensive. If insurance doesn't pay for labs, self pay can be $$$$$. Vitamins and other supplements are REQUIRED and can be $$ to $$$$. No one, including me, wants to see anyone harmed by WLS. If you are not in dire straits, I suggest you take lots of time to research and think about your choice.
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Post by redbabe08 on Jan 10, 2012 14:54:39 GMT -5
can you lose enough with just the sleeve - possibly
would you need a revision to the DS because you didn't lose enough - possibly
would i let dr garcia give me a DS - hell no
are you prepared financially if complications arise because you shopped for price with regards to surgeon?
sorry you put your deposit down & are now wondering if you should switch surgeons - i would, but that's something you'll have to decide on.
good luck.
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momx4
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Post by momx4 on Jan 10, 2012 15:18:33 GMT -5
Listen to the vets.......trust me I know $2K is a boat load of $$....I'm an army wife and SAHM but is your LIFE worth $2K? You could literally be putting your LIFE on the line by NOT using a vetted surgeon!!
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Post by princess10 on Jan 10, 2012 15:22:16 GMT -5
This is not just a surgery you are talking about but your life. Being strapped financially is a terrible situation, but complications from a botched surgery could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Or, it could cost your family the price of a funeral. Please listen to the DS veterans about having the DS in Mexico. They are very experienced and know what they are talking about.
Can you lose all the weight with the sleeve? Maybe. Do you need the DS? I am not sure of your BMI, but it does have the best stats. Also, remember that follow up vitamins will also cost money and you need to budget for that as well.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2012 15:26:17 GMT -5
I would not get a DS with Garcia, and I would not get just a sleeve if I were in your position (and I also would not use Garcia even for a sleeve). You have gotten some great advice, Ungson & the DS are your best bets imo, but do make sure you are aware up front all the costs involved long term.. even my costs with just a VSG went up.. Please take the time to make the right call, and do not do this based on price, people are not joking when they tell you it's your life & health on the line.
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Post by michellemj on Jan 10, 2012 18:23:46 GMT -5
Are you willing to risk your life for a DS with Garcia just to save a little $$? So not worth it in my opinion.
If you'd like a DS (and that's what is probably best in your situation), then save your money and please see the only vetted DS surgeon in Mexico, Ungson. There have been several lives lost recently from individuals who thought their surgeon was ok and didn't trust the vets and unfortunately, they paid the ultimate price. Harsh? yep. but, I'm sorry. As much as you'd like to lose the weight, I'm sure you would like to survive...
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kellic
Full Member
VSG - 11/19/2010
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Post by kellic on Jan 10, 2012 20:32:42 GMT -5
(Hugs) I know how it is to want WLS so bad so that you make excuses in your head about why it will be ok. Unfortunately the most truly tragic stories I have seen have been people who try to cut costs and end up becoming very sick or dying due to inexperienced surgeons. None of us want to see that happen to you so take your time and think this through. I wish you the best.
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Post by bigbrittany on Jan 10, 2012 23:16:09 GMT -5
thank you all so much for listening it means so much.
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