Re: Pre-op newbie questions

[Guest guest]

The thing about sleeves that is different from all the other surgery types is that we are not dependent on bariatric surgeons, we can go to any GI surgeon, any general surgeon, or any bariatric surgeon.  They do partial gastrectomies as well, just not for weight loss.

There really isn't any routine follow up post op for sleeves.  The sutures... you can't even see them, they are sub dermal sutures and self dissolving.Ins will cover emergencies post op.  You might have to fight for it but it will cover.

On Fri, Jan 28, 2011 at 2:21 PM, careystamps <carey.michelle.c@...> wrote:

 

Hello all,

I recently joined this group and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts. I'm really interested in having the sleeve but have some questions that I'm hoping you'll be able to help me with.

I understand after the surgery tests are run to identify any leakages...which would be the most serious complication, right? I was wondering if anyone has encountered a complication after you came back home and how did you handle that. Did you go to the ER and did your insurance cover it?

Are there follow-up appts or procedures needed? How did you handle this if you couldn't get back to Mexico? If there's bloodwork maintenance, could my PCP take care of this?

Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate any information you could share.

Thanks so much,

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I had these same questions before I had my surgery earlier this month.

Before I left town, I talked with my PCP, to let her know what was going to happen. She was horrified that I was going to Mexico (even though she's first generation American of Mexican descent). But, she let me know she would be there for me when I returned.

The most common pre-op problem I've seen here on this forum is nausea and possible dehydration. You won't leave Mexico if they even suspect there's a leakage - I don't think I've heard of any of Dr. Aceves' patients having a leakage problem. A lot of the nausea is controlled with the Nexium they send you home with. One girl recently got home and was apparently taking too small a dose for her. After a visit to the ER for some IV fluids and a talk with Dr. Aceves, she increased her medications and fluids and is doing much better. I'm sure her insurance would have to cover it - it's dehydration, not a surgical complication.

Before you leave Mexico, they give you a big envelope to give to your PCP. In it is a copy of your pre-op labs, Chest X-ray, EKG, a copy of your post-op fluoroscopy pictures showing your new small stomach (without leaks), and a written copy of your operative report and hospital course. All these you bring home with you and give to your doctor for review. Very neat and professional. Dr. Aceves recommends we all go back to our PCP in 3 months for labs and to have him/her order a Barium Swallow test (drink nasty chalky stuff so they can look at your esophagus and stomach the whole way down, echhhh!). My MD wants lab work in 6 weeks, her comfort level as she's not very familiar with all this.

Good luck with your process,

Sally

From: carey.michelle.c@...Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:21:05 +0000Subject: Pre-op newbie questions

Hello all,I recently joined this group and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts. I'm really interested in having the sleeve but have some questions that I'm hoping you'll be able to help me with. I understand after the surgery tests are run to identify any leakages...which would be the most serious complication, right? I was wondering if anyone has encountered a complication after you came back home and how did you handle that. Did you go to the ER and did your insurance cover it? Are there follow-up appts or procedures needed? How did you handle this if you couldn't get back to Mexico? If there's bloodwork maintenance, could my PCP take care of this? Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate any information you could share.Thanks so much,