BebeZed
Another Chance
Oct 16, 2015
Ok, so the lap band wasn't my friend. I initially lost 40 lbs and then started having issues finding the sweet spot on my fills... and I was throwing up entirely too much. And then the place where I got my fills went out of business... and I slowly started regaining. I regained it all, and then another 35 lbs on top of that.
So I started looking for alternatives. And then I found the DS - duodenal switch. It sounded scary, but it also sounded like it was exactly what I needed. I liked the lifestyle. I interacted with a lot of DSers and liked what I heard. But I was still kind of scared...
I took a vacation and had a bunch of pictures done - something that I never do. I looked at myself and realized that I really NEEDED to do something about all the weight. I also wanted to be able to do all the things I used to be able to do. It was time to start researching doctors and planning finances since my insurance wouldn't cover it.
I settled on Dr. Ungson with Mexicali Bariatric Center. He had a stellar reputation and lots of experience. The price was also right. I contacted them in July, knowing I wouldn't be able to go until at least September due to a couple of large projects at work, but explaining that I'd like to go in later in the year. They were helpful and finally I got most of my projects completed so I scheduled for October 3, 2015. Then I got the news that Dr. Ungson had taken a government job and that Dr. Esquerra would be his replacement. I freaked out. Nobody knew this doctor and I couldn't find information on him except that he'd in fact worked with Dr. Ungson in Hermosillo.
After asking a LOT of questions and doing a lot of soul searching, I decided that I would go for it since Dr. Ungson was one of the best and would not have left his private practice in this other doctor's hands if he had any doubts about the doctor's skill. Someone on another forum was scheduled about a week before me so I decided to wait until she reported back to make a final commitment. It was a few days after surgery that she reported back saying she was ok. It was a definite GO for me.
My trip to Mexicali was uneventful. I had my pre-op tests and was told I could have anything I wanted for lunch and then a light dinner. I got back to the hotel, fully intending to get me some REAL food (I'd been on the pre-op liquid diet for 5 days!) and promptly fell asleep. I woke up at 10pm, when it was too late to have anything but water. LOL Surgery was uneventful and I was in very little pain at all. Boredom was my biggest enemy right then... good thing I brought a Kindle filled with books and games :) I also watched every single show on BBC about three times each episode LOL
I had a couple hours to wait before my flight back home and I kind of overdid the walking and started feeling a bit uncomfortable so I took a pain pill. I slept for most of the 2.5 hour flight and for nearly all of the 90 shuttle bus ride back to town. I drove home, left the suitcase in the case (too tired to mess with it) and came in to go to bed. Couldn't sleep in my bed... it was uncomfortable. I slept in the recliner.
I'm now 13 days out, have lost 13 pounds, and I'm feeling GREAT! I started back to work on the 6th day after surgery and have been working full days since. I telecommute doing IT work so it's very easy to take breaks when I need and even take a nap if I'm tired. I do take lots of naps. So far, the process has been great... I'm on full liquids now and really looking forward to the next stage. Liquids get old after awhile LOL
So... onwards and upwards! I'm doing extremely well and am looking forward to what the future brings! :)
