Alex Brecher

These aren't the same Balloons that have been in use in Europe but in theory they work the same way. Balloons are a great tool for surgeons to use on patients that are affected by super morbid obesity. It allows them to shed a decent amount of weight prior to undergoing weight loss surgery. Balloon's could also be a great training tools for those that are overweight but have a low BMI and don't qualify for surgery. I am also VERY curious how many patients keep the weight off once the Balloon device is removed. Guess only time will tell.

This is where members can verify that Surgeons are Licensed by the Government in Mexico: http://www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/cedula/indexAvanzada.action Plugin Jesus Martin Lopez Dominguez and you'll see he holds two licenses: C1 License is for a General Physician A1 License is for a General Surgeon We stand behind the surgeons we work with and I personally verify the credentials for all of them.

As promised, I'm attaching Dr. Jesus Martin Lopez Dominguez's medical license (I'm personally holding it in my hand):

AUSTIN, Texas--Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., a leader in minimally invasive endoscopic surgical products for bariatric and gastrointestinal procedures, today announced the presentation of results from the ORBERA™ Pivotal Trial at this year’s Digestive Disease Week (DDW) conference. The study showed that ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon users lost significantly more weight than the control group, leading to significant improvement in weight related quality of life and improved eating behaviors. “At the completion of the study, it was clear that the ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon produced significant weight loss and quality of life benefits, when compared to the study’s control group,” said Dr. Barham Abu Dayyeh, Gastroenterologist and Advanced Endoscopist at The Mayo Clinic. “The results of this study prove that ORBERA™ can be an outstanding tool to aide weight loss and support sustainable, healthy habits, even after it has been removed.” In the US pivotal ORBERA™ clinical trial, a multicenter, prospective, randomized, non-blinded comparative study, obese patients with a BMI between 30 and 40 were randomized to treatment or control in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group underwent placement of the ORBERA™ balloon followed by removal after 6 months. They concurrently participated in a 12-month behavioral modification program. The control group participated in the 12-month behavioral modification program alone. For patients in the treatment group, the device was removed at month 6, with regular office visits continuing through 1 year. A total of 125 patients were randomized to the treatment group and 130 patients were randomized to the control group. More than three-fourths (78.4 percent, 98/125) of the treatment group and 71.5 percent (93/130) of the control group completed the full study at Week 52. Detailed findings from the trial include: At month six, the ORBERA™ group achieved a mean of 40 percent Excess Weight Loss (EWL), with 72 percent of ORBERA™-treated patients achieving at least 25 percent EWL Mean Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL) at six months was 10.54 percent for the treatment group compared to 4.71 percent TBWL for the control group. The ORBERA™ group lost over twice as much weight as the control group at six months. The ORBERA™ group also lost significantly more weight than the control group over the course of the study, and was able to maintain significant weight loss through month 12, six months after removal of the device. The ORBERA™ Pivotal Trial results were presented at the AGA/ASGE Joint Presidential Plenary Sessions by Dr. Barham Abu Dayyeh. The DDW session was titled “A Randomized, Multi-Center Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of an Intragastric Balloon as an Adjunct to a Behavioral Modification Program, in Comparison with a Behavioral Modification Program Alone in the Weight Management of Obese Subjects.” Apollo Endosurgery is exhibiting at booth 1905.

Get the BEST Education to Support Your Journey with Weight at the 2015 Your Weight Matters National Convention! What rules and recommendations should I follow after bariatric surgery? What can I do to overcome my weight-loss challenges? How can I prevent weight regain after my bariatric surgery? If you want the answer to any or all three of these important questions, the OAC invites you to register and join in “Our Journey: Restore. Refresh. Renew.” at the 2015 Your Weight Matters National Convention! Taking place this August 13-16 in San Antonio, Texas, this groundbreaking meeting presents attendees with the latest, evidence-based strategies to manage your weight and maintain your health. For three days, you can come together in a welcoming community of like-minded individuals to learn from the foremost experts in the fields of weight, health, nutrition, exercise, and many more! As the leading educational event for anyone wanting to improve their weight and health, the 2015 Your Weight Matters National Convention offers a diverse educational agenda featuring more than 50 topics! There is something for everyone, including: Science of Weight: Finding “Healthy” Along Your Weight-loss Journey Target Your Traits – Overcome Your Weight-loss Challenges An In-depth Discussion on Post-surgical “Rules” and Recommendations Learning to Enjoy Your Journey through the Progress, Pit Stops and Potholes Think on this: Understanding the Brain’s Role in Weight and Your Behaviors And many more! The OAC’s National Convention offers you the opportunity to benefit from unparalleled education at an affordable price, with registration pricing starting at just $30/day or $95 for a Full Convention Registration. Pricing will increase after June 5, so register and save now by visiting YWMConvention.com!

I figured something didn't smell right about this topic.... AustinJackson's IP address (189.220.27.35) is located in Mexico and is most likely another coordinator. I'm attaching a screenshot of the IP: AustinJackson has also signed up for multiple accounts on or around the same date that they signed up (xixmartoxix85 etc.) The surgeon that was listed for illegally operating is Dr. Jesus Manuel Baez Lopez (cosmetic surgeon) who is partners with Dr. Sergio Quinones. You can see a picture of Dr. Jesus Manuel Baez Lopez clearly at http://santafemedicalgroup.com/page/dr-jesus-manuel-baez-lopez as well as here: This is NOT the Dr. Jesus Martin Lopez Dominguez we work with. Here is a picture of Dr. Jesus Martin Lopez Dominguez:

I'm sorry you feel this way. We have a REPORT button specifically for this reason and we generally deal with spam almost immediately. Good luck on your WLS journey and thanks for contributing during your stay.

This is the facility that was shut down: http://www.santafemedicalgroup.com/

I know it's a huge coincidence that the name matches. I am here in TJ and just double checked with the Mexican equivalent of the FDA. It's a different Dr. Lopez. I'd never put my name on the line like this if I wasn't 1000% certain. I will be meeting with our Dr. Lopez later today and will post his credentials so you guys can verify as well.

Thanks for bringing this issue to my attention! I'm in TJ at the moment and am going to personally investigate.

Wow, congratulations! THAT’s what this journey is about! It’s not about the number on the scale (although dropping those 15 lbs. is pretty nice, too!). It’s not even about the improved health from dropping those pounds. It’s about the life you live BECAUSE of the health you gained and the pounds you lost…and you are taking advantage! Way to go picking a 5k goal and finishing. Way to go making a memory that’ll last forever. Way to go making your daughter proud, and letting her know you’re there for her and she can count on you! Now…have you chosen another goal to train for? A Memorial Day 5K with your daughter, maybe?

Hang in there! It’ll get better. Just stick it out now, and you’ll really reap the rewards later by setting the ground work for healthy habits. You can do it! You’re really close to the point after surgery when a lot of patients finally start to feel better, and you probably will soon, too.

It’s always amazing to me how different surgeons have different protocols. The important thing is you find a surgeon you trust and then stick with the program. It’s nice you can come here and get confirmation, though! Good luck!

Pureed winter squash (the frozen kind is so easy): you can make it plain, or have it with cinnamon and sweetener, or puree it with a little bit of parmesan cheese. Pureed pumpkin with egg white, cinnamon, sweetener, and milk…sort of like crustless pumpkin pie. Pureed tofu with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Easy but delicious!

Good topic! Of course it’s a choice. But I think it’s just a question of how we use the word “cheating.” It’s not “cheating” the same way you can “cheat” in high school. You can “cheat” on an algebra test, get an “A,” get into a great college, and major in English, and you’ll “win” by getting a great job and nobody will ever know or care you don’t know algebra. (Sssh…don’t tell the high schoolers who are BariatricPal members and reading this!). The only “punishment” is you’ve compromised your ethics. In WLS, the “cheating” is different because it’s not a short cut to the outcome you want. It’s something that stands in your way. Overeat, and stop losing weight, whether or not you admit it to yourself or anyone else. Why post about “cheating” on BariatricPal after you’ve done it? Lots of reasons! First, misery loves company. You want to know you’re not the only one who’s ever messed up. And maybe you can get inspired by someone else who messed up but got back on track and is doing great now. Or maybe posting is your way of making it official to yourself or others that you’re now ready to be accountable and get back on track. So yes…it is a choice…but I think we can still use the word “cheating” to describe it.

Shakti, You’ve gotten a lot of good advice here. As the others have said, there is no single right answer for everyone – do your research and make the decision that seems right to you. For me, I chose the lap-band and am completely happy. It worked for me. I learned about it because it was working for my friend. I chose it because it seemed less invasive than bypass. Sleeve wasn’t common at the time. I didn’t like the idea of rearranging my insides, although I can understand the perspective of people who don’t like the idea of having a foreign object (the band) permanently placed in their insides. I also like the adjustability. I only felt like I needed the restriction, and didn’t feel like I needed the malabsorption like you get with bypass. Of course, the band means more trips to your surgeon. You need to go after surgery at least a few times to get it filled and probably adjusted. If you go on vacation, you should always know where you could go if necessary if you have a band emergency. In that sense, the band’s a little more labor intensive. Also, keep in mind you may want – or need – to consider the financial aspects. Your health insurance plan may not cover all of the different surgeries – some health insurance plans still consider the sleeve to be experimental and therefore not reimbursable. Good luck with your decision!

You can Now Like and Join Bariatricpal Surgery Deals on Facebook Facebook Groups & Pages Please check out and join or like....... BariatricPal Surgery Deals Facebook Group BariatricPal Surgery Deals Page Dr. Zavalza and Dr. Luna Facebook Group VIP recovery House Facebook Page

You can Now Like and Join Bariatricpal Surgery Deals on Facebook Facebook Groups & Pages Please check out and join or like....... BariatricPal Surgery Deals Facebook Group BariatricPal Surgery Deals Page Dr. Zavalza and Dr. Luna Facebook Group VIP recovery House Facebook Page

Bahahahaha! This is definitely your best suggestion ever!!!

Congratulations on hitting your goal weight…what is your next step? As you know, losing weight is a battle, and it’s one that you’ve won if you’ve hit your goal weight. That’s a huge accomplishment…but the fight doesn’t stop there. Let your guard down, and pounds come back on. That’s what this forum is for: to help you succeed in this next stage of your weight loss surgery journey. These forums are for you if: You are at goal weight and are working on keeping the pounds off. You are getting close to goal weight and you want advice and tips from others on how to make the transition to maintenance as successfully as possible. You are considering weight loss surgery and want to know what your life will be like when you hit goal weight one or two or three years after surgery. Talk about recipes, eating new foods, working out for health and maintenance, and other healthy long-term behaviors as a successful WLS patient. You can also come here for support if you find the pounds starting to creep back on, or if you get a little discouraged with the idea of following this lifestyle for “forever.” There are others in your boat!

I opened it when we launched premium VIP Membership. I added VIP membership to some select members that have assisted us or contributed in some meaningful way (you know who you are.)

Robin, I'm very excited to join the 1st SouthEast VSG 2 day Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I hope some of our fellow BariatricPal members will join us for this awesome event!

You should be able to post links without any issue.

Many weight loss surgery patients find they turn to salads…a lot! Salads can be low-calorie, high-protein, quick to make, and easy to make for one person or a family – all important factors for a lot of BariatricPal members! With spring greens hitting stores, farmers’ markets, and maybe even your own garden, it only makes sense that May is National Salad Month! Not all salads are created equal, though. Make or buy a salad without thinking about its nutrient content, and you could get in 1000 calories while thinking you’re making a healthy choice! A pecan-crusted chicken salad from TGI Fridays has 1080 calories, and a Carolina chicken salad from Ruby Tuesday has 1117 calories. We thought we’d take a little time to think about salads so you can keep yours healthy and anything but boring. The Basic Salad – Green and Lean Your surgeon or nutritionist may have talked to you about building salads. They’re great for main courses if you keep them low-calorie and eat them slowly. The key is to use a foundation of greens since they’re so low in calories. Choose your favorite kind of lettuce, whether Romaine, red leaf, or another kind, or use spinach, baby greens, or spring greens. Be generous! Then, add the protein. You can keep it as simple as a scoop of canned tuna or a couple ounces of turkey breast. Leftovers are great in salads – when cooking, make an extra chicken breast or turkey burger to add to tomorrow’s salad. Egg whites, beans, low-fat feta or other cheese, and tofu are other easy protein additions. Next, it’s time to get fun with your salad. Add in whatever vegetables you like, whether it’s traditional tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, and onions or snow peas, bell pepper strips, and carrot slices. A bit of fruit can liven up your salad, so think about berries, diced apple or pear, and mandarin orange segments. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, whether it’s basil, cilantro or even mint. The salad will be a masterpiece, and the variations are unlimited! Side Salads – Greens and Beyond A salad doesn’t have to be the centerpiece of your meal. Side salads can be just what the doctor ordered. Have a simple green salad to your protein entrée, and your meal will be bigger with hardly any extra calories. You can have plain lettuce or spinach, or add cucumbers, tomatoes, or onions. As always, watch out for dressings and croutons. Salads go way beyond greens. You can substitute salads for sides to keep your meal low-calorie but filling. Serve one or two salads next to your grilled chicken, broiled fish, or turkey meatloaf. Instead of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, serve three-bean salad, egg salad made with egg whites and Greek yogurt, coleslaw made with light Asian dressing, grilled pepper salad with rosemary, or sugar snap pea with barley and balsamic vinegar. Here are a few tips. Except for greens and other raw veggies, keep your portions small. Watch for oils in prepared salads like marinated artichoke hearts and marinated mushrooms. Stay away from calorie disasters, like pasta salad and tuna salad with mayonnaise. Your “side salads” are sides…unless they take the place of main courses. If you’re having tabbouleh with bulgur, three-bean salad, and caprese salad with mozzarella and tomatoes, you’re eating protein, and you’re eating healthy. You’re also eating enough! You don’t need a main course in addition to those nutritious but hefty salads. Fruit Salad – Something Sweet and Healthy While we’re on the subject, what about fruit salads? We say…go for it! Better a fruit salad for dessert than an ice cream sundae or a piece of cake. Make your own ambrosia salad with fresh fruit and no sugar added vanilla Greek yogurt, or top your oatmeal with fruit salad instead of brown sugar. You can also get creative and make a side dish such as strawberry, tomato, and cilantro salad. Warning: you may not be able to handle much fruit if you have gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. Fruit contains sugar, and it can give you dumping syndrome. Ask your doctor, and see what your body can tolerate. Know the Pitfalls What are the differences between a 1,000-calorie salad disaster, and a reasonable weight loss surgery-friendly salad? You can learn to recognize and avoid the ingredients that can wreck your good intentions. Too much dressing – a quarter-cup can have 300 calories. Fatty meats, such as bacon, salami, pepperoni, and bologna. Too much cheese. Fatty carbs, such as croutons (they’re essentially buttered toast!), chow mein noodles, and crunchy onion rings. Mayonnaise – avoid traditional pasta, egg, seafood (and crab), and tuna salad, and coleslaw. Too much dried fruit – it’s healthy but high-calorie and high-sugar. A half-cup of raisins or dried cherries has 260 calories and more sugar than a can of soda. Dumping syndrome, anyone? Learning how to keep those salads nutritious and low-calorie can be a key to your long-lasting weight loss after weight loss surgery. Why not use National Salad Month as an excuse to practice? Buy fresh and interesting greens, and see how you can mix up the add-ons to create delicious salads. You may not even miss the junk food they’re replacing!

You know the journey for a weight loss surgery patient is forever. There’s the pre-op preparation and diet, the surgery and recovery, the weight loss with its plateaus and triumphs, and then maintenance. “Forever” is a long time. How can you keep yourself motivated? How do you continue to make physical and personal progress throughout the journey? BariatricPal wants to support our VIP members. That’s why we’re suggesting some weekly challenges. We’ll guide you through each step so you don’t have to worry. Please "follow" the "A Better You, One VIP Week at a Time" forum to receive updates about our weekly VIP challenges. No matter where you are, you can join in these weekly activities. Some activities may be easy for you; maybe they’re something you’re already used to doing. Others may be a little farther from your comfort zone. Feel free to challenge yourself if you want; nobody’s judging you, and you may experience some personal growth and maybe even a little extra weight loss and fun along the way! Please provide feedback about these weekly activities. We want to know what you think about them. What do you like? What can we do better? Do you have any ideas for a challenge? Remember, this is all about you. You’re the VIP! A Better You, One VIP Week at a Time