Nichelle

Hi, my name is Nikki. I was self pay. I went to Tijuana, Mexico and had surgery with Dr. Ramos Kelly. My experience was very similar to KellyL. I paid $5300 for the all inclusive package. The only thing you will pay for outside of that is flight round trip which I found for $250 per person from kc, mo to san diego, ca. I loved my experience and so far love my decision and my sleeve. I am just about 6 weeks out and have lost 26 lbs. and 19.5 inches over my body. Dr. Ramos Kelly was fantastic. He was very professional and seemed like he had been doing this forever. He was calm, collected and simply doing his job which he does well. I would recommend anyone on the fence about this to do their own research, but I would reccommend Dr. Kelly over and over again. I don't feel the need to put a long detailed story on here as it is so similar to many others, but please please feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

Wow, you look great! You can really see the difference. Keep up the good work and keep us all posted.

Amazing, congratulations!!! I agree that these inches are amazing. It's not one think you think off right from the start, but I went ahead and took mine since I had read how important it is. Even if the scale may not be moving we are losing inches its great. I am about 6 weeks out and measure in 10 areas. I have lost a total of 19.5 inches and it seems more amazing than the weight loss. Crazy! Way to go, you are an inspiration to all of us and your measurments wow you are really getting there!

Congratulations on both your weight loss and your wedding day. Good Luck on reaching your goal. You've done a great job!!!

Wowee, congrats. I am just over a month out, about 6 weeks and feel pretty normal when it comes to eating. I love your hummus idea. I was never big fan, but have really come to like it over the past few months and thought I would miss it forever after surgery. I am glad to know it is still good to have and in such a good way. An egg that's such a great idea. Thanks. Way to go!!!

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Nikki, I live in kc,mo and have had vsg. I am 23 years old and currently work in Grandview, MO part time and attend collumbia college online full time. I did consider going to dr. hoehn, but because of insurance and cost reasons I did not. I had surgery out of the country in Tijuana, MX with Dr. Kelly Ramos. I had a wonderful experience and am on my path through this journey already. I still feel like I am part of the Kansas City group even if I can't share the exact same personal stories from surgery as some of you may be able to, but I can share a different insight and sometimes that can be very helpful. I am currently just over a month out and have lost 26lbs and 19.5 inches. Feel free to check out my blog for a breakdown if you would like. I am going to try and keep monthly weigh-in updates avaliable to the public because I feel that it was what I was always looking for pre-op. Good Luck and glad to be a part of the kansas city sleevers group. Woot, woot!!!

1 MONTH OUT STATS Start Weight: 273 Surgery Weight: 267 Current Weight: 247 Loss Since Surgery: 20 TOTAL LOSS: 26 lbs. Start Jean size: 24/22 Current Jean size: 22 Start Shirt size: 3x/2x Current Shirt size: 3x/2x Inches: Neck Start: 16 Latest: 15 Loss: -1 Upper Arm Start: 15 Latest: 14.5 Loss: -0.5 Forearm Start: 11.5 Latest: 11 Loss: -0.5 Waist Start: 49 Latest: 45.5 Loss: -3.5 Abdomen (belly button) Start: 55 Latest: 51 Loss: -4 Hips Start: 55 Latest: 53.5 Loss: -1.5 Bust Start: 54 Latest: 50 Loss: -4 Chest Start: 44 Latest: 41 Loss: -3 Thigh Start: 30.5 Latest: 29 Loss: -1.5 Calf Start: 17.5 Latest: 17.5 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -19.5 Notes: Wow, amazing I can’t believe that I have lost 26 lbs. and -19.5inches!!! I sometimes think that these numbers could be way better at a monthout, but I have never before lost these kinds of numbers this fast in my lifeand trials of losing. I believe the reason I think they could be better isbecause I have made such a drastic change and I want things to happen now.However, I am losing the weight three times as fast if not more than I gainedit so that is fantastic in my book. Lastly, I am losing the weight now. I justcan’t tell right away, just like I couldn’t tell I had gained all that weightright away. I haven’t had too many people notice the change or at least theyhaven’t said anything to me, but that is good in my opinion. I have choose sofar to keep this surgery a secret. I just personally feel that this is my bodyand my business and I don’t feel it necessary to tell everyone about it justyet. I for when I am ready to tell the masses and I’m sure I will, then andonly then will I tell them and that’s might right and choice. I have heard afew good compliments sent my way. Most people just say I look good and I’m ‘glowing’is the word I keep hearing. One guy asked if I was pregnant and another said Imust be in love. A few people have just said ‘wow, I don’t know what it is yourdoing, but just keep doing it you look great.’ I’m glad most have not asked andthat it is so noticeable yet. For the few that have asked I just tell them itmust be the great tan I am getting and that I’m just happy to be back andschool, enjoying the summer, and time away from work. I know that I will get to where ever it is I am going with thissurgery sooner or later its’ just so hard in the moment. I think I can, I thinkI can, I know I can and I will because this is my chance and I will take it forit may be my only. LET’S DO THE DAMN THING!!!

Thanks girls. I am getting a better idea of where I want to be. It's so hard because everyone is so different in jean sizing. Plus every brand is so different in sizes I even went searching in sizes that come in inches so odd. I guess I will just have to wait to see where I will be at. Hope to hear from some more of you.

Sooo, I may only be in this process for 3 weeks, but I have already loss a jean size!!!!! Yippee. I woke up this morning and dug up pair of jeans at the bottom of the drawer. They are a new pair of jeans I only wore and few times. They were a bit tight when I bought them and I just grew out of them before I really got to where them. I held them up to me and they didn't look like they would fit, just seemed to small still. But I went ahead and threw my legs into them pulled them up and BAM the button was right at the hole. I could button them with out even sucking in. This sleeve is going to be amazing!!! I think losing jean sizes may be even more amazing then watching that scale move. There is no denying you are smaller when you can button a pair of jeans. Just curious if some of you might share your waist size (or the place where you button your jeans at) in inches and jean size you wear and weight. I know we are all very different, but I'd love to get an idea of what size jeans I can eventually wear. I have never been small so its all a new experience. I think starting high school I was already a 12-14 and graduated in 18. So to even be a 10 would be all new. Currently I'm 52in, size 22, 253

I hope, I hope, I hope it is not too bad. I just started my journey so I don't know the outcome. I just hope all of us here in the twentysomethings get lucky with the skin issue. I know it depends on the type of skin and how much is has been stretched. I have heard the same about exercise. Having muscle will fill some of the lose skin and begin to tighten. Also using any kind of moisturizure will help a bit keeping the skin healthy and rejuvinating. Over time even after the weight is lost the skin will continue to reshape and tighten. It just might not do so as much as we all would like. I feel my arms have always been smaller or a good size for being such a big girl, however my tummy is biiggg. So I don't think I will ever be wearing a bikini even after I lose the weight. I will most likely post about this topic later on in my journey. Good Luck, can't wait to hear from some of you that are further along!

This is really fantastic! I had a mind set of going to Dr. Hoehn myself. However, when I found out about the option in Mexico and of Dr. Kelly I just could not resist. I also took all my measurements before hand. I am just not 3 weeks out and will do new measurements at a month. I hoping to see some good numbers like you! Do you train with you trainer at a local gym or is this someone you have hired individually for you. Are they aware of your surgery and did you feel they were able to work with you on whats best for you. I live in KC, just guessing you live somewhat close. Congrats on the #'s

I agree with most everyone else. It should be where you are most comfortable at. I didn't get a set goal weight. I just set one for myself. I don't remember being thin in highschool so I just used the BMI scale. For someone 5'7 to be in the normal range I have to be 157lbs or lighter so thats where I set my goal. I just want to be in the normal range, however if I get to a pair of 6 or 8 size jeans before than I could be happy with that too. I would prefer to be 140lbs., but we will just see how that goes. Good luck with your decision on the goal. I think everyone is entitled to change their goal to fit them the best. It's meant to be what works best for you!

Woohoo! Cleaning out the closet already that's awesom. I know I was just thinking back to the last time I cleaned out all my drawers and got rid of all the smaller clothes that didn't fit me. That was a little over a year ago. Now, I wish I hadn't done that, I could use some of those clothes by the end of the summer. I didn't know then how big of a change my life was going to take. Congrats, and may you be able to clean your closet many more times before your journey ends.

Coops is right, this is a tool that helped you stay on track after your weekend of fun and even during. It's so great that we still can enjoy life and are able to go back on track afterwards. I know that before the sleeve had I broke my cycle on the weekend and saw that kind of weight gain I would have just given up. I love my sleeve and I'm sure you love yours too. Congrats on getting to onederland, that's why you were celebrating anyways. Nothing wrong with that!! Way to go!

I agree with Meggie that there is still time to get what you can out of your sleeve. No more snacks. Protein and water, protein and water, exercise, protein and water. I know it's all we read on these boards, but its probably because it's what works for those who are successful. I would just be more aware of your diet and put the work in to making this sleeve work for you. You have already decided to change your life now you just have to go for it and put forth a great effort. I hope the best for you and good luck.

Wowee, you look fantastic!! It looks as though you have lost more than that, either way you look great and happy. I hope I am as far along as you are at 7 months. Way to go girl!

That's just fantastic. Congrats!!

Woohoo! That has got to feel soooo good. My sister as always been skinny too. I just can't wait to show her how amazing I am going to look in just a few months too. I see her more often, but as fast as the changes are happening I'm sure she will have a similar reaction, or I hope so. Plus I have a family reunion at the end of July, just can't wait to see the results and show them off to my family. Congrats, I'm sure you are a skinny minny!!

Congratulations. What's under the clothes or not, I'm sure you look great.

Love this thread, will post when I'm further out. I hope this thread gets tagged or pinned so more people will add to it. Very neat to find all the info. in one place!

Woot, Woot!! It feels great doesn't it.

Honestly, maybe you might take some time out just for you. If the relationship was that serious, you should take time to get over your loss. It can be hard and unhealthy if you don't grieve especially if it was that serious for you. I am sorry it is so hard to lose the person your consider to be your one you were going to lean on for support. I personally have devoted this year to my self. I don't think it is selfish, it is just the reality of knowing that I can't be of help to anyone if I can't help me first. I have been very interested in getting together with someone very close to me, but I wanted to concentrate on me and my life changes I am going through with surgery. It would be hard to work at dating and getting to know someone seriously while also just trying to get to know the new you. This is just my own opinon, but time for yourself is never a bad thing and I think that's what we all need sometimes. I hope this helps.

I don't think it is a requirement to lose weight before surgery however there is most often and pre op diet you have to follow. This diet usually entails eating healthy for about 14 days before surgery. Usually for most the last 5 days is liquid and the last 3 is clear liquids including talking a laxitive. With all this it is very possible to lose weight which is what does need to happen around the liver. The loss of fat around the liver is what the pre op diet is intended for so that it is easier to get around to the stomach. Good Luck I hope this helps in your understanding.