splashdancer

Thanks for all that info. Wow, most people would have never noticed most of the things you did unless they were a nurse. I would be so nervous I really wouldn't think about # 1 and #3.. maybe #2. I was talking via email to a nurse who works for Dr Alvarez in Mexico- can't recall the city but I know someone who had her sleeve done by him. Anyway, I explained to the nurse that 15 years ago, when I was 35, I had a DVT and PE that put me in the hospital for a week and it was also found at that time that I had Factor V Leiden in my blood- an inherited clotting disorder, basically. I had taken a long plane flight among other risk factors as well. Anyway, that was 15 years ago. So, a hemotologist had me taking Coumadin for the next 10 plus years. I kept going back to see what the latest research said about whether I needed to stay on it since Factor V Leiden is relatively newly discovered I guess. Finally I saw another hemotologist, she tested me again, took my whole situation into account and took me off. I have taken only a daily baby aspirin since. Meanwhile, I have had one surgery since- a total knee replacement in 2008. That surgeon was not concerned about my history and the surgery was definitely needed and a success. So, after I put all of this in an email to the nurse, she quickly said I was no longer a candidate for any surgery with Dr. Alvarez. I was crushed but confused still. I did have concerns anyway about taking a long plane flight back to GA and maybe that factors in to his decision, no pun intended.. Since then, I have spoken with nurses for two different docs in the US and they both said they didn't believe my history would rule me out, that I would simply need to get special clearances. I am going to an informational seminar tomorrow here in the Atlanta area with one of those doctors- Dennis Smith, MD. I would like to hope I can still do this! We shall see. Thanks for your post!

Thank you. I am sure it would be worth it, too. I am happy you are happy and doing so well.

Thanks for this info. I jsut recentley saw him on The Doctors, and have been trying to find someone closer to me (I am in GA) who does it. There is a doctor in FL, that is probably closest. I am also trying to determine if it is available anywhere for less than around $18,000. That is the cash estimate from Dr Merema in FL. Please let me know if you can help answer this/ THanks!

Hi there, I am very new on this forum and only in stages of considering this surgery. I am a 49 yo female with about 100 lbs to lose. I think you have done great and I am very happy for you. Now, I am curious as to whether you have loose skin from losing so fast? If so or if not, do you exercise regularly? I currently do, and have for a long time. I am obviously very overweight but toned for my size. It scares me a lot to think I might have loose skin that could require more surgery down the road. Thanks for your response!