KatInFL

Yeah, chicken isn't a favorite for my tummy. If it's even a tiny bit dry, it's inevitably coming back up. I've given up on reheated chicken as leftovers the next day. I just can't seem reheat it in a way that doesn't dry it out. It complicates things as chicken is about the only Protein my kid will eat. I've found myself frequently cooking two separate meals...chicken for him and seafood for me. ~Kat

As far as my weight loss goal, I can't really envision it. Maybe because my weight goal is less than I can ever recall weighing. Other goals, I seem to find easier envisioning...running a 5k, having defined muscles in my arms...those don't seem as far fetched, for some reason. ~Kat

I had my sleeve done by Dr. Illan and love him! I received excellent care from him and his team. I've posted several reviews about my experience and thoughts. Feel free to ask if you're looking for specific information! As for results, I'm 13 weeks post-op and have lost a little over 50 lbs. I'm averaging almost 4 lbs a week. I stopped my high blood pressure meds within a couple of weeks of surgery. I've lost approx 10 inches in my waist and 8 in my hips and 3 pant sizes. I'm down 54% of my total excess body weight. ~Kat

Not me. I eat 3 times a day, pretty scheduled (breakfast around 9 am, lunch around 1 pm, and dinner around 6 pm), and if I am feeling munchy and have calories leftover, will sometimes have a snack after dinner. ~Kat

I use almond milk because it has dramatically fewer carbs than regular milk. ~Kat

Totally normal, IMO! I didn't really get much in the way of nerves until the moment I was being wheeled into the OR. It was then I just started to sob uncontrollably, terrified I was going to leave my baby motherless. My doctor was amazing, I had absolutely no issues post-op, and am thrilled with my results. ~Kat

Hi Bonnie! I went to my initial consult fairly certain I was going to have the lap band procedure, too, when my surgeon told me she doesn't really do them that often anymore. It's then I started researching the sleeve. I was self-pay, due to WLS exclusion from my health insurance policy, and ended up having the procedure in Mexico. I waited for about a year, from my initial consult with the surgeon locally, until I was sleeved in March 2013. I'm 3 months post-op and couldn't be happier! I'm so glad I opted for the sleeve vs the band. Welcome and I hope you are able to make use of the tons of great info found here. ~Kat

I'd be interested in seeing his response. I can't seem to find it? ~Kat

I didn't use him, but I see his name periodically on the Self-Pay and Mexico forums. If you do a search in the forums by his name, you'll see some fairly recent patient reviews. ~Kat

There's a specific forum for those who have experienced pregnancy post-op. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/46-pregnancy-with-gastric-sleeve-surgery-vsg/ You might find more information there. ~Kat

Long term? I doubt it, barring any complications. I think the support that you receive from them makes a difference, but I've venture to guess that a lot of well qualified doctors have patients that aren't as successful, regardless of the support they offer. In order for the procedure to work, you've got to put in the effort. ~Kat

Hi Minnie, Have you read the link that is in Butterthebean's signature? It's really helpful and explains the science behind plateaus. Although it addresses "stalls" early on post-op, it's applicable to any time. Here it is, if you haven't see it: http://www.dsfacts.com/weight-loss-stall-or-plateau.html Keep in mind that everyone starts at a different place and loses at a different rate. This is not a contest, not even a destination, but a journey. We will all get there if we stay focused and do what we know we should be doing. And trust me, I get caught up in comparisons, too. I just have to tell my OCD to calm down and work through it. ~Kat

It's normal and will get better. I swear, the first couple of weeks post-op, I could feel every. single. drop. of liquid as it made it's way down to my tummy. It didn't really hurt, per se, but I could feel it all. My tummy still gurgles and grumbles and chatters sometimes. Sometimes, it's a warning that my tummy is mad about something I just ate, other times it's just noise. Keep in mind, everything is new and your body is adjusting. It's having to heal itself and do it's work. ~Kat

What does your doctor recommend? This is one of those things that vary by doctor. Everyone will have a different answer and most will have had success doing it following whatever direction they were given, but you will want to follow your doctor's (and nutritionist's, if you have one) orders. If it was unclear what you are supposed to be getting immediately post-op, I wouldn't hesitate to give the office a call and ask what they want you to be doing. It will keep you from going nuts, trying to decide on your own which of 100 different ways is the "best" way. ~Kat

I'm still fairly early pre-op but yes, have dealt with serious chronic back pain for about 10 years. I had a lumbar fusion about 4 years ago and take meds daily for it. I'm 3 months post-op and it's different, for sure, but not gone. I certainly don't feel well enough to stop my meds. I am down a little over 50 lbs. My pain management and primary care doctors say to give it some time and a little more weight loss before I try anything different, as far as medications. I will say the tingly sensation sounds like nerve issues to me, which is different than just general back pain. Have you gotten that checked out? It's important that you do so because ignoring it can create long term issues. I have permanent nerve damage to my sciatic nerve from ignoring the sore and tingly sensation in my lower back and down my leg for about 2 years, on and off. If I had gotten it addressed early on, it's likely I wouldn't have the extent of the issues I have now. ~Kat

It's so hard not to compare. I am absolutely guilty of it and it's incredibly frustrating! Be kind and give yourself a break, especially this early on. I lost somewhere around 15 lbs in my first couple of weeks. Even 3 months out, I wish I was losing more and faster and I swore I'd never get caught up in that cycle. It's something I'm working on. But if it makes you feel a little better, you're ahead of where I was at at the same stage. ~Kat

Glad that things went well! Cancun information seems to be a little harder to come by, so be sure to post about your experience when you are up to it. Cancun was my preference when I was researching but had a hard time finding a lot of information about doctors and patient experiences. ~Kat

I talked to my HR and they contacted the insurance company to clarify. ~Kat

I'm not quite 3.5 months post-op, with my surgery on 3/28. I've lost 50 lbs, approx 10 inches in my waist and 8 inches in my hips. I'm down from a size 22/20 to a comfortable 16. I haven't really struggled with Fluid intake and only occasionally with Protein intake. When I'm at home, protein isn't an issue. I was on vacation for almost a week last week and totally slacked on my protein. The good news was that I didn't really eat anything I shouldn't, just didn't keep up with my protein. Next time, I'll be taking my hand blender or a mini blender...I've gotten spoiled to a texture of Protein shake and I have a hard time getting it down, otherwise. I ate chicken and fish, but not often enough because everyone else had their own things they wanted to eat..pizza, buffets, etc. I just chose to not eat rather than eat what everyone else was. My choice, but I'll prepare better next time. What I can eat depends on what it is. For example, I can eat much more seafood than I can chicken or beef. I can eat close to 6 oz of shrimp or salmon but struggle to get more than 3 oz of chicken in at a time. I try to stick to 3 meals and one snack per day. It seems to be what I'm comfortable with and scheduling it out keeps me on track. I wish I was losing a little faster (I'm averaging about 4 lbs a week) but I don't feel like I'm doing poorly. ~Kat

This is not necessarily accurate. My insurance excluded WLS specifically, regardless of any circumstance. They do, however, cover emergency and follow up care, as necessary. If I had had an emergency post-op, they would have covered whatever care was needed. It is a question I specifically asked. My PCP even helped me find a bariatric surgery practice that was willing to treat me, if I had any need, once I was home. Luckily, it hasn't been an issue. But it eased my mind knowing I would be care for, should I need it. ~Kat

Are you looking for specific info? There are several of us that are his patients that post here periodically. Don't hesitate to ask or PM, if you are looking for more information! I am a huge fan of Dr. Illan and his coordinator, Omar. I had my surgery at the end of March and couldn't be happier with my results. I'm down 50 lbs, went from a 40 BMI to a 34 BMI, have lost approx 10 inches in my waist and 8 in my hips. I've lost over 50% of my excess body weight...not bad for 94 days post-op! Dr. Illan made me feel like I was his first priority, from the time I first contacted him, until I left TJ. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat...and am currently trying to convince my sister to see him for the sleeve. ~Kat

I was out of town for a wedding, so sorry I am late responding. I'm just over 3 months post-op after having my surgery done by Dr. Illan. I adore him! I'm re-posting here a review I wrote recently, so you can see it, too. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor or coordinator. I know that, sort of by default, we all love our doctors. Really and truly, though, I've never had a doctor go to the lengths he did to make sure I was comfortable, both before and after surgery. My boyfriend was extremely reluctant about my decision to head to Mexico for surgery...it's not exactly on most American's radar as an option, ya know? To help set his mind at ease, Dr. Illan and Omar did a Skype conference call with us. Dr. Illan was happy to answer any and all questions we both had, both about his experience and credentials, and about the procedure. I had lots of detailed questions, after researching for almost a year before booking. I truly wasn't nervous until the second I was being wheeled into the operating room. Nerves hit me at the last second and I just couldn't help but be overcome with tears. All I could think about was being thousands of miles from home, having an elective surgical procedure, while my 10 year old (of whom I am a single parent) was waiting for me back home. Dr. Illan hugged me, reassured me he'd get me home to my baby just fine, and held my hand with the anesthesiologist put me under. I had a little more pain than I anticipated, as I deal with chronic pain already, and wasn't taking my regular meds. I didn't really want to bother anyone but my best friend, who accompanied me, told Omar the very first thing the next morning I hadn't rested that well due to the pain. Omar immediately called Dr. Illan. Both Dr. Illan and the anesthesiologist came in to check on me within 30 minutes. They both told me, several times, I should have had them called. I hadn't wanted to bother them (it was the middle of the night, after all) but they were both adamant that they *wanted me to ask them if I needed extra help to manage the pain. Once I was back on my regular meds, I was fine, but I was pleasantly surprised at how responsive they were. I just couldn't have asked for better, more personal care. I actually am looking forward to going back to see both Dr. Illan and Omar again! I am currently trying to convince my sister to have the procedure, but if she doesn't, I will be headed back for plastics anyway. As for Omar...his care and concern is unparalleled. From the moment we arrived until the hour that we left, Omar was concerned and making sure my every need was met. Not just mine, but my best friend's, too. When we arrived it was 2 pm or so local time, dinner time for us (we flew from the East coast). My best friend mentioned needing to get something to eat while I was getting settled, after she noticed the hospital cafeteria. Omar made sure I got settled, then came back shortly with dinner for her...he knew the cafeteria would be closed, so he left and bought dinner and brought it back for her. He was in constant communication, checking and making sure we had everything we needed and wanted. I have read a lot of people have concerns about coordinators or coordinators not communicating with them...that has never been an issue with Omar. I still talk or email with Omar at least once a week. Sometimes I have a question, more often he calls or emails just to check in. As for results...I had absolutely no complications post-op. I would say I am losing at a fairly average pace, not really fast but not super slow. Like I said before...I'm about 3 months post op and am down 50 lbs. I started at a 40 BMI and am now at 34. I stopped my high blood pressure meds within a couple of weeks of surgery. I've lost approx 10 inches in my waist and 8 in my hips and 3 pant sizes. I'm down 54% of my total excess body weight. I couldn't be happier with the results! ~Kat

Congrats!! I had my surgery with Dr. Illan and am approx 3 months post-op. Time will fly and August will be here before you know it! There are a thousand tips and unending advice...don't hesitate to ask questions if you're looking for something specific. Or if you want to know something and don't want to post on the board (I realize it can be overwhelming when you've lurked for a while but are just starting to post), feel free to PM me. I will say I think you'll be impressed with Dr. Illan. I felt so well cared for by Dr Illan and Omar, you won't regret that choice. ~Kat

Hi Lisa Marie, I'm so very glad that you were able to get assistance through Dr. Illan. Like I said, I know he has a ton of general surgery experience, so I suspected he might be more comfortable given your situation. Also, he and his team is just amazing. I adore him. I will be going back to Tijuana at some point for plastics, I'm positive, and will make sure I see him again. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. Or ask here...these forums have a wealth of fantastic information! ~Kat

If it makes you feel better, tipping hadn't crossed my mind at until the very second I got in the car at the airport with my driver. Luckily, my companion had cash (I'm notorious for never having cash and am paranoid about carrying much cash when I travel), so it was ok. I had to message some sleevers that I knew had been a few weeks before. I think it's certainly not expected but very appreciated. Oh, just remembered...there are really, really young kids at Walmart that are baggers...like I think maybe 12-13 year old boys. It was explained to me that they aren't employees, but Walmart allows them to come in and bag groceries and they work solely on tips. They were very nicely dressed and so sweet. It made my heart melt a little, as I have a son only a little younger. So, I gave the little guy who bagged my stuff a $1 tip. My coordinator laughed at me and said it was waaayyy more than they usually get....they probably get 10 cents or so per customer. So, yeah...I think any tips are highly appreciated but it's not tragic if you don't tip. ~Kat