KatInFL

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

My stats are a little off from yours but not drastically so. I'm just shy of 5'7", started at 252, and am almost a year post-op and weigh 155. I haven't tried a bunch of fancy creams or wraps or anything, as I generally think it's a waste of money for me.
I knew going in I'd likely be looking at plastics and time has only proven that to be true.
I'm just now starting to look at plastics and surgeons and consults, knowing I'm 6 months to a year away from actually having it done. My worst skin issues are my breasts and my stomach. I had a c-section and had the "flap" from that but weight loss has made it more pronounced. My poor boobs....they were once full and large but now look deflated and saggy. I'm still in the early researching part of determining what I'll actually want...but right now, I think it will be a breast lift with (maybe) augmentation and a Tummy Tuck. I'm hoping to avoid Lipo as I have nice definition of shape just lots of skin but I'm open to what the doctor suggest for the best results.
I could absolutely live without surgery for skin removal and breast issues...but I'd rather not.
Hi everyone! I'm not new to posting, but this is the first topic I've started, so please be nice!
I am planning on getting sleeved in May, and other than the usual worries about the surgery itself, how much will I lose, etc. my #1 concern is the extra skin. I am scared enough to have surgery once, I don't want to have to go back under for a second time to have all the skin removed as well. My mom had gastric bypass a few years ago, so she's really the only person I know who's lost this kind of weight, and she does have a "flap". But she was also in her 60's when she had the surgery/lost the weight, and she lost well over 100 pounds.
Here are my stats: I am 34, currently weigh about 230, and have a conservative goal weight of 160, with a dream goal of 135 (I haven't weighed less than 150 since the fifth grade, so that would be an extremely dreamy dream goal for me). Oh, and I'm 5'3" and a pretty good exerciser.
So my question is specifically for ladies under 40, who have lost 100 pounds or less, and are at or near their goal. How well is your skin bouncing back? Did you do anything to help it, like weight lifting, or using special moisturizers? Where is it the worst, and have any of you had, or are considering having the "flap" removed?
Thanks in advance for any help/reassurance you can give me. I know I am going to go through with this surgery, but I want to know if I need to psych myself up for another one in the near future.

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

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

You look great! Congrats!!
~Kat

I love Team Illan/Omar!

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

I think there are lots of us who feel similarly about our insurance companies. My policy has a weight loss surgery exclusions, specifically. I imagine because it makes the whole policy less expensive. The logic escapes me, though, that they'd rather pay for high blood pressure care, Type II diabetes, sleep apnea, and other obesity related co-morbidities than WLS.
I had my surgery in Mexico in March and am so glad I did! It was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself.
~Kat

I think Laura says what other people often think...which is, if someone has a clear bias against a coordinator or doctor, it makes it hard to distinguish between perception and fact. If you were interested in sharing facts, the thread wouldn't have been titled in the form of a question but it would have been a statement. Yes, the information is important...but I believe how the information is shared is equally important.
For someone who is new to these forums or is doing an internet search and just happens to land here, they may not yet have the information to research for themselves. If you are truly interested in sharing the information you said you had to begin with, then in the future you should just come out and say it.....not only the coordinating company, who has nothing to do with the actual surgical procedure, but the doctor, hospital, and the rest of the pertinent information.
Blaming Laura for people being unwilling to share experiences is ludicrous.
People are individually responsible for what they choose to share. The same way people are responsible for researching and determining which coordinators and doctors are the best fit for them, whether it's in the US, Mexico, or elsewhere.
~Kat

I can relate! It's tough to not slip back into old habits and comforts.
I think acknowleding that bad day or week or whatever and then moving on is important. I mean, you can't take it back so there's no point in dwelling on it and letting the stress compound. Tomorrow is a new day! Start over and work your Snacks into your daily intake in a way that you are still doing what you know you should or exchange the Snacks for something that is what you should be eating. And be kind to yourself....no one is perfect.
I'm glad you shared.
~Kat

Tomorrow is my one year anniversary.....August 2, 2012.....my 40th birthday! I am so happy to say that 365 days later I am maintaining my weight loss of 60 lbs, which I lost after 6 months. I am a size 4/6 and run about 40 miles a week and am planning a 15 mile run tomorrow for my 41st bday and my one year anniversary. This was the best decision I could have ever made. Dr. Garcia is wonderful and I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat if I needed to. For those questioning the surgery, the location or the doctor know that you are making the right decision! To think last year at this time my husband and I were sitting in the Marriott Tijuana waiting for the big day!

Weight loss plateus are really, really normal! Everyone experiences them. It doesn't make them less frustrating, for sure.
For me, hormones can add a layer to the fluctuations in my weight. When I'm ovulating and then the week before my period are times I just know I'm not losing. I started keeping an eye on my sodium intake, as that can be a factor, too.
Butterthebean has a great link in his signature that talks about plateaus post-op.
Since you're still pre-op, here is the link to an interesting article I read recently:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/07/29/202655878/how-to-escape-the-diet-plateau
~Kat

One of the things I have/am learning to deal with in this whole crazy mess is my all or nothing metality that I've always had. I'd eat a biscuit (or 3) for Breakfast, and say why bother working out? It will barely even out that crappy Breakfast I ate. Or I'd miss a workout, and say why bother working out tomorrow? It will only make up for yesterday. Nothing to be gained. But it would go on and on. And the farther away from a good day I got, the harder it was to go back.
Now I'm learning it doesn't have to be that way. I can f**k up, and then jump right back on the wagon. I can miss a workout and it doesn't mean I need to eat pizza the next day. I don't need every day or even every week to be perfect. I just need to have more good days than bad. Put as many good days together in a row as I can. And keep pushing up hill inch by inch. That's how we get there....slowly, painfully...but we are getting there.

Pffft... there she goes again, being all rational and stuff.

Say wha?!

I can relate! It's tough to not slip back into old habits and comforts.
I think acknowleding that bad day or week or whatever and then moving on is important. I mean, you can't take it back so there's no point in dwelling on it and letting the stress compound. Tomorrow is a new day! Start over and work your Snacks into your daily intake in a way that you are still doing what you know you should or exchange the Snacks for something that is what you should be eating. And be kind to yourself....no one is perfect.
I'm glad you shared.
~Kat

<uh....slowly, sheepishly raises hand> Yeah, that was me. 4 months in, I thought I knew it all. I thought I had it down cold. I figured "what else can happen?" I was cruising along like a battleship with no thought of slowing down. Until that day when my body decided to stop losing weight in spite of my wishes.....wow does that ever change your attitude.
These days I take a little more flexible approach. I know what works for me, I don't always know what works for everyone else. More importantly, I know that my way isn't the only way. And I cringe when I read these new threads that sound just like I used to sound. I want to say "talk to me in 6-12 months." And then I tell myself....give it another 2 years, where will I be then? Makes me realize there is still more to learn....alot more.
But like Paul, I'm not going to enable anyone, even though there is plenty of opportunity to do so. And you can see it coming a mile away....and you can understand where it's coming from. People are struggling....struggling with food addictions, fighting head hunger, frustrated by stalls, and forced to deal with feelings that were previously blunted with comfort eating. They really need relief. They need the comfort of an old friend who has been there for them for years....yes food. Everytime you read a post that says "when can I eat xxxx again?" Unless xxxx is a salad....but usually it's not. Remember the "when can I eat macaroni and cheese again" thread? Hell you can eat macaroni and cheese the day you get home from the hospital...purree it if you like, but why would you? Why would you want to go back to that life?
I know I don't. Like Paul, I don't want anyone to go back to that life. But I realize that the more I bow up and scream it from the rooftops, the more likely some people are to turn a deaf ear, slink away into dark corner, and eat that bowl of macaroni and cheese and not listen to those of us who have been right where they are.
I used to have a quote in my sig that said "why would you listen to the advice of someone who isn't where you want to be?" Well, maybe that quote is a little too stringent for me now. Afterall, some people are on a good path that will get them there. They learn, they keep an open mind, they are on the right track. But there are a few vets around here who ARE there...like Paul, like CLK...like several others. You know they found a way. They are definitely worth listening too. If you want to ignore their advice because they are not PC enough, or not sensitive enough to your feelings...you do so at your peril. I'd rather have my feelings hurt than be obese the rest of my life.

Ha! I should have read ahead.
Yep, Dr Illan will Skype and did so with my boyfriend and I. It helped to hear about his training, the mechanics of the procedure, how he was going to handle my particular situation, etc. I know you said your Dad isn't computer savvy but many newer cell phone are capable of Skyping, so you could do it from your phone with your Dad.
~Kat

I wonder if he might feel better if he could Skype with the surgeon and ask any questions he might have directly? If it's that important to you that he feel comfortable, there's no harm in asking!
My boyfriend was extremely skeptical but a Skype conversation with my surgeon, where he was able to ask questions directly about qualifications, training, potential complications, etc., made him feel much more comfortable. I think seeing the doctor as a real person rather than some generic entity helped as well.
~Kat

I would think that it'd be fine in the liquids stage, as long as you are adding it to a Protein Shake. It would be reconstituted in whatever liquid you are using (milk, Water, whatever) and become part of the liquid.< /p>
PB2 is a brand, when you are looking for it. I have that and another brand Just Great Stuff..and there is no difference in taste IMO. I found it locally in a health food store. Fair warning...it's not cheap. I think I spent like $8 for a jar, but it lasts a long time when you use it a tablespoon or two at a time. You can find it at netrition.com and Amazon.com, if you are willing to pay shipping. For me, what I'd have saved in the price of the product would have been spent in shipping so it was a wash.
~Kat

Okay, this thread has run its course. I am locking it. Nobody is interested in hearing any more of the name calling, accusations or anything else. That is not what we are here for. Feel free to take your ridiculous arguments to pm.
And, just one additional word of warning, don't even think about starting another thread just so you can continue the arguing. Anyone who does so will be banned.

I have never seen this dichotomy of rules, which you seem to think exists.
If one person attacks another, like you just did, it's removed...regardless of who does the attacking. You were purposefully ugly and it wasn't warranted. You are welcome to block people's posts if you don't care for them. The internet is no different than real life...some people you interact with just won't be your cup of tea. That's fine. Accusing people of being crazy and other things that have no basis in fact is not the accepted way to handle differences of opinion, in any social circle I've ever seen. Frankly, it just undermines your point of view when you can't back it up intelligently rather than attacking.
~Kat