BeanieandRosie'smom

omg I am SO right there with you!! trying to quit diet coke made me actually CRY this morning!!! LOL! can you believe that?! I'm already mourning the "loss" of my comfort foods.. but at the same time I can't wait to get started on my new healthier lifestyle..

Hey Erika and Fran! I'm also in Chicago. I live in the downtown area. I am two months post opp and down 30 lbs. I consider myself a slow loser but I'm not going to complain. I had a 5 week stall. I'm so glad it just broke!
Anyway ladies, let's stay in contact!

I used Dr Rodriguez in Juarez at Star Medica. Star medica was a great hospital and they had an amazing staff who spoke English lol, as well. We were treated like royalty =) I had a great surgery and had no recovery problems at all. It was important for me to be able to stay in a hospital since I was in Mexico, just a preference in case any problems came up etc. Right down the street from the US consulate, English speaking staff, and a great surgeon with thousands of surgeries under his belt, it was just a great fit for me. I went through a company called Belight Weight and my co-ordinator was Jessica. I used them because they did in house financing for a little over half of the $6800 surgery fee. There are lots of great surgeons in Mexico so there are lots of choices but this is Jessica's # if you should want to check them out =) 503-539-3023 Good luck with your journey!!!

Hi! I am getting my sleeve 8-17-12 in Tijuana, Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez.

I know exactly how you feel... Ive questioned myself throughout this journey but I think you need to remember two things... one, why you began your journey in the first place and two, I've heard people say "you may have complications due to surgery but you can also have complications due to keeping the weight on". Good luck to you! I cant wait to get my surgery date! God bless you and your decisions!

I totally understand, my husband do not want me to have the surgery, since I had the Lap-band and with all the complications and ending up in the ER 3 different times. He wish I just to cancel me date for Aug 9th, I keep saying NO! On the other hand I am excited and now counting down the days, but in the back of my mind I am starting to freak out toooooo. My mind is wondering all over the place.

@Benjamin
Did I ask you to judge me? No I did NOT!!!!! So if your not gonna say anything nice then mind your own world!!!

I started my pre-op diet 11/28/11 at 308; weighed 300 on the morning of my surgery 12/12/11. I was warned that since i didn't do well with the band, I might be a slower loser, i might have learned to "stuff" my esophogus and have poorer results. Well, all I have to say is if my results are "poor", I don't know what good results would look like!!! Yesterday (Monday) I weighed in at 212#!!! 96 pounds shed since I started that pre-op diet. I can hardly believe it.
I went on an annual camping event and one person didn't even recognize me! I feel like myself again. I feel like the person who is capable of doing physical things, enjoying my horses, playing with my dogs, going for hikes all the stuff I used to love. My life is oh so much better.
I have a ways to get to my goal, but honestly, I feel like I have already succeeded - my main objective was to improve health and have a better life and that has already happened! I don't have to shop the plus sections anymore!
The band was a struggle for me, for probably lots of reasons. I tried to learn from that experience and apply to the sleeve but also to let go of the negatives of the band. I can eat salad, I can eat veggies, actually I can pretty much eat anything with the sleeve, just in small portions. I don't need to eat "slider" foods because I no longer fear vomiting, I am actually satiated after meals. I am not in pain and still hungry, I feel pretty normal.
I know that the long term maintenance is the real battle, but I feel like I finally have a tool to help me succeed!
I was terrified of this surgery since the revision risks are definately higher then a "virgin" sleeve, but for me, it has been just a marvelous journey so far! I am so glad I took this risk, this chance, to get my life back.

I'll take being cold to sweating all the time! Mind, with these hot flushes I am freezing one minute. boiling the next... repeat unti; I'm 60...lol

Ready for this? 120lbs!!!! Holy moly
It all has happened so quick and life is amazing and getting better each and every day!
Have also helped 4 people in getting the surgery as well with one bypass thrown in there.
Best decision and now I can say that I can start living life now!
: )

I was sleeved on 12/27/11 after having the band for 8 years, I lost a total of 60 pounds in those 8 years with the band. Ive lost 70 pounds in 7 months with the sleeve. To me the sleeve is completely different, I dont have the hunger I use to have with the band and even when I do get hungry it only takes a small amout of food before Im satified. With the band it seemed like after I couldnt eat anymore I was still hungry. Not to mention the sliming,barfing and deer in the headlight feelings you have after every meal with the band. My biggest regret is not knowing about the sleeve/getting the sleeve 8 years ago!!!

Thank you Erika and Tanay. I'm going to digest what you've both said and I'll get back to you with more questions. Thank you for your openness in sharing your stories with me.
Fondly, Sara

Before - Somewhere above 241
Last week - 205'ish (pink shirt)
Today - 199 (all 5'1 of me, heh)
I'm SO excited!!

Hello everyone,
Please keep in mind we always allow discussions and viewpoints from all, as long as they remain respectful, without name calling and kept to first hand knowledge and accounts of all Surgeons.
We prefer not to moderate with an Iron fist here, so I on behalf of the moderation staff I ask that we perhaps bring the topic back down as this subject at hand, which is very helpful to many seeking information on the prices of Mexico Sleeve Surgery.
Thanking you in advance.
I am also posting a direct link to the Terms at which everyone agreed to when signing up to this website: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=boardrules

Hi Sunshine Squirt!
I had my lap band done in Mexico in 2010 through BeLiteWeight, with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. I am again going back for my sleeve surgery. I believe he is a superior doctor, (there are many in Mexico!), and I really felt safe and taken care of when I was there the first time. His prices are a little more than Almanza, but far less than say Aceves (who has received excellent reviews).
I contemplated using Dr. Almanza because he is so cheap. I did a lot of research and although I think he is a great surgeon, I read some things that scared me. He does do several surgeries in one day. Most of the Mexican surgeons do, but some of them do far less which is reassuring. He works out of a clinic which makes me a little uneasy, even though I've heard there is a nearby ICU. There were a few hold ups/robberies that were confirmed by Dr. Almanza's staff. (Louise) That freaked me out. They also have recovery houses that people can choose to stay in, or a hotel. The recovery houses have more than one bed in each room and relatives/spouses cannot stay with you there. I have heard from a reliable source that there are reasons why doctors like Almanza can do their surgeries so cheap. They don't use brand name staples and materials. I know for a fact that Dr. Rodriguez uses Johnson & Johnson staples, Allergan bands, etc... That is worth the extra money to me. My facilitator said you can contact companies and ask them if a certain doctor or hospital uses their products.
With Dr. Rodriguez, I'll be staying at the hospital for three full nights which is all included in the price. My husband can also stay in my room with me. I stayed there in 2010, so I know that the rooms are very clean, and have private full baths with shower, toilet, and sink. (And a flat screen tv with English TV!) Dr. Rodriguez and his staff of doctors all speak English which is comforting. I've heard that Almanza does not speak
English but has a translator. (Not vital, just personal comfort levels I guess).
If you want more info, I'd be happy to connect you with my AWESOME facilitator, Jessica. I've known her since 2010, and she literally gives you her home phone to call her. She answers my emails within the hour. She is amazing. I love Beliteweight and I totally trust them. http://www.beliteweight.com/
Good luck to you!!
Erika

Well I know what I asked and I know what Louise said. What you doubt is of no consequence to me other than you may as well be calling me a liar. Six of one, half a dozen of another.
I'm doing a video log on YouTube so I guess I'll be showing whether or not the firm I've chosen to go through is up to par. My sister had a fantastic experience in Mexico and I'm expecting no less. Good luck on your continued weight loss

Not only did I spend months, not Weeks, stalking this site before I became a member, I also directly messaged no less than 10 of each Drs past patients BC I wanted 1st hand answers to my questions. Then I flat out asked Almanza's coordinator,I believe her name is Louise, who confirmed every single thing I just posted. So I guess Ur right. I don't know 1st hand. And I won't either BC those situations are not something I want to deal with. ME, personally. I'm thankful and happy that you were ok with it and had an amazing experience. Kudos to u. So many people say "well what do u expect for that kinda money"or "what do u expect your going to Mexico"... What I expect is the same or better care and situations that I'd have in the USA. No less.

I didn't go with Almanza for several reasons. He practices in a small office in a strip mall. His recovery house, which is overcrowded, had a robbery. I don't care of the thief was working for him and got fired or not. If it was an inside job it shows what type of person he hires to care for his wards. The staff at the recovery house are always cooking and hardly speak English. And God forbid someone say a negative word about him or Dr Kelly on this site or you get jumped all over. I don't care what caused the death of one of Dr Kelly's patient. I want a Dr with a 0% mortality rate who can practice in more than one hospital of he so chooses. Ur not gonna get that in either of those Drs. And it really pisses me off that some of the negative comments are removed from this site. A person should hear the good, the bad and the ugly in other to make an informed decision. Now let's see how many people I just angered by stating the facts

Hi snrussell09!
I agree with what's been said. I am almost 27 years old, and even though I've only been morbidly obese for about five years, it's been long enough for me. I had the Lap-Band done in 2010. Big mistake. It just didn't work for me and I was unable to eat healthy foods due to vomiting. So here I am two years later, and two years older, wishing I would have taken the "drastic" step in the first place. The big appeal of the lap band is that it's reversible. Unless something bad happens with the band, you'll probably have it your whole life. Why not do the sleeve and up your chances of keeping off the weight for the rest of your life?
I think you would be a perfect candidate from what it sounds like. You also have youth on your side. You may not have been born with a naturally quick metabolism, but I guarantee once that weight comes off, you'll have tons of energy and be able to exercise even more!
I am having my surgery in August with Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana. Best of luck to you, and congrats for taking the first steps to a healthier life!
Erika