CJ_Redux

You can also try Dr. Kelly (who I plan to go with). I don't know his BMI limit, but he did put me on a 14-day pre-op diet in order to lower my BMI. He wants me to get it to 49 or lower (currently at 52). I was told by Omar that Dr. Kelly would still perform the surgery, but he'd have to charge more if I didn't get my BMI to 49. So it might be worth your investigation. Also, I've noticed some of Dr. Almanza's patients who were in the 400lb range, so he may be another option. And don't forget Dr. Aceves, whom everyone seems to swear is the cream of the crop! LOL! Don't give up. You'll find the right doctor for you.

How long did it take to deliver after you purchased it?

Good question. My starting and goal weight numbers are pretty close to your's. I'm curious to hear from other 200+ people as well.

Uhhhh...forgive me, but is a catheter that thing they stick up your tee-tee so you don't have to get out of bed to pee-pee??? Hold the phone! Are they doing that??? I can't have that situation going on... I hope I'm misunderstanding what a catheter is...

Oh geez, CamarilloCA! I was using my height as the reason for why I eat so much. Thanks a lot for debunking my reasoning!

All I can say is I wish I had had the presence of mind to have WLS when I was 30 (although I don't think the sleeve was available then...). But it would have saved me almost a decade of self loathing. I finally realized I only have ONE life on this planet (that I'm aware of), and I don't want to waste any more time. Kudos to you for coming to that conclusion when you did. Others may not understand, but as long as YOU know what and why you're doing what you're doing, it's all good!

I feel for you... All I can say is to keep your head up! I believe everything happens for a reason. But you will get your sleeve in time, and it'll be the RIGHT time. But patience certainly isn't my strong suit, so...I feel for you.

I would have to agree with you. You shouldn't have to purchase one single specific product, provided by the hospital at whatever markup they choose. I would think they'd provide a guideline for you to follow, and maybe a varied list of approved products to choose from. Not just one thing. That sounds like they are running some sort of racket. I would ask if it's possible for them to suggest a more reasonably-priced alternative. Or find some on your own and see if they will allow you to have those. Good luck.

@skinnycupcake, I can totally relate! Once I made the decision to have this surgery, it's been ALL I can think about. I want it done yesterday! I'm self-pay, so I don't have to wait for insurance approval. BUT, since I work for myself I have to wait until my clients pay their bill. And that is so frustrating, cuz it's not like I can really do what I want, which is to say PAY ME MY MONEY!!! Have to preserve the relationship, you know. Sigh... I'm getting close, though. Just found out the check is in the mail. So as soon as I get it, I can book my surgery. Now it's on me to complete the pre-op...uh-oh!

favoredone, that is fantastic! I can't wait til I have NSV's to share.

This thread was/is very helpful for me. I'm on a pre-op diet and have cheated just about every day. <slaps hand> But reading this, 1) I realize I'm not alone in feeling this pre-op is HARD WORK, and 2) I definitely wouldn't want the surgeon to decide not to operate because my liver is too large. Perish the thought!!! So I'm renewing myself and sticking to my pre-op diet so I can be successful. I have to do 2 weeks of liquids because of my BMI. That's HARD for me, but not impossible. I'll appreciate it, once my surgery goes smoothly.

Glad your experience went so smoothly. I had contemplated going to Dr. Ortiz a while back. But at that time i was considering the Lap Band.

That's part of my worry. I am relatively tall (5' 8", with a longer torso). So I have a feeling my stomach will hold more in general. Sound advice!

Thanks all for the replies. I guess this issue for me comes from the fact that the weight loss will slow after a while. I was fearing that with a larger bougie, the weight might slow down faster. But i'm probably worrying for nothing, since there isn't much difference between a 32fr and 36fr. I just really want to get the best results possible, because I have so much to lose. Working out is not a problem for me, but I NEED restriction. (I never met a carb I didn't like! ) I will discuss it with the surgeon also, just to put my mind at ease.

Hello all. My name is Carla. I've been a lurker here on this forum for several months, soaking up as much information as possible. I figured it's time I joined and shared my journey, which I hope will unfold over the course of the next days, weeks, months and years. I have not yet been sleeved. But I expect to have my surgery sometime in June, 2012. I work as an IT Consultant and just started a new contract. So I am just waiting for my invoices to be paid. Once I get paid, I can book my travel and I'm outta here! As everyone else is/was, I'm excited, nervous, anxious and scared! I am 100% sure of my decision to get the sleeve...in Mexico. And I know that those surgeons are some of the best in the world. But, surgery is surgery, and I'm most afraid just of going under the knife! I'm in pretty good health, no co-morbities. But my BMI is pretty high (52.4). That's a risk factor in and of itself! Regardless, I'm going forward with this procedure AS SOON AS my invoices are paid! Anyhoo, I won't prolong this first post, just wanted to introduce myself and say hello and thank you for all the info provided on this forum! I hope to be a helpful addition. Carla (aka CJ_Redux)

Thanks all. Hmmm, not sure why my profile pic is only showing the lower half of my body...cuz yeah, that's the part I really want to emphasize...NOT!!! @Shain, LOL that autocorrect gets me every time!