Earwood

I was scared as well to have surgery in Mexico not knowing what to expect but I had a great experience with Dr Almanza and have no regrets! Good luck!

Back for my update...I think I lost at least half of my hair in the front btwn 3-6 months. The back seems to not have taken such a hit but I can't wear my hair down anymore because it doesn't not have enough weight to lay down flat in the front. There are no patches and if my hair is in a pontail like it is everyday now you can't really tell. Good news is, it's starting to grow back and I have all these baby hairs coming in making me look all fuzzy lol but hey it's growing back so that's all I care about. Praying my hair will be back to normal soon. I'm now 6 lbs under goal so can't complain there...the temporary hair loss was worth it!!!

The first meal of the day always seems the hardest to get down. I feel I can only take a few bites the first time I eat in a day, but as the day goes on I can eat more and more. Does the stomach shrink back up in my sleep? Just curious...

My BMI was 38 and I did go to Mexico $4500.00 plus airfare and hotel. When attending WL seminars here in the US while still considering surgery, they talked about self pay which is also around $13K where I live and described it as you would easily pay that for a car that you might keep 5-7 years. The surgery is a life altering surgery that will last forever and you can't put a price on your health and happiness. Believe me, I've never spent even $4,500.00 on myself but it does feel good to have treated myself to this surgery. Never in a million years would I have ever thought people would be telling me I need to gain some weight LOL or I wouldn't have to feel ashamed eating a candy bar in public. Feels GREAT! I'm still not used to it all but so happy Either way, good luck with your decision. I have no regrets.

I'm almost 7mo post-op and I still eat a 1/3 of what my 3 yr old eats so I don't think this thing is going to stretch and it's not for a lack of trying lol. Even if it gives a little, you'll never be able to eat the way you used to before surgery.

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way this morning. It's an amazing journey...Congrats!!!

The best thing I can tell you is that what you are feeling is completely normal. I cried all the way to the operating room and was nervous about leaks for at least 6 weeks after surgery. I have high anxiety anyway so leading up to the surgery I contanstly focused on what my life was going to be like a year after surgery. I knew if I could tough out my anxiety and make it to a certain point my life would be changed forever and it has. 5 months later...no regrets I couldn't be happier with my decision and not chickening out. I'm now only 10 lbs to goal! Good luck and you'll do great!!

Thanks everyone I do feel great... *UPDATE* I did finally weigh myself today and I lost another 10 lbs taking my total to 71 lbs lost in 5 months...only 12 lbs to goal I'm praying I can make it by my 6 month mark! Best thing I've ever done for myself...so happy

Dearliza - If you have any questions about Dr. Almanza or my experience there please let me know. Good luck to you! It's an crazy awesome nerve-racking but totally worth it journey!

Not sure how much I've lost because I haven't weighed in almost 6 weeks but I feel my clothes getting looser all the time...yay! No regrets and I know I'm getting closer everyday to my goal.

I think it does take time for the mental to tcatch up with the physical. I still feel fat too but what has helped or makes me notice are my side by side pictures before and after...those make me feel good

I paid $4,500 in TJ Mexico...most of it came from my tax free 125 flex spending account. No pre-visit hoops and no after care but I'm doing great almost 5 months out.

I believe being cold all the time is also a sign of iron deficiency anemia. I'm going to set up an appt with my doctor to check my iron levels.