PetraLuxor

Hi Sheree, Apologies for just not responding. I'm trying to catch up on posts. I am VERY happy with my choice. I did a good bit of research and contacted several people via this site who used Dr. Ponce. When I found out that my insurance would not cover my surgery I was so upset. I never thought in a million years before all of this that I would have traveled to Mexico for surgery. But then I got to thinking... I lived & worked in Egypt for a couple of years and I had arthroscopic knee surgery there. People in the States thought I was crazy not to come home and have it. But I knew people who had used my Egyptian doctor and he was trained in Europe (went to med school there and everything). He did both my knees and did a great job. Now, I know arthroscopic knee surgery is VERY different from elective WLS. But I realized that I was someone who had actually already had a surgery overseas from a great physician and everything worked out fine. Surgery in a country that is less progressive that the USA can still be successful. That's when I decided to investigate WLS overseas. I'm so glad I did. Dr. Ponce and his team were professional and caring. I particularly loved my coordinator, Trish. She is a believer, like me, and prayed for me out loud many times in Spanish (she's fluent in English, too) when my gas pains were so bad that I was in tears. It was very comforting which is just what I needed. I really had a great experience and couldn't be more pleased. The only bad thing is that it seems that I am turning out to be one of those slow losers. Of course, that could be my fault also as I haven't been getting in nearly enough Protein on a daily basis and I haven't started working out yet.

I'm going to need that, too. A long ways off but I know it's what I'll need.

Yes, I began leaking at about a week out and continued for approx. 2 more weeks. I was told it was normal but it still scared the bejeezus out of me when it first start. From what I understand, it is actually part of the healing process. Oh, and I am referring to the main incision where they pull the stomach out. I also did a lot of google searches to read about other people who went through this. Unless there's some sort of foul odor or, like you doctor said, if there is inflammation, it's completely normal.

Welcome! Are you currently living in Syria? Where were you sleeved?

Welcome! What doctor in Egypt did your surgery? What hospital did you use?

Welcome! What doctor in Egypt did your surgery? What hospital did you use?

Ahhhh, Jordan. Another place I love. Welcome!

Hi Sheree. Big welcome to you! I had my surgery in Mexico but I live near Emory.

Yep. You need to move to Dearborn, girly.

Oh wow! Surgery tomorrow! You must be excited and maybe a little nervous. Will be thinking of you. I live five minutes from the hospital.

Frumpnomore... Soooooo excited for you!

I get it! :)

I have the perfect guy for you. The only thing is that he's Christian, not Muslim. Born in Syria, graduated from Ga. Tech and is an engineer. He's pretty religious too. His dad is a preacher and he is also working toward his masters degree in seminary... and he's super handsome, kind, sweet, etc.. I know you said you aren't really religious, though. Love, love this guy and would go for him myself if he weren't 10 years younger! I know you're mostly joking but couldn't help but write about him because he's just so awesome. Oh and here's something I think you'll get a kick out of... one of the first things I learned to say in Arabic was, " Ana mitgawiizha" (I'm married). Apologies for the poor transliteration. Cairo is full of flirty, flirty men.

That should be the American International School in Egypt . :)

Catherine, every time I see a post from you my eyes are drawn to your pic. I'm assuming those are your children. You've sure got some gorgeous kids!

Mabrook, habibeti!!!!

Ahlan! Where in Cairo do you live? I lived there for two years and taught at the American International in Egypt. I absolutely adore Egypt. So glad you found this thread.

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!

Big congrats!!!

Did you ever take ballet classes as a child? I didn't. I had no interest in that as I was too busy playing softball, climbing trees, and twirling batons. Looking back I soooo wish I had taken ballet. So I'm going to do it as an adult. It can't come soon enough. Hoping to be able to start sometime this summer.

And here I've chosen ballet. Perhaps I should add the pole to my list. Lol

Dang auto spell corrector on my iPhone!

Ice skating would be awesome and oy list, too, if weren't so concerned about falling ony knees and banging them up worse than they already are. Aren't you in Marietta? You could take adult lessons at that ice skating rink out your way.

I'm going to begin adult ballet classes. Can hardly wait! Already dreaming of when I get en pointe for the first time.

Awesome post, Cheri! I definitely needed to read and remind myself of this. Thanks. Thanks also to the original poster for bringing this topic up. :)