pantala

Please buy individual bottles first to sample. I could have managed the flavor (which IS weird) but they made me break out and my fingernails broke and split. My hubby had to finish them......

I freaking hate gyms for all the reasons you talk about. Even when I was younger and fit, I hated the lunkheads coming over and offering free advice. Planet Fitness has a better atmosphere for us but I still hate going, I way prefer riding my bike and going hiking or kayaking. I snow shoe in winter and have some workout DVDs I like. Fitness isn't just the gym!

Unawayne, scroll down the list of forums and you will see a whole forum on self-pay and Mexico patients - there are dozens of us! Ask your questions in that forum and you will get great advice.

Spacedust laid it out pretty well, so I'll give you my thought process about having the sleeve:

Like you, I tried many eating programs but I either gained all the weight back or lost so slowly and was SO hungry, I couldn't stick with it.

I also considered the band at first but I know myself and was pretty sure I would get sick and tired of going to the dr for fills and adjustments. I like that the sleeve is permanent and hunger is greatly reduced. I wanted a lifetime solution that depended only on me.

I don't mind taking supplements as I was already pretty big on them.

I had to think about and research this surgery for several months before I was sure enough to set a surgery date. So don't worry that you feel overwhelmed and unsure - keep learning and asking questions.

I am so happy with my sleeve! I am getting exactly the results I wanted and expected - well maybe better

Best of luck!

I did not qualify for covered WLS under my insurance plan (lowish BMI and no co-morbids) so according to three different conversations with the ins.co., complications for self-pay (they called it elective surgery) would not be covered either. Just for fun, I asked about non-covered plastic surgery complications and same deal: no coverage.

It's the biggest concern self-payers have.

I would take "rankings" from MBC with a grain of salt. There is fierce competition between the coordinating companies and sometimes less than honorable tactics are used. Especially when a dr leaves a company and goes with another or strikes out on his own.

Give more points to patients that have actually used the surgeon. Dr. R-K gets very high marks from his patients so that should count for a lot more. Search more recent posts on this forum for the current information on how to book with him.

Real common! I think especially for us introverts. Part of the attention is because you are changing and ppl who know the "old" you are commenting about the change. When I have lost weight in the past this drove me crazy! But I'm handling it better this time.

Can you continue your therapy? This is exactly the time it helps to have professional guidance and coping advice. In time, you will get used to the extra attention and the changes will be your new normal but this transition period can be tough.

Hang in there!

Yep, I know what you mean. That's why I have only mentioned it to my family and then I had to do a tutorial which ultimately meant nothing..... I can't imagine having to explain revision.

You can just stop now if you want: don't tell anyone new and if the subject comes up, say you have the situation in hand, you'll be fine, blah blah, etc.

Best of luck!

Isaac, I'm so sorry this has happened to you and I don't have an answer but I have a thought (which could be completely off-base) BUT sometimes a partner has a need to "rescue" or be "the healthy one" who takes care of "the sick one". And as you get healthier and stronger, they lose that role. Some people can't grow out of that and feel so disoriented they leave.

I'm still calling bs on this topic but in a different way:

BS, (see how your screen name lends itself to this conclusion?), if you REALLY intended to help others and not just draw a lot of attention to yourself (very successfully!) or get back at the doctor, you would have a: FIRST reported the behaviour to the head surgeon and the coordinating company and b:named the dr in the very first post instead of playing coy.

You, my dear, have watched too many telenovelas.........

I call bs on this post......

Kp, prayers and healing light coming your way! Remember your strength. See you soon on the losers bench!

florence Oasis prides itself on fresh, organic, vegan food. My hubby really loved it but still had to step out and find a McDonalds It wasn't all traditional Mexican but more what you would find at a Cafe Gratitude-type place. Hope that helps!

I don't think daily weighing is bad at all; it's the emotional attachment to the number that can be a problem. It's just data, not a judgment (ideally).

I go in streaks; sometimes weigh daily and then skip to weekly and back again. I agree it helps to troubleshoot the process and keep one accountable.

If you are comfortable with the surgeon and hospital you have chosen, there may be another way to use them without your current coordinator. Do not send money until you are 100% ok with all aspects of your trip. Lord knows this process is stressful enough without that!

I am at 12 weeks and my tummy still doesn't like fruit of any kind. We both like sugar free Bomb Pops though!

Argh! Energy comes and goes. Most of this week I have felt like superwoman and then yesterday I crashed and had to take a nap - I NEVER take naps! (naps are for toddlers). I am 12 weeks out. So cut yourself some slack and like Kathy says, don't overdo.

Congrats! I was sleeved by Dr Garcia on March 28: his whole team is wonderful!

All quite normal! Your tummy is very swollen from surgery so that's why you hear the advice to take little sips throughout the day to get in as much Fluid as possible. Your esophagus may be swollen as well. Every day it will get better, be gentle and follow your post-op instructions. Some hunger may return before you are allowed or able to eat solid foods and that is normal as well.

Pooh, I was sleeved March 28 and there is whole list of things my tummy still doesn't like. Especially fruit....and now that's getting hot, I would love some fruit! I guess we just have to take it slow. Go back to safe food and try again in a week or so.....

Congrats!

I hope your financing goes through without a hitch. I think it is ok to use household income; if pressed I guess you could make it a joint loan? Idk, I've been single so long I can't remember how that goes when you are married. Your hubby may have to sign too. Jump off that bridge when you come to it

Every day it gets better.....try to relax and take extra good care of yourself while you are recovering. I was ready to go back sooner than I thought, I didn't need the last 5 days of leave. I have a desk job though, YMMV.

Dave, thanks so much for the detailed story of your surgery and experience in TJ. I was sleeved on March 28 by Dr. Garcia and his team at florence Oasis and couldn't be happier with my surgery and the results.

I think you are right that some of the slip-ups at the hospital were due to coming in on the weekend. My husband always calls the weekend staff anywhere "the B team".

Also I think since Dr. Garcia is so busy he is relying more on Dr. Luna for patient interactions - great choice as everyone LOVES Dr. Luna! The surgeon's skill is what we want in the OR right?

Please keep us posted on your recovery and weight loss progress!

I didn't use many of the amenities but there is a beautiful pool with jacuzzi, fitness center, great restaurant, small bar, and gift shop (with popsicles and some personal care items). The rooms are truly beautiful with marble floors, soft beds, lots of pillows, wireless access, coffee, etc. My hubby and I loved it!. Hope this helps, but yes, check out the website.

I am using Mederma on my post-op scars (10 weeks) as well as on my foot from a year-old surgery. It's actually working better on the old scar than the new ones. I say go for it!