mooregirl

I've had surgery with dr. Illan in july 2013. I had a wonderful experience and have many posts on here. You can alps message me if you have more questions.

I used Dr. Illan and was very happy with my decision. I had surgery July 1, 2013 and have been doing great. His team was amazing. I wish you the best in your decision.

I am from the US, Oklahoma… I went on July 1, 2013. I’m still amazed how smooth everything went. Dr. Illan was amazing and Omar makes sure you have everything you need. I went sightseeing and shopped and had an amazing massage. I didn’t have to take the pain pills and everything since I have been home has been great too. I had a follow up with my pcp and she verified everything went great. If you have any questions, PM someone who used the surgeon you are looking at or ask us on here. Best of luck!

I doubt you get an unbiased opinion. Those of us who loved our surgeons are going to recommend them like crazy! You need to read through the forums and get a feel for what people say, good and bad. Also, talking to a couple doctors I had narrowed it down to really helped. In the end, I used Dr. Illan and I couldn’t be happier. Nobody can decide for you though and you need to make the best, informed decision you can make for you.

I'm 6 weeks out and praying I don't have to have mine taken out! No problems yet. I wonder how long post-op before it isn't really an issue anymore?

Jamie

I'm 6 weeks out and still not hungry. I literally have a time schedule for eating, drinking, and Vitamins. I never really had nausea but I can't eat some things I ate before. BBQ just doesn't taste good at all now. There are other things I've tried and didn't really like but I can't remember what exactly at this moment. Oh, fruit juice was another big one. I can't stand anything sweet.

Jamie

I didn't have weight loss surgery with Dr. Keith but I had an emergency surgery 10 years ago and he pretty much saved me. He is a great doctor.

Jamie

I went alone as well. I went shopping and all kinds of stuff. Had a really good time actually. I met several people at florence hospital having the same surgery and I stayed at the Marriott as well. My experience was so good, I would go back for more surgery if I needed to.

Jamie

You are doing great! Keep up the hard work.

Jamie

I have celiac disease. I cannot eat anything containing wheat barley or rye. When I was first dx'ed' date=' because I only had a very basic understanding (which in retrospect served me far better) of what foods were gluten free, I only ate things like grilled chicken, or other meats, steamed vegetables, nuts, occasional rice and Beans, etc...I lost 40 pounds in what seemed like a flash...and kept it off, too. And then I slowly began to figure out that, Cheetos are gluten free, Cokes are gluten free, a hamburger is gluten free if you leave the bun off, even! And BAM! The pounds found their way back to me, the pound plus some, plus plus plus, I should say. My life has been way out of balance for years...and I have not made time to take care of my self...

I know that most people who stop eating wheat for health reasons consider it highly inflammatory. It can cause gut inflammation, joint inflammation, headaches, and more...my son eats gf/cf because we find that it improves his health issues and his autism symptoms.

Now all that being said I very rarely eat bread replacements...(even before sleeve, especially, I might say, since I am still on full liquids) but my son does. But I have found myself staring at the paleo breads, unable to purchase due to the large price vs. the small size. If you try it, or find one that is especially good, I would like to know!!! [/quote']

Dang celiac! Once you figure it out and stop eating gluten your body starts absorbing from your food again. I read somewhere that most people who found out they had celiac and went gluten free gained an average of 30 pounds! I know I gained some when I had to go gluten free.

Jamie

You were very very pretty before surgery. Now you are very very pretty and slim! Way to go!

Jamie

I can't take birth control so I'm just hoping mine straighten out...

Jamie

I'm only about a month out but so far all over the place. Lots of random spotting too.

Jamie

Mooregirl' date='

I'm actually really happy to hear that. I have bad Migraines as well, and can easily get a Migraine if I go too long without eating. My surgery is in about two weeks, and I've been very worried that the first couple weeks post-op will be torture b/c of hunger induced headaches. You're saying this didn't happen to you?[/quote']

I have not had what I would consider a food/hunger induced migraine since surgery. Preop diet was a whole different story. My migraines are pretty severe and frequent and any relief I'm grateful for. I get 2-4 bad ones a week and end up in the hospital several times a year for them. They can last days.

Jamie

I will say that eating too small of a meal no longer seems to illicit a debilitating attack and that is an improvement.

Jamie

I have horrible Migraines. I can't say if surgery helped or not to be honest. I changed to a new seizure med, got new Imitrex injections, and got botox for Migraine all very close to my surgery. I have always been told losing weight would help and I hope it does!

Best wishes and I pray it helps you!

Jamie

I agree with kalee. Walk away the pounds has DVDs with several different distances to choose from and you can use 2 pound weights to help with your arms while you walk and to increase effort. She also has 'jogging' videos.

Jamie

This is a chart I post now and then when people ask about goal weight. It takes age into consideration' date=' it may help you. Sorry guys I have not found a male equivalent .

[/quote']

Thanks, uk Cathy!

Jamie

You look amazing. Truly beautiful.

Jamie

Is this "Neurontin"? If yes... I've never taken it but my dad did. He took mega doses...like 8 caps per day for neuropathy. He lost his insurance and the pills are very expensive. So he just STOPPED taking them. It was a disaster' date=' had to call 911.

I think it's a drug you have to wean off of. Just an FYI for those taking it...you may want to ask abt this or look into it.[/quote']

Yes, it's the same thing. It's an anti convulsant. You definitely have to wean off it. You can have seizures etc if you stop suddenly even if you've never had one.

Jamie

Hello everyone. I just started to take Topamax' date='since Wednesday. How long did it take for you all to start feeling the side effects? My doctor gave it to me as a mood stabilizer. Just curious![/quote']

I don't know what your dose is or anything and everyone is different. I felt the effects of topamax almost immediately. I have never seen it prescribed as a mood stabilizer? Seems like a bad fit of a drug for a mood stabilizer to me. It dulls, slows down your brain... Good luck with that.

Jamie

I stayed at the Marriott as well. It was very nice and a lot of employees spoke English.

Jamie

I've seen many conflicting reports on this. I recently saw an article on CNN news that says it does cause those those effects but that most of the population doesn't consume anywhere near enough of it to trigger any reaction. I can't drink plain Water and have to use propel zero packets to drink my Water. I just try to limit it to that and an occasional item that has it also.

Jamie

Oops

I'm from Oklahoma' date=' but I have state insurance (Health Choice) and they wouldn't cover my surgery, so I went to Mexico in March and had my surgery with Dr. Garcia for 5,200. I'm three months out, and so far, everything's great.[/quote']

Do you know if health choice will cover complications or follow up visits? I'm a state employee too and that's my insurance. I was sleeved July 1st in Mexico.

Jamie