slvrsax

I am choosing to go to Dr Ariel L Ortiz. At the Obesity Control Center. I went to several us surgeons my bmi is 40.0 i have no current preexisting conditions other than my knees are trashed! I tried to play the insurance games but after a year they still said no. To pay an American surgeon lowest cost was 15000 most costly 23000. I am a nurse i have worked in just about every department and i have seen my share of butchers get into the obesity surgery game because cash! I decided to research fiund mexico on accident. The surgeon i choose has a bariatric specialty and accreditation! Important to me! The facility only does this type of surgery! That means its a mill that has this finely tuned! Like a well oiled machine! The cost was affordable grsnted more expensive then some other places but hopefully i get better services! I know another nurse who has been to mexico 2 times w her friends for surgery w be lightweight she swear by them! Their price is 4500. I will tell you if you know you want this dont mess w insurances!

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

NSV today was I went to the gym and first did about 30 minutes on the treadmill (about 3.8 mph) then straight to 1 hour of cardio core bootcamp - Intense workout! The NSV was that yes, I was huffing and puffing but only for a few seconds, I recovered really quickly. I remember walking up 3 flights of stairs 4 months ago and I was out a breath for 5 minutes.
What a difference!!!

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

I just had mine out here in the US a few weeks ago. Ariel Ortiz did my sleeve last December but I never asked re: gall bladder. I didn't want to push my luck. My surgeon who took it out said that there was a stone in it almost as large as my gall bladder itself (I know TMI) and there was no way that my weight loss caused my stones - that they had been forming for a number of years. The recovery was fine. Funny, I had terrible gas pains after gall bladder removal, but not after my sleeve. Go figure I'm 3 weeks out of gall bladder surgery and will be returning to cardio tomorrow, but no weights for a few more weeks.

I did not have a plication, I had a sleeve on December 16, 2013.  You are in very capable hands!  The team at OCC is second to none.  I received better care in MX than I do here in the states and I say that without reservation.  The follow up care has been good - I've never waited for than a few hours for an e-mail response when I have a question.  After I requested my records I received them very timely. 
 
Good luck with your procedure! 

I haven't posted it on Facebook, but I've been up front about my surgery from the beginning. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable misleading people to think my weightloss was from diet and exercise alone. So when anyone asks, I tell them I had surgery and answer any questions they have. Being open and educating people about what is involved and how much work we still have to do can only help with the stigma that our society has about obesity and WLS.
Fortunately, my honesty has been met with very positive responses. People are curious about the procedure ( Most have only heard about Lapband and bypass) and the fact I went to Mexico adds another bit of excitement to the story. In the end, everyone is happy for me and some admittedly jealous, but in a friendly, "good for you, wish I was brave enough to do that" kind of way. The two negative responses I got I just ignored and moved on with another topic. One was a friend terrified of doctors and surgery in general, and the other was pure jealousy....their problems, not mine.
Good luck with your journey and good for you for being brave enough to post on Facebook and comfortable enough to share your decision to have surgery. I'm glad I did.

In a few days I will be 2 years out as well. There are days that I could eat the moon. Not joking. Then days where I can barely get anything down at all.
It is difficult to do it all right 100 % of the time. Impossible for sure. But we have to keep it under control. A 1 lb gain will turn into 2 then 5 then 10. And before we know it we will be part of the 30% that gained it back after paying such a huge price for our health and well being.
There are a few things you can do to bring it around. One have a number that you can live with as a gain and then push the panic button on it at that point. So this means weighing every week. I never did before goal but now I do and I have a 5 lb measure that I stop and return to my basics until the weight goes down again. This morning I was up 5 lbs. And so today I started to pull the reins in and go back to eating no refined sugar and mostly Protein. Water I can neglect easily. Bad me! I drank more of it today and will work on it until the 5 are gone again.
Go back to measuring the 1 cup size and Protein first, then veggies, fruit and last but not least carbs. I believe that we need carbs in our diet esp. Complex carbs which make a complete protein.
Get out side and walk and start really moving again and revisit all the reasons you did this in the first place. That is what I do and no one is perfect. This will be a war until our last breath. But we can win battles....Keep a little fear of failure in front of you and it will spur you to action.....I think sometimes we forget how hard we worked to lose even the smallest amount of weight. We are worth it. We are worth keeping it off. We are worth having a better life. You deserve it all as well. Don't forget that!
Put a plan in place for when this happens and follow the plan. You got this!

*First is my MAJOR scale victory, I am 100lbs down as of Sunday. Hw 290, Sw 282, Cw 190 from a size 20/22 to a size 8/10. Shoe from size 9W to an 8 regular.
*I no longer snore at all, which is big for me since it recently started and was so loud and disruptive to both my family and I. Now, nothing at all, they say im so silent they wonder if im breathing. I sleep so much better and more comfortably.
*Also, the late night cravings have gone away and I never wake up at night anymore so no more late night snacking.
*I no longer have pain from my Fibromyalgia and have stopped my medications completely!!!! I hate meds!!
******Sad to say that I have had serious negative responses to "MY LIFE" decision, here are some of the daggers in my heart...
-I've had family tell me, I didn't need the surgery, I was pretty enough even though I was "BIG"! As if I am so vein that I would do something so serious to my body just to look good...smh
-I was told, "I don't like this on u, it's not YOU, you're not meant to be this small"...SMH
Then, "I could never make myself sick every day just to look good". WAH? Who's that, I'm not sick at all...uneducated speakers make me wanna vomit if that's what u mean...UGH.
-another family member, "don't lose no more, we have enough crackheads out here, wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea". WTF???
THEN THE ABSOLUTE WORST OF ALL.....
-My husband threw me a big party when I hit my first goal of 200lbs. I invited all my favorite girls to a Glam Session to do makeovers and a photo shoot (my first pics public photos other than on BP) as a girls night but also as a celebration of my successes since at that time, I had also gotten a raise at work (Which is also suspect), a new luxury apt and a new car. I struggled over 2 years to gain these things from a 1 bedroom box apartment and no car to the new life that my hard work paid for. Do you know one friend was heard saying, "Why she gotta show off, now she think she something special because she lost weight, who's gonna shrink her head?" This hurt me the most because my husband offered me anything I wanted to Celebrate and all I asked is that he treat me and my girls, 17 of us to catered food from Carrabbas (My Fav), dj for the room, make up sessions with Mary Kay, we had a pure romance presentation, a man that was selling jewelry to enhance our look and a photographer to document the whole evening and take personal photo shoots as well, all this at no cost to them and this man made that happen just to celebrate me and my accomplishments and I was extremely thankful beyond belief but also so hurt by not only the person making the comment but the 4 that entertained her, 2 by saying, "that's alright, when she fall, she gonna fall hard" "she got a new 2014 car but just asked me for $60 bucks just last week, she's a phony" -this was when I lost my bank card and had to wait for another and she was with me so I asked her instead of calling my husband. Lesson learned!
Basically I learned that people are not always who you think they are. Thank God I did what I did for me and not to impress anyone or seeking anyone's approval. I am happy with my decision and since I've noticed that ppl seem to be down for you as long as you stay down in life...on their level perhaps but the minute you move up, now your not good enough for them. I have since been uninvited to 4 events and the excuse was, " Oh I thought You'd be busy or traveling" REALLY? I was suppose to be celebrating but I literally cried for 3 days. Beyond the gains (materials) and the losses(weight), I thought I had support. I learned an ugly lesson that day and here's some I wish to pass on...
Make your moves for YOU!, Seek only approval from YOU! Make sure you have a true support system. Then my daughter sent me a comment picture that reads,"Don't dim your light simply because it's shining in their eyes" That's for you too. Be positive and don't let the haters tear you down.
I don't have a positive relationship with my family, been on my own since 16, so these women have always been around but now that I can't even share my life losses or gains with them...my husband is taking me away from it all, no more pain, no more tears, no more haters, we are moving to California, his home town and I will make new friends and hope and pray to share a good life together. He even says we will renew our vows so I can get a new dress vs the size 26 I had to wear in Jamaica. After 18 years, we will renew our vows in Santa Monica!!! Haven't told any of them yet but I bet they act like they care... but they probably don't and who cares, I'm over it!! It will be a last minute goodbye and an AWESOME 2015!!!!

I am happy and I will continue to be, I could have uplifted others but I will reach out to the real ones and help bring them up and we can pray together for those too busy hating on others to ever come up in life!! Good riddance to em'...
Love you guys, needed to get that out!! Thanks, whew!

I felt so weak before my first week follow-up appointment, I started drinking Isopure clear Protein drinks. The broth wasn't enough for me. Once I started drinking the Isopure clear Protein Drinks, I felt better, not completely but they still helped me to feel less weak.
You do need to get plenty of rest right after surgery. It's major surgery even if it is done laproscopically.
Blessings,
Kathleen

Even though my surgiversary is December 20, I consider today my 1 year mark since it was December 4 that I started my preop diet. Hey, 16 days of liquids and leafy greens and 22 pounds lost deserve to be counted! I really don't know where to begin to describe how wonderful this past year has been, but here are some highlights...
My surgical experience at Obesity Control Center in TJ was better than I could have hoped for. It was more of a fun mini-vacation with my sister than anything. Recovery was nearly painless and I have had no reflux, food intolerances or Hair loss. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone there who took such good care of me.
I discovered what a wonderful, supportive community I live and work in. I was very ashamed and angry about letting myself get so fat. But despite the initial embarrassment, I chose to be honest about my surgery and talk about it openly. Turns out that was great therapy. I am now proud of my decision rather than feel it's something I need to hide. Literally hundreds of people know I had WLS....friends, family, clients, fellow beauty shop patrons.... and no one has made me feel bad about it. Nobody treats me any differently and turns out people like and respect me whether I'm fat or thin. Everyone is just happy for me that I feel better, both physically and mentally. I see from a lot of posts that not everyone has such accepting, non-judgemental people in their lives so I am incredibly grateful that I do.
The first first 3-4 months postop were certainly not without struggles.... Feeling bloated and full all the time that first month, Trying to get in all my Protein and Water despite having no appetite, learning how to chew and eat slow, almost 2 months of diarrhea from a C. diff infection from antibiotics for a tooth infection 6 weeks after VSG, being on medications that made me nauseous, getting IV fluids 3 times for dehydration because I couldn't drink enough water with my tiny sleeve, and needing a fecal transplant to finally cure the C. diff. It was at least 4 months before I felt normal, but I never once regretted surgery and would do it all again. Although I wouldn't particularly care to relive the two excruciatingly painful gall bladder attacks I've had....by far the WORST part of this journey.
First NSV....my rings fit! (they have since become too big and I've had to resize them down...even my high school ring)
I learned from these forums that stalls are normal, so I never worried about them. In fact, I never even bothered to buy a scale. NSV's are much more satisfying and mean more than numbers on a scale.
Went from size 22 relaxed/curvy fit jeans to 6 or 7 slims. XXL tops to mediums. Size 44DD to a very saggy 36B (but I still consider this a good thing). I can shop in regular stores and even online because I know the clothes will fit and look good!
I can wear tall boots because they fit over my calves.
I can swing up into my saddle without having to find a log or rock to climb on. Even had to buy a new saddle to fit my new skinny butt. And I have no doubt that my horse is at least as thrilled with my weight loss as I am.
I am saving hundreds of dollars every month on groceries....good thing since I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe.
I can easily cross my legs, kneel, squat and sit "Indian style". I can bound (yes, bound!) up several flights of steps without even breathing hard.
My blood pressure is normal and my PCP is thrilled with my bloodwork. I had my first normal PAP and negative HPV test in 7 years....eating healthy has allowed my immune system to finally clear the virus and abnormal cells from my system.
My feet and ankles and knees haven't hurt in at least 10 months. I'm on my feet all day and went from daily NSAIDS and occasional tramadol to zero of both.
Blew past my surgeon's goal weight at 6 months, passed my personal goal around 7 months and have settled in the middle of a normal BMI range....100 pounds lost forever! More than I ever dreamed possible.
I have maintained within a 5 pound bounce range over the last 3 months with very little effort. Getting enough protein and water, taking my Vitamins, eating a well balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains and limiting white carbs seems to work for me. No counting calories, tracking or measuring. The sleeve does its job of Portion Control and I do my job of making good choices. I live and eat like a normal person and enjoy everything in moderation.
And somewhere along the way I've learned how to deal with life's stresses without turning to food and alcohol. I never thought I could feel this good about myself. I am truly blessed and I sincerely wish everyone as much success, confidence and happiness as I have found. (Sorry this was so long, but I just have so much to be grateful for)
Before/after pictures taken Dec 4, 2013 and 2014. Competitive Trail Ride Event pictures taken September 2013 and 2014.
 

I had surgery December 16 last year. 110 lbs down and loving life food does not have the appeal it once did and I am thankful for that every day. Follow your surgeon's plan. Find a form of exercise you love sooner rather than later because it makes a huge difference not only with weight loss but with frame of mind. Mine happens to be dance.
Get ready because next year will be an amazing year of changes! Good luck!

Would be fun to get some Seattle area peeps together for coffee sometime!

Would be fun to get some Seattle area peeps together for coffee sometime!

I had surgery December 16 last year. 110 lbs down and loving life food does not have the appeal it once did and I am thankful for that every day. Follow your surgeon's plan. Find a form of exercise you love sooner rather than later because it makes a huge difference not only with weight loss but with frame of mind. Mine happens to be dance.
Get ready because next year will be an amazing year of changes! Good luck!

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

I just had my gallbladder removed this past Thursday, I found out I had stones back in May. The blocked gas in my shoulders was worse than my incisions. I didn't have any gas with my sleeve (done in TJ). I'm recovering well. I am 11 months out from sleeve and 110 lbs down.

11 months out, 110 lbs down. I wore a designer Badgley Mischka dress to a formal event - floor length black sequins and won "The Butterfly Award" at a banquet for the dance studio I go to.

I used it as a part of the "phen-fen" craze back in the mid-90s. I was trying to get my weight down to have a healthier pregnancy. I lost about 30 lbs in 5 months. The other Phen was pulled by the FDA - Fenfluromine. I tried the phentermine again (via mail order - probably a mistake) and I'm pretty sure the pills were phony because I had no success. I gained back the weight the first time with pregnancy.

Congrats! You look fantastic!!