slvrsax

So, I'm the last likely person to use anything not prescribed to me.. When in WA last week, my stepson took us to a medical marijuana store that his friend owns. After much discussion, it was determined that weed would help my chronic back pain. So he gave me 2 chocloate bars. I'm extremely lightweight when it comes to stuff like this so I ate 1 small square last nite. After an hour, I felt nothing. So I ate another 1/2. Bam, hit me. All of a sudden I was brought back to age 20 and realized why I don't like pot. I ate 1 1/2 pkgs of Lean Cuisine pizzas and 2 Trader Joes taquitos till I thought I might bust.



So, hint: make sure if u get the munchies u have cut up veggies on hand. NOT pizza and taquitos. There's ur words of wisdom for the day.



Now that everyone thinks I'm a drug addict, I guess Ill call it a day...

@@slvrsax Nah, you haven't been wasting your time! Kim Kardashian is going to be jealous of YOU!

Ranges between $4500 and $8000 in Mexico. I went with Dr. Martinez and Dr. Ortiz at Obesity Control Center, which is a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. I paid $7000 for airfare, surgery, hospital stay, two months of postop meds and 4 nights at the Marriott for me and my sister.

Congrats Stacey on your loss! We have similar stats, I had my surgery in December 2013 and have 7 lbs to go to hit 100 lbs lost. We have accomplished a great deal! I can really identify with what you're saying. I have a hard time on the weekends. I am definitely more aware now and it's scary seeing a glimpse of old habits. I too, could slide right back into old patterns. Sweets cravings seem to be my kryptonite. I wouldn't wait to get on the scale, I'd just get it over with so you know exactly where you are.
I find myself already thinking (and worrying)about maintenance. I am pretty low carb right now and wonder if I'll have to stay that way and wonder how realistic that is.
Congrats on your fantastic success! We can do this!

I'm with Kindle on this, I handle it in a similar fashion. Before surgery I was tight lipped. I wasn't sure how things would turn out, if it would work, etc. Post surgery is an entirely different story. I am open to anyone who asks. Could I say I'm watching what I eat and exercising and be telling the truth? Yes - but for me that is only part of the truth. Weight loss surgery is my truth and if someone thinks less of me, so be it because I refuse to be ashamed of taking control of my health My employer asked me to write for our "be inspired" health column. When I mentioned WLS, I was told I could not not include that because "it might create confusion because our health coverage doesn't cover it". Guess what? They don't get my story because I refuse to omit an important component of my weight loss for the sake of being politically correct.

I'm with Kindle on this, I handle it in a similar fashion. Before surgery I was tight lipped. I wasn't sure how things would turn out, if it would work, etc. Post surgery is an entirely different story. I am open to anyone who asks. Could I say I'm watching what I eat and exercising and be telling the truth? Yes - but for me that is only part of the truth. Weight loss surgery is my truth and if someone thinks less of me, so be it because I refuse to be ashamed of taking control of my health My employer asked me to write for our "be inspired" health column. When I mentioned WLS, I was told I could not not include that because "it might create confusion because our health coverage doesn't cover it". Guess what? They don't get my story because I refuse to omit an important component of my weight loss for the sake of being politically correct.

I am a 60 year old woman and I know when a horse has been beat to death. I have seen enough information here to agree that there is enough smoke to easily come to the assumption that truly there is likely unethical behavior here. Here is my take.....The ladies in question were not bad people, only a bit misguided by a very smooth talker. This happens everyday to many women around the world, not just in Mexico. Most appalling is the fact that the coordinator may even be beyond simple misconduct due to patient doctor relationship. Ok. Point has been well made. And I appreciate the information because it could have been much more serious considering HIV and other diseases. Best point that has been made on this thread for days! Anyone reading this thread now and in the future should be fully aware of potential abuse by this man of prey and that is the positive thing that has come from this thread. But what I don't get is why continue? I am not seeing the relevance of the nasty nasty comments that are being strewn from post to post. Am I missing something? Are we continuing to enlighten here or what is the ultimate goal past making everyone aware of this issue, which I think has already been accomplished. I would agree to support the women as a group to address the issue directly with Dr Illan, and see what actions the doctor is willing to take to resolve this misbehavior. Or even support any other actions that might stop future interactions between the coordinator and patients. I just don't see the purpose any more in what is going through this thread. Is there more relevant info to be had by continuing on with this topic? Or have all the actual facts to the reported abuse been made? If yes, put it out here because the actual facts ARE important. But if not, can we agree both sides have presented their case, opinions, etc, and we can be done here?

I'm with Kindle on this, I handle it in a similar fashion. Before surgery I was tight lipped. I wasn't sure how things would turn out, if it would work, etc. Post surgery is an entirely different story. I am open to anyone who asks. Could I say I'm watching what I eat and exercising and be telling the truth? Yes - but for me that is only part of the truth. Weight loss surgery is my truth and if someone thinks less of me, so be it because I refuse to be ashamed of taking control of my health My employer asked me to write for our "be inspired" health column. When I mentioned WLS, I was told I could not not include that because "it might create confusion because our health coverage doesn't cover it". Guess what? They don't get my story because I refuse to omit an important component of my weight loss for the sake of being politically correct.

90% of the time when someone comments or asks about my weight loss I tell them I had surgery. Their next question is bypass or Lapband? I explain about the sleeve gastrectomy and answer any other questions they have. Everyone has been happy and express congratulations with how great I look and feel. A few have even asked for my surgeon's contact info...including my OB/Gyn who wanted to pass it on to other patients.
The end result of my openness is a better educated person who can now tell their friends "yeah, I know someone who had weight loss surgery and she looks great!" For me, it's been so much easier than lying and telling half-truths. If anyone is talking negatively behind my back, I don't know about it and wouldn't care anyways. For the 10 % I don't tell about surgery, those are usually clients that I don't particularly like and don't really want to have any sort of non-business related conversation with.

Well, when you are trying to decide on a surgeon in Mexico, the kind of statement made by Susan holds a lot of weight. It's just really not fair to Dr. Illan. I'm sure you can understand why I feel that way.

I don't support **** shaming. What two consenting adults do between themselves is their business. However, making statements that impact a person's professional reputation and their business have serious economic ramifications. The lady that you are speaking about was sharing her personal experience and had the proof to back it up. This thread is someone who lacks personal experience and who lacks proof to support her claims. If a libel suit was brought, Susan would have to prove that the second hand information that she has is true.
 
She posted in another thread warning a potential patient away from Dr. Illan based on what Omar may or may not have done. If Dr. Illan was to pursue legal action, it could also affect this board as this was where the information was posted. This thread truly does more harm than good.

@@Fiddleman how is Phoenix doing? I saw pics of her several months ago and she had made amazing progress!

No pains in my stomach.  Is it for sure in your stomach, or is it to the right closer to your ribcage?  I've heard that kind of pain is gallbladder. 
 
As an update to fellow OCC'rs past or future - at Dr. So's suggestion (because I still have acid), I had an upper GI done here in Seattle including biopsies.  The GI doc I saw was very thorough.  He also ordered ultrasound imaging of every organ in my mid-section.  His findings are:
 
Mild gastritis - (said the ppi should take care of it)
GERD - on the mild side of the scale (doesn't feel mild to me!)
No Barretts Esophagus (OCC said that prolonged acid left untreated like mine was before surgery can cause Barretts)
No Celiacs (have a history of wheat allergy as a child so he tested me)
Ultrasound revealed gallstones.  I'm not surprised but to date I haven't had any pain or symptoms.  He bumped me back up to 40mg of omeprazole per day (I had cut it down to 20 but he said to bump it back up because it would help the gastritis).  He also wants me to have my gall bladder out.  I know I have to eventually but I want to hit my 100 lbs lost first. 
 
My doc here was skeptical when I told him I had my surgery in MX.  He didn't come right out and say it but I could see it in his expression.  He was extremely thorough in his testing and I came through pretty well.  He hadn't seen a sleeve before (but had seen bypass and lap band) so I was a learning experience for him and other docs in his clinic.  I had my Vitamin levels checked back in April and besides Vitamin D being low (always is), everything looks fine.  I must admit, I wasn't so great about taking Vitamins until a few weeks ago.  Now I'm in compliance (I know - bad).  My insurance has an exclusion on WLS or complications but they covered all my testing and will cover me to have my gallbladder removed.
 
Down 92 lbs and feelin' sassy!  My exercise is 2X week Zumba, 2X week functional strength class and just started C25K 3 days a week/30 mins each time. 
 
I have pics on my phone, must figure out how to download

Just started C25K last week, providing all goes well (in other words if I find that running agrees with my joints) I'm thinking about the Biggest Loser 5K in the Seattle area in October. I think it might be on the eastside somewhere.

Pboop3137, what kind of foods are you eating when you encounter the pain? I think  Slvrsax may be on the right track, if the pain you are having is on the right hand side, sort of up under your ribs. I had my gallbladder removed a few years back, and it does vary from person to person, but the pain is often mostly in the front area, but can radiate all the way around. Different foods, especially anything fatty, can trigger an episode. For me, one of the triggers was coffee, or any type of pork, "lean" or otherwise.
 
I would definitely follow up with a doctor, If you are having pain similar to what I did, I wouldn't wish that on anyone!
 
Slvrsax, if you have the opportunity to get that sucker removed before it causes you problems, I highly recommend it.
 
While I'm on here, have any of you experienced anything with your incisions? I woke up this morning (I am now exactly one week out from surgery) and there is the big marble sized lump under the large incision. I emailed, and Dr.So thinks it may be a hematoma and has instructed to take ibuprofen every 8hrs for 3days, . I thought we couldn't take ibuprofen? Obviously I think Dr So knows more than I do, so I took one this morning, but has anyone else encountered this?
 
 
 

Just started C25K last week, providing all goes well (in other words if I find that running agrees with my joints) I'm thinking about the Biggest Loser 5K in the Seattle area in October. I think it might be on the eastside somewhere.

Just started C25K last week, providing all goes well (in other words if I find that running agrees with my joints) I'm thinking about the Biggest Loser 5K in the Seattle area in October. I think it might be on the eastside somewhere.

Just started C25K last week, providing all goes well (in other words if I find that running agrees with my joints) I'm thinking about the Biggest Loser 5K in the Seattle area in October. I think it might be on the eastside somewhere.

Oso Strong 5k in Arlington Wa in late July.
All proceeds benefits the Oso Mudslide victims and families.
This is my first 5k, kinda close to my heart too :-)

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.

Before I had surgery I knew exercise was going to be the hardest part for me. I picked up a 10 class zumba package on Amazon Local and started six weeks before surgery. I took seven weeks off to recover from surgery, started back with 2 hours a week and by 4 months out increased to 4-5 hours a week. Almost 7 months out and I've added C25K. Look on Amazon Local and Groupon, there are usually crossfit, zumba,barre or bootcamp packages available at reasonable prices. The gym just didn't cut it for me, I found it too boring. Pick up something you enjoyed as a kid, maybe that is a good starting place! Whatever you do, just start and be patient with yourself Eventually you will find a pattern that works for you. If someone told me six months ago I would be an avid exerciser I would have said they were lying!

I've noticed that carbs in any form, sugar and even artificial sweetners make me want to eat more. When I am more aware of my carb intake, my restriction seems better. 60 grams or less per day seems to be the magic number.
I was drinking crystal light sweet tea for awhile and my appetite increased! I looked at the label one day and realized it had (gasp!) corn Syrup solids. I stopped drinking it and low and behold, my appetite was back in check.
Will the 5 day pouch test give you a re-set and "tighten" things up a bit so to speak? I've heard it does but have not tried it.

Had my sleeve done in Nov at the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana. It was an awesome experience and I am currently down 101lbs. I am getting close to my goal and am looking into plastics for my tummy, thighs and breast. OCC is connected to the Ariel Center and I am wondering if anyone has gone there and what their experience and results were like?

HW 238
SW 216
CW 150
TPL 88
TGP 88
Stick a fork in me!

Enjoy C25K! I'm in Week 4 and loving it.
Next time you have a hankering for cake, whip up one of these: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2010/04/that-takes-cake.html. I made a variation of sweet potato cake, crunched the numbers and for each 1oz slice, it came out to: 4.25 grams protein, 70 cals, 2.5 carbs, and 4.5 grams fat. Since you didn't like whipped cream, you could top with Walden Farms calorie-free caramel sauce. Yum!