Beach Lover

Good week for me after 2 weeks of nothing! Lost 2 pounds!
Was 179
Now 177
Thanks gomekast!

Good week for me after 2 weeks of nothing! Lost 2 pounds!
Was 179
Now 177
Thanks gomekast!

I broke threw my slow down. Added cardio back in and I'm now proud to say I am down from 177 to 174! Only 10 more til goal. I can totally do this!!

Great week you guys!!
It's updated to here. Took me a little longer because low and behold my gallbladder has finally decided it wants out. Well, since I'm not septic I wait. It's been a rough few days to say the least. Today feeling better, so I just chug along, hoping I can eat more than Protein Bars.
It reinforces this tho. The scale can be a great tool. But, it's not the whole picture. Your efforts, your choices each day, your exercise, and your mental game all make the whole picture. So while one any given day, we may feel defeated or run down, or just plain old stressed out....do this. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and hold for 5 seconds, let it go. Your next meal is another chance, the next day is an opportunity to get that cardio or weights in your itching for.
I'm pretty close to my personal goal weight. I hit my surgeons goal already. Each pound I feel it looming closer. Why?? Because then it gets real. For the first time in my adult life, I will not be on a mission to lose weight. Then what?! Quite frankly I'm almost scared to death. But these challenges keep me honest. It keeps me accountable on the days I'd rather not be honest. But I have too. Not for anyone else, or for any other reason other than this...I deserve the truth. Even from myself.
Keep pushing you guys!! Finish the week strong!
Kelly;)

Hang in there!! You just had a major loss in your life!! My mother passed away a year ago and I gained 10 pounds on top of what I already weighed which prompted me to do the surgery. I had thought about it for several years and finally came to the conclusion that I couldn't do this on my own. LIfe is always going to throw crap at us and we have to bounce back once we have landed from the devastation. You are reaching out and that is the first step to taking care of yourself. I would suggest that you do at least a week of the liquid diet again just to withdraw from the carb monster if that is a problem. It is hard to do but it will release you from the addiction. Once you begin seeing a loss again you will begin to feel stronger and more in charge. Most of us never felt in charge of our weight before the surgery. Remember your tool is still there and ready to help you. Stay on the forum for support!! It has always helped me when I felt weak. If you haven't tried Premier Protein shakes I suggest you give them a try. They really are good and you can get them at Sam's and Costo. You can also try to kick start the loss with the 5:2 diet. If you search it on the forum you will find info on it as well as google it. I truly wish you the very best and I am sending you a hug!!!

I hate the player. I am disgusted by him. Some may have been willing participants of his shenanigans, but not all are. You don't randomly go into a patients room and start discussing your genitals for no reason. If you are a professional, you never have a relationship other than one of a professional nature with your patients. It is unethical to do that, it is unethical to accept gifts. There is no excuse for it.
And, I'm sorry. I must add this. Why, in this day and age with all the diseases out there would any intelligent person want to involve themselves in a casual sex relationship with someone who will sleep with any woman willing to spread her legs for him? Goodness, my health and self-respect are much more valuable to me than that.

Well, first off, any posts that were deleted and members that were banned would have been done by one person only, Alex. He is the founder of the website, and he makes those decisions. So, that is a question neither myself nor Lipsticklady can answer.
Next, Whitney, for someone who has posted many, many times about having a real life with real friends, you have spent a great deal of time in this thread trying to discredit myself and the six woman who have been brave enough to come forward with their experiences. I wonder why? What exactly is your relationship and how do you benefit from protecting Omar? And, more importantly, why have you insisted on trying to make this thread about you, and to make yourself out to be the victim here? This is NOT about WHITNEY. This is about a coordinator who has been reported as having made unwelcome advances on patients, and entering into inappropriate relationships with them. How about we address that instead? This is about putting the word out there so other woman who are traveling to Mexico are aware of what could potentially happen to them so they can make an informed choice. Lets talk about the real issues here, if you wish to discuss your offense at Alex for removing your posts or banning you (which you obviously don't understand what being banned means), then private message him, private message me or open your own thread. In fact, I invite you to do that, so this thread may get back to the real issues at hand, which, despite some of you and your cohorts best efforts to declare otherwise, is very real and very serious. One that people have a right to know about.

You said that she and I are the same people? Ha! That's hysterical.

I cringe every time the word rape is used here. I don't think rape in it's true sense occurred. That said, if one uses his/her position of power or authority to seduce a patient/client/student he/she is acting unethically and that's a HUGE abuse of position and influence. That's scary.

Wow I have just read this thread and I am shocked that in this day and age victims are treated with such hate. I guess that's why they need advocates to speak on their behalf. I may be wrong but from what I have read it appears that this is a warning for those that have not yet had surgery and may be considering having it with this surgeon and coordinator also from what I have read most of the comments have come from past patients and they appear to be a delightful bunch ! All I have to say is if someone contemplating surgery there prepares themselves with this knowledge and decides to be 20% more careful and prevents themselves from becoming victim 7 or 8 then Susan's post was worth it. I'm not saying it did or did not happen but I am saying knowledge is POWER. To the 6 victims my heart goes out to you, hopefully you are getting the help you need and to the lady that spoke out about her situation. You are VERY brave and should be proud of yourself

Any person in authority who starts a relationship with a client/patient/student/etc., consensual or not, is wrong. It may not always be a legal issue, but it is a moral and ethical issue.
I am so sorry you went through this but I applaud you for coming forward. I am sure that in light of some (not all) of the supporters in this thread, your decision was s difficult one. I hope you've gotten the counseling and support you need to get past this.
If your words save even one person from going through this same experience, whether is be because they choose not to use this surgeon, or because this surgeon/coordinator rethinks his future actions, you've done a great service to others. I sincerely hope you get better treatment for coming forward than the last young lady who did the same.

Wow!! This is really unreal.. Exactly the reasons women don't come forward. In such cases of unwanted sexual advances and discrimination. I can understand concerns of unproven allegations. I honestly can say I have lost a good nights sleep over whether to reply or not. Haven't lost any sleep over Omar in at least 6 months.. That being said .. I was one of the ones involved in a consensual sexual relationship from August to January of last year. I also emailed Susan to express my support of those who received unwanted sexual advances. I may lose Facebook friends over this.. But they have expressed their observances I decided to throw in the towel and express mine.. First and foremost I do think Dr . Illan is a fantastic surgeon.. Would I go back .. Yes in a heart beat he literally saved my life. Would I recommend him yes most assuredly but I would never send a woman alone with Omar. Do I feel like a victim.. No! But I do the know if I hadn't been at such a low point in my life I wouldn't have participated in a relationship with him. Take a good look in the mirror ladies .. At 242 pounds I was not the most self assured woman in the world. When we go for these surgeries we are at the lowest point in our lives.. We are desparate.. Lonely and most often depressed.. We are FAT and some haven't had the attention, concern and affection shown to us in years.. Even some that are already in relationships. He is your husband, boyfriend confessor all rolled into one. He is GOOD at his job.. He gets PAID to do this.. The more he can reel you in.. The more patients you bring in.. The gifts, the tips and the money he takes off the top.. And yes I know for a FACT he has done this. The emails and texts he blocks for Dr . Illan these are words out of his mouth to me.. He sets the prices he runs the show!! His words again not mine. Manipulator, con-artist, hustler all rolled into one.. But the main one is predator.. He prays on these women's insecurities and vulnerabilities.. He approaches those he feels are most open to his advances.. Sometimes it works.. Sometimes it doesn't.. You go for these surgeries needing to be seen as a patient a human being that is seeking treatment.. Not to be seen as a sexual conquest and a potential marketing tool... Those that are less worldly or knowledgable than I could and have been duped and violated in the most outrageous form... So take this as you will personally I'm out of it all together.. I hate that others were hurt perhaps if I had spoke up sooner they wouldn't have.. Perhaps not!! As we see the evidence posted on this thread.. Do I think he should lose his job? I'm really not sure on that.. Integrity is the albeit answer. Crime? If so is it a crime to expect and receive respect in all aspects of this journey? Peace and Blessings

I suspect that if Susan claimed it and Alex, the board owner, approved of her posting this topic, she has proof. I may be wrong, but neither of them strike me as unaware of the ramifications of posts like this.

I have no problem with reinforcements being called in honestly. I'm just pointing out the irony of someone making an issue of a newbie supporting the OP but not all the newbies or "resurrecties" supporting the other side. Again, I don't have a stake in this game, but I do find the thread interesting.
I do have a problem with personal attacks in either direction. I think the inability to discuss an issue respectfully (and without profanity) is very telling. It takes away from the validity of the poster and makes them look quite foolish.
Why do I find this thread interesting? Right after I had my procedure, a young lady who was a member here had an affair with her doctor (or coordinator) while in Mexico. She spoke of it here, was upset when he dumped her, and was raked over the coals by his supporters. It was ugly. She then retracted her statements claiming she made it up just to stop the abuse from other members. It was heartbreaking. I know it happened to her because I heard about the affair before the " break up". I saw her emails about it, the texts, the discussions with other patients who were in Mexico with her, etc. She was "slut shamed" into retraction and that scares me for his future patients. Why do women do that to other women?

I am very sorry that all of you feel the way you do. As stated before, my goal here is simply to make people aware and hopefully help someone avoid being in a similar situation. have the letters from the patients, they have the copies of the texts, emails, etc. If you want to accuse me slander, libel or anything else, you may. I have been aware of wrongdoings since last September, and am just now sharing based upon evidence gathered.
Once again, for those of you who had a good experience, and I don't deny, there are many, I couldn't be happier that you did. And, I truly mean that. But, understand, not everyone has had the same positive experience as you. With many victims of any form of abuse, they are often afraid to come out and speak for themselves. This thread shows good reason why, because people would be attacking them, stating it was somehow their fault. They are in a very fragile way right now, emotionally speaking, and some are in therapy. The last thing they need is a group of people attacking them and saying "I had a wonderful experience, he was a perfect gentleman with me, so you must be telling lies, what is wrong with you."
I will not apologize for the fact that I have made a lot of connections in the bariatric community, and that in the process, I have learned a lot, good, bad and otherwise. I could keep what I know to myself, but what kind of person would that make me? It would make me the kind of person who is afraid of others, and afraid to stand up for what is right. I would be an accomplish, condoning their actions if I just stand by and allow it to happen. I won't name names, but one of the very people who condemned me in this thread actually messaged me thereafter admitting she knows what is going on and is friends with one of the people, yet she chastised me on here. I am not that kind of person. I care about people. I want people to have good experiences. I won't have knowledge of things that are completely inappropriate and turn a blind eye to it. You can be a part of the problem, or a part of the solution. I choose the latter.. This thread has done what I set out to do, which is bring awareness to an inappropriate situation. Maybe, just by bringing it to light, Omar will take heed and redeem himself and change his ways. I knew from the onset his supporters would attack me, I expected it, I expected accusations to be made against me and have not been disappointed. I am not here to defend myself. I am here to defend the woman who are the victims.
Have a nice evening all.

If you don't agree with what Susan has posted here, by all means, state your opinion. It's 100% ok to "attack" her message, it's NOT ok to attack her personally.

Thank you for posting this! It took courage and if people don't believe it or want to defend this guy that's up to them. You did your part and that's all you can do.

1. No. I did coordinating for Bariatric Pal's service for one year until I resigned after receiving a promotion at my regular job and no longer was able to do both.
2. None
3. No, but I did refer patients to them.
I work for a national construction research and education company, they have nothing to do with bariatrics. No competition involved. I am 48 years old, engaged, have two children, two dogs, and live in a small house in the woods.
I was sleeved by the doctor the former poster claimed I had no experience with.
I have the permission and blessing of all the woman to speak out on their behalf in the hopes that other woman will be more aware of what may or may not happen to them and hopefully prevent them from becoming victims.
I feel sad that woman are so unwilling to stand up for others, and are so quick to assume that because something did not happen to them and they had a good experience, it must be the same for everyone else.
I personally referred some of these woman to this doctor, and in part, feel responsible for the emotional distress they are now in. Others have sought me out because they know I have connections, and am a well-known voice in the bariatric world.
Anything else you want to know about me?

Un-named person, my understanding is you started the Facebook group, so again, I would expect your comments. Although, I also understand Omar was quite flirty with you and your husband was not appreciative. As I stated in my original post, I fully expected Omar's fan club to stand up for him and respond in full force to this thread. I wouldn't expect anything less from Omar to have his followers respond to this, and I am sure he has contacted Alex demanding removal of this thread. However, I posted this with his approval. I am simply posting fact. Again, while you may not have experienced this and had a great experience, many woman have not had the same experience as you. Just because it did not happen to you, doesn't mean these women were not taken advantage of. Just because a robber did not rob your bank, doesn't mean he is not a robber, just because a pedophile did not molest your child doesn't mean he is not a pedophile, just because a murderer did not murder you, does not mean he isn't a murderer. And, just because nothing inappropriate happened with you, it does not mean he wasn't inappropriate with others. People have a right to know, and I am going to make sure they know. If they take what I have shared, still choose Dr. Illan and Omar, and then have a bad experience, they can't say they were not warned.

Whitney, instead of assuming I am simply a "virtual friend" as you like to say, or that nothing happened, or accusing me of having no life outside of here (which is really simply grasping for anything to argue about instead of the very serious situation of which I am addressing), how about posting why you feel that because this did not happen to you, it could not possibly have happened to anyone else? This is a serious, serious situation, and for you to make light of it concerns me. I could share why you are apparently making light of this, from what others are sharing with me, but first, I am curious to hear your reasoning.

Whitney, your post just makes me sad. Are you also one of these who feels when a woman was raped, she deserved it because of the way she was dressed?
 
As I said, I expected backlash from Omar's fans. However, as I said, just because he was not inappropriate with you, does not mean he wasn't with others. I am happy you had a a good experience with him, I truly am. The answer to your question is yes, these were adult woman, not minors. Do not continue to make them feel bad, as I stated, while you may be of a stronger personality, many woman who go to Mexico are not, and are in a very vulnerable state and people like Omar are able to see just who these woman are and take advantage of that. They did nothing wrong. Any person in the US, doctor or employee of a doctor, who had any type of such interactions/relationship with a patient would have been considered unprofessional and immoral. They would have been dismissed from their position and most likely facing criminal charges.
 
These woman were taken advantage of, they were wronged. Shame on you for condoning it simply because they are adults.
 
And, unlike you, a new member, I have been here for 8 years, administered these forums, worked with the Mexico doctors and have many, many connections with them. This is based on fact, not rumors. I am looking out for and protecting innocent woman, therefore, my post stands.

Many of you on here know me well, I have been a part of these message boards for years. I love our members and I want only the best for them. Therefore, I can not in good conscience keep this to myself any longer.
Dr. Illan is a wonderful surgeon. In fact, when I used to coordinate, for a while I actually referred patients to him. His coordinator, Omar, has a very, very faithful following. So much so, I fully expect and am prepared for the "verbal beating" I am going to get for going public with what I know. But, if I prevent just one woman from experiencing what I am about to share with you, then it will all be worth it.
As I said, Omar is very well loved among the patients, especially the ladies. He goes out of his way to ensure everyone has a great experience while there. He provides for the patient's every need, transports them around town, runs errands for them, sits by their bedside and so much more. He is very charming and charismatic. There will be many, many members who will respond to this thread stating just that. In fact, when the first patient, one that I had referred to them, approached me about what happened to her, I did her a horrible disservice by not really believing what she told me, because Omar did such a good job of convincing me otherwise. But now, after six woman, some of whom I referred to Dr. Illan, some not, have contacted me regarding what happened to them, I know now that first patient was telling me the truth, she did not misinterpret anything and I must speak out.
So, what is it that I am speaking off? I am talking about taking advantage of woman who have traveled to a foreign country by themselves, most likely have low self-esteem due to their weight issues, they are scared and they are lonely. Then, along comes Omar. He is by their side throughout their stay. He is, as I said before, charming and charismatic. They very quickly find themselves falling victim to him, and he takes advantage of them in several different ways. He either is sexually suggestive to them, sexually inappropriate, or convinces these woman he truly cares for/loves them and begins a romantic relationship with them. Because of how vulnerable they are, they believe he really does care about them, and they allow themselves to be wooed by him and have a romantic and/or sexual relationship with him. Then, shortly after, he basically dumps them. He quits responding to their calls, texts, etc. He leaves these woman feeling broken and foolish for falling for him. They feel like they have done something wrong, when in fact, they are merely the victim of a heartless man taking extreme advantage of his position and their vulnerability. Understand, I am not saying this happens with every patient, but it does happen and it shows an extreme lack of professionalism and moral character.
I have attempted to contact Dr. Illan to speak with him personally about this. Unfortunately, Omar makes that nearly impossible. All calls, emails, etc. are intercepted by him. And, here is the saddest part of all, Dr. Illan already knows what is going on. So, I am doubtful my talking to him would make a difference. Dr. Illan knows Omar has a strong fan base, and therefore, brings him a great deal of business. So, he turns a blind eye to what is happening. Which, is why I have no guilt in publicly coming out and sharing what I know. I will be honest, my goal here is to have Omar removed from his position as coordinator with Baja Bariatrics and Dr. Illan, and to see that he does not work in this field or any other field where he can take advantage of woman again. And, if Dr. Illan goes down as a result, well, shame on him for allowing it to happen in the first place.

I hope everyone is doing well. I went to West Virginia on July 2 and had a nice trip. I am hoping we can get together soon. Let us all hang together and keep posting until we can have a meeting. Linda

Thank you for taking over!! I have been out of town so I didn't get the last post in but I stayed the same at 179.
I would love to do this one as well!
First weigh in for July 7th and 14th is 179.
CW 179
Goal 174 This might be cautious but I have really slowed down. I am hoping to beat it but it is just so slow now.
Thank you!!!

Let me know when we are going to have a meeting!