242beau

I am 3 months and 6 days post op. and it has been a melting pot of mixed emotions. At 27, being 5'4" and weighing 357 pounds, I knew I had to do something bad. However, my breaking point came when I realized that my heart started palpitating when I laid down. This was scary because I had a DVT and PE 4 years prior and the palpitation was one of the signs and effects. I started researching gastric sleeve after attending a seminar and decided on Medical Tourism using Belite Weight and Dr. Rodriguez in Mexico. Belte service was great up to the point of after the surgery. They generally answered emails right away and answered questions thoroughly. Their pick up service from and to San Diego airport was great. Also, while in the hospital, I got a daily hospital visit from my coordinator. However, I have not heard from them since except for a once a month post-patient general email. I guess one could say I expected more from them due to the wonderful service I got before I had the surgery, such as a personal "check-up" call or email. Moving right along, I chose Dr. Rodriguez because all my research pointed to great things about him; not one bad thing. Yes, he was one of the more expensive doctors, but strange enough it seemed comforting as I felt I was paying more for experience and quality. Another comforting plus was the hospitals he used. I went to Hospital Angeles in Tijuana and it was amazing. It almost seemed like a hotel. The staff was great. While some could not speak clear english, they were very eager to please. The anstegeolist was my favorite. She was very comforting. Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Elmo were awesome! They visited up to the day of my leaving the hospital. Only complaint was I was not able to meet with them until 20 minutes prior to surgery due to understandable time restraints. So, from the time I reached the hospital, I registered with the hospital, did blood work, xrays and was assigned to my room, which was awesome! The bathroom and huge windows were my favorite parts of the room. My surgery went great. I was up and walking the very next day trying to get rid of those horrible gas pains you get warned about. I was left with 5 scars in total, 2 tiny set and 3 small ones, all of which has disappeared with the exception of 1. I lost 14 pounds prior to surgery on the pre-op diet of 2 Protein shakes and meat and vegetables for dinner along with two fruits a day. The "special" post up diet was for 1 month and was not hard but not easy. A month after surgery I stalled at 316 pound for 3 weeks. I began to get depress until realizing that I needed to up my calories which was hard considering that I could not really eat. As a result, I upped my protein (shakes) and Water intake and ate only meat (3 little bites of chicken, all I could eat) and I started losing again. I have had 2 stalls. The first was the worst and made it easier to deal with the second. The weight lost have seemed to slowed down a lot. After getting use to dropping no less than 5 pounds a week to only maybe 2, it would seem slow, even though it is still good. I honestly get frustrated when it is time to eat now because after a few bites I am full. I have finally learned my limit to avoid throwing up. I can gulp water again! My taste has seem to change. I cannot tolerate sweets as I could before. Which is why I had a problem with my protein intake. The shakes are just too sweet. The Dymatize Gourmet chocolate works great for me now though. I have yet to start exercising which is really bad. I already know that I will eventually need an arm lift. I had saddle bags from before surgery. I have officially lost 68 pounds in 3 months. I have a neck again! I cried at 316 because I thought I wasted money only to stop losing there. I cried at 299 because I never thought I would see "2" in the fore front of my weight. It's been emotional but great! I think Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Elmo and their whole crew is awesome! I have a whole lot more weight loss to go, but it is nice to know that I am on my way. My next goal (3rd one) is to reach 275 which would mean I "only" have 100 pounds more to lose. I do not want to be skinny just a happier healthier me.

You look awesome! Great motivation for me.

Thank you!

Just had my sleeve by Dr. Jose Rodriguez and I feel good. A little bit of discomfort . Just finish walking the halls twice. Hospital is very nice and super clean. I saw the pictures but was still very surprise. Everyone is super caring.

Hi. I love what you have done here. I am having my surgery in 3 weeks with Dr. Rod and was starting to get nervous. So this helped a lot. Thank you!

My surgery is set for May 21st in TJ. Less than a month. So excited and nervous!

I'm May 21st, Dr. Rodriguez, Tijuana. 340 pounds and need to lose half. Nervous but happy.

Hi, I'm scheduled for May 21st.