SGL755

Beautiful New Zealand ????

Hey all! Wanted to share some progress pics and stats to encourage anyone out there, I know it helped me when I was first looking into surgery.
I've felt great my whole recovery... It's been an adjustment but a great one.
4 months post op today!
Since surgery: -54lb loss
Overall total: -88lb loss
Top pics: 2 months prior to surgery
Bottom pic: 4 months post op 

Sleeved on May 10th !! Started at 220lbs and now 186 !! Down 34lbs and loving it !!

And me too. Great time of life to do this

I travelled from New Zealand to Mexico (Tijuana) in May this year. Had a great experience. If you have any questions I'm more than happy to try and answer them ????

Thank you, pretty sure I'll be thinking of many questions. Because I'm having it done in TJ, we are limited in our information. I know the care is exceptional, but many people that have it done in the US or Canada are equipt with a bevy of information, where it seems we're kinda left at the mercy of kind people that offer help..

I didn't mean to imply people here think this is an easy fix. I just wish my pre-op classes, doctor, etc could have been a bit more realistic. They say you get full fast. How about saying it doesnt feel like you're full but rather that you will be in pain and wishing you could vomit what you just ate. Or that you need to nearly constantly sip your Water in order to get all of it in every day. Or that you will feel completely overwhelmed for weeks.

How old are you? If > 50, you don't want to be too frail. But...
Probably people are just so used to seeing you big, they just have to accept that you're a more normal weight now, especially for your height.
Don't undo your work to please others. If you do that for this, you'll do it in other areas of your life...and be totally screwed. Live for you, as you know what your weight struggle, desires and health needs have been and are.
Are you healthy and happy? That's what matters, not everyone else's opinion.

I thought I would post my goal pictures. I have not had plastics yet...I wore this outfit to the seminar I spoke at last week..
Here goes! See my hubby..Isn't he cute!!!!!!!!

I was a diet soda addict. I'm embarrassed to tell you that I drank anywhere between 5 and 12 cans A DAY of diet soda. The mere thought of giving it up would make my heart race. I feared the caffeine headaches most.
I started tapering down at the beginning of the year since I knew I couldn't have it after surgery (or shouldn't). The first 3 days I drank 6 a day. Then 5 a day. Then 4 a day and on and on. When I got down to only 1 or 2 a day I took an occasional caffeine pill to help with the headaches. When I was done completely I'd take a half of a caffeine pill a day for 2 weeks and then I stopped. I haven't had a soda since.
I feel better and I've saved a lot of money

If your nervous before your surgery get a massage the day before!
As for Protein Shakes I love Isopure and nectar. I bought on Amazon chocolate, Cookies n cream, Peanut Butter n choc, strawberry, Cappuchino mocha for any mood I have.
I love power ADe zero in blue, sugar free ice pops and Water with lemon/ lime and a touch of fresh mint I shake it with lots of ice it's refreshing!
I walk while I sip it's hard to drink sitting down. I even burp myself like a newborn.
I read somewhere our stomachs are like a newborn a few sips then burp! Then we advance to puréed baby food, then we graduate till thicker chopped foods. Eventually well be skinny healthy grown ups!

I am a criminal defense attorney. I can tell you that if this guy hasn't had a load of DUI's at this point, then he is probably is not a drunk and fine on the job. He made a poor choice for sure, but I certainly hope it doesn't ruin his life or practice. Everyone makes mistakes, let him take responsibility for it and move on. I am sure he will have to answer to the licensing board and work it out with them. Best of luck, but I would not freak out about it.

Well today went to the dr today it's official may 30 2014 was 357 as of July 29 2014 I am 306 ! 51 pound weight loss !
69 days out but the dr call it one month out for some reason !

New diet yay

I was SO excited this morning to weigh in and see that I passed my goal of 145 pounds. I am about 10.5 months post-op and down 133.6 pounds. I could still stand to lose a few more pounds, but I am super proud of myself for reaching my original goal in less than a year. I'm also super proud of my non-scale goals that I've accomplished like improving my health, training for a 1/2 marathon, and working on my emotional eating issues. I've done a lot of hard work this year, and I wouldn't trade the changes I've made for the world.
For those of you just starting on this journey, hang in there! It's so worth the effort!

my kids are polar opposites. my one takes medication that deadens the palate and makes many foods taste bad, plus texture is an issue. the other is a pretty good eater.
i was really surprised post op when i WANTED to cook for my family. i think being in the kitchen and being in the food make me feel somehow closer to the food experience and almost like i was included. post op i cooked for my family every day and loved it. i know not everyone is like me but it was great.
these days i'm cooking things that at least my one child and hubs and i can all eat, the other child is on a specific menu that doesn't change so no big issues there either.

I'm 8 months out and 10# from my surgeon's goal for me , I'd like to lose another 20#...
Breakfast-usually egg whites fried with a 1/2 of a slice of light American cheese or Premier Protein shake.
Snack-if I had an early Breakfast I may have my shake now, but my nut frowns on snacking...
Lunch-2oz deli turkey or ham usually rolled with sandwich sliced pickles and string cheese in the middle, a rice paper roll up with turkey, avocado, carrots, lettuce and green onions with my homemade thai peanut sauce, or 5 slices of hard salami with one slice cooper cheese and 3-4 slices of apples.
Snack-if I need one it's typically almonds, sliced apples with Peanut Butter Greek yogurt dip, beef Jerky, a few whole grain tortilla chips or some watermelon.
Dinner-usually 3-4oz Protein like chicken, steak or fish and a small amount of salad or veggie.
Snack- usually this is when I do my Protein Shake or my second one if I worked out hard!
I drink mostly Tazo Iced Passion Tea that I make at home, Decaf coffee in the am and decaf iced coffee everyday from Dunkins is my treat!

Dr. Garcia and staff are awesome. I haven't had any complications and I am continuing to lose weight. Good luck to you in your new life.
My experience:
8/5/13: I flew into San Diego to be picked up by the driver, Samuel Jr. (very nice man). We went to the Marriott hotel which is very nice. I was met by Irene from Ready4Achange. She is sweet and will bend over backward to get you what you need/want. My room was very clean and comfy.
8/6/13: The Marriott driver took me to Florence Hospital (Oasis hospital) where I met Eduardo, the coordinator from ready4achange. If you ask him he will keep your passport for you in his safe and return it before you leave. The hospital was clean and tidy; however, their standards of decor are different than ours (American). In the bathroom the workmanship is very sloppy and tends to look dirty. Nevertheless, it is not!
Once I filled out all the paperwork, I went for lab tests. IV was hooked up; surgery was set for late afternoon. Dr. Garcia came in and explained the surgery. Make sure you discuss your bougie size. (He will explain) Next thing I remember...waking up in my bed, surgery finished.
They will make you get up and walk, walk, walk and walk some more. This is to help with the gas pains. You will be attached to an IV pole with great medication. I had no pain what so ever! Of course, everyone is different. You probably will have a drain. This is not a problem...gets removed before you leave the hospital, feels weird when they remove it.
Make friends with the other patients on the floor. This will give you a support group to help you through the process.
8/8/13: Marriott driver picked me up to return to the hotel. The only down side was the check in time for the hotel. I waited 4 hours in the lobby and restaurant for my room to be ready. When it was ready it was heaven. You are entitled to 3 chicken broths per day and 2 bottles of Water and 2 popsicles. A word about the popsicles...DO NOT EAT THEM...THEY TASTE LIKE CRAP!!! If you want a popsicle, it is better to go down stairs to the tobacco shop and buy one (they are awesome!) (Another reason to bring some money)
8/9/13: Dra. Velazco came to the hotel to remove my staples
8/10/13: Picked up by Samuel Sr. from ready4achange. Flew home.
Suggestions:
1st: Do not over pack! (I did) all you need is clothes to and from the hotel. Bring a pair of pajama bottoms or a pair of shorts to wear with the hospital gown (gets breezy when you walk), underwear, walking shoes, and toothbrush etc...
2nd: Gas-x strips and chapstick are a must. Bring a book to read as the hotel TV has few English speaking channels.
3rd: Plan on bringing some money to tip the staff (hotel and drivers). I recommend smaller bills because change is not always available. Of course, you don't have to tip, but, they appreciate the effort.
Peso exchange is around 12p to 1.00.

Before:



Progress (during)



After (now)

I also have limited funds and have found two good options. One was through Jerusalem Hospital for $3750 which is a clinic setting and another through Medical Tourism Co. For $4000 which is at the Florence Hospital. I first booked the least expensive (SIL and her friend went there and received great care) but just switched to florence Hospital to make my husband feel better about me traveling alone. From what I have researched, they are all pretty good in Mexico and and the care is good. I wish I had the money to take a buddy but I can't. Good luck!

I eat when I get hungry...every 3 hours or so. I don't really distinguish between a meal or a snack. Hungry is hungry and eating is eating. I usually only eat enough to not feel hungry anymore, not necessarily until I'm full. And I drink Water or a Protein smoothie or juice in between. Honestly, if I only ate three times/day I would be seriously undernourished because I can't eat that much in a single sitting.
What difference does it make how many times you eat as long as it is good choices and you aren't exceeding your body's caloric needs? The huge difference in rules and guidelines dished out by all the nuts just confirms none of them really has the "right" answer. I've managed to pass my surgeon's goal and my personal goal weight without a single postop consult from a so called "expert". Like squeaker said, you have to find what works for you in order to have long term success.

When my husband and I first married, I was at the store eyeing a beautiful sapphire ring. It was only about $400 and he told me no. I worked, he worked, we could easily afford it. I came home with a 5k diamond tennis Bracelet instead. He quickly learned that telling me no was counter productive.
You are a grown woman and you have been struggling with your weight for decades. This decision is not his to make. I'd sit him down, tell him this is what you ARE going to do, tell him you'd love his support, but if he can't give it to you! it's not going to change your mind. Period.
Hopefully he'll come around. This is not about him, it's about you.

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'm trying to figure out how all this would go down. You are bandaged, oozy, farty, belchy, tired, pukey, and dehydrated. Sexy times.

Hi all,
Sleeved in Australia on May 14.
Starting weight 139.5 kg (307 lbs) before the shakes, weight as of today 117.2 (258 lbs) so a loss of 22 kg or 49 lbs.
Happy with how I am going, lost a lot around the waist and bum, not a huge amount off the neck.
Good luck to everyone