Kooky1

I may be misreading, but your doctor in the US did the VSG for $3500 or he did the hiatal repair for $3500?

** I HAVE NOT BEEN SLEEVED YET ** I am just researching different types of Protein shakes for post-op. I was on a ketogenic diet which did wonders for me. I relied on Keto Chow as a meal substitute, and I can honestly report that nearly every flavor I tried was delicious. Just like melted milk shakes but the net carbs were under 4 grams per serving. I still have two weeks worth of supply (they are a bit pricey--about $10 a day). Each shake has about 27 grams of protein and is about 400 calories per shake. The only downside I see is that you have to MCT Oil and heavy cream to make it nutritional rounded: that is to say, consuming three shakes met all of your nutritional needs per day. I am not sure if the heavy cream (which adds fat--key to keto) would be a bad thing post-op. Here's the nutritional label for the shakes: (hopefully linking is allowed) https://www.thebairs.net/2015/03/label-all-the-things/ Are these good to go?

I'm new to a FSA. I signed up for one last year to pay for LASIK surgery, but now I am curious to know if it can pay for bariatric surgery. My insurance covers the procedure, but you have to go through six months of hoops. I began that process about 18 months ago, but then I developed a staph infection then dealt with gut infections. In Sept, I asked my doctor to schedule an appointment for weight loss and her office scheduled an appointment with a student nutritionist (working on clinical hours) who never followed-up with the plan. Then again, it was nothing new that my doctor hadn't already told me to do. A paleo diet. In a nutshell, I have been working with my doctor on a diet but many of it dealt with the gut infection. So, I am not sure if all the work I put in for the last 18 months will meet the 6 month requirement thus my looking into self-pay in Mexico (a relative had a successful surgery there). I am in a debt management plan to pay down medical expenses from this past year and a half so a new loan is not an option right now. Can you use a FSA to pay for a procedure that your insurance would otherwise cover? Thanks

I'm not the OP but I was following his progress with interest. I don't think it worked in the end. The military is trying to downsize currently; whereas a few years ago, they were trying to bring in as many people as they could.

Stop using the word victim. I was victimized as a child with no choice, being manipulated by an older relative. The women and children that I work with are victims and survivors, fighting their way through abusive relationships, drug abuse, incest, and physical abuse and neglect. These women are scorned lovers who were dumped and now feel vengeful because their love was rebuffed. Instead of just addressing the man who broke their heart privately, they decided to discredit his employer. They recruited Susan and Alex on their mission. This really isn't about Omar. I hope the casual lurker sees that this thread was intending to discredit a doctor and his medical practice!

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.

This is a violation of our forum's rules. Please do not attack people personally, or it could result in you being banned. Thank you. At this point, this post was extremely comical.

What about posting someone's real identity on this forum and their membership to a private forum? Is that okay? What about posting someone's real identity on this forum and their membership to a private forum? Is that okay? Again, if you disagree with something she's said or done, attack the opinion, not the person. That's just MY opinion. If you don't agree with MY opinion, carry on! But your opinion comes across as a comment from a moderator (not sure what exactly a "host" is). The thing is that I can accept attacking the opinion but if we are going to call out that behavior, we should also address behavior that includes posting people's real names. Many people use their real name as their screen name and it was their choice to do so. When someone else outs a person's real name that's taking away that poster's choice to remain private. That's a violation, too.

What about posting someone's real identity on this forum and their membership to a private forum? Is that okay?

If Dr. Illan is willing to turn a blind eye to his employee who is being inappropriate with his patients, then so be it. Do you have solid evidence that: a) Omar has sexually assaulted single women (as you are implying) and Dr. Illan is aware of these alleged assaults and failed to act on them. If you do not, you are skating very close to libel.

On this very site, I have been completely frank about my traumatic experience being sexually assaulted as a young child. I like to think that I am advocate for other victims as I currently work as a social worker dealing with children and families. My surgery is scheduled for 9/1 with Dr. Illan. I had limited correspondence with Omar during this process. I obviously have not met him in person, but I imagine he is probably a very charming individual. I'm no one's cheerleader and I am no one's hired hand. With that said, I find this thread to be problematic. This thread seems like an attempt to defame Dr. Illan's reputation rather than warn women about Omar.

Are you feeling the need to go or are you more concerned that you haven't gone?

He was a recommended surgeon through this site and there used to be a special deal with him. However, I believe that ended in June due to issues with the company that booked the surgeries.

Congrats on the weight loss!

I am truly keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to guzzle water. I walk around the house with a gallon of water in my hand. I just love water.

Do you really need someone to point out the difference between small talk and a deliberate insult? Seriously? You're comments are coming off overly defensive as you try to dismiss the OP's feelings on the statements made to her. However you want to view it, the comments insulted the OP.

On the flip side, I wouldn't think it was small talk if someone looked at my plate and commented about how much food was on it. "Wow, you sure are cramming a lot into your pie hole."

Since the message is now public, I hope that poster doesn't mind my response. From what I have read on this website and other places, isn't vomiting due to overeating or eating foods that your body can no longer tolerate?

I have two published books and I want to publish more. Once I lose the weight, I hope to add original online content to my resume. In a year's time, I'd like to pitch a sitcom to a production company.

My understanding is that a reduction automatically includes a lift. They are removing glands and fat then they reconstruct the breasts thus lifting them.

Congrats! You look great!

I hope not to create a divisive issue but this is beginning to become an issue with me. As I lean more towards surgery in Mexico, I am beginning to note more comments about horror stories shared by medical professionals who are advising me against surgery in Mexico. As one said, if I am deadset on self-pay then I should only look for a reputable American surgeon. They all talk about patients or people they know who had problems after surgery in Mexico. But, I am sure there are American patients who had American surgeons that also experienced complications. For me, it seems some of their attitudes stem from our (general) belief that American=best. I understand relating concerns about insurance and coverage but I think there is an undercurrent of prejudice in their comments.

I have dealt with chronic constipation for the last several years. Can you drink prune juice? Maybe add it to a smoothie as a liquid base? For me, if I consume too much Protein and not enough Water then I tend to become constipated. Are you getting enough water? The miralax helps to draw moisture to the stool which will help it pass. Depending on the other laxatives, they may be stimulants that are just triggering your body to go but not necessarily making it easier for the stool to pass.

I haven't had surgery yet but my doctor advised me to try smoothies. I bought unflavored soy Protein. Then I dump berries, peaches, and apples into a blender. I also pour a few teaspoons of fiber then I puree. I believe I get about 30 g of protein each serving. You can also add spinach, broccoli, and carrots, depending on your plan.

Last week, my doctor referred me to a Gastric Sleeve Surgeon. I attended his open house and I have a consultation reserved later this month. I contacted my insurance agency because part of their requirements is for me to work with a Bariatric Case Manager. I spoke with her today and she informed me of a few new wrinkles. My insurance company only covers surgeries through a Bariatric Center of Excellence. That doctor is not part of any centers that have that certification. A few days ago, I stumbled across this forum (and another). I realize that going to Mexico and paying for my own surgery is an actual option. I wrote my doctor and she is discouraging me from this route. She made it clear that my insurance will not pay for any additional surgeries that rise out of complications. I could go with my insurance but it will take anywhere between 7-12 months before I can have the surgery. Whereas, if I paid, I could probably do it in September or October. I really, really want to self-pay and do it in September. But, I am also afraid of not being covered for any after-care treatment. Did anyone else have a similar choice?