OCSlim

Absolutely, Kelsey...the more the merrier! I'm scheduled for December 16th in Tijuana. Are you having surgery in OC, or are you going to Mexico?

It appears it's time for a Username change...SkinnyGirlIsOut!!! Way to go girl!

I've got Aloe Vera Gel in my cabinet, and a Costco card in my wallet!

Thanks for that tip, Kindle. At the very worst, the coconut oil has a heavenly fragrance...and who knows, maybe your uncle is right. It's worth a try. Thanks!

Oh well...it was worth a try. So good ol' Vitamin E is all we have to go with? Some classics just can't be improved on, I guess. Well, at least I have a bottle at home LOL! If I hear of any other remedies, I'll let you know.

From what you describe, you are a very healthy size, and shouldn't be worried in the least! It sounds like what's really going on here, is that your transformation has happened so quickly that it's been a bit of a shock to your loved ones, to the point of worrying them. But you just wait. Once they get used to your new svelte image, they will adjust and then find it difficult to relate to, or even remember how you used to look. Just relax, enjoy, and be proud of all you've accomplished. You deserve it!

Girl...you have every right to feel comfortable in you skin, bikini, whatever...you look amazing! And what a victory that truly must have been...feeling utterly confident to show and discuss your body with no shame, guilt, etc! I'm so looking forward to feeling that way next summer. You are such a sweetheart for sharing your pictures and story. It really helps! I can tell you well remember those anxious pre-surgery days, when your mind was filled with all the question marks and exclamation points. It's so helpful to have this community and people like you who are willing to share and support!

Hi All, I just realized that we need to crystallize our plans. I'm going to message you with my contact information so we can try to communicate a little easier.

Zmdh39...your torso looks fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing your photos, as it is very reassuring to see that your scars are barely visible! Congratulations on you success!

At this point in time the medical community doesn't have the answer as to why some struggle with obesity, and others do not. Some have traumatic backgrounds, others do not. Some love food while others have come to resent it. What matters most is that the medical community has figured out a way to help people get their problem under control with WLS! I feel more excited and hopeful for my future now than I ever have. Hallelujah!!!

OMG Rozzie...you are one funny lady! So glad you're on here. I need a good laugh like that from time to time!

That is very encouraging to hear, Suzamundo! Who did your surgery?

From what I understand, Dr. Lopez is currently the only one performing the SILS, and to have it done at Hospital Vida is about $6,700. I think it's around $600, or so, less at Hospital Mi Doctor.

Dr. Valenzuela is in the group with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Osuna, and from what I understand, they all do. Plus Dr. Lopez does the single incision if you're scar averse like me. ????

Hey AlexisV, JamiesDoingIt and anyone else interested...head over to the new thread!

So would you all feel about meeting up on Monday at the Irvine Spectrum at around 5pm?

Yay!

I travel a lot for business...just jumping on a plane now for home. Let me know what you all come up with!

The 5 & Jamboree is right about the center of OC. But I get around the county a fair amount.

I'm in! Can one of you start a new thread "The Real Sleevers of Orange County"?????

Always having tons of clothes (because they span 6 sizes), as my weight has been more volatile than the emerging markets index...and nothing to wear, because now my "fat" clothes are getting too tight!

Hooray for you!!!????????????

Thank you, Rocky1. Coming from you, that is very reassuring, as I know how seriously and meticulously you have researched everything!

I'm in Orange County, as well! Would love to be part of your support group.

I'm in the final decision-making process like you, Rocky1. I've been leaning toward Dr. alejandro lopez lately, and spoke with two of his coordinators yesterday. I was assured that he uses Ethicon staples, sutures over them, and provides follow up care, regardless of the tourism company. In addition to Hospital MI Doctor, he now uses Hospital Vida, a brand new free-standing surgery center with a well-equipped ICU. While it isn't JCI accredited, it is ACMBS approved. One of the coordinators, who is a registered nurse, had her surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Valenzuela. She said she requested that in the event of any severe complications during surgery (like a PE), that they ambulance her to Scripps in San Diego as soon as she was stable enough to transport. She recommended that I provide the same instructions in an unlikely event such as that. I really like Mexicali Bariatrics, Hospital Almater, coordinator Nina Eguia, and Dr. Wilhelmy, but he doesn't do the single incision technique. I hope I don't live to regret my obsessive desire to avoid scars, but I do feel confident that Dr. Lopez will do a good job. I'm also going to follow your lead and start working to find a local Bariatric surgeon who will provide me with follow up care, as that makes the most sense logistically. I hope you come to a peaceful and happy decision, and have a very successful outcome. I'll be following your progress and wishing you all the best!