OCSlim

So how is your progress going?

Ok but why Mexico? Why not find a local surgeon and facility to do it? I don't see many cash pay people even trying that route. They just aim for Mexico. There are great docs and hospitals all over the world and just as great here. I would be concerned with future care, complications and immediate follow up and want a local person If it means a little extra more than so be it. I have a BMI of 30, so my insurance won't pay. To self pay in the US was going to cost me over $20,000 In Mexico, I'm having a Single Incision technique (that the US doctor I went to is not able to do) for $5,500. In addition, the Dr. In Mexico has done more than three times as many surgeries as the doctor in the US, and he is one on the busiest surgeons in my area.

I am scheduled with Dr. Lopez, and was told by my coordinator at Mexico Bariatrics that he does 3 to 5 cases a day, depending upon the complexity.

I'm so glad to hear your surgery went well. Please keep is informed of how it's going post-op with your recovery!

Strong Hearted, Thank you so much for posting! I am so interested to hear about anything you can share about Dr. Lopez and your experience, as I am scheduled for a single incision Gastrectomy with him in December at Mi Doctor in Tijuana. If you could tell your story, impressions and tell how you're doing I would be most grateful Thank you!

I just saw your post, and would love to know about this message board if it exists, as I am having surgery with Dr. Lopez in December. Thank you!

Mary, You look amazing! Congratulations on you wonderful success, and thank you for sharing your inspiring photos!

You look fabulous, LilBoo! Thank you for posting the pics. Please post more as your healing progresses. I'm very interested to see how your scars do over time. I suspect they're going to be barely detectable,which is so encouraging!

Thank you for your detailed and candid review of your experience at Mi Doctor and Dr. Valenzuela. I'll be going to that hospital in December and having the single incision sleeve Gastrectomy with Alejandro Lopez. It's nice to hear the Marriott is so lovely. My support person will appreciate that!

Thank you, Megan, that is very helpful! I can't wait to hear about your experience and results, and hope you'll post about it. Sept 8th will be here before you know it. So excited for you!

I would venture to guess that your hesitancy may be coming from a place other than just the money, because you knew the cost when you first explored this option, and it didn't deter you then. Maybe your husband's negativity is wearing on you and creating doubt. You're in a tough situation, as I know how badly loved ones can sabotage you when you're working on self improvement. It leaves them feeling very threatened and vulnerable. Additionally, your positive changes will open options and opportunities for you that may have you scared too. All you can do is trust that you are deserving of looking and feeling better and all the wonderful things that will come with that! This is not an expense. It's a very wise investment that will SAVE you money many times over through the years. You go girl!!!

I have a question about the pre-op diet. I am having the sleeve with MBC in December, and since my BMI is only 30, my pre-op diet is for 5 days, and then just clear liquids for 2 full days prior to surgery. So if I have it right, that is 7 days of pre-op, between the low carb/calorie 5 day, and then the 2 days of clear liquids only...does that sound like what your instructions were?

I so relate to everything you're saying. I feel exactly as you do. I've tried everything and feel entirely comfortable that this is a necessary option for me.

You look amazing!!!!

Thank you for your kind response! I have been undergoing counseling for the ED, which has helped, but only to a certain point. Maybe after a long time therapy might be all I need, but Im so weary of living this way, and feel like I want to make the most of the time I have. Life is so beautiful! From what you describe, I seems it has helped you in a way that sounds very encouraging to me. When I was 5, I survived a violent attack, and have done pretty okay, with the exception of this terrible ED that has plagued me since that time. I'm looking forward to taking my whole life back!

Thank you for you kind response. I am definitely having counseling for the ED. I survived a violent attack as a child, which is when the ED appeared. but it is extremely encouraging to hear the surgery helps, as well. I feel very hopeful.

Pay no mind to ignorant remarks like that. You've worked hard to enjoy the success you've had. All the surgery did, was level the playing field!

I am pre-op, self-pay with a BMI of 30. I have suffered an eating disorder for most of my life, even before weight became an issue in my late 30's. It is my hope that this surgery will provide me the opportunity to finally have a healthy relationship with food. I have eaten a primarily healthy diet, but have experienced terrible episodes of out if control binge eating since I was 5. I am hoping to hear from others who struggled in this way to hear if the removal of the part of the stomach that secretes ghrelin has made the difference? I'm not expecting a panacea, just hoping this will be the answer to helping me win this terrific battle I've been fighting most of my life. Your insights and experience as long-term post-op sleevers is most appreciated!

Your journey and results are too wonderful for words! Thank you for the insight on the plastics. If I need them I'll be checking with you for details.

I am scheduled to have single incision sleeve Gastrectomy, which will involve only one incision through the belly button, with the possibility of an additional one if necessary. It's an option to explore for those concerned about scarring.

I can certainly understand why it would be not advised to become pregnant shortly after this procedure, I also know that the increased HCG levels secreted during pregnancy would help to protect you and your unborn child. I hope you and your physician come to agreeable terms so you can move forward and take care of your health. Best wishes to you!

I'm actually already healed up, I was doing super about 6 weeks out. I had mine done on 5/28/14 so I'm 10 weeks out and so far I've lost 51 lbs since the day of surgery. I feel much better! I didn't think it was going to happen this fast, but no complaints How are you doing so far? Also I had my surgery done at park plaza, and I loved it there. Everyone was do nice Hi Krystal,It's so exciting to hear about your amazing results! My surgery is scheduled for December in Tijuana with Dr. Lopez, who also does the single incision technique. I am waiting until December, as it's a better time for my business. I'm a self pay because my BMI is only 30, but I have struggled for years with an eating disorder. I'm hoping that after this procedure, I can finally have a healthy relationship with food. Have you experienced a normalizing of hunger and cravings with this procedure? I am looking forward to that, as much as the weight loss. I'm looking forward to being at one clothing size and staying there instead of being on this wild trajectory up and down that has gone on for years. Anything you can share in that regard would be so appreciated!

Don't eve think that way...you're going to do awesome and be in your 1s and 3s! Can't wait to hear about your progress!

It is pretty intense to consider the drastic change to the body, and going to a strange place to have it done! With that being said, these surgeons are so experienced, with such a great number of surgeries, and so many people are reporting happy results. And even though it's a bit daunting that this procedure is permanent and irreversible, if you're anything like me and sick tired of losing a great amount of weight only to regain it time and time again, the permanent nature of this feels very comforting. I have clothes that range from 4 to 14 and put everything under size 12 in storage. It's going to feel so good to get of each bigger size as I lose knowing I'll never have to go back to them again and can give them away for good...woo hoo!