wantingabetterlife

@@Bobby46 I am in the same boat. My waist and butt are small but my thighs and calves are still big. All of my pants are tight in the legs and gaping in the waist. I feel like I am mooning the world all of the time!

@@Bobby46 I am in the same boat. My waist and butt are small but my thighs and calves are still big. All of my pants are tight in the legs and gaping in the waist. I feel like I am mooning the world all of the time!

@@Bobby46 I am in the same boat. My waist and butt are small but my thighs and calves are still big. All of my pants are tight in the legs and gaping in the waist. I feel like I am mooning the world all of the time!

Instead of watching an unrealistic "reality" game show, maybe they should spend that hour on Bariatricpal. They could then see the countless number of lives that have been changed for the better by the so called irresponsible way to lose weight. And let's not forget the lives that have been saved from debilitating health conditions and possibly even death.
If everyone on this site could dedicate 8 hours to exercise and even more time to preparing their meals every day, then I guess we could be considered responsible. PLEASE, who has that kind of time in their life??? And the people on the show will have to return to their jobs and lives after it is over. Is it realistic to believe they can continue with their schedule?
I agree with @@Alex Brecher, we need to grow another layer of skin and speak out about WLS. We have been there and most of the posts I have read only regret "not doing it sooner" We are the voices that can tell another side of WLS. I personally, consider WLS the most RESPONSIBLE choice that I have made for the betterment of my life! And I refuse to let some TV show make me feel less for that choice!

@@defibvt I was sleeved with Dr. Ortiz in November and he is great! Dr. Morales assists him and he is wonderful too. ALM is a good company that cares about their patients. If you have any questions when you get home, email and they will answer you quickly. I had a very positive experience from beginning to end. Best of luck to all of you! You will be on the other side before you know it If you have any questions, please message me and I'll try to help!

Instead of watching an unrealistic "reality" game show, maybe they should spend that hour on Bariatricpal. They could then see the countless number of lives that have been changed for the better by the so called irresponsible way to lose weight. And let's not forget the lives that have been saved from debilitating health conditions and possibly even death.
If everyone on this site could dedicate 8 hours to exercise and even more time to preparing their meals every day, then I guess we could be considered responsible. PLEASE, who has that kind of time in their life??? And the people on the show will have to return to their jobs and lives after it is over. Is it realistic to believe they can continue with their schedule?
I agree with @@Alex Brecher, we need to grow another layer of skin and speak out about WLS. We have been there and most of the posts I have read only regret "not doing it sooner" We are the voices that can tell another side of WLS. I personally, consider WLS the most RESPONSIBLE choice that I have made for the betterment of my life! And I refuse to let some TV show make me feel less for that choice!

Instead of watching an unrealistic "reality" game show, maybe they should spend that hour on Bariatricpal. They could then see the countless number of lives that have been changed for the better by the so called irresponsible way to lose weight. And let's not forget the lives that have been saved from debilitating health conditions and possibly even death.
If everyone on this site could dedicate 8 hours to exercise and even more time to preparing their meals every day, then I guess we could be considered responsible. PLEASE, who has that kind of time in their life??? And the people on the show will have to return to their jobs and lives after it is over. Is it realistic to believe they can continue with their schedule?
I agree with @@Alex Brecher, we need to grow another layer of skin and speak out about WLS. We have been there and most of the posts I have read only regret "not doing it sooner" We are the voices that can tell another side of WLS. I personally, consider WLS the most RESPONSIBLE choice that I have made for the betterment of my life! And I refuse to let some TV show make me feel less for that choice!

Instead of watching an unrealistic "reality" game show, maybe they should spend that hour on Bariatricpal. They could then see the countless number of lives that have been changed for the better by the so called irresponsible way to lose weight. And let's not forget the lives that have been saved from debilitating health conditions and possibly even death.
If everyone on this site could dedicate 8 hours to exercise and even more time to preparing their meals every day, then I guess we could be considered responsible. PLEASE, who has that kind of time in their life??? And the people on the show will have to return to their jobs and lives after it is over. Is it realistic to believe they can continue with their schedule?
I agree with @@Alex Brecher, we need to grow another layer of skin and speak out about WLS. We have been there and most of the posts I have read only regret "not doing it sooner" We are the voices that can tell another side of WLS. I personally, consider WLS the most RESPONSIBLE choice that I have made for the betterment of my life! And I refuse to let some TV show make me feel less for that choice!

If you’re a weight loss surgery patient or patient-to-be, you’d better grow a thick skin if you haven’t already. Your thick skin will help shield you from negative reactions to bariatric surgery. People are not afraid to make personal and hurtful comments about this surgery, even they often have no idea about the facts.


One of the barriers to getting weight loss surgery is the fear of telling others about it. People are quick to make you feel ashamed about your choice. They accuse you of cheating or of making a dangerous decision.
But it’s not just uninformed people who can make you feel bad. What about the media, which you trust to get its facts straight, and which influences millions of Americans’ beliefs and opinions? Sadly, the media spreads its share of misinformation about weight loss surgery.
One striking example occurred on the final episode of this season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” For the record, this was not the first time this show publicly aired negative comments about weight loss surgery. On this occasion, Dr. Robert Huizenga clearly stated that weight loss surgery is an unhealthy choice. The implication was that it is a mistake in all cases, and far inferior to the weight loss methods used by “The Biggest Loser” contestants.
There was no mention of the fact that the weight loss methods used by the contestants are the exact same as the most effective weight loss methods used by weight loss surgery patients. That is, both use a low-calorie diet that dramatically reduces junk foods, and both encourage physical activity. The problem with weight loss surgery? Dr. Huizenga did not explain. Viewers can only guess at the horrors he was thinking of.
I’m certainly not the only one to notice such snubs on national television. The BariatricPal community had a thing or two to say about this particular episode of “The Biggest Loser,” and I invite you to check out the comments and add to the discussion if you haven’t already.
The Biggest Loser
Nobody’s dream in life is to get weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, nobody’s dream in life is to struggle with obesity, but many of us do. What options do we have? Those of us who have chosen weight loss surgery chose it because we exhausted our other options. Those options – regular diets – just didn’t work for us.
So, what would Dr. Huizenga have recommended in my case? A 16-week stay at the Biggest Loser Ranch, just like the contestants who made it to the season finale? Full dietary, medical, and physical activity support, just like the contestants? Sure, I would have been happy to try that option. Unfortunately, it costs about $3,000 per week to stay at the resort. That’s a value of $48,000, not including the longer-term support contestants receive.
Could I have lost the weight without surgery if I had had $48,000 to spend and the promise of lifetime support? I don’t know. What I do know is I did not have the chance to try. I did, however, have the chance to get weight loss surgery, and I made the most of it.
Don’t get me wrong. I really respect what I see on television of the Biggest Loser trainers and health staff that I see on television. Dr. Huizenga seems genuinely distressed about contestants’ poor health at the beginning of the show, and just as genuinely satisfied about their improved prognoses by the end. This season, trainer Jen’s tears were representative of the sincere stake the trainers have in the contestants’ lives. And, like many in America, I’d be on the first plane to Los Angeles if Bob or Dolvett offered to train me. But I do wish they did not feel the need to bash weight loss surgery without explanation.
The Truth of the Matter
Even if you have the choice between losing weight the Biggest Loser way or through weight loss surgery, which is better? There’s no question that you need to decide for yourself, but let’s take a look at each of these weight loss methods.
Losing weight Biggest Loser style means spending hours a day in the gym. The show doesn’t air nearly as much material on food as it does on exercise, although terrible eating habits got contestants to where they were, and good nutrition is clearly a part of their new lifestyles. It seems doubtful that Biggest Loser contestants can continue to exercise so many hours per day for the rest of their lives after the show, and I am certain that many other individuals just do not have this kind of time.
Weight loss surgery is…well…surgery. It involves going under the knife and changing something about your insides. There are inherent risks that are unavoidable when you undergo weight loss surgery. Aside from that, bariatric surgery requires a controlled, high-protein, nutritious diet, and exercise is recommended. Many patients can average about 100 pounds, or a respectable and reasonable 2 pounds per week, during their first year after surgery.
How do the results of losing weight Biggest Loser style versus with bariatric surgery? Initial weight loss seems comparable, according to a study discussed in US News and World Reports. But the study found Biggest Loser contestants ending up with a lower metabolic rate – making them potentially more likely to regain their weight. Granted, this study did not follow participants long-term, so we do not know what will happen in 10 or 20 years. What does seem clear, though, is that it is not yet justifiable for the “Biggest Loser” to state matter-of-factly that all weight loss surgery is bad.
Why Does It Matter?
Does it really matter what a reality television show says in passing about weight loss surgery? I believe it does. For one thing, the country already has a culture that largely views bariatric surgery negatively. We don’t need to increase the negative feelings with these vague statements proclaiming that the show helps contestants lose weight the “right” way, and other methods of weight loss are “wrong.”
Second, the show has millions of loyal viewers, including many who may be eligible for weight loss surgery. In my opinion, the show is doing them a disservice by stating unequivocally that bariatric surgery is a bad option. For some of these viewers, bariatric surgery may be the only option that would allow them to lose the weight that has plagued them their entire lives.
I don’t know what the solution is to this problem of negativity towards weight loss surgery and weight loss surgery patients. Education and patience come to mind – spread the word, when you can, about how weight loss surgery works and why some people get it. And, grow a thick skin. No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, you’re bound to get some negative comments about your decisions. Just know that you are doing the right thing for yourself.

I live in Apollo Beac

You don't want to carry a lot especially if you are traveling alone. You have to worry about lifting your bag and you can only lift so much weight after surgery!

Welcome!!! I agree with @@Rovobay, you acknowledged it and now move on. Keep to what your doctor wants you to do and all will be good.
I had my surgery in TJ also, not with the same doctor though. I stayed at the Marriott before and after surgery. They had pretty much all you need food and Water wise. So if you are staying there, no need for nutrition stuff unless you want something special. For other things, I took: PJ's, robe for walking, slippers, comfy clothes, GasX strips, neosporin, band aids, a small pillow (for traveling), some cash (for tips and misc), and I left all my jewelry at home (I went alone so no one to hold for me). Don't take a lot with you because you won't use it! I took two books which I never picked up (I napped after I walked). If you forget anything or need anything else, there is a Walmart right there and you can easily grab anything you have to have.
Hope that helps some! Best of luck to you and welcome to the losers club

You don't want to carry a lot especially if you are traveling alone. You have to worry about lifting your bag and you can only lift so much weight after surgery!

I had my surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him, the hospital staff, and the staff of Alighterme! My insurance would only pay for lapband or full gastric bypass (neither I wanted), so I chose Mexico and self-pay. All of my follow-up care has been done by my primary care doctor and I was given my complete surgical records from Dr. Ortiz. I traveled alone but when I was picked up at the airport, the van was full of other patients having surgery the same day. We quickly became friends and still keep in touch regularly!

@@defibvt I was sleeved with Dr. Ortiz in November and he is great! Dr. Morales assists him and he is wonderful too. ALM is a good company that cares about their patients. If you have any questions when you get home, email and they will answer you quickly. I had a very positive experience from beginning to end. Best of luck to all of you! You will be on the other side before you know it If you have any questions, please message me and I'll try to help!

Welcome!!! I agree with @@Rovobay, you acknowledged it and now move on. Keep to what your doctor wants you to do and all will be good.
I had my surgery in TJ also, not with the same doctor though. I stayed at the Marriott before and after surgery. They had pretty much all you need food and Water wise. So if you are staying there, no need for nutrition stuff unless you want something special. For other things, I took: PJ's, robe for walking, slippers, comfy clothes, GasX strips, neosporin, band aids, a small pillow (for traveling), some cash (for tips and misc), and I left all my jewelry at home (I went alone so no one to hold for me). Don't take a lot with you because you won't use it! I took two books which I never picked up (I napped after I walked). If you forget anything or need anything else, there is a Walmart right there and you can easily grab anything you have to have.
Hope that helps some! Best of luck to you and welcome to the losers club

To all of you who posted...CONGRATS, you all look fabulous!!!! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!!

Don't worry, you haven't stretched your sleeve. If you're like me, your new stomach just doesn't like sugar that much and that in conjunction with the apple (apples make me feel bloated) has made you feel sick. For me, if I don't barf, I just lay down for about 30 minutes and the hot flashes go away, I stop sweating, and I feel less like death in under an hour.
Hope you feel better quickly!

Eat SLOW, very SLOW and CHEW, CHEW, CHEW! I had the same problem initially and it was because I wasn't waiting long enough between bites, taking too large of a bite, and not chewing it until it was almost not there. After I learned that, it got much easier. Best of luck to you and hope it gets better soon.

Thanks! And trust me, this surgery is a breeze compared to nursing school

Eat SLOW, very SLOW and CHEW, CHEW, CHEW! I had the same problem initially and it was because I wasn't waiting long enough between bites, taking too large of a bite, and not chewing it until it was almost not there. After I learned that, it got much easier. Best of luck to you and hope it gets better soon.

Thank you wantingabetterlife! A huge part of the reason I wanted this surgery is so that I'll have the stamina to get through an accelerated BSN program. Congratulations on your weight loss success!!!

Great job! You are doing better than me. It took me almost two weeks to get to that much because I hated the way Water tasted. And I tried every kind of drink mix out there, nothing tasted good to me. Keep up the good work!

Thanks @@wantingabetterlife so far the whole process has been awesome.

I hope you love Dr. Ortiz as much as I did. He did a great job and he will answer any questions you have! And his drivers are all sweet and so much fun. Best of luck to you too and see you on the other side!