hamitchell

We just got back from Barranquilla and have only good things to say about Dr. Jimenez and his fellow docs and staff who helped our daughter, a 16 year old. The surgeon as over 15 years of experience as a bariatric specialist and is himself a gastric sleeve patient. His assistant surgeon has a daughter who had the surgery when she was a teenager. And he has handled many other teenagers from the US as well as Colombia. His other staff doctor has had the surgery as well and done very well (7 months out). She handles the protocol/nutrition and questions, along with standard follow ups, at least one week, one month and several months thereafter. These we do virtually, but we plan to fly down for a follow up visit in 3 months. Our local hospital in Raleigh has a weight loss clinic for teens and they signed us up for local post-surgical care as well. We are very lucky to have them and to have found this nice group of skilled physicians in Colombia. He has very reasonable charges and no hidden or additional fees, no "selling," just good medical care in a top flight, modern hospital setting.

Thanks for responding, Alex. I have some more investigating to do!

We have a few friends in Colombia who like him and had good experiences. I wondered if any on the Forum have observations.

Rovo, that's great. It took me close to 2 years to get to that pace. It sure is nice to have some weight off and feel "strong" when I run instead of winded and nauseous! Recycled, Don't you actually feel like you want to exercise instead of dreading it for a change? It is good for us sleevers but also somethimg engaging that you want to do. I get lazy like anybody else, but I have the feeling I want the exercise because of how much better I feel afterward. I didn't have as many of those feelings pre-op.

I could find few posts on this as i tried to plan my post surgery running program, so i thought i wd post. I was low fat bmi of 31.5 and could do 5k but no more, 9:30 min pace, left knee pain and tiredness. Still, not too winded for my fatness. Post surgery, i waited 1 month to start back running. First several runs, i took it easy worried about stomach and energy etc., but felt pretty good with 30 lbs less to carry. Within two weeks i was as fast as my pre surgery 5k time, with more energy and feeling better, only limit was some restriction in breathing "from the stomach" area. That cleared up by second to third week. Since then, i am now running 8k, 5 miles! Feel great, and running it at 9 min. Mile. I run 5 mi one a week, and at least 3 mi twice a week. Now i need to do 2 days wk weights, but i have a rotator cuff issue, so will be cautious and no lifting above shoulders. Still, for 52 years old, doing good. Last time I ran 5 miles was over 20 years ago.

Galfriday--like you, i am not a sweets person pre surgery, but an eat too much person (loved bread). Not having a sweet tooth makes the rules a bit easier I think. Michigangirl--interesting timing for me on your query. I have been on plateau for 10 days at 202 lbs., but lost 4 lbs the last 4 days. During which time I ate 2 slices pizza, blueberries, extra yogurt, some m and m's at val party. All in moderation. I am insulin dependent diabetic, so usually no fruit or bread. It is nice not to feel deprived and lose weight. All things in moderation!

I am Presbyterian, but I spend most of my Sundays at Mass, my wife being a Catholic. She is Latino, so they are more "relaxed" but still good Catholcs. We gringo's are tighter on rules generally. Me included. I sometimes lose Patience down in Nicaragua, but usually realize later there is something to be said for being laid back. All Catholcs are impressive from the stand point of their education in their faith. The Catholics seem to be happy with me, so that's good! Never thrown out of Mass.

By the way, I can't eat dry food without some small amount of liquid, so I drink a little with meals. It hasn't affected my weight loss or feeling hungry. All these rules are like being Catholic, you get all the little ceremonies to keep you "holy" but we're all sinners, and a little sin ain't that bad fer ya.

I have caffeine once or twice a week in small doses. A beer now and then, again in moderation. I run 3 times a week and as yet have not worked out the 5 days I want to, but I'm running hard up to 5 miles. I need to add weights. I've eaten beef, several small bites. It goes down ok if you chew it well. I have carbonation a couple of times a week, doesn't affect me--especially if I pour it in a glass. But small sips from a can are fine. I think it really depends on how you feel. I don't think a little carb or beer infrequently will do any harm--use some common sense and don't get slavish to "the rules", but certainly be careful and don't ignore them either.

Syntrax Nektar Twisted Cherry. By far the best flavor drink I've had. Drink it instead of diet Coke.

Hey, Stacy. I had lunch with our IT person this past Monday who is also a gastric bypass graduate. She is doing great, and has lost 80 lbs in about 6 or 8 months in 2014. I hope yours goes well, too.

I am 52, so just goes to prove anyone can get good results with this surgery, although I was on the low side on BMI. I got some exercise a year or so pre-surgery which helped, but it doesn't have to be more than walking or walk-running.

No, cinco semanas desde cirugia, disculpe!

Hola. Yo soy todo bien y cinco dias desde cirugia. Me gusta Nicaragua! Todo cosas mejor con tiempo y un poco trabajo. You can tell I'm a gringo by my Spanish, can't you? ;>) Really, it went very well and I am please with such a good medical team I had. I stayed in Las Colinas neighborhood, right across from the hospital. It's one of the nicest neighborhoods in Managua. Walked a mile or two a day and felt pretty good. Christmas was FELIZ! Saludos, mi amigos. Mitch

I had it dec. 13th. Todo bien! Went perfectly, Hospital Vivian Pellas was tops, Dr. Turcio was very good and had two sugeons assist as well as the top anesthiologist in the country. He and his surgeons even made 3 follow up visits at the house! The surgery was easy and recovery is pain free. Was walking 2 miles week after. I would recommend this as an affordable option. Surgeon charged $3,500 for him and other two docs, hospital was $4,500 with anesthesiologist. Follow up visits included. We stayed in Las Colinas neghborhood across from hospital. Very convenient. Ms. Pellas was there on our floor in her own suite.