Eleanora

I'm researching surgeons now and have to admit that my head is swimming a little, haha. According to the Mexican Bariatric Center site, Dr. Ponce does do the Single Incision Gastric Sleeve, but I haven't seen that mentioned on his own site or in the material Trish sent to me.
http://www.mexicobariatricprocedure.com
http://www.mexicobariatriccenter.com/single-incision-weight-loss-surgery/
Does anyone have a definitive answer about this? Did Dr. Ponce only recently begin to offer the single incision? Are there any known disadvantages to the single incision procedure?
What medical facility does Dr. Ponce use, and how does that compare to others? I struggle with brutal insomnia, which tends to kick down my immune system because I don't sleep adequately. Even though I'm not a prima donna expecting anything luxurious, a place that is air conditioned, private, and reasonably comfortable would be so beneficial to this process. The hotels look lovely but I haven't heard as much about the facilities themselves.
Sorry to pile in a lot of questions!

Fight for yourself. You are worth it.

Diva no no no. You pick your head up. Call your insurance company and find out just what it is they are missing. Or wait until Monday and call your surgeons office and speak with the insurance person to find out what is needed and have them get on it asap. It is not time to give up. Not yet. This is just a speed bump.

That's great!!! I feel the same way. I am 6 weeks out and only down 15lbs. I thought I would drop 20 like nothing. I started at 215lbs, so I figured I may lose slower. Hoping by the 2 month mark I can be down 20lbs. If I can average 10lbs a month I will feel secure in my weight loss!

I will be six months out next week and I started at 244. I have lost 42 pounds. So far this chart runs true for me. It says I can expect to lose 35 to 45 pounds. Sometimes I feel disappointed in myself until I look at this chart again to remind myself that I am doing normal.

I just had my 6 wk visit with the dr and nutritionist yesterday. I discovered I haven't been eating enough protein! The nut could not emphasize enough that Protein will cause the weight to come off much more easily. I was not getting in the 60 grams needed but I have lost 27# so far. Now she wants me to take in 80 grams of protein! I have found a great Protein Powder called Nectar! The others seemed extremely heavy on my stomach and felt thick going down. nectar feels light like Water. I find I can finish it unlike the others.

Hi I am early into being sleeved (2/16/15)...so far loving the results.. It's finally warmer where I live and now can do more outside instead being in the gym.. Good luck to all in your journey

I didn't log on to post earlier. Oops. I've gone from 178 to 174.

To anyone that says your cheating they are just ignorant. What's funny is growing up I worked for this guy that always ran me down because of my size and when I mentioned surgery for the first time he told me I was weak and pathetic. Found out recently he had weight loss surgery. Go figure.

This isn't a game! Or a contest. You're using the best tool available to save your life. If you were drowning in the ocean, would it be cheating to throw you a life preserver instead of making you swim for it? It's exactly the same thing. If they don't get that, ignore them and don't let it bother you. You're making the right choice for your health, and that's what matters. Congratulations!!!

"Cheating" on what exactly? You're being cheated every single day of the life and health you want by doing what you've done before. It's a procedure that's going to make things better for your future. We've been part of the 95% of overweight people who can't lose weight without surgery. So, there's nothing wrong with taking the opportunity that the medical field has given us. If losing weight was easy....nobody would be overweight. Just know that I'm so excited for you, and there's lots more of us here that are really rooting for you!!!

Last summer I was able to wear 2 piece, but with a coverup. I was still conscious of my tummy and thighs. But after recovering from plastics and working HARD in the gym 5-6 days a week, I can officially say that I will be hitting the beach this spring without a coverup. When I put on my 2 piece and saw my pic, I think I cried and cried for a good 10 minutes. Cried for my experience as an obese person, cried for the struggles of life post-op, cried because I WORKED HARD for this dang it, and I have finally arrived. People...I have FINALLY arrived!
Sorry for the crappy picture! My husband "cleaned it" with something that was not Windex...and I have yet to purchase a full length mirror! Isn't crazy how our past obesity still rules us even after we've shed the weight. Ugh! I am going to go and buy a full length mirror today!

Here are some food staples I now keep in my kitchen at all times:
* Irishgold Dubliners cheddar cheese - wow! Just wow!
* Sara Lee whole wheat or multigrain bread - 45 calories/slice (has 6 grams Protein and 5 grams fiber)
* Litehouse chunky bleu cheese dressing - it's full-fat and high-calorie, but when you dip romaine lettuce hearts in it (and use only a little) it's just amazing! With that much taste you don't need a lot.
* Caltrate chocolate truffle chews - yes, it's a Vitamin, but it's also an after-dinner treat. 20 calories. Mmm mmm good!
* Smuckers sugar-free strawberry jam -- goes great with cheese on toast -- only 20 calories, but 7 grams of Fiber in only 2 tablespoons!
* Doctor Kracker Three Seed Crackers - HAVE ONLY EATEN THESE SINCE I BEGAN MAINTENANCE! They have such flavor and texture, as well as 5 grams of Protein and 3 grams of Fiber. I mostly eat them with tasty, full-fat cheeses and sugar-free jam (see above).
Hellman's Light Mayonnaise - this spread is more satisfying (fattier) to me than Miracle Whip, but not nearly as high calorie as full-on mayo. Only 70 calories for 2 tablespoons.
Starbucks ground espresso coffee -- I don't drink a lot of coffee anymore, but the first half-cup of this grind that comes out of my Mr. Coffee is very *shot*-like and, with heated skim milk, makes for a pretty darned delicious home-made skinny latte.

53 pounds down. Feeling absolutely amazing.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Prior to surgery and the months following, our diets are so restricted and very planned out for us. A question I get asked a lot is what do you eat now that you are a ways out from surgery? So I decided to make a list of recipes and snack/meal ideas I use now at almost 4 years out. Remember, I eat six meals/snacks a day.
Breakfast:
Frittatta with Ricotta and Mixed Greens- omelet Nonfat greek yogurt with fruit and granola. oatmeal (old fashioned oats) with cinnamon and banana One piece of whole wheat or 9 grain bread with Almond/Peanut butter Turkey bacon with egg whites and salsa Special K Protein Cereal with almond milk, or 2% milk Any kind of Breakfast smoothy with Protein Powder Protein shake Morning Snack:
Apple Slices and Almond/peanut butter Apple sauce Fruit- bag or grapes, orange, pear, banana, etc. Protein Bar Homemade protein bites- meat and low fat cheese and wheat thins and a cookie. dinner left overs. Grilled chicken Cesar Wrap (homemade) Tuna fish with low fat mayo, apple and pickle relish with wheat thins. Grilled chicken salad over spinach and kale with veggies and lite dressing. Turkey Meatball sub with heart smart marinara sauce, low fat Parmesan cheese and whole grain/wheat hogey roll. Grilled chicken fajitas and veggies on a low carb, wheat tortilla. Quinoa with black Beans and corn- Jerky Low fat string cheese Sunflower Seeds Protein bar/shake Sweet Snack Rice Cakes Low Fat popcorn (Smart Pop) Celery and Almond/Peanut butter Veggies with lite ranch Hard Boiled eggs Sliced avacado Dinner:
Turkey Chili- pizza Frittatta- pineapple juice and cayenne pepper, served with a slice of grilled pineapple and steamed or grilled veggies. Any type of grilled fish with mango salsa. Baked pork chops over apple pie filling with roasted new potatoes and asparagus Evening Snack:
Low fat greek yogurt with honey or fruit Cottage cheese and fruit chocolate milk Sweet treat Peanut Butter Spoon Protein Shake Fold over Peanut Butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat or whole grain bread. By no means is this all I eat, but this is a list of my favorites and most used. If you have any questions about recipes or preparation or possible calorie and protein amounts just let me know. Hope this helps.

Don't be sad. Overcome it with this challenge!!

CW: 177.5 BMI: 27.7
GW: 160 BMI: 25.1
Thanks for organizing this challenge!

Hi all,
I have been using the patch MD Multivitamin for the last five months. I had routine blood work done last Friday and my doctor just called to tell me that everything looks good except my Vitamin B12. My B12 was low so she wants me to start a 500mg daily regimen. It's odd because the Patch MD multivitamin claims to have 1000mcg of B12, which is 16,667% of the daily value. Perhaps it really doesn't have that much or maybe it's just not absorbed through the skin. Anyway, I just wanted to give an update since I've seen a lot of people ask about the Patches.< /p>
This is the one I've been using
http://www.patchmd.com/MultiVitamin-Plus-Topical-Patch.html

I can absolutely relate to your story. I currently have a bmi of about 36 and I'm scheduled to have surgery tomorrow morning. My family don't know but I know they will feel that I'm making a HUGE mistake because according to them and a lot of people, I don't look like I need to loose any weight. It's just that people don't understand nor do they educate themselves before they speak negatively about this wls. (Ignorance) I'm pretty sure the majority of us who have or are considering wls have done thorough research before deciding on something so life changing. It's not an "easy way out" it's a life saver for most of us who have struggled throughout our entire lives. I've always been excellent at loosing the weight. The problem is keeping it off! Don't you dare get mad at " ignorant" people who don't understand and will never understand until they're faced with an addiction. It's best to surround yourself with positive people who will support you and encourage you during your journey. Best of luck to you & stay focused on your goals! :-)

It has been awhile since I have been on here, so I thought I would sneak in here for a bit.
#1. Day of my surgery (10/14/2015) #2. 1 month anniversary #3. Walk for diabetes (1 1/2 months) #4. 2 months anniversary #5. 3 months anniversary
    

I know the OP is not referring to dermatologists, but to address
Doctors are as prone to the medical issues the rest of us face. My own dermatologist had an intense acne breakout during her pregnancy, but she just used it as a teaching opportunity with her patients. She has an excellent reputation and helped me to clear stubborn PCOS adult acne. I've had overweight and underweight doctors who were great, and a nurse who smoked. I think the focus should always be on the quality of their care and their reputation.
I've also learned to not put as much focus on where a doctor went to medical school because the prestige of it doesn't always equal to the patient receiving superior care.
TinyTink, I'm very sorry for your loss.

I know the OP is not referring to dermatologists, but to address
Doctors are as prone to the medical issues the rest of us face. My own dermatologist had an intense acne breakout during her pregnancy, but she just used it as a teaching opportunity with her patients. She has an excellent reputation and helped me to clear stubborn PCOS adult acne. I've had overweight and underweight doctors who were great, and a nurse who smoked. I think the focus should always be on the quality of their care and their reputation.
I've also learned to not put as much focus on where a doctor went to medical school because the prestige of it doesn't always equal to the patient receiving superior care.
TinyTink, I'm very sorry for your loss.

I know the OP is not referring to dermatologists, but to address
Doctors are as prone to the medical issues the rest of us face. My own dermatologist had an intense acne breakout during her pregnancy, but she just used it as a teaching opportunity with her patients. She has an excellent reputation and helped me to clear stubborn PCOS adult acne. I've had overweight and underweight doctors who were great, and a nurse who smoked. I think the focus should always be on the quality of their care and their reputation.
I've also learned to not put as much focus on where a doctor went to medical school because the prestige of it doesn't always equal to the patient receiving superior care.
TinyTink, I'm very sorry for your loss.

@@butterfly23
Yes I would be thankful nothing rude was said vs. nothing at all. My nlaws always say the wrong thing.
I have a sister n law who was heavy as a child then as a young adult began with drugs and alcohol. She lost all of her weight and even more than she should. I have know her for 30 years now and never knew her as heavy.
Yes, she is still heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol and barely eats anything. She has now become a type 1 diabetic because she basically damaged her pancreas. She is 5'7" and if she weighs 100lbs I would be shocked.
Anyway, about 6 months after my surgery which she knew I had, she saw me and informed me that I was loosing way too much weight and I looked sickly thin. I still weighed over 200lbs at the time. I knew she was scared I might become thinner than her and that was her real motive.
I have not seen her since August, I have lost quite a bit of weight since then and am 7lbs from goal.
I don't look forward to the next time I see her because I am certain rudeness will come shooting out of her mouth.
My mother n law would usually make comments about both my weight and my husbands and she was obese herself. It's just strange how people think it is ok to say whatever they want.
Be glad......and congratulations on your progress!