Clementine Sky

I have major regrest!!!!


That I didn't do it when I was 25, rather waited until I was 35.

No, but he was one of the surgeons I considered. I'm happy you had a fabulous experience! Dr. Fernando Garcia performed my VSG at the CER clinic.

No, but he was one of the surgeons I considered. I'm happy you had a fabulous experience! Dr. Fernando Garcia performed my VSG at the CER clinic.

My highest BMI was 32, and it was 30 on the day of surgery in August of 2015. It's currently 19.5. I put the scale away because it was so discouraging then. I was barely fitting into a size 14 and XL tops and skirts, and am now in a size 2/4 and an XS. I'm 5'8. I lost weight at a slower pace than most do after WLS (about a year), but I eventually met and then exceeded my goals.
I had a fantastic experience in Mexico! I live in Los Angeles, so it was a simple morning's drive down to the border. There's a long-term parking lot with reasonable rates we were instructed by the coordinator to leave our car at, and the driver met us and took us to the Marriott in Tijuana. My surgeon was Dr. Fernando Garcia, and I thought he was kind and caring. I didn't spend that much time with him, but I felt at peace. The medical team took good care of me, and were attentive. I had discomfort and some pain the first day, but was given ample medication to prevent anything too intense. My period started during surgery, and it seemed to amplify the cramps. Had that not happened I think the pain would have been even more minimal. I'd brought a heating pad with me and it helped. Still, I was up and walking around within a few hours. I was actually told to slow down because my laps were too fast, haha. I slept most of the time the first two days, though. I'd brought an HDMI cable to hook my laptop up to, and had it loaded with movies to keep my parents entertained (they were my support team since my husband was working) while I snoozed. They could have stayed in the room with me, as some other family members of patients did, but it was more comfortable for them to stay at the Marriott. The hotel was a bit dated, but still quite nice, and they were eager to please. The shuttle took my parents to the clinic and back every day, and also to other places. There is a little shopping center down the street with an Applebees, Starbucks, and Walmart. They paid a bit extra to stay on the executive floor, and it included access to a little dining area that served Breakfast and light dinner fare. We all felt perfectly safe. Once you move beyond the border there are some really pretty and nice areas. On our last day there we played tourist and had fun. We then went to the outlet mall on the American side of the border before heading back to LA. I felt fine by then. The only problem was an irritation caused by the surgical tape.
I spent one night at the Marriott before the surgery, two nights at the clinic, and then one more night at the hotel before we left and headed back to LA. I was given the medications and wound care that I needed. The only additional money spent was on the x-ray of the leak test, which was $20 (and optional). My room at the clinic was spacious and comfortable, and had a private bathroom. The total cost was $4200, which included the 2 nights at the Marriott, and ground transportation from the border to the hotel and back. Since my BMI was under the eligibility requirements for my insurance, I would have had to pay for it myself in the US. I'd been quoted between $29,000 and $35,000. I feel confident that the results would have been precisely the same. Another huge perk of having the surgery in Mexico was far more control. I didn't have to jump through insurance hoops or wait months for a surgery date. I scheduled it for precisely when it was the ideal time (three weeks in advance). I see my endocrinologist for follow-up care. My blood work has been excellent, and I'm just taking two Flintstones with Iron a day.
I met with a nutritionist there and received a folder with information. You definitely don't get the same level of patient education as you would if you were attending six months worth of classes or whatever the other requirements are for American surgeons, but between the info I was given and what I found online, I've felt equipped with all I needed to know to succeed. Reputable bariatric centers like the ones at UCLA, the mayo Clinic, and Stanford have nutritional information and instructions online. I also thought Dr. Matthew Weiner's YouTube videos were helpful. I'd bought a book on Amazon about what to expect with bariatric surgery. The few times I had any questions, I posted them here and received informative responses.
I'd do it all exactly the same if I could rewind time, except I'd choose the single incision. That's it. Otherwise, I'm very satisfied.

I live in Santa Monica. I went to Tijuana for the VSG last August because my BMI was under 35 so insurance wouldn't pay a cent. I had a fantastic experience and terrific results, but if I could have done it locally I would have for the convenience. I've gone to doctors at Cedars for years. It's a fantastic hospital. Best wishes!!!!

I had the VSG in Mexico in August of 2015 because my relatively low BMI disqualified from me receiving any coverage from my insurance, and it would have cost a small fortune to have the surgery in California where I reside. My total cost was $4200, which included a hotel stay at the Marriott and local transportation. I had a very positive experience there, no complications, and consider the surgery to be a tremendous success. My reproductive endocrinologist had recommended the surgery to me for my PCOS, and has done the follow-up blood work.
I was initially very skeptical about going out of country for the surgery, but after researching it felt confident about the decision. "Medical tourism" has become an increasingly popular option for Americans and Canadians, and many of the facilities and surgeons outside of the US are equal to or even superior, but of course it's imperative to do thorough research before proceeding.

No, but he was one of the surgeons I considered. I'm happy you had a fabulous experience! Dr. Fernando Garcia performed my VSG at the CER clinic.

I think many people are nervous in the time leading up to WLS, and those emotions can then amplify the feelings of being overwhelmed with other tasks. Even if you were a frequent flyer, chances are you'd have a little more anxiety about this trip than other ones, simply because it's different than travel for business or pleasure. What you're feeling is totally valid, and common. I was also nervous about traveling to Mexico for the VSG, even though I wasn't flying since I live in SoCal a drivable distance away. I actually had a surprisingly pleasant experience there. My surgery went very smoothly, I had minimal pain and no complications, the clinic was very clean and comfortable, the staff were attentive, the hotel was nice and everyone working there was friendly and attentive, and the transportation across the border was easy. I was worried I'd be in pain on the ride home, but I actually felt well enough to spend a few hours shopping at the outlet mall on the California side of the border, and to make touristy stops on the way home. The only discomfort was from a mild allergic reaction to the surgical tape over the incisions. Once I replaced it, I was fine.
I'm sorry your husband isn't supportive. Mine wasn't at first either, but he did eventually get on board after I showed him medical research about the long-term benefits of WLS.
I'd make a list of things you want to get done before the surgery, in the order of their priority, and then try to focus on one task at a time so you're not as overwhelmed. You'll probably feel more at peace once the travel is finalized. I recommend doing a search of VSG packing suggestions and gathering what you want to bring with you well in advance, so that you can have that sorted. The most important items for me were - a heating pad, Gas-X strips, slippers, comfortable clothing, slip-on shoes, and entertainment. Though I ended up sleeping most of the time during recovery, I'd brought my laptop and a HDMI cable to hook up to the TV in my room so I could watch movies when I was awake and not doing laps around the hall. I've read that people who have flown for the surgery feel more comfortable on the return flight with a small pillow, to place between their lap and the seat belt so it's not right on top of the incisions.
I arranged for a house cleaning service to come a couple of times in the weeks post-op when I was recovering and not able to lift things like the laundry hampers, because with my husband's schedule already being full I didn't want him to have to do all the chores I usually handle, in addition to the ones he does.
I also recommend making yourself aware of common feelings and frustrations people have post-op, so that you're prepared, and you won't worry something is wrong with you when what you're experiencing is normal. For example, most people experience the "dreaded three week stall" so it's good to anticipate it and know it's temporary. This forum as well as YouTube videos were helpful to me because I could read about what others went through and have a better idea as to what expect.
Having the VSG changed my life for the better, and I'm so grateful for it. I am down to a size 2 now, which I never thought possible, and I am living my life so much more fully than before. This surgery can immensely improve your health and your quality of life. I think it could do wonders for you, too.

I think many people are nervous in the time leading up to WLS, and those emotions can then amplify the feelings of being overwhelmed with other tasks. Even if you were a frequent flyer, chances are you'd have a little more anxiety about this trip than other ones, simply because it's different than travel for business or pleasure. What you're feeling is totally valid, and common. I was also nervous about traveling to Mexico for the VSG, even though I wasn't flying since I live in SoCal a drivable distance away. I actually had a surprisingly pleasant experience there. My surgery went very smoothly, I had minimal pain and no complications, the clinic was very clean and comfortable, the staff were attentive, the hotel was nice and everyone working there was friendly and attentive, and the transportation across the border was easy. I was worried I'd be in pain on the ride home, but I actually felt well enough to spend a few hours shopping at the outlet mall on the California side of the border, and to make touristy stops on the way home. The only discomfort was from a mild allergic reaction to the surgical tape over the incisions. Once I replaced it, I was fine.
I'm sorry your husband isn't supportive. Mine wasn't at first either, but he did eventually get on board after I showed him medical research about the long-term benefits of WLS.
I'd make a list of things you want to get done before the surgery, in the order of their priority, and then try to focus on one task at a time so you're not as overwhelmed. You'll probably feel more at peace once the travel is finalized. I recommend doing a search of VSG packing suggestions and gathering what you want to bring with you well in advance, so that you can have that sorted. The most important items for me were - a heating pad, Gas-X strips, slippers, comfortable clothing, slip-on shoes, and entertainment. Though I ended up sleeping most of the time during recovery, I'd brought my laptop and a HDMI cable to hook up to the TV in my room so I could watch movies when I was awake and not doing laps around the hall. I've read that people who have flown for the surgery feel more comfortable on the return flight with a small pillow, to place between their lap and the seat belt so it's not right on top of the incisions.
I arranged for a house cleaning service to come a couple of times in the weeks post-op when I was recovering and not able to lift things like the laundry hampers, because with my husband's schedule already being full I didn't want him to have to do all the chores I usually handle, in addition to the ones he does.
I also recommend making yourself aware of common feelings and frustrations people have post-op, so that you're prepared, and you won't worry something is wrong with you when what you're experiencing is normal. For example, most people experience the "dreaded three week stall" so it's good to anticipate it and know it's temporary. This forum as well as YouTube videos were helpful to me because I could read about what others went through and have a better idea as to what expect.
Having the VSG changed my life for the better, and I'm so grateful for it. I am down to a size 2 now, which I never thought possible, and I am living my life so much more fully than before. This surgery can immensely improve your health and your quality of life. I think it could do wonders for you, too.

I think many people are nervous in the time leading up to WLS, and those emotions can then amplify the feelings of being overwhelmed with other tasks. Even if you were a frequent flyer, chances are you'd have a little more anxiety about this trip than other ones, simply because it's different than travel for business or pleasure. What you're feeling is totally valid, and common. I was also nervous about traveling to Mexico for the VSG, even though I wasn't flying since I live in SoCal a drivable distance away. I actually had a surprisingly pleasant experience there. My surgery went very smoothly, I had minimal pain and no complications, the clinic was very clean and comfortable, the staff were attentive, the hotel was nice and everyone working there was friendly and attentive, and the transportation across the border was easy. I was worried I'd be in pain on the ride home, but I actually felt well enough to spend a few hours shopping at the outlet mall on the California side of the border, and to make touristy stops on the way home. The only discomfort was from a mild allergic reaction to the surgical tape over the incisions. Once I replaced it, I was fine.
I'm sorry your husband isn't supportive. Mine wasn't at first either, but he did eventually get on board after I showed him medical research about the long-term benefits of WLS.
I'd make a list of things you want to get done before the surgery, in the order of their priority, and then try to focus on one task at a time so you're not as overwhelmed. You'll probably feel more at peace once the travel is finalized. I recommend doing a search of VSG packing suggestions and gathering what you want to bring with you well in advance, so that you can have that sorted. The most important items for me were - a heating pad, Gas-X strips, slippers, comfortable clothing, slip-on shoes, and entertainment. Though I ended up sleeping most of the time during recovery, I'd brought my laptop and a HDMI cable to hook up to the TV in my room so I could watch movies when I was awake and not doing laps around the hall. I've read that people who have flown for the surgery feel more comfortable on the return flight with a small pillow, to place between their lap and the seat belt so it's not right on top of the incisions.
I arranged for a house cleaning service to come a couple of times in the weeks post-op when I was recovering and not able to lift things like the laundry hampers, because with my husband's schedule already being full I didn't want him to have to do all the chores I usually handle, in addition to the ones he does.
I also recommend making yourself aware of common feelings and frustrations people have post-op, so that you're prepared, and you won't worry something is wrong with you when what you're experiencing is normal. For example, most people experience the "dreaded three week stall" so it's good to anticipate it and know it's temporary. This forum as well as YouTube videos were helpful to me because I could read about what others went through and have a better idea as to what expect.
Having the VSG changed my life for the better, and I'm so grateful for it. I am down to a size 2 now, which I never thought possible, and I am living my life so much more fully than before. This surgery can immensely improve your health and your quality of life. I think it could do wonders for you, too.

I think many people are nervous in the time leading up to WLS, and those emotions can then amplify the feelings of being overwhelmed with other tasks. Even if you were a frequent flyer, chances are you'd have a little more anxiety about this trip than other ones, simply because it's different than travel for business or pleasure. What you're feeling is totally valid, and common. I was also nervous about traveling to Mexico for the VSG, even though I wasn't flying since I live in SoCal a drivable distance away. I actually had a surprisingly pleasant experience there. My surgery went very smoothly, I had minimal pain and no complications, the clinic was very clean and comfortable, the staff were attentive, the hotel was nice and everyone working there was friendly and attentive, and the transportation across the border was easy. I was worried I'd be in pain on the ride home, but I actually felt well enough to spend a few hours shopping at the outlet mall on the California side of the border, and to make touristy stops on the way home. The only discomfort was from a mild allergic reaction to the surgical tape over the incisions. Once I replaced it, I was fine.
I'm sorry your husband isn't supportive. Mine wasn't at first either, but he did eventually get on board after I showed him medical research about the long-term benefits of WLS.
I'd make a list of things you want to get done before the surgery, in the order of their priority, and then try to focus on one task at a time so you're not as overwhelmed. You'll probably feel more at peace once the travel is finalized. I recommend doing a search of VSG packing suggestions and gathering what you want to bring with you well in advance, so that you can have that sorted. The most important items for me were - a heating pad, Gas-X strips, slippers, comfortable clothing, slip-on shoes, and entertainment. Though I ended up sleeping most of the time during recovery, I'd brought my laptop and a HDMI cable to hook up to the TV in my room so I could watch movies when I was awake and not doing laps around the hall. I've read that people who have flown for the surgery feel more comfortable on the return flight with a small pillow, to place between their lap and the seat belt so it's not right on top of the incisions.
I arranged for a house cleaning service to come a couple of times in the weeks post-op when I was recovering and not able to lift things like the laundry hampers, because with my husband's schedule already being full I didn't want him to have to do all the chores I usually handle, in addition to the ones he does.
I also recommend making yourself aware of common feelings and frustrations people have post-op, so that you're prepared, and you won't worry something is wrong with you when what you're experiencing is normal. For example, most people experience the "dreaded three week stall" so it's good to anticipate it and know it's temporary. This forum as well as YouTube videos were helpful to me because I could read about what others went through and have a better idea as to what expect.
Having the VSG changed my life for the better, and I'm so grateful for it. I am down to a size 2 now, which I never thought possible, and I am living my life so much more fully than before. This surgery can immensely improve your health and your quality of life. I think it could do wonders for you, too.

I find MyFitnessPal to be very helpful, because by being in the habit of writing down what you're consuming, you're making yourself more mindful about your choices. I don't follow a strictly low-carb diet because I find that it's too restrictive for me to sustain, but I do try to go for lower carb (under 100 grams a day), and by keeping track of what I'm eating, I can better stay within the range. There are other similar apps, but that's the one I use.
If you do a keyword search of VSG on Instagram or Pinterest you can find a lot of posts, and many are meal plans or pictures of meals. I've gathered a lot of ideas and inspiration there. On YouTube there's also recipes, grocery hauls, and other videos of that sort by people who've had the VSG and are showing what works for them.

I started my journey at a UK 32-34, I’m 2 years post op and am now a UK size 6 although I’m just about to embark on my next journey to fix the left over skin and I weight lift too so I expect I’ll be a bit smaller once I’m further along that path too 😉

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

Great video!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal mobile app

I also was told that sleeve stretching, at least to any meaningful extent, was a myth. A bariatric surgeon (not my own, but someone with videos I've found to be useful) explains it here beginning at the 1:10 mark:
If you're losing weight beyond your goal and what is healthy, then consuming healthy "slider" foods could help, like more caloric smoothies. I can't drink milk, but I know that full fat milk packs a lot of calories, a fair amount of Protein, and is fast to consume.

My DS was on 4/11/05. I went from a size 24-26 to a size 4-6.

Thank you!!! What an astounding job you’ve done!!!

I was a size 3X in shirts down to a size small and size 46 in pants down to a size 33.

I had my surgery 8/15/16 I started at 341 wearing a size 30-32 pants. And 4x top. As of today I am now 127lbs and wear anywhere from a 1 to 5 pants and small to medium top. Congratulations on your loss!! Keep up the great work.

I know, I know, the sizes shouldn't matter, really. But I'm curious where everyone who has gotten to goal has rounded out, size-wise, compared to where you started.

I started at a size 28 and am 3 months post-op. I've lost around 78 lbs. and am down to a size 18; these size 18s are starting to get loose. I am astounded constantly by this turn of events because I was definitely not a size 18 at 240 lbs. on the way up! It's so interesting how bariatric bodies are different from normal ones!

So where did you finish up in sizes? At this rate, I may blow my dream 'size 10' out of the water!

Have you guys tried the So Delicious sugar free vanilla coconut milk? I love it. I am still pretty careful cuz almonds used to make my throat feel funny after eating them. But oddly now, they don't--but I still haven't tried almond milk.

My surgery (RNY) was end of June so I hadn't had Starbucks since then. Previous to that I'd go get Venti sugary drinks 2-3 times per week Bc I hated my job at the time.
I had a tall skinny mocha with almond milk (decaf). Wow. So yummy! I'm not sure if exact nutrition, but skinny mocha has 5 cal per pump and the almond milk ( which does have some sugar) so I estimate it has about 95 cal, 4 g fat, and 5 g sugar.
I put in unflavored Protein powder for 92 cal and 20 G protein.
I don't cheat anywhere in my program and I still feel like this is ok. Once in a while, this is a meal.
Thoughts?!?! Be honest!

Amazing video! It make a lot of sense

loved this video! thank you for sharing