Lori Orr

I was denied by the surgeon of my choice, but my case was accepted by the three doctors listed above. Was wondering if anyone here used one of them and if so, how do you feel they did with your particular case? Was the surgeon and staff friendly and helpful? Was the surgeon, in your opinion, attentive to your needs/fears and were they forthcoming when you had questions? How did your actual procedure go? Were you happy with the outcome? Complications? How are you doing post op in your daily life? Dr. Valenzuela charges $5495, while Dr. Cabrera charges $4995. These quotes are all inclusive from San Diego back to San Diego. I haven't received a quote from Dr. Kelly, but so far, I prefer his Coordinator... Any info would be so greatly appreciated.

I just sent a request!!!

I'd be willing to join a support group as well. Like many others, I'm not telling anyone besides my mom and daughter. Nobody else knows and I'd like to keep it that way!

I want to be prepared...so those of you in the throes of it: What are you taking to work everyday? What kind of broth? Bullion? How much milk is considered too much I'm a day?

Pre

I wish your wife the best. It's sad we have to find ways to beat the system, often to our own detriment. She's gonna get there. Tell her to keep her chin up.

I feel the same. I was accepted for surgery, but so low a BMI, I'm terrified to lose any weight. I keep eating! I hope insurance accepts you. If they don't, you can have surgery in Mexico for $4500.

Hi to you. I'm a 30 BMI and scheduled next month for my sleeve. I've gotten a lot of information and I've heard we lose at a slower rate.

Woohoo!!! Congratulations! Mine was scheduled yesterday for Nov. 18. We will be surgery buddies!!!

I had my gallbladder out July2015, and I wondered if this will feel similar. Something I read repeatedly is how the muscle is sore and incisions hurt. Do our internal organs not have pain receptors??? I mean, they're taking a huge hunk out of our stomachs and stapling the wound!

I just got my date yesterday: November 18!!!!

So far looking like Dr. Illan. I haven't made a final decision yet. His office has offered me my surgery date and I'll know by this time tomorrow what I'm going to do. How was Dr. Alvarez? How are you feeling a week out? Still on Clear liquids?

I agree with your statement wholeheartedly. What an experience you had, and I'm glad it was all okay at the end of the day both with your surgery and with your family.

You too. I'm about to schedule my surgery right now. Crossing fingers they have my day!

Congratulations on your surgery, and welcome to the group. I'm also new here and just learning, so I don't have an answer. Just wanted to say Hello!

Thank you so much for this word of warning. I already got that feeling from the staff there, and wasn't feeling like I was going to choose her. I am happy I got some confirmation. Since my last post, I was contacted by a coordinator from Dr. Illan. I was extremely impressed with their attention to detail and how friendly and informative he was. I will be in contact with him again soon. I will let you know if I end up choosing this doctor. I am finally getting excited!

I also wanted to know if you figured out what the feeling was you were having? Are you feeling better today?

I want to get a big bucket of vanilla powder: Do we suggest Premier Protein 100% whey with 30 grams protein per serving? Or is it better to get the Pure Protein with 23 grams of protein per serving?

Wow, this is really full speed ahead now! I am really excited for you. Thanks for all the information.

I need to find a thread focusing on post-op meds and Protein shake suggestions! The coordinator said we were going to discuss payment and meds next time we speak. Are we given a script for PPI? Or is this something we buy over the counter at the drug store?

I agree with you. In the end, I wont do it without telling her. I really need a specific date next month to do this, so I don't have time to sit and wait it out. She says she supports me, but is so afraid. It's my fault for not bringing it up months ago when I really decided this could be for me. I just didn't want to deal with all this. So, my daughter and my mom are simply being blasted by all this without notice. I'll keep you posted. She's at her dads this week, and I have her back Monday. I'll talk to her then...

What is a PPI? I forget...

My name is Lori and I have considered this surgery for a couple years. Funny, I was always scared of having such an invasive procedure done, but now that I have finally made the decision to do it, I'm afraid I will be declined. Anyone who has found a surgeon who would operate on them with a BMI of 29, 30, 31? I'm 5'5" and, through no fault of my own, my weight fluctuates between 183 and 198. The trouble is, I don't eat a lot of sweets, or fast food, or drink sodas. Most of the time, I barely eat. But why do I have to starve myself just to be overweight instead of obese? I'm 42 years old. I have had 3 kids, and five more for other families as a surrogate mom. I was a normal weight growing up until my 2nd child was born. I ballooned from 140 pounds to 205 in a couple weeks. Was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroid. I have battled my weight and blood pressure ever since. I am being treated for my thyroid condition with Levothyroxine 125 mcg per day. No the doctor refuses to bump it up any further. For 6 years, I kept a food journal, eating between 1200-1400 calories a day working out steadily for 6 hours. I walked 8 miles a day, plus I went to the gym everyday and walked an additional 2 miles at 3.5-4.0 mph, 1 hour on weight machines, and one class, usually the quick fit. I worked out religiously those 6 years at that pace 6 days a week. I never got below 165. When I left my husband, I became so sick and so depressed that I didn't eat at all. I was a dog groomer and on my feet for 9-10 hours a day, sometimes without a break. At that time, I think I got down to 158 before I was put on Prozac and began feeling better. I plateaued at 178 after that. Now I'm at a sedentary job with the State and up to 188 to 198, depending on the day. I try to eat healthy, and since I binge when I'm bored, I've began eating 3 small meals a day. Still can't below 183, and typically bounce back to 188. You guys, I'm just so scared I will be denied for this surgery and I don't know what else to do. I am so sick of feeling sick and tired every day. I cannot continue to look and feel like this!

Good luck to you, too. I think at this point, I'm going to choose Dr. Illan. I'm very impressed so far with the information I have come up with.

Did they make you take a support person? I've asked two different people if it was required and they both ignore the question! If I'm able to go by myself, I feel strongly that at 4 days post op I can walk from the car, check in at San Diego airport, fly to Sacramento, and walk to the car of the person who's picking me up. I'm a tough lady! I've been through 3 C-sections, a tummy tuck and gallbladder removal. However, this is one thing I've never done, so any input would be greatly appreciated!