Lori Orr

This hits home because just last Saturday, my daughter cried and begged me not to make a decision now. She thinks we can try again with mainstream weight loss endeavors...while I see her point, I know what I've been through over the years. She is so afraid I'm going to die, either on the table or from a post-op complication, she refuses to listen anymore. This makes me sad because I told her I'd try again for her. But in reality, now I'm pushing ahead with plans of the surgery behind her back. She doesn't realize that in a year, she will be moving out. I'm alone and I want to move forward with my life. I've already made huge changes and my weight is the last thing holding me back. I'm 42 years old. I WANT TO LIVE! I realize dieting with her will help. But I know where my weight plateau will be--it will be still considerably overweight, but will put me low enough that I will not be accepted for this surgery. I didn't come to this decision lightly and have been researching for two years! Now that I've made the decision to do it, I don't think a lack of support will hold me back. I'll just have to work harder to prove that the decision I made was the right one for me and that it will have a happy ending.

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.

Denied by one, accepted by two others. Need info, so going to start a new post.

Letting you all know I was denied by doctor of choice. What a let down...because my BMI fluctuates between 29 and 30. They want me steady at 30 BMI. I'm sad because this awful to yoyo pattern has got to be damaging my body more than any surgery would.

I don't think ever the surgery will be for nothing. That's the cold feet trying to trick you into running. No matter the trials and tribulations ahead, you have what it takes to succeed. You just need the tools! Go get those tools!!!!

Congratulations on your surgery. I am happy to see you're doing well, and glad the feeling of starvation is subsiding. That is going to be the worst for me. Chin up, sweetie. You have an entire world to conquer!!! Good luck to you in the next couple weeks. I'll be paying attention to your progress.

That is so awesome!!! I'm past scared and just plain excited. Since I've been reading here, I have absolutely no reservations about what I'm about to do. I'm so excited for how my life is going to change now that I will have the tools I need for success. As of today, no word from Dr. Garcia. It's been three days. Four days if you consider the first day I filled out my questionnaire. If he denies me, I have a choice of three other doctors who I am sure will take me. That being said, which doctor did you use?

I may be doing it wrong, but I searched for low BMI sleeve surgery and the only thing that comes up is my own message. I have been reading through the forums, though, and finding good info. Thank you so much for your help. They said two or three days until the doctor contacts me, and I haven't heard back from him or the coordinator.

Yay! Support Group for people like myself! I have no words of wisdom to offer. I've finally made the decision to do the sleeve surgery and am eagerly waiting notification that surgeon has agreed to take on my case. Scared I will be denied...Age 42, 5'5", 188lbs (yoyo between 178 and 198). My body likes 8's, lol... My name is Lori, BTW. I'm in Northern California and awaiting approval from Dr. Garcia in Mexico.

Thank you. The surgeon I'm waiting to hear back from is in Mexico.

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!