cajun

It's been a long time since I've been on the site and the chat room is not working like it used to. I can't figure out how to use it. I log into it, it looks like I am listed with two other folks but I can't type anything. Anyone got advice? Thanks. Cathryn

Dr Aceves is highly qualified, with over 700 sleeves and NO leaks. He's board certified, teaches other surgeons how to perform the procedure, is highly respected by his peers, and on top of that is just a very kind and caring human being. He will give you the best advice about which surgery is most appropriate for your personal condition, and he is not "in it for the money", so you can be sure it will be a recommendation based on what's best for YOU. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with him, and I am VERY picky, did months of research before selecting him, and am very happy with the outcome. His staff still keeps in touch, and I get prompt answers to any questions via email. The downside to going to Mexico in my opinion is that some physicians here in the US can be biased, and when you mention that you went to Mexico their eyebrows go up. My internist seems to be fine with the idea, but my gastroenterologist who does my follow-up visits seems to have a negative view about it. His notes always say "...had VSG surgery in Mexico". Like that's a problem? If I had it done in California, I doubt that he'd write "had VSG surgery in California". It irks me. But there's nothing I can do about it. There's a popular travel show on TV where the host ends each program with the quote "travel is lethal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness". Maybe US physicians need to travel more...:001_rolleyes:

Research that has been done on the sleeve shows that once the surgeon has performed over 300 sleeves, their complication rate goes way down. I looked for a surgeon who met that criteria, and was self-pay so I did not have to go where insurance required me to go. I went to Mexico and Dr Aceves was my surgeon. He's done over 700 with no leaks to date. I was very pleased with his care. I work in health care myself, and did a lot of research before choosing a surgeon, so I'd have the very best chance of a good outcome. The information I found on this forum helped me make my decision and I am forever grateful.

Awesome, you go girl!

Is your dietician part of the surgeon's team? My internist, who is not part of my surgeon's team, recommended I see her dietician and she was agast that I was only eating 600-800 calories per day (Dr Aceves' recommendation). She wanted me to increase to at least 1200 calories, but it was clear that she did not "get it". We are not supposed to be on a "normal" diet plan here, this is a WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM. So I am not following her plan. I am following what my bariatric surgeon recommended. My wt loss is as it should be, my lab tests are good, and I feel great. Once I reach target, I will bump it up to 1200-1500 calories to maintain. I agree that it will allow me to eat more veggies and fruits once I can do that, but for now, I am working on my wt loss goal. If your bariatric surgeon did not recommend a diet to you, I'd say contact him/her and find out what they recommend.

Kathy: 100lbs. AWESOME! You are doing so great...keep up the great work and you will be at your target in no time flat! I feel like a new person too...it is so great to feel the ease of moving around like a normal person. Have you tried lifting a large bottle of clorox at the grocery store? Multiply that weight times how much you've lost and you will be amazed...how did we carry around all those pounds? It's like being born again, isn't it? It is hard to explain the feeling...but I am enjoying every minute of it. Congratulations on your new life!

Try this yogurt, add a little Stevia as sweetener: Oikos Plain Yogurt Serving Size 1 container (5.3 oz) Amount Per Serving 150g Calories80 Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0g Sodium 60mgPotassium 230mg Total Carbohydrate 6gDietary Fiber 0gSugars 6g Protein 15g It's been one of my primary protein sources throughout my journey. I love it with a few blueberries added!

Paula, AWESOME JOB!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. YOU'LL BE AT TARGET IN NO TIME.

Congratulations! I am so glad you had such a wonderful wedding celebration! Got pictures of the beautiful place where the wedding was held?

Friends, I'm with ya! At 62 years of age and 288 lbs I was huffin and puffin all the time, could no longer work in my garden because I'd get exhausted after one minute, could not paint my own toenails...the belly was in my way...I could see 300lbs on the horizon, and expected to have diabetes soon. I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, early signs of fatty liver, arthritis in my knees and feet hurt all the time. I was MISERABLE and DESPERATE. My doctor suggested bariatric surgery, and I started doing research on it, having tried everything else unsuccessfully. I satisfied my VERY PICKY self when I found Dr Aceves and this forum...he met my standards and the VSG seemed the safest of the surgeries. Although my insurance would not cover it, I was actually OK with being self-pay, because I did not like the thought of going through a 6 month period of jumping through the hoops that they require anyway. Once I decided to "go for it", I had an appointment very quickly, and a month later was sleeved by Dr Aceves on 9/23/09. 6 months later, I've lost 99lbs, no longer have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue, or pain in my legs/feet. I can work out in my garden ALL DAY LONG without a hint of a problem...and still have lots of energy left. I'm down to a size 14 top and 18 pants. I feel like a kid again. Words can't describe how exciting it is to feel "normal". I expect to be at goal (145) by September. The discipline of following the eating plan is so worth the effort once you see results...just set your goals and if you fall off the wagon, just get right back on! The sleeve works if you do what you are advised to do. The weight just seems to fall right off...it is nothing short of a miracle. Congratulations on making a decision that will change your life as you never imagined!

I use both sites too, and have found lots of good info on both of them. There are some negatives on both sites too, such is life! I just try to focus on the good stuff.

MiniMe, 10 lbs a month is average, so you are ahead of the pack! Just keep on putting one foot in front of the other, and you will be at goal in no time!

Today I left the obese category for good. I am just overweight. My two pairs of borrowed size 18 jeans are getting loose. Whoopee! It sure feels good. I still do a double take when I see myself in the mirror...it's like I am seeing some other person... It seems like just yesterday I was heading off to Mexicali for the surgery... By the summer I'll be able to shop for a "permanent" wardrobe...that will be FUN. Thanks for all the support, y'all.

Just remember...this too shall pass! Sounds like normal post-op grumpies. You are doing well to walk away instead of burning bridges...things will get better. I promise!

I read on their ad that they are in the process of applying for JCAHO certification, by the way!