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I have so much excess skin I'm starting to consider plastics. I'm 9lbs away from goal and I'm in size 8 jeans but I know without my tummy I'd be in a 6 or 4. That is how much extra skin I have. It's really getting on my nerves and I HATE wearing a shaper every single day. What scares me is all the complications I read about on Obesity Help's plastics forum. Has anyone on here had a TT? How long did it take to get back to normal? Would you do it again? How much was it? When could you go back to work? What would you change if you could do it over again? Are you happy that you had it done?

I am finally scheduled for surgery on February 8th. Now that this is really happening, I have all sorts of things going through my mind. I am mostly upbeat and excited about this change in my life. I am thrilled with the prospect of the positive changes in my life. There are some negatives in there and I just thought I'd get some of them down in words so maybe I can put them behind me. Fears: I'm afraid I will die. I'm afraid that I won't be find the right diet for me post-op. I'm afraid I'll have band complications. I'm afraid I will still have intense urges to eat sweets in large quantities. I'm afraid that I won't lose weight very fast and that people will judge me. I'm a religious person and I know that all of these things are things that I need to put in God's hands and trust Him. I guess I should put down my hopes as well. I have hope that I will become a normal-sized person again. I have hope that I will have renewed energy and vitality in my life. I have hope that I'll become a more involved mother and wife and that I will be able to use my new energy to serve and bless others' lives. I have hope that I will feel pretty again. I haven't felt pretty in so long. I have hope that once I have succeeded in this journey that I can help others along as well. Thanks for reading. Any reassurances are welcome.

I am taking part of this free weight loss surgery give-away competition and every few days I remind people on my FB to vote for me. I have repeatedly told people to let me know if they do not want to receive messages from me. Pretty much everybody in my FB is a personal friend or a family member anyway. I only had this one friend (a female who used to be a police officer with me) that used a name of her gym as her username. Nonetheless, I did not know that anybody else had access to her FB account but it turns out her boyfriend, who apparently co-owns the gym with my former co-worker, did... I have never met the guy and he knows absolutely nothing about me! Yet, he sent me the below message as a response to my group reminder asking my friends to vote for me (I took out their names, just in case): "TAKE US OFF YOUR LIST FOR THIS!!! THANK YOU WE DONT BELIEVE IN EASY WAY OUTS SURGERY!! THAT END UP BEING UNHEALTHEIR FOR YOU IN THE END! BOTTOM LINE JUST QUIT BEING LAZY AND DIET AND EXERCISE MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE NOT A JOB!!!!!! HOPE THIS GET'S THRU TO YOU!! THIS IS R NOT C!!! JUST DO IT!! ...And below is my reply to him... Deserved? "Dear R, Thank you for letting me know that you would not like to be on the list anymore. I had no idea that somebody else but C, who is my former co-worker from the police department, reads this account. If you had just asked me to take you off the list, I would have respectfully done so without any further reply except "done, thanks". However, since you decided to offer your "expert" opinion on weight loss, I felt inclined to respond to you... Clearly you have not read my other e-mails or you would know that I very much believe in making diet and exercise a lifestyle. That is the very reason I want this surgery. It is not an easy way out as one has to commit to a rigorous pre-op and post-op diet lasting multiple weeks and then permanently change one's eating habits. Otherwise there is a serious risk of complications. It is simply a life-changing way to help (or force, if you like) people like me to make those permanent changes in eating habits. And as far as exercising... I love it and have no problems in that area. I have not always been obese and there are multiple reasons why I have become one during the recent years. One of them, without a question, is probably emotional eating. You, as a gym owner who gives out weight loss challenges that claim to be wholistic in their approach, should probably educate yourself on the complex nature of obesity if you truly want to help your clients. It is not as simple as "quit being lazy" (and there is NOTHING lazy about me by the way- what a stereotypical approach to someone with a weight problem) but you clearly are clueless about this. Rendy, do all of us a favor and take some time to educate yourself about the topic you claim to be an expert on! My best to you & C! Henriikka"

How are all the March 18th bandsters doing? I am down 30 pounds since my initial consult but only 10 of that has been post band. I had a post surgery complication and ended up in the hospital but I'm fine now thank God. I had my first fill today. Looking forward to getting back to losing.

There are new implants that will last a lifetime if you don't have complications. I'm the same size I was before I lost weight. I love my new boobs!

omg - i am so sorry you've been through such a rough time ... honest, I thought I had it rough in the hospital (the other people who had surgery the same day as me seemed to have had an easier time recovering than me) but it sounds like you really had a rough time .. I'm so sorry! Did your sister have any complications after her surgery? I really am hoping you are feeling better every day ... I will say a prayer for you & keep you in my thoughts. keep me posted.

Dear rosiegirl, Dr. Roslin did mine and my sisters surgery too. Hers in sept. Mine on Oct 20, I spent 11 days in the hospital, had some complications, so once I could eat which was 5 days after surgery, he put me on a mushy pureed food, I thought it strange and my Mom called Debbie his asst. And then for the ray of the time I ate nothing but yogurt and cream of wheat. Tomorrow I will be 3 weeks out, so hopefully I can change it up a little. Take care

Had my consult with the surgeon and was given the green light! Surgery is scheduled for Feb 9th! He went thru my paperwork with me and based on my history had no issues moving forward, even with the lupus concern. I will drive up on the 8th to be admitted and will come home on the 11th, barring any complications. Was also given a very extensive handbook with pre-op/post-op instructions and what to expect before, during and after surgery. He answered a lot of questions and seems to have a good bedside manner - not usually the case with European docs. I will have to do a 10 day liquid only diet prior to the procedure. I'm just grateful things are moving forward.

I reached 70 pounds lost this morning and I wanted to post a few photos for those considering WLS. I am five months post op and I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy in Tijuana Mexico. I used Dr Jesus Martin Lopez. He and his staff were amazing. I booked my surgery through BariatricPal and they were also wonderful. I have had no problems and I can tolerate 90% of what I eat. Every now and then I have something that doesn't agree with me. This doesn't mean I can never have it, I just wait and try later. It simply meant it wasn't time to have it yet. I attribute my lack of complications to Dr Lopez. He did an amazing job and is truly a talented surgeon. The surgery is simply a tool. The biggest contributing factor to success is mental. I was ready mentally and prepared to NOT make food a priority in my life. I was ready and willing to give up whatever food I needed to make this work and to give it up for the rest of my life if necessary. Temptation has been there but I have not given in and I have not cheated. I still have 60 pounds to go to reach my goal. I WILL make it because I WANT to make it and I am WILLING to put in the work and sacrifice needed to get it done. THIS HAS BEEN HARD! But it has been worth it. If you are considering WLS because you think it will be the easy option, please reconsider. The surgery did make it possible for me to make it half way to my goal. I could not have done it without VSG. So, instead of saying onward and upward... I will say onward and downward! I am determined to post more pics on the future. I think the great thing about this forum is if I do screw up and I do cheat, I know I can come here for the swift kick in the ass that I need to get me back on track

It depends on the doctor. I experienced the dark side. I was banded in TJ, and when I started having serious complications the medical group I used was anything but helpful. (And that's putting it nicely.) From there, I attempted getting in w/ an American doctor and was unable to because I didn't have medical records from Mexico. (They told me my medical records had already been destroyed - this is less than a month after my surgery) So...just make sure you do TONS of research on the doctors. Talk to patients that have and haven't had complications. There are tons of posts on this site alone about complaints or praises from docs across the borders. And most importantly, set up your follow up care w/ an American physician before your surgery. Let them know exactly what your plans are, and what information they'll need from the Mexican surgeon.

Well - first Dr. Miguel Alessandrini is a wonderful Family Phyisician -my surgeon was Dr. Corrbiou sp? - he too was excellent and competent - I was unable to have my band placed laproscopically so boy oh boy was I shocked to wake up with all the pain in my abd. 27 sutures on the outside and I WILL HAVE A SCAR - Plastic surgery was not their forte!! They told me my liver was very enlarged and prevented them from doing laproscopic - I was in surgery for 4.5 hours. The Nurses were nice - Olga has a little attitude - and is rather crass - she did not like having to help me out of bed or getting me water or broth - the other nurses were angels - Dr. Miguel Alesandrini stayed with me all night of my surgery and the next night as well - I had lost a lot of blood and it was very scary. I was intubated after the third try and two of my teeth were chipped. I woke up from anesthesia in mouth pain as well. They did send a dentist over to fix my teeth - but since home the area has chipped off. I was in hospital for Tuesday surgery done left Friday am to go home - Dr. Carlos is very unorganized - my sister and friend went with me to have this procedure - after the second night at Hotel Lucerna they were told they had to leave - Dr. Carlos "forgot" to make arrangements for the extra days we had planned on a month in advance and I reminded him of a week prior to surgery. After 2 hours of getting that sorted out they let my sister and friend stay at the Lucerna. Friday am the day we were to go home - Dr. Carlos came by at 9:00am he was going to get my sister and friend at hotel and drop them off - go to the States pick up another patient and drop her off then take up back to airport - our flight was scheduled to leave at 2:00p.m. By 11:30 Dr. Carlos had not called nor could he be reached so we had to demand that a taxi pick us up and take us to the airport - Olga informed us that it would be $60 - I said ABSOLUTELY NOT - so the decision was made that the clinic would pay for taxi but it would drop us off at the border we had to walk thru customs out the back door up a huge hill to a parking lot behind McDonald's WITH ALL OF OUR LUGGAGE - there was a lot - by the time we got up the hill - I thought I was going to pass out with pain!!! We get to airport - just in time we no longer got to our termial and the plane started boarding!!! BOY was I mad. I would not do business with Dr. Carlos again. So far though no complications with the band. I am having to follow up on the enflamed liver and my md here ran a liver function test and my enzymes are elevated - so next week we do a ultrasound - and possibly a biospy. I was not charged extra for anything - the tooth problem I understand perfectly - I have had experience with intubating and it is hard especially when you are afraid someone is crashing. So that is nothing - the call bell they gave me was one of those $20 door bell thingys and they laid it on the nightstand - and left my rail up - I could not get help - that was inexcusable. The surgeons and md were excellent though. I have requested my medical records so that I can take them with me to my appt. with the liver specialist and Dr. Carlos said he would send ASAP. So we'll see. As far as recommending anyone - I liked my acutal doctors - it was the travel arrangements I have problems with. OH yeah and Olga. We didn't mesh. I wish you the best and DO RESEARCH!!! The clinic is not as nice as the pictures - it was clean though!!

ISABELLE290, Dr. Huacuz in TJ did my surgery. While I was there another nurse had surgery at the same time. She had complications due to a hernia repair. She was sick vomiting all night and tore her sutures holding the band and damaging her hernia repair. Dr. huacuz did her surgery over again the next day and repaired the hernia as well as placed a new band and did not charge her a cent. If you want to know more, please email me a private message and I will be as honest about my experience as I possibly can.

Mine is worth every penny I paid my Mexican surgeon. Sorry, I can't let a post go when the theme is that surgery in the US is better than anywhere else. It simply isn't true. Yes, if something bad happens here we do have recourse. A friend of mine is a great example. She is a nurse, she went to a surgeon in the US without doing her research. Turns out she should have done her research. She had to have her thyroid removed. Actually, she didn't HAVE to have it removed, she didn't do her research on treatment options either. Shame on her. Long story short, the doc cut nerves by mistake. The nerves control her ability to speak and breathe. She currently has a trach and will die an early death due to the trach and various complications that come with that procedure. She had the typical US options and she reported him to the medical board. They wrote him a letter (again) telling him not to do that anymore. She sued him, his medical malpractice insurance co filed bankruptcy. She got nothing but a lot of court costs and attorney fees. The *real* key here isn't a matter of deciding which country to have surgery. The key here is that patients have a responsibility to do their research. No way around it. I don't care if you are in the US, Mexico, or Asia. Do your research, know what the heck you are doing. Know everything you can about your doc, look for dirt on your doc. Talk to his patients, verify credentials, don't go to a doc based on price, go to a doc based on his long term track record. Patients have responsibilities today that they didn't have before. It's not a nice reality but it IS a reality. Don't go to a doc that has such a horrible reputation that even those in his home country wouldn't go to him. Verify credentials. Know the laws in that country, even if it is your own. Assume nothing. Don't go by price. Don't go by ONE person's suggestions. "I had surgery and I'm still alive so he must be good!" Find a doc in that country that will help you research if you are unable or don't know how. In Mexico I paid $30.00 to a trauma surgeon to help me verify credentials, ask his other MD friends about the surgeon, etc. This is NOT an expensive process. Read at least 100 patient reviews for the doc. Don't assume that just because your doc has charisma that this makes him a good surgeon. Know what the heck you are doing. "Nice" does not mean skilled in surgery, it means NICE! There is more, but this is the idea I am attempting to convey. Having surgery in the US is not a promise things will go any better than they do in another country. Patients have a responsibility and if they don't follow through with their own responsibilities, they pay dearly in the end. That holds true regardless if the doc is in their home country or not. I have a real problem with people that don't do all the right things and then blame an entire country for their own failures to protect themselves. One just can't go to the absolute worst possible place for surgery and then blame the country for what happens. It's just not right. There is a right and there is a wrong. When it comes to this topic there is little middle ground.

Charleston & Kare, Thank you for your support. It has been a nightmare, both physically and financially. It's hard to tell people not to do it when they are so excited and optimistic about lap band surgery. I was optimistic too, at one time. We never think that the supposedly-low percentage of "complications" will happen to us. However, I don't know that my complications are in any statistic. I've never been interviewed. There was no real follow-up once I was sent home in a wheelchair. I'll check out the website that you sent. Thank you, --Ann

Having the surgery in the states doesn't mean better quality when it comes to the procedure or the surgeon. If someone can only come up with $8K and they just can't put together an additional $3K, should they just give up on the idea of having their health back? A difference of $3K can mean the difference in getting a band or not. Going to Mexico does not mean bad surgery. It means the patient has to do their work and their research. Betancourt has THE worst reputation, the Mexican docs don't like them anymore than we do. But we have docs with pretty poor reps here in the states too and they are not hurting for business. I could have had my surgery in the states, matter of fact the surgeon is just down the street from me. My insurance would have covered a larger portion of the cost. It ended up costing me a little bit more to have it done in Mexico as cash pay but the surgeon was simply better in Mexico and he has a better track record, he's more experienced, and he trains US docs in the surgical procedure and follow up care. Going to Mexico doesn't mean infection, not doing research and going on blind faith can mean infection and complications. Someday I am going to put together something for people to research docs in the US and Mexico. If people don't check up on a doc's track record regardless of country that can lead to unnecessary complications and problems.

Hi. My name is Leeann and My husband went to Betencourt Medical and had his lapband put in. His surgeon was Dr. Lopez. He has suffered every since the surgery with an open oozzing wound and much pain due to a bacterial infection called MRSA :sick- go to webmd.com to check it out. It took a long time to find a lapband doctor to treat him (because not only do Dr.'s not like to fix other doctors problems due to complications and law suites) this one particularly did not want to fool with yet another bautched Mexican surgery. he had delt with a few). Unfortunatly we have no Medical coverage and therefor all surgeries and follow up have been out of pocket cost (eveb if you do have health insurance they do not want to cover treatment resulting from a surgery out of the states). Dr. Brad Ray is an awsome Dr. in Bloomington, Indiana. He felt so bad for Wayne and all he had already been through with trips to the Hospital, the wound care center, and first health that he knew Wayne needed help and someone had to do it. He first tried simply antibiotics which were not helpful, then he tried to take out just the port where the infection seemed to be rooting from in hopes of getting rid of the infection and later on putting in a new port but the infection is one that is very very hard to get rid of and eventually the band had to come out. Although he had the band removed he is still suffering with infection. He is on three sets of antibiotics and is in much pain still. He is now seeing and diease specialist and we are going from there. My sister went to the same place (which is where we found out about Betencourt Medical/Molding Clinic ) and she had great results. However the 3 other people we have met who had surgery there did not have as good luck. It is truely a gambel. And all they are conserened with is the money. That is why in Mexico you first sign your rights away and their responsiblities away and then hand over the check as you go into surgery. I am perfectly aware infections happen anywhere but if the same thing were to happen here in the U.S they would have to fix the problem or be sued. You have no repercutions in another country. :angry Make sure you check out the good and bad before you have the surgery. Save your money and have it done in the U.S. Dr. Brad Ray says the price is going down dramatically in the states. It is becoming more known about, and more popular. Many doctors are doing the surgery therefor to be competitive they must reduce prices. Hang in there, wait , save, learn all you can before having the surgery. (I too am heavy set and was going to go down this year to have mine done but I will save my money and have it done here in the U.S. (If we can get Wayne well first). When wayne came out of surgery ther was a gentleman who went into surgery after him. When he came out he said they tried to lay him on a bloody table and he had to get them to clean it up. Then and there I would have said HAULT! Not sure how he is doing). Leeann

High blood pressure - gone. Type 2 diabetes - gone. Cholesterol - normal. sleep apnea - gone. Back and knee pain - gone. Weight loss - 120+ lbs. (actually 126 at today's weight). Waist size - Pre-op: 48" - 50". Post-op (11 months): 36" 95% of Prescription meds - gone. Dealing with the psychological aspect - it starts with "finding your why". I found mine. Health - Obesity is a progressive, degenerative disease that is the second leading cause of premature, preventable death in the U.S. The links between obesity and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and a dozen other serious diseases are well documented and virtually undeniable. Options - Diet and exercise as a treatment for folks with a BMI of 30 or greater is a myth. It is a statistical virtual impossibility with a failure rate approaching 100%. And science is just now beginning to understand why - http://www.drsharma....or-obesity.html . For more information - "Medicare's Search for Effective Obesity Treatments - Diets Are Not the Answer" - http://motivatedandf...s_dont_work.pdf . Bariatric surgery is the single most effective weight loss option known to medical science - by a very wide margin. The September 19, 2012 Journal of the American Medical Association reported the results of a study done with 1,156 surgery participants 18 - 72 years old, along with two control groups totalling more than 700 participants. One key aspect of their findings: "At 2 years, 99 percent of surgical patients had maintained more than 10 percent weight loss from baseline and 94 percent had maintained more than 20 percent weight loss. At 6 years, 96 percent of surgical patients had maintained more than 10 percent weight loss from baseline and 76 percent had maintained more than 20 percent weight loss". Read more at: http://medicalxpress...higher.html#jCp Quality of life - The ability to go into any store, anywhere, anytime knowing that there will be endless options for the new you. The ability to walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath. The ability to play with your children (and grandchildren) for more than five minutes. The ability to take a long walk in the woods with your black lab and actually enjoy every delicious, pain free moment of it. The thrill of looking in the mirror every day and thinking that you look pretty damned amazing. The knowledge that you almost certainly will live a longer, happier, more fulfilling life. The ability to comfortably sit in a restaurant booth. Or an airline seat. The almost limitless energy that you had long since forgotten. Just plain feeling good about yourself for the first time in a long time. Living your life free of the "obesity stigma" - that only those of us who have been there can really understand. The absolute elation of knowing that you did it. That it's sustainable. And that you are finally in control. Complications - zero. Would I do it again? - If I had it to do all over again there is one thing, and only one thing, that I would change. I'd do it twenty years earlier!

Do you have any complications (besides hair loss) ?

There are many complications that can happen during and after any major surgery. The main ones that people worry about after bariatric surgery are: Bleeding, infection, blood clots, leaks, strictures, gallbladder problems, and malnutrition. There are probably 100 other things that could go wrong.... but keep in mind that significant complications only happen about 5% of the time for good surgeons. Malnutrition is an issue both close to surgery and years later. (Close to surgery, there can be a rare complication that keeps one from eating. While years out from surgery (usually gastric bypass or DS)... malabsorption can result in deficiencies (thus the need for lifelong routine bloodwork checking vitamin levels). Heart, lungs, and kidneys shouldn't be more affected by bariatrics than by any other major surgery.

The OP posted in an open forum a question about disability coverage. One's right to respond should not have anything to do with working in the industry. Some people here might have had a need to use disabilty coverage and had approval for 6 weeks of covearge due to medical need from complications or some such. This forum is designed for exchange of information and support. The OP took it one step further to say her desire to be off work had nothing to do with medical need but hatred of the job. Again in an open forum. Post in an open forum and you get what you get. She didn't ask for professional guidance from insurance folk nor for PM responses. My opinion is just a valid as anyone elses.

Hi Amayqt (and anyone else!), I'll be flying to San Diego from Chicago on April 17. I'm confirmed for April 18 with Dr. Ortiz--if I send in my deposit within the next three days. It's tricky figuring out what to do with my two boys, ages 9 and 11, since vacation starts for them on 4/18. My husband is a physician, so (of course!) I'd prefer that he's with me. I scheduled a phone consultation between Dr. Ortiz and my husband on Wednesday night...my husband read everything on the website as well as Dr. Ortiz's resume. I know he has some questions. If you're interested, I'll keep you posted. Just curious: since you have hypertension and diabetes, did they ask you for any of your medical records? did they require a stress test? do any of your friends/family think it's crazy to go to Tijuana for a medical procedure? Did you ever find any stats regarding complications? Maybe I'M being the skeptic, but sometimes it seems that most of the posts are so glowing, it almost makes me wonder if they are "plants." I know that almost sounds a little crazy! But regardless, I was relieved to hear that you made direct contact with some of the people behind the "testimonials." I have a friend who lives in Southern California; she's Mexican. Tonight she told me she's going to visit Dr. Ortiz's center next week and will report back. I hope you'll let me know, too, what your experience is like. Now I'm the one that's sorry for the long post! But it's comforting to know you're going through all of this, too. Thank you so much! Alyssa

I agree with elcee u are definitely overthinking this whole issue.. why would u be more worried about a small peice of plastic being placed into your body as against all the co morbilities that being obese can cause, to me a peice of plastic v diabetes, and all those complications, heart disease, high blood pressure everything far outweighs the placement of a lapband.. wait till u get older and need a hip replacement or a knee replacement or a pacemaker would u still think u didnt want a foreign object in your body ?.. try and get past what the negatives in your mind are and look at the positives.

I agree with Meesh. My doc has a strict diet policy pre-surgery, and he hopes you continue the diet post-op. He took me down to liquid slowly. First, I had a few months of low-carb diet. (This is the most difficult part, IMHO.) Then he took me down to soft, easy to digest foods, and finally, liquids only for the week before surgery. Was it fun? No. However, Meesh is correct. The liver should be reduced to avoid complications, bruising and even splitting of your liver. Who needs that? Getting a band is enough to handle. Don't make your body work more than it has to.

I was banded Sept. 2010. I know it hasn't been that long, but I can tell you that getting banded was the best thing I could have done for myself. Bypass was never an option for me. I have seen too many people with complications/death and I have 2 young children. It didn't even cross my mind. The band has been a great tool for weight loss. I am down 53 lbs and so proud of what I have been able to do so far! Do your research and figure out what is best for you.

I am also having issues with my band. What I find interesting is how OVERLY CONFIDENT the surgeons are when discussing a surgery that there isn't THAT much research on. (I think we have maximum 15-20 years of research, and we didn't have real reliable data until about 10 years ago since it was such an uncommon surgery. That's my opinion at least) My surgeon was so pumped for me to get the lapband and minimized the risks -Now I am reading that 40-50 percent of lapband patients get the bands removed within 10 years (easy to believe based on the amount of posts in the complications forums) -It is linked to esophageal dysmotility - Scar tissue builds up around the band making the removal surgery much more complex than the insertion - The scar tissue can build up so much that it can cause permanent restriction even once the band is removed I went into this thinking that it was GREAT because it can be "reversed" if needed. That is not the case. I personally doubt I will recomend this surgery, and am hoping to get my band removed because the more i read the more I feel that my band is a "ticking timebomb" and that something will eventually go wrong. Why wait until it becomes an emergency?