New girl needs moral support

[TheskinnyKristen 0]

Hi guys, my name is Kristen. I am new here. I have been researching weight loss surgury for years and finally have some money saved up ( $3,000). I have been overweight for 10 years and am at my highest weight right now at 200lbs. I am 5'4" . I have a small frame and should be at about 120-130 lbs to be healthy. I have been miserable these past years and its time for a change. My family is not so supportive. My parents just think I need to go on a diet ( like I havn't tried!!!). I am planning on going to Mexico for my surgery since I am a lower bmi patient and would not be covered by my insurance in the states. I am considering Dr. Ramos Kelly. I would like to go to him. I just need to save up the money of finance it ( both are proving difficult). I could go to Dr Almanza- he is the best price. I need to get this done soon, cause my health is not doing well. I have sleep apnea ( really bad- even when thin) , higher than normal bp ( not on meds- YET) and most recently been dealing with plantar fasciitis due to a job that requires me to stand for 7 hours strait. I guess Im just feeling frustrated. If I could go get my surgery tomorrow, I would!!

[AutumnLily 77]

You could use your tax refund or just keep on saving until you have enough money to pay. I was able to get a loan so if you can go that route then you can fast track your surgery.

Hope you figure out your finances soon.

[Infernored 5]

Good luck with saving up. I don't know much about the doctors down in Mexico, but alot of people have gone to them from here and they all seem to have good things to say. I just got this surgery last week and I am feeling great. I am dropping weight fast and I feel healthy. This surgery doesn't cause malnutrition and I don't believe I've heard of anybody who became underweight. There are plenty of people on this site who lost only 70 pounds or so and that's all they needed. We are all here for you. My husband was very wary of the surgery because he was scared for my safety. With more education about it he didn't like the idea, but would support me because he knew I wanted it that bad. Just be patient with your family. Good luck to you and let us know how things are going!

[SouthernSleever 234]

Check out Dr Aceves too. I had him and couldn't be happier! I hope you find a way, it's SO worth it!

[meggiep 57]

Don't your co-morbidities- apnea and borderline high blood pressure- perhaps get insurance approval? I would investigate that. Many insurance companies will approve you at between 35-40 BMI if you have other health conditions.

[kellyw74 258]

I agree with Meggiep! You should ask your insurance. Comorbities don't require such a high BMI. Ask your dr. or call insurance. Look on their website, most will post.

I would def check into it. My insurance is 35 bmi with 2 comorbities. That is pretty low.

Good luck to you and keep us posted.

Kelly

[2muchfluff 1]

You are definitely on the right track to improve your health. I just wish I had had this opportunity years ago. I would have saved me a lot of health problems and misery. Hope you can get your surgery in whatever way seems right for you. The great thing about VSG is that you don't have to worry about the malnutrition and other issues with some of the other surgeries. You just have a tiny tummy, and I love mine. In the past, I could stay on a diet very well for a while......Then I would mess up and found it hard to get back on track. My greedy brain would block my efforts. Now, my tummy will not allow me to mess up. Lovin' it! Wishing you all the best in your efforts!

[Puppylovemommy 8]

I'm having mine done in Metairie and it cost $13,600 and all financed through Chase which is through the doctor's office. Could you get a loan like that? I'm weary about going to Mexico. I have a neighbor who did that and almost died seriously, they thought she was going to die when she got back home. I didn't know this at the time it was happening. Today I went for my blood work and I told my doctor about Mexico being so cheap and he reminded me about one of his patients who almost lost her life with staff infection after going to Mexico for this procedure. I"m not saying they are not good, but I know someone who almost died from it. She later on went to the doctor I am going to now and had her procedure done and its worked wonders for her.

[ybnormal 21]

It seems like everyone "knows someone" who knows someone who knows someone.... I myself want proof either way so that I know what the heck is reality and I can make an informed choice. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and make the best decision possible based on the information you have. I'm not saying there aren't butchers in Mexico, but come to Vegas, we have more than a few here. They come because of the cap on malpractice. Sad, but you have to check into ANY Dr., not just the ones in Mexico.

[JamieLynn77 1]

I am with the others...you should definitely check your insurance. obesityhelp.com is a good source of info as far as working insurance companies. i had a nigh bmi and very few if any co morbidities. but my insurance paid. so definitely check it out. as far as your family and telling you to diet...no one knows until they have been there. My family told me that too. I can take weight off sure thing, but i am a champion at putting it right back on. I needed this tool to help me out. and my surgeon has a great support team that guides me to making good decisions. I am happy with my choice. I waited 4 years to do this. investigating everything. I knew i did NOT want a RNY, and lap band scared me so i did nothing. then a friend of mine told me about the sleeve. I looked into it...found this site...and talked to some ppl, and knew it was what i wanted. I am very happy with my decision to do this. Not only because of the weight loss, but because of the smarter choices i make, the better i feel, and knowing i am gonna be around a lot longer for my son. Its a tough choice, but well worth it, i feel. good luck to you and if you need to talk it up, drop a line. :-)