I had my surgery in Mexico on December 27, 2012. Other than the surgery cost, which was $4,500 and airfare from NC, I did not go out and spend money on drinks like Isopure, or any other of the expensive Protein supplements and drinks, gels, etc. from GNC or any other health food places or buy a ton of supplements. I did, however, go buy a tub of whey Protien powder from Wal-Mart, chocolate Peanut Butter flavor. When I wanted a Protein shake, I made it out of ice and that. If you don't make it too hot, you can make an awesome hot chocolate drink. I made beef and chicken broth from bullion cubes, bought regular Swanson's canned broth, made it from fresh chicken, etc, and my family ate the chicken in Chicken and dumplings, etc.

The only supplements I bought were gummy Vitamins, liquid B-12, chewable Calcium tablets, and that was it. I did not waste money at the time on Biotin supplements for hair loss, because I researched on this forum and gastric sleeve.com that they only help to help regrow hair faster once it is lost, so I know I could wait 3-4 months on those.

I am only saying that if your money situation is not great, you DO NOT HAVE TO GO NUTS! I had the money to do so, but used my head and bought only the necessities! I knew that further out from surgery my eating needs would change and I wanted to have REAL food available, not a bunch of supplements and drinks. Don't get me wrong, supplements are a necessity, especially when you can not eat real food for several weeks. But just use your head and don't spend hundreds of dollars on drinks and shakes that you can't tolerate. You know that you love the real thing, so use the broths, liquids, and purees to your advantage. They are the most satisfying. Even onion Soup was so delicious. Chic-Fil-A has a great chicken soup, just eat the broth until you can have the rest. Get creative and you will enjoy the process while dropping the pounds quicker than ever.

I am now in W-one-derland as of today 199.2 from 286.8! I haven't weighed this in over 15 years!!

I am 6.5 months out. I have lost a total of 43.5 inches overall and I have gotten all the benefits as well as the heartaches (hair loss). Now I am watching to see how much more loose skin I will get with the last 55 pounds, lol.

Best of luck to all and happy eating!

I like that. Very smart thinking. I'm not spending a lot on shake or protein stuff either because I know its all gagging me right now even if it tastes good. Keep up the good work!

If you dont mind me asking MamaDupa, who did your surgery? The Dr I am strongly considering is Dr Louisiana Valenzuela, who also charges $4500. I have not been able to get a lot of reviews,but what I have seen was good. I have been considering some dental work in Mexico as well, but that is a big difference from internal surgery. At this point I am really confused about what to do.

My surgery was done at Mi Doctore Hospital by Dr. Elias Jesus Ortiz, not Alejandro Ortiz. My Dr. is the partner to Dr. Lopez He has impeccable manners and a wonderful bedside attitude. My husband love him as well. I couldn't have been happier. I am so glad I did not go to Almanza with several surgeries a day lasting into the early a.m. hours in a stgore front. There have been several good results there, but I am just saying that for me I needed a more one-on-one approach. I considered Valenzuela, but decided on Ortiz. The cost was $4,500 including first night at 5star Marriott, bed in the hospital (my room) for my hubby for two nights, then two more nights back at the Marriott. Dr. Ortiz came on my last night on Saturday and removed the drain right in my room, and checked me out. It was a great experience and his driver Abraham took us shopping and out to a great Mexican restaurant.

Does Dr Elias Ortiz sew sutures over the staples on the stomach area after cutting the portion off. To keep it from future leakage?