So I am ready to book my surgery. I am 35 years old and have 3 little boys. My wife is on board with me going to Mexico, but is unsure of me going alone (my Mother also just had colon surgery here, so my wife cannot leave 3 boys).

So a few questions.

Is it a big deal for a grown man to go alone? It seems many talk of growing close with fellow sleevers while they are there, and is it safe to say that will become part of my support system down there? Or do I need to put it off a few months when my wife can join me?

Second, my parents, coworkers, and others all think I am crazy for the Mexico thing. I am sure you were all in the same boat with people close to you. It has gotten to the point that I think I will just be off for a few days so I do not have to go with the hassle of listening to them all tell me I am crazy. It makes me mad that everyone is quick to offer their opinion without any research at all. I also dislike fit people telling me I should just eat less and workout more. In the last few years I have ran a triathlon, 5 - mile run, and warrior dash. All while being 100 lbs overweight. I want less hunger (I can eat, and eat, and eat), and hoping this is the spark to really change my life around.

Appreciate any advice.

OK, here's the deal........unless your critics are willing to pay for your healthcare (which is surely going to get more complicated if you don't address the discomfort you are having with your weight now) they have no right to undermine your own efforts to get healthy. Enjoy as much of that trip to Mexico as you can. You might be sore on the trip back, but others have gone solo and lived to tell about it. I wish you good luck and good health.

There are so many who go it alone,you'll be fine and I too had family and friends who were skeptical of me going, I pretty much kept it to myself & those that I couldn't keep it from knew I was having surgery but didn't know where I was having it done until I got back. I lost 92 lbs my 1 st year "August" of the 100 lb gain that I set out to lose. It's the best decision I ever made for myself. Maybe you should just keep it between you and your wife and after the surgery, then share your experience as they see the changes happening! Surgery is NOT the easy way out! It is the best tool you'll ever be given to battle obesity but it will be up to you to make it work! It is not a cure all! It's still all about choices & making the right ones!

You're only going to be in Mexico for a few days. I think you'll be fine going solo. Of course you'll take all the necessary precautions with emergency contacts and such.

Secondly when people here Mexico they think of some 3rd world back alley set up not realizing that there is an established, well staffed medical facility there. Please don't feel the need to explain to them that this isn't case. I agree with the posters upthread. Unless they are paying for your surgery, it's really none of their business.

Edited November 17, 201411 yr by Blerdgirl