Hi All,

I've been reading posts for a while and decided it was time to make an account and introduce myself. I am 35 and a single mother of 2. I have struggled with my weight my whole life and am really sick of "dieting" and trying weight loss pills, etc. all to lose some weight, feel starved, and then fall off the wagon and regain it all back. I've had luck on some diet, Weight Watchers was my favorite but I ALWAYS still felt hungry which would lead me to quitting. Recently my mother has suffered some health concerns and some are directly linked to her weight. Although I don't have any documented health issues at this time (not including joint pain, tiredness, fatigue after exercise, self-esteem/body image issues and general discomfort hauling my heavy body around) this has really put this struggle into perspective for me and I'm becoming more serious about the life changes needed to get/stay healthy for myself, my kids, and my future.

After months of researching I'm considering weight loss surgery. I am considering going to Tijuana, as I can't get it covered in the US, and the cost of my deductible would be about the same as the full price in TJ anyways. I am hoping for some feedback on those with experiences with the gastric sleeve performed in TJ. Everything I've read so far has been very positive aside from a few people that seemed to have difficulty after not following the procedures.

Something I am VERY concerned about is the life-long side effects of this surgery. I've read about hair loss, and loose skin, but more concerning to me is the hospitalizations for lack of nutrients/vitamins, iron transfusions, teeth decay, early osteoporosis etc... any personal experiences with those? Any tips on how to avoid them? I want to change my life and be a better example of a healthy eater to my kids, but not at the expense of my life long health with regards to other more serious matters.

Anyways, that's me! I am really hoping to learn more about personal experiences so I can make my final decision.

Thank you for your feedback.

2 hours ago, BellaMama530 said:

I am really hoping to learn more about personal experiences so I can make my final decision.

I had surgery 35 weeks ago today (12th Oct 2017).

I now think, 47.2 kilograms lighter (104 pounds), that I delayed my surgery for too long.

Seriously, the best thing I have done in my adult life to improve my health.

For 35 weeks in a row, I have been averaging a three-pound loss (1.4kg). That's hard to ignore.

The surgery allowed me to get ahead of the many previous disappointments and failed diets.

JUST ORGANISE THE FUNDING AND DO IT A.S.A.P. Your life, in 99% of cases will become remarkable better.

I didn't have surgery in TJ, mine was in Mexicali. It's seven years later and I regret nothing. I was 56 at the time of surgery, so after I lost 97 lbs my face was very saggy. I had a facelift the following year. Some of my body skin is a little loose, mostly on my thighs, but clothes cover it up and nobody looks at a 63 year old in a bathing suit anyway. Also about a year after my surgery I had to have my gallbladder removed due to gallstones that developed as a result of quick weight loss. I do have osteoporosis and GERD now. My endocrinologist thinks that I not only had a genetic predisposition to develop osteoporosis, but the drugs used to treat GERD have an effect on bone health and the ability of the body to absorb calcium. Also, I can't donate blood anymore because I don't get enough iron in my diet to replenish ferritin stores. I get enough so that I'm not anemic, I just can't give any away. Those are the negative things associated with my surgery but I would do it again in a second. I feel so much better thinner. I can move, airline seats fit, I don't feel like people are judging me for being fat.

Best of luck to you, whatever you decide.

Thank you for the feedback @Rainbow_Warrior and @Foxbins I appreciate the insight.