longer-life

Welcome! Congratulations.

I am sorry to say I would not pick either choice. I will admit to being picky. I don't want the bypass and 20 sleeves is not enough for me.

Dr. Almanza helps pay for this site! It is his ad on the right hand corner of this website. They even help him out by deleting some the threads that hurt his reputation. Despite this, you don't even have to "dig a little to find bad events that have happened to his patients", they are found easily. I will have my surgery here in the US, so I don't favor any doctor, but it is important people have all the information available to them so they can make an informed decision. If they want to listen, of course!

Awesoooooome! I can't wait to get my giant dancing banana like you did! Good job and congratulations!

That is what I would do. You might want to start with the surgeons of excellence in your greater area. Don't know where you live in Norcal (I used to live in the peninsula), but you might want to consider perhaps traveling anywhere between San Jose, Napa & East Bay as long as it is an excellent surgeon than can fit you in right away. Of course take into consideration the times you will have to go back for after care and support groups. I wouldn't pay $5000 fee either, nor would I have a surgery I don't want. Don't lose your spot with the surgeon you were referred to though and don't forget to research him/her as well before he touches you. I wouldn't just go on the word of your old surgeon. Best wishes!

I have a 9 year old and I would tell her that I made a mistake by promising something so soon after surgery. I would reassure her by telling her I am ok, but that it will take weeks, not days to feel better. I would say sorry for not keeping my promise, that I will do it as soon as possible and that I hope she understands. Disappointments and change of plans are part of life. Please do not over exert yourself out of guilt. Take your time. It will show them compassion and patience. That is my opinion, of course. Parenting styles vary greatly.

It is true that shoddy medical attention happens everywhere. Hundreds die, get infections, get the wrong limb cut during surgery and many more horror stories here in the US. However I am having a hard time imagining a situation like hers, unless maybe in some back alley. If they do, I live in a bubble, at least she could have sued. So no, it is not the same here than in some other countries. Does this mean people shouldn't go to Mexico? No, to me this means that people should take a pause when they read these posts (when they don't get deleted) and not let their desperation cloud their good judgement. BTW LilMissDiva, I respect you very much. This post is not "against" you. These threads get to me. I should know better than to subscribe to them.

I'm a lactose intolerant, foodie, no seafood,no canned Soup, picky eater. I can relate. Hopefully others will chime in with store bought ideas but if they don't, would you consider throwing some things in a crock pot and/or oven while studying on the weekends? You can half recipes and freeze/refrigerate individually and grab one in the AM on the way out. One cooking session will last you a LONG time. Baked chicken cordon bleu & Cooking Light Magazine's "crock pot Feijoada" comes to mind. No rice is needed, the Beans and meats are super filling and high in protein. They have other crock pot recipes (with no beans) that you might want to consider. http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/slow-cooker-favorites-00400000038588/page22.html You might not want to cook at all, but I just wanted to throw this out there, just in case. Best wishes!

You are too kind. He was your surgeon and he abandoned you. What you described is horrific. If he won't be available to visit his patients on Sundays, he shouldn't operate on Saturdays. He should have been there to see you first first thing in the morning. He is also responsible for his employees, whether he personally hired them or not. He failed you miserably. Regardless of others that have had a good experience there, unless britiajon and you are lying, he is NOT great, he took your money and ran. The others just lucked out. I will have surgery here in the US, so I don't have any interest other than expressing my opinion and hoping your post helps someone. I am sending good vibes your way for a continued recovery.

That is great! Congratulations Raider Rob & applesaucy!

Peacequeen I am glad it all turned out just like you wanted. :hug:

I disagreed with Peacequeen interpretation of her family members questions AND I also wish her the very best. I hope you are not implying that those of us that disagreed with her don't wish her the best.

To me these are perfectly normal questions. Since most people know very little about WLS, these are the kinds of questions I expect to be asked. In my opinion, this surgery is a courageous & drastic move on our part. Most continue on the diet/exercise merry-go-round for life, so I expect people to ask me why I don't continue going round and round like they do.

Handsome and wonderful? You go girl!!!! Congratulations on losing weight and finding someone great. Loved reading your post.

I just realized you already had surgery! LOL Disregard the post below. Sigh I have a different opinion. It would have bothered me greatly if my surgeon had such low expectations. It would make me wonder about his expertise, his post op care, the size of the stomach he will be leave me with etc I am 5'4 and 233. I said I wanted to be 150 and my surgeon said that was very reasonable. At your height 190 pounds is ridiculously conservative, even if he is covering his bottom as others have mentioned. I wouldn't just let this one go, if I was you. I would question him, ask some former patients and switch if necessary. I am drastic, I know, but this is serious surgery..... Best wishes, keep us posted!

I can only hope my attitude will be as good as yours. Congratulations on staying positive & your surgery. I hope your health continues to improve.

I am also sending good thoughts and vibes your way. Please take extra care of yourself these days. Breathe deeply, try to stay calm. Please keep us updated.

Your requirements might be different than another policy holder with the same insurance. Give them a quick call. They might even have it posted online. There are plenty of posters here that had surgery with a BMI around 38 and lower, if that helps. Google BMI calculator to find out your BMI. Best wishes!

Welcome Carlito! Glad to hear you are feeling well. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

You might want to consider googling the surgeons & hospiitals of excellence in Atlanta. Best wishes!

I believe the other posters have had surgery recently. You might want to post a thread just for you since your surgery was a few months ago. Hopefully you get some answers from others. I haven't had surgery yet. You might want to consider calling your nutritionist or surgeon.

My goodness, you look wonderful. I have lost 50 pounds before and I don't think my transformation was this huge. Congratulations!

Sounds great to me too.

I don't have one yet. I am jumping through the insurance hoops at the moment. I am hoping for November. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

I congratulated you at the beginning of my post but can't see it now. Congratulations!!!!