Finding Myself

Dr Alvarez was my second choice, because I wanted to have direct access to my surgeon post op. (I live in So CA) I would have to fly to see Dr A and I didn't want to do that. dr A is awesome! I face timed with him and he wasn't even my doctor. He really does believe in this procedure!

If you go to the pre-op forum, there is a thread called Mexico Sleevers and there is info there on how to reach Dr K (I am on my phone or I would post it!) as well as reviews on other good doctors. Good luck!!!

Amy I am so sorry if I sounded harsh. To me this kind of stuff only adds to patient worry. I'd have no problem if these coordinators directed you to their doctors and left it at that, but no, they have to badmouth a doctor in order to change your mind. As a doctor myself I am very sensitive about that childishness. I also forgot to mention Dr Ponce de leon who also has a very good reputation. I have not been sleeved yet but I talk daily or weekly with Dr K patients and others. I like to be very informed. If you go to the surgeons tab on this website you can pull up Dr K's info and reviews, as well as info on other drs. It's a huge decision!!!! You will make the one that is right for you.

I meant to say... Coordinators aside... Garcia, Ortiz, Aceves, Kelly, Alvarez... All good doctors. Find one that fits for you! Good luck!!

The downfall to Medical Tourism are these pesky coordinators. They lie. I was lied to and the ol' bait and switch was tried on me - twice!. It's stupid, but it's how they do business. Look up the reviews, ask previous patients, and decide then. Don't listen to these coordinators. They get paid by booking you with their doctors. Most of these docs are very good. I decided on Dr Kelly for many reasons but my #1 reason was previous patient communications. Following that was location, what hospital, etc. Dr K fit for me. He doesn't use a coordinator, but he does have a facilitator named Omar. Call and speak with Dr Kelly. And call and speak to the other doctors. I spoke with Dr Alvarez too and loved him. His book is also amazing. Find what makes you feel comfortable. For me, the bait and switch high pressure sales tactic of these coordinators did nothing but totally turn me off.

Supposedly they are gonna carry them at CVS and Walgreens but I couldn't find them, so I ordered them from their website. I think it is proteintogo.com???

I've tried the New Whey and they are OK. I really like the Protein To Go. Smaller, 2.5 oz and taste good. Ordered them online, the berry frost without caffeine is good.

I was telling my husband that the last time I lost any significant amount of weight was in 2005. I didn't keep it off for more than a year or so (I lost about 45 lbs). At the time, I had a few people ask me if I had cancer or something. For pete's sake people, I was 140 lbs and I'm only 5'2 and still needed to lose another 15 lbs (or 10 at the very least). I was really, really insulted when people asked me that... So we were talking about it again, and I told him my concerns about how, if the sleeve is really successful for me, that I will likely get the same questions again. People can be very rude. Some people may not find this funny and some may find it insulting, but it did sort of make me smile, and I think some of you will understand. But he said, "Hey, if people are gonna be all weird towards you, and ask you stupid questions like *do you have cancer?* then tell them you had a tumor in your stomach, had it removed and now you are super healthy and lost a lot of weight and it's been the best thing that ever happened to you." Hehe. That just might be my standard answer to anybody who is rude to me, just to shut them up. (and in no way do I mean it as an insult or dismissal of seriousness for anyone who DOES have stomach cancer)

OMG if I do that well I will be soo happy!! Congrats!!!

Boots who is doing your surgery? I'm scheduled with Dr. Kelly on June 14th. I am just under 5'3 and weigh on average 187 lbs. People are CONSTANTLY telling me, "you look fine!" "You don't need to lose weight!" Baloney. I see the fat rolls around my midsection. True... I am not morbidly obese. I am simply... obese. Discount the BMI and all that, say it's not accurate... still, I should weigh no more than about 130 lbs. How can people not see that???? I find it very frustrating. I know this is only a tool and may not work for me. I plan for it to work though, and in my mind I just don't envision it NOT working. I'm being positive. I'm being proactive. And, I'm sick and tired of being a size 16 when I know I should be a size 7 or 8. I'm so glad I found this group!!! Most people on here seem to be morbidly obese and I think they wonder why we are doing this, too. Maybe that's just my own head saying that, too. I have a friend who lost about 60 on her own, then needed to lose 60 more and just got sleeved. So she was my size after losing a lot of weight and then got sleeved to finish it off... she has never been happier. My body has stayed at my current weight for YEARS. I want to feel better about myself, too.

Hey! Thanks! Counting down the days till June 13 when I drive to San Diego!

We are going on June 14! Arriving in TJ on the 13th!

Did most of you find that as you got lighter your desire to exercise, even walking, improved? I find I don't have much energy for it right now.

Louisiana Girl, I'm a McNeese and LSU grad! And I miss home. Yes, I'd like to hear more stories, too. I'm glad I found this group. I've been trying low carb again the last few weeks and I blew it today with Panda Express and it just makes me feel awful! So this is great! Kat we have almost the same exact measurements!!

This is great Alex! Thanks for starting it!

Me three.

Absolutely!!!!! MUCH more valuable than someone who has been skinny their whole life! Go for it!!! Market yourself! Where are you located??

I think you are AMAZING!!! And so inspiring!!! I showed my husband your pics! I am so impressed!!! YOU GO BOY!!

I totally agree Js! Whole foods that are not processed are best. And moderation is key! You said it best.

The last time I successfully lost weight was 7 years ago. I lost about 40 lbs, and was nowhere NEAR a healthy weight yet.... I was around 145 lbs with another 20 to lose, and I got the SAME comments then!!! Someone actually said to me that I must be sick and did I have cancer?? MY GOD! And I wasn't even at my goal!! So yes people will see you differently because they still expect you to be fat and sometimes their own self esteem rides a little bit on looking better than you!! No more!!! Btw, I gained all 40 lbs back in a year. Sigh. Which is why I am having VSG!

I am of a different mindset with regards to artificial anything. It has been proven that they are just as bad for you as sugar, if not worse. They cause insulin release just like sugar does in many people. It's best to get to a point where you avoid both altogether, or at least cut waaaay back. I have two packets of splenda with my coffee and that is IT. Once I'm healed from surgery I will go low carb on everything and go back to my lifestyle of little to no sugar or artificial sweeteners. I'm even worried about the crystal light I know I will be drinking post op!!! I drink Water. No diet drinks. That's it. Boring as hell, but better than loading up on diet drinks all day!!

I really appreciate the comments, too. My date is quickly approaching (June) and I go back and forth between really wanting this and thinking "what, am I crazy??" but hearing about good experiences makes me feel so much more at east. Jeannie and Michele - is that you guys on the facebook page putting your feet into the Water??? Those pics are wonderful! I'd also recommend you guys rate Dr. Kelly here on VST - Omar got his information updated so the coordinator group isn't claiming him on here any more and the "thumbs up" go to him now. Search under Surgeon at the top of the page and you'll find him and you can give him a thumbs up!!! It really does help the rest of us quite a bit!!!

MGm, DD used Dr Kelly. But I also agree with her, which is how I decided on him - talking with post op patients! There are several on here. Those of us pre oppers can only relay what we have heard!

Most, if not all, of the doctors do leak tests. I have really enjoyed my interaction with Dr Kelly and his staff so far. I'm scheduled for June 14. Let me know if you have specific questions I've been personally corresponding with a couple of his patients who swear by him. I trust what they have to say more than anything on these boards. And yes pick your doctor, not your coordinator!!! PM me with questions!

I'm glad to read this too. People always tell me I carry my weight well!!! I am 60 lbs overweight and have been for YEARS! I am actually healthy as a horse other than that, and I know if I don't get control on this overeating problem, it WILL lead to poor health down the road.... Then I'll be 50 and trying to do this instead of 42. Jaime, PM me!!!