Finding Myself

What is your BMI now? How much have you lost? It sounds like he is looking out for your best interests. Don't be sad, although I do understand. I am a low BMI and in that grey zone because I've been this way for 15 years and have never been able to maintain any lower. My surgeon might tell me the same thing. Some might say I'm crazy for doing this but extra weight is extra weight and ultimately bad for you. Or else we wouldn't be labeled "obese"!!!

I wish more would chime in... sometimes I think I am crazy to be considering this!!!

I would really like to stay in touch with you as we are both lighter BMIs. Would you like to private message?

Whoa guys.... She's a sweetie and not talking about our doctors. There ARE some horrific stories out of Mexico - and the US for that matter (I was quoted for this surgery as an outpatient procedure in the US!) and yes there are a few in Mexico who do not use hospitals at all and I did read some scary stories. I think that is who she is talking about. Just trying to let people know what to look out for. I agree with her, which is why I've done my research. We are all gonna be fine.

Where were you sleeved?? I'm so happy for you!!

We have all had our own experiences, which is why it is a personal decision. The prices almost all include the same thing (in my case, 2 nights in hospital and 2 nights in hotel also) it just comes down to who you choose and who you are comfortable with. . I would base NONE of this on who is cheaper, rather who you find gives you the right vibe. . That's why we are all here, to help each other make the right decision for ourselves.

Hey Silence! He is charging $5500 to $6000 depending on what's done. Give Omar a call and chat with him and Dr K and see what you think! Omar's number is 619-395-5347. Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to PM me. This is a very personal, important decision.

When I first started looking into this a few months ago, I read good stuff about Dr. Kelly on Obesityhelp.com. Then went to their website and he was on it, but when I inquired I was directed to Dr. Garcia. This bothered me because I got no explanation. That said, Dr. Garcia is fantastic and you will find a LOT of good things about him on here. I chose Dr. Kelly because when I talked to him for the first time, I just felt comfortable. I also felt comfortable with Dr. Aceves and Dr. Alvarez. I ended up choosing Dr. Kelly because of many reasons and one of them was that I had to just PICK one. It wasn't about cost or anything else at all. I am very happy with my interactions with them and constant communications. Do your research and you will figure out who is best for you! I would recommend that you not choose on $$ alone, but rather who you are comfortable with. I also rec. a hospital over a clinic or strip mall. This is MAJOR abdominal surgery! Good luck with your decision! I am scheduled June 14th with Dr. Kelly.

I just went to their website and it looks like they finally took Dr. Kelly off. There is a list of doctors there - the one I am familiar with is Dr. Garcia and I've heard really great things about him. I just have a problem with some of these places because they are SO competitive and I think that is not in a patient's best interest.

I personally have a huge beef with them because of their advertising. It's false and that in and of itself would make me never, ever use them. If they can't be honest and up front about who works for them, then there is a problem.

You should be able to find them!

Water and bottles of isopure might be your best bet!

I'm glad to read this as I too feel this way! I tell myself I'm not that fat and see myself as smaller than I am. I am excited to feel the way you guys do!

That is awesome. I find myself talking myself into and out of and back into this sx almost daily. But, I also am finding myself getting a little more excited as my date draws near. I'm scared to death; my good friend food will no longer be my comfort and I m gonna have to face that head on. I am so thankful that I've met friends on here who, while we've never met in person, we text every single day. That is a support network worth it's weight in gold. Thanks for an awesome blog post.

Don't be scared. It's just a doctor doing what is best for his patient.

I'm sorry to hear that. Who is Dr. Lopez? They should have sent you home with diet plans and lots of info. Meds were not included in your cost? Perhaps you should be calling them and seeing why? Are you feeling alright?

I have to tell you guys - I bought Dr. A's book several weeks ago and I keep going back and re-reading parts of it because I think it's that good. I also emailed Dr. A and he spoke with me and we even did FaceTime and talked!! If I didn't feel the need to stay more local, he would have been my next choice. My top 3 were Dr. Kelly, Dr. Aceves and Dr. Alvarez. I was soooo impressed by a surgeon who took time out of his day to FACETIME with me - someone who is NOT his patient - because he believes in this procedure as a life saver. So, I can only say really good things about Dr. Alvarez and he's not even my doctor.

I bought it and read it front to back. It's fantastic!

Hey better safe than sorry!!!! Last thing you want is a damaged liver!!! To me that sounds like a doctor who knows what he's doing and took great care of you. Be patient and hang in there!

Well I'm very sorry to hear this! Another complication of which I was not aware.

Does anyone know why these bends occur? Is it scar tissue or a stricture? I'd really like to understand it.

Did they tell you how this happens??? The stomach is a soft tissue, how does it kink? Is it a structure? Let us know when you know more!

Suzanne where do you live? I like your attitude about "don't think about what if something goes wrong" because I honestly get a little hung up on that. Picturing myself going back to mexico with a leak because I can't afford the gazillion dollars it would cost me to be corrected here in the US. I love your positive attitude. Please keep us motivated.

Also the decrease in soda, even diet, makes a huge difference!!! You should not normally be peeing that often even with good Water intake. Caffeine is a big diuretic, most people don't know that.... And when you stop drinking so much of it your body adjusts and you pee less. I quit all sodas 6 months ago and after a month I noticed I didn't get up in the night any more. But also all of the other things too.... It all factors in!

You know, even with ALL of this added in, even before surgery... there is a thing called "low carb flu". My husband and I did Atkins together last year, and I felt great... but he felt achy, headachy, etc etc. It never went away. So I started upping his carbs through berries and veggies and it went away. Some people really do need more carbs for their machinery!! Keep that in mind!