Finding Myself

It's under one year surgiversary by Nichelle....

I will join you guys post op! 6 week away. I love the concept of paleo!

Here are my 8 month post-op pics, along with a new pre-op picture of me I discovered tonight. I have to say that I feel like a whole new person... and, just for reference, I've probably lost almost as much as the bride in the picture weighs!!

Booked Dr. Kelly for May 24th! After speaking with him I feel so much more comfortable.

OMG I am so excited for you guys!!! My sleeve sis and I are just under 6 weeks to surgery!!!
I can't wait to hear about all of your experiences!!

*wink* I am with ya, Kathe

What was the question????? Kathe

That is funny, I felt the same way about Dr K's video! But then I have spoken with him and he is very sweet. That said, I don't think you can go wrong with Alvarez or Aceves either!!!! All great!

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

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)

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)

This is great Alex! Thanks for starting it!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Although price is an important factor with limited funds I totally agree with Finding myself you need to go with whoever you get the best gut feeling with. Do not go by price or who you should use according to someone else. Everybody has to make this personal experience for themselves and be at peace with it. Follow your heart after you have gathered all the info and checked your finances go with whom you feel will change your life for the better.

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.

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.

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!

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.