BeanieandRosie'smom

Hi Sunshine Squirt! I had my lap band done in Mexico in 2010 through BeLiteWeight, with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. I am again going back for my sleeve surgery. I believe he is a superior doctor, (there are many in Mexico!), and I really felt safe and taken care of when I was there the first time. His prices are a little more than Almanza, but far less than say Aceves (who has received excellent reviews). I contemplated using Dr. Almanza because he is so cheap. I did a lot of research and although I think he is a great surgeon, I read some things that scared me. He does do several surgeries in one day. Most of the Mexican surgeons do, but some of them do far less which is reassuring. He works out of a clinic which makes me a little uneasy, even though I've heard there is a nearby ICU. There were a few hold ups/robberies that were confirmed by Dr. Almanza's staff. (Louise) That freaked me out. They also have recovery houses that people can choose to stay in, or a hotel. The recovery houses have more than one bed in each room and relatives/spouses cannot stay with you there. I have heard from a reliable source that there are reasons why doctors like Almanza can do their surgeries so cheap. They don't use brand name staples and materials. I know for a fact that Dr. Rodriguez uses Johnson & Johnson staples, Allergan bands, etc... That is worth the extra money to me. My facilitator said you can contact companies and ask them if a certain doctor or hospital uses their products. With Dr. Rodriguez, I'll be staying at the hospital for three full nights which is all included in the price. My husband can also stay in my room with me. I stayed there in 2010, so I know that the rooms are very clean, and have private full baths with shower, toilet, and sink. (And a flat screen tv with English TV!) Dr. Rodriguez and his staff of doctors all speak English which is comforting. I've heard that Almanza does not speak English but has a translator. (Not vital, just personal comfort levels I guess). If you want more info, I'd be happy to connect you with my AWESOME facilitator, Jessica. I've known her since 2010, and she literally gives you her home phone to call her. She answers my emails within the hour. She is amazing. I love Beliteweight and I totally trust them. http://www.beliteweight.com/ Good luck to you!! Erika

This makes me so sad. People, children and adults can be so cruel. I am a teacher (Pre-K) so I know all too well what kids innocently, and not-so-innocently say. I hope this can make you feel better. I have an adopted brother who is 9 years old. His name is Humoody and he is from Iraq. He was shot in the face with a shot gun he was two years old and his face is disfigured, he is completely blind and missing an eye. The one he does have is covered by a fake eye cap that looks real. He has been through hell as far as being teased and made fun of, having adult strangers come up to my parents (IN FRONT OF HIM) and say "what's wrong with your kid's face??" Too bad he is blind, not deaf, and he happens to be extremely intelligent. He is at the top of his class in math and reading and has a personality and sense of humor matched by few. I only thank god that he can't see people's rude stares at him. So just remember, it's not all bad. You could have been disfigured or blinded. You are on your way to a healthier, thinner you. People that give you crap or say rude things have their own insecurity issues. People that are secure don't make comments to their children or others about some families "must eat fried food." You have to feel sorry for their kids because they are learning from example. Your kids will have compassion and character for dealing with this. I used to get yelled at: "Sueeeyy! Suueey!" when I was in elementary school. It was tough, but I'm better for it. Check out these links if you like, they could give you a new perspective on being made fun of, etc... http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003316900_iraqboy22m.html http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003989172_iraqboy02m.html http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008123196_hamoody19m.html Humoody is my little brother and he is now 9 and in the 3rd grade and thriving! He tells me he doesn't understand why I am having surgery because I have a great personality. If only we could all love like a blind child! <3 He sees what really matters.

Hi snrussell09! I agree with what's been said. I am almost 27 years old, and even though I've only been morbidly obese for about five years, it's been long enough for me. I had the Lap-Band done in 2010. Big mistake. It just didn't work for me and I was unable to eat healthy foods due to vomiting. So here I am two years later, and two years older, wishing I would have taken the "drastic" step in the first place. The big appeal of the lap band is that it's reversible. Unless something bad happens with the band, you'll probably have it your whole life. Why not do the sleeve and up your chances of keeping off the weight for the rest of your life? I think you would be a perfect candidate from what it sounds like. You also have youth on your side. You may not have been born with a naturally quick metabolism, but I guarantee once that weight comes off, you'll have tons of energy and be able to exercise even more! I am having my surgery in August with Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana. Best of luck to you, and congrats for taking the first steps to a healthier life! Erika

Hi! I am getting my sleeve 8-17-12 in Tijuana, Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez.

Spelling correction! " the next YOU'RE dead asleep." Re-read my post and caught that grammatical error.

You can request a sedative before being put under. I had that done when I had surgery in Mexico because I was really freaked out that I was there, not because of anesthesia. I fell asleep before surgery! I am one of those people that hates that loss of control you have when you faint, get really drunk, etc... But going under anesthesia is nothing like that. I've been put under about five or six times and it's no big deal. The last time, my doctor told me she was putting a margarita in my IV! That's the last I remember. It's not gradual, it's like one minute you're there, the next your dead asleep. It's like taking a nap, and you feel really groggy when you wake up. You don't blackout or slowly fade into it. I usually say "bye!" and I'm gone! Also, wanted to comment on the calories thing. Just got me a little worried for you. You are unfortunately going to still have to worry about calories for the rest of your life. After surgery, food becomes a much bigger part of your life in a different way. I had lap band surgery thinking the same thing. I am now ten pounds higher than I was when I got the band. You can eat around it. You can cheat and drink with meals and help wash things through. You can get lots of calories into a small amount eating crappy foods. You can eat bits of high calorie food all day long. It's not a panacea, and WLS means something much different to me now than it did before. It's just a tool. I have to change my behaviors in order for it to work! Best of luck to you!!

Tulipstar, you are what I would love to be!! I'm so happy to hear you love your sleeve! So, I hate my lap band for lots of reasons. Fills and unfills are expensive. Ive had them cost up to $400. I never got to a sweet spot. I have the small Allergan band. It is extremely finicky. I only was filled 3ccs at the end and was sliming (puking) everything I ate. As someone else said, it encourages bad eating habits. You still have your whole stomach with the band. I only ever felt "full" in my esophagus. (which was painful) That doesn't equate to full in my brain. I was eating healthy foods, puking them, puking them, no matter how hard I tried. So, I'd eventually just go for some cream Soup, ice cream and candy! It goes down and fills you up! Unfortunately, my anger made me rebellious and I would just overeat that crap because I was so upset and felt like such a failure with the Lap Band. I ended up with scar tissue in my esophagus and my lap band slipped because I puked/slimed so much. It is a miserable existence. I'd tell the nurse/surgeon and they'd unfill me and we'd "start all over" (if you throw up a lot, your stomach swells and then nothing goes through). Then you have to start all over on liquids, then mushies, etc... And try to be disciplined enough to not over eat untill your next fill. Then you slowly get filled up (they can't do it all in one fill) and hope you have enough restriction, or not too much. I lost 30 lbs with the band, but I believe it was all puking/my effort. The band was a hard tool to use. You're never able to eat in the morning, because your stomach swells at night while you're sleeping. (it happens to everyone I've ever talked to :/ ) Now, I'm unfilled totally, miserable and 10lbs over my band start weight! the port is very sore and if you wear jeans or anything that cuts into your waist, you'll feel it all day Hope that helps! Erika

Hello to a fellow Erika! You don't always see it with the "K"! I am getting sleeved in August. Welcome to the site! There are lots of really helpful and supportive people here Erika:)

That is really interesting...what exactly is the point of it? I was under the impression that the sleeve was tiny to begin with. Is it to prevent it from stretching out with food or over time?

Really? I had to do that with the Lap-Band, it is so hard to remember to do. What happens if you don't? Does it get stuck or come. Back up?

You guys are so sweet!! Thanks for your support, it means the world to me!!! Happy Saturday!!

I have heard so many great things from so many people on this site. I am still very scared that I'll do this and totally regret it like the Lap-Band. I don't yet understand the Bougie sizes, and I am not sure which is best? Bigger so that you don't throw up? Or smaller because you can eat less food? I need to lose this weight. I am 26.5 years old and I have back problems, chronic migraines, depression & anxiety, joint pain, and high blood pressure. I just don't know if I can lose it keep it off on my own. I am worried about the psychological aspect of this whole thing too. I truly believe I am addicted to food. It is my joy, comfort, best friend (and obviously, worst enemy!) I have been to a lot of counseling by a psychologist/ARNP who specializes in weight loss surgery patients...but it's not like I'm over this addiction. Is it truly a mind over matter thing? I don't know! Anyone have any advice or sites I could visit for help with my decision? I am so appreciative of all the kind people on this site who are truly helpful and genuinely kind. And if there are negatives, please don't be afraid to share. I'd love to hear it all. With many thanks and much love, Erika

So, after talking to my dad (who is very fit and healthy...my whole family is!) I have decided to do the sleeve. I am pretty much 100%. After what Blondeej said about not living long enough if I didn't do this, I just kept thinking about it. I can't afford to cut more time off of my life being fat and destroying my body. (I have a lot of weight-related health issues). Thanks for all your help. I know that this is by no means an "easy way out," and I'm sure I'll be miserable and sad at one or many times, but I'm okay with that. If the end result is a healthy me. It's worth all the discomfort in the world. Like one of you said--it's like childbirth, it's gonna suck, but the end result is so worth it! Thanks for being an inspiration to me all of you!!! Hugs and love to you all!

I wanted to make sure I wasn't just crazy, so I showed your pic to my husband. He thought you were "Maybe 30?" So I know I'm not the only one!! And I think we're all just speaking the truth! It's gotta feel great to be where you're at! I hope I can be successful with the sleeve! You are a great inspiration!

You are almost 45?!? No way. I seriously, honestly thought you were my age (I'm almost 27). You look amazing! And you are just gorgeous!! Congrats and absolute best of luck in the future!!!

TerriTravel, As I said, I did my band in Mexico (and will do the same with the sleeve). I actually contacted a bariatric surgery center in my area and they accept business from people who have surgery elsewhere. My doctor told me that they'd be stupid not to because of the number of people who go to Mexico or wherever to do their surgeries. They have a fabulous psychiatrist there who has had weight loss surgery. My insurance covers 80% of my visits with her (so odd since I have that specific weight loss clause!) It also covers consults with a nurse at the weight loss center. I would check into it---the counseling has been the best thing I ever did in relation to the band. (HATE the band!) Best of luck to you! Erika

I had my lap band done in Mexico and that's how they did it there. If there's something really wrong, they won't do surgery. I also had my gallbladder out in the US last September and they took my blood right before my surgery, and a urine sample. It was probably an hour or two before my actual surgery. Don't worry!

Hi Girliegirl, I am afraid of altering my organs. I am really freaked out by the idea that they would remove and THROW AWAY most of my beloved stomach, lol. I would almost literally do anything--if it meant me losing weight. This isn't for sure, and I don't want to be completely miserable like the band. I've had such a hard time learning to eat slow and not drink with meals. When you've eaten one way for your whole life, it is hard to change such automatic behaviors. It's like reprogramming your brain for eating. (Especially when youre a complete food addict like me).I don't want to do the sleeve unless I'm sure I can eat like I'm supposed to. :/ I also feel a lot of pressure in both directions. My family feels I need to lose weight desperately and is pushing for the sleeve. My friends think it's crazy. I literally go back and forth each day! One day I'm definitely going to do it...the next Im not. I have been an emotional wreck over this decision. I am a teacher and my only chance until next year is this summer to get it done. I don't want to lose another year to being fat. I want to have a baby around age 29-30 and I am scared I won't lose it by then. I hope that was helpful, I could ramble on forever. This decision is literally haunting me day and night. I'm a Christian, so I've been praying, praying, praying trying to seek God's guidance on this too. It's so hard. I will be prayin for all the others out there (including you!) who are wrestling with this tough decision. Please feel free to email me or PM me to talk more. I think you and I are Both in the same boat a bit! Have a wonderful Thursday! Erika erikaj@aol.com

Girliegirl, I know...one day I'm excited about it...the next I'm terrified and don't want to do it. Has talking to different surgeons helped? I threw up so much with the band. I had a hard time eating slow and not drinking while I ate. It all seemed so easy pre-surgery, until you're ravenous and can't keep anything down! If I didn't know so many people with gastric bypass who have HUGE medical problems now, I'd consider it. Let me know what happens on your journeys Girliegirl and MinaT! Good luck to you on Monday MinaT!

StrangelyNormal, I hope it was a good cry! (Not a sad cry!) if you're interested, The Seattle Times has done a series on my brother, Hamoody since 2006 when he came to us at age three. He is just a sweetheart and the biggest blessing to my family. We adore him! http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20061022&slug=iraqboy22m http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20071102&slug=iraqboy02m http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/zoom/html/2003544836.html http://www.king5.com/health/childrens-healthlink/64604782.html These are out of order and not recent, but you can search Humoody/Hamoody and find more info on him. I know his story but still cry my eyes out reading it. He is a true miracle! I don't know how to do pictures on this site, but if you're on FB, my name is Erika Lambert, I've got tons of pics of him there Enjoy and have a great day!!

These are all so great and so true! Has anyone said this yet? * I want to be able to wrap a towel (regular bath size) around my body, instead of using the gigantic costco ones or beach towels! Who would've ever guessedmthat towel size is a problem for obese people... *I want to go to every party, wedding, baby shower, and function I'm invited to...not send a gift because I am afraid people I haven't seen in 125lbs will see me. (I am very social). *I want to be able to buy a bra at a regular store! (not many places carry 42DDD!) *I want to run around and chase my students at recess! *I want my kids (students) to not ask me innocent questions that hurt! (Why is your tummy so big? Are you 'pregnet?' My mom's not fat, why are you? ...all real questions!) Most of all...I want to be happy & healthy!

I am really shocked by what has been said about Dr. Rodriguez and Beliteweight (proper spelling...FYI). I had my band done by Dr. Rodriguez two years ago and had a wonderful experience with him, JoAnne, Jessica, and everyone else that was a part of my experience. The hospital was fabulous, I had my own private room and things were cleaner there than any other hospital/surgery I've had in the US (I've had three other major surgeries in the US). The band hasn't worked for me, but I can't blame that on him. It was not a good fit for me. I think I've found my solution in the sleeve (I pray!) and I am going back to him for my surgery in August. I can only hope that this was all written hastily out of anger with complications that are spelled out as being risks before surgery. I am sorry that anyone had a bad experience with Dr. Rodriguez. Hope things have gotten better.

Just found this on Wikipedia, interesting to read. It is about collagen protein: "Collagen has a wide variety of applications, from food to medical. For instance, it is used in cosmetic surgery and burns surgery. Hydrolyzed collagen can play an important role in weight management, as a Protein, it can be advantageously used for its satiating power.[citation needed] It is widely used in the form of collagen casings for sausages. If collagen is sufficiently denatured, e.g. by heating, the three tropocollagen strands separate partially or completely into globular domains, containing a different secondary structure to the normal collagen polyproline II (PPII), e.g. random coils. This process describes the formation of Gelatin, which is used in many foods, including flavored gelatin Desserts. Besides food, gelatin has been used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and photography industries.[39] From a nutritional point of view, collagen and gelatin are a poor-quality sole source of protein since they do not contain all the essential amino acids in the proportions that the human body requires—they are not 'complete proteins' (as defined by food science, not that they are partially structured). Manufacturers of collagen-based dietary supplements claim that their products can improve skin and fingernail quality as well as joint health. However, mainstream scientific research has not shown strong evidence to support these claims.[citation needed] Individuals with problems in these areas are more likely to be suffering from some other underlying condition (such as normal aging, dry skin, arthritis etc.) rather than just a protein deficiency. From the Greek for glue, kolla, the word collagen means "glue producer" and refers to the early process of boiling the skin and sinews of horses and other animals to obtain glue. Collagen adhesive was used by Egyptians about 4,000 years ago, and Native Americans used it in bows about 1,500 years ago. The oldest glue in the world, carbon-dated as more than 8,000 years old, was found to be collagen—used as a protective lining on rope baskets and embroidered fabrics, and to hold utensils together; also in crisscross decorations on human skulls.[40] Collagen normally converts to gelatin, but survived due to the dry conditions. Animal glues are thermoplastic, softening again upon reheating, and so they are still used in making musical instruments such as fine violins and guitars, which may have to be reopened for repairs—an application incompatible with tough, synthetic plastic adhesives, which are permanent. Animal sinews and skins, including leather, have been used to make useful articles for millennia. Gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde glue (and with formaldehyde replaced by less-toxic pentanedial and ethanedial) has been used to repair experimental incisions in rabbit lungs.[41]"