bkind

I said the EXACT same words as your bottom line good to know we all feel the same way!

Huge eyeroll :-) I think I stole that one from u tiffykins lol..

Um educationrulz...u start off saying ur not a rude person and say your sorry many times in ur post when u slam pnw218...r u kidding me? Your condescending and accusatory comments when she simply states her opinion is exactly what this forum is about! Come down off ur pedastal and join the human race sweetie...we're all supporters here! Def no need for ur hatefulness it's called tact! I read her posts as well as yours...she does say many times that there were some complications at the clinic and also states all surgeons have them! There is absolutely no problem with her supporting her doctor as well as everyone else supporting theirs! Some people on here feel that passionately about their doctors...good for them...opinions vary! We all can agree to disagree!

Stoongal I'm so sorry for you, your sister and family I can't begin to imagine the pain and hardship you've all endured! I chose Dr Almanza because of much research as well as you, wingrider and many others on this forum's positive experiences! I'm very thankful that I had a good experience and full recovery without infection or incident! But, with that said because I know you are an honest person and because of the problems your sister has experienced I will not in good conscience be referring anyone. Only a few of my family know and my sister desperately wants and needs this surgery, she was considering going to Dr A because of my good experience but, I would now have to caution her to do so. I can't express enough how my heart breaks for you all and anyone else who has experienced these problems regardless of the surgeon used! God Bless and God Speed! You're all in my prayers!

Cansleeve I have a suggestion...since it's your mission to "do something" about this clinic that has sooo many problems...go on over to mx and actually get first hand knowledge with camera/camcorder documentation that you can post so we can all see for ourselves exactly what you think you know. FYI..pnw218 was my roomate in mx during our surgery, we get our info firsthand not by hearsay!

How many ways can this subject be discussed? We all get it I think, some people are more dramatic about it than others...if the people who have had negative experiences are afraid to post because they get slammed...guess what...people who have good experiences are also slammed! It is what it is. Why take it so personal? I went to Dr. Almanza, had a good experience..don't get paid to say it...just relaying MY experience! It would be wonderful if everyone was unbiased and nonjudgemental regardless of the Drs we choose but, that's not so on this forum! According to some people there are conspiracys and if that's the case it's unfortunate...do I take it personally? No! Why would I? We learned in grade school to believe 50 percent of what we hear, read and see! With that said I hope anyone that is looking for a weight loss surgeon always does their research to make an informed decision! There is NO foolproof way of this based on opinions..so why beat a dead dog with the drama of Jerusalem clinic? I read about the infections some people posted about and I read about a leak...but, I still elected to go there. I have had no infections, leaks etc. It's been seven weeks and I'm doing well! I feel horrible for the people that get infections and leaks, but it's a risk we all take! There's no way people reading this forum aren't informed of the controversy about this Dr/clinic and still elect to get the surgery! We're adults and life isn't fair...this forum gives alot of positive info and that's what I focus on.

I get a b12 shot weekly at my drs office and I love it! It's not painful at all and I can definately tell a huge difference in my energy when I miss a week...they don't even compare to the sublingual I used to take that I got from gnc. The shot just works sooo much better and I notice more energy as the days go by! Ppi's prohibit b12 absorbtion so it's important to keep those levels up...not only for energy but, neurologically as well...good luck!

Thank u pnw218, I know u personally ur a precious person..I feel as well tiffykins takes things to an extreme as far as Dr. Almanza/Jerusalem clinic is concerned that's why I choose to ignore her over the top inuindos as far as surgeons are concerned...it just gets soooo monotonous...honestly I don't think she does understand that there are more tactful approaches..hence the reason she's on here alot, I have a child, husband, family, friends, church and volunteer work that fills my time...no way I could be on the Internet constantly commenting on every post..my life is just too busy. I personally don't take any offense to website or Dr advertisements no matter who they are, and it doesn't offend me in the least when someone posts about good or bad experiences regardless of the Dr involved. Seems to me she takes things faaaar too seriously on here at times and perhaps by u posting ur comments she'll take the time to read over her past comments and realize just how offensive she can be. Just my opinion!

Gr8pyrmom, Thank you sooo much for your post I used to juice and felt 100 percent better! It's funny how we get tunnel vision w/ protein... I've literally been nauseous and miserable trying to get my protein shake in for the day to get in the required amount only to feel like a failure yet again for not being able to! I was in tears earlier because my body is rejecting the torture I've been inflicting upon it! I'm throwing out all of this whey protein crap and I thank God for your post..you have saved me!!! I believe with juicing veggies and fruit plus eating my fish I will feel human again...I'm almost 3 weeks out and have lost 16 lbs and they have been the most miserable 16 lbs of my life! I was seriously beginning to regret this surgery. I did this for portion control and to get healthy and I feel now I can breathe and begin my journey and it doesn't have to be what everyone elses is! I'm not concerned with losing weight the fastest but losing the healthiest way for me to maintain for the rest of my life! Thanks sweetie and God Bless your journey!!!

Hey B, I too used Dr. Almanza and was beyond satisfied with him and the after care..I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great surgeon at an affordable cost. I also didn't have health issues and have had several surgeries so I knew exactly how I would respond. Pnw218 was my roomy while I was there and it was a true blessing, hopefully you can find someone on here that will be going the same time and recuperate together! Makes it lots more tolerable! My tummy tuck was also far worse than this and it was outpatient. My advice would be to way the pros and cons of having surgery in a clinic... For me it was perfect, I did lots of research and made an informed decision. The leak test is very nasty it's true...but, we gotta do what we gotta do! Good luck and best wishes! P.S. Melissa was my coordinator too... She's the best!! : )

Good luck!!! God speed... You're in my prayers!!

I just love a good talking too..lol...seriously, we all need it sometimes!! Here i am days before my surgery feeling sorry for myself because I've given up food for a few days (only on protein shakes..ewww) and I just needed a real wake up call! I'm so proud of all of you for doing so well after surgery! Let's face it...food is a major part of our life and we need to remember that it's not gonna be easy. I don't know about y'all but it makes me sick how much food has ruled my life!! I'm starting to feel that anger now too...I ask myself "why would I let myself get so out of control?" I mean for what??? To end up loathing how I look for literally minutes of pleasure eating my favorite food! Right now I'm trying to figure out what's going to take the place of my food...and it's a hard one to figure out! Thanks tiffykins for the post...I have to keep in mind that I'm getting my health back...no matter how hard it's gonna be! Keep up the good work everybody... You're all on your way to becoming stronger/better people!! My surgery is the 18th I'm hoping I do as well as y'all!

O my goodness do I understand what y'all mean...this forum my hubby, mom and sis are the only ones I've told, but now I regret telling my sis...she's about my size and we are very co-dependent. So her remark to me was "I'm not gonna be the only fat sister"...and while I would feel threatened/jealous a little if she was dong it I would most def support her! Well, needless to say it's awkward between us now...she hardly speaks to me. Maybe I'm taking it too personally but the timing is odd. She immediately began a weight loss plan which I am very proud of her for, because her health is far worse than mine. But, I miss her and really need her support. I'm already seeing I'm going to be losing alot more than weight...but this is something I have to do for my health. My mom is scared but supportive and I completely understand that. My husband is very supportive...he has watched me struggle for 11 yrs. I'm sooo glad I have this forum too, truly only my sleeve bros and sisters know the pain/joy/struggles etc! God Bless You All!!!

Addiction is addiction no matter what form it comes in...sex, alcohol, drugs, gambling, food and lack of food...it's all the same only a different source. I wish I had gotten help with my addiction before it landed me to 237 pounds at my highest...but before that alcohol was my addiction...and I have hurt many people as a result of both addictions, but mainly myself. I would hope before anyone decides to judge others we think about our own addictons...after all we are all the same! God bless!

I feel so bad for you. I too suffered with endometreosis...and it's so painful. On top of which you were not diagnosed properly until now. My question is the same as well...is the hysterectomy elective? Mine was not..and I had a complete hysterectomy at 31. The surgery itself was painful but I overdid it and was back at school fulltime one week later so I believe that set me back further. There are so many variables that come with both surgeries to consider...the hormonal changes that come with drastic weightloss as well as a complete hysterectomy. Besides the infertility are you in physical pain? Because mine interfered with my daily life. Once you've done your research as well as consulted with your Drs I feel you will be more informed because ultimately both surgeries will add benefit to your life. I can tell you from experience it took me at least 6 months to feel normal again after the hysterectomy and I have to use bio identical hormones now as well. In the scheme of things how will waiting 6 mos (although I would lean more toward 1 yr) between surgeries hurt you in the long run? In the end, only you will know what's right for you. Please be as informed as possible...you can never do too much research. Good luck and God bless you!

Stacy and Bella, You girls are awesome at this...I'll be making a trip because I love peach tea and that sounds delish!! Keep the suggestions coming.. I'm being sleeved on the 18th! :-)

Hey minime If u don't mind me asking what was you bougie size?? My dr. Uses 32 and I'm thinking I may need a 36? Just curious...people on here range quite a bit.

Hey my sleeve sisters!!! I'll be w/ y'all too!! Can't wait!!!

I've read others on here that had the exact same thing...fortunately it did pass for them and hope it soon passes for you. I read a heating pad helps... also are you taking nexium or prevacid? That might help too. My surgery is feb 18th and I'll bet you'll be feeling like a new person by then. Time for your tummy to heal. God speed.

I agree with y'all about the sagging skin and just let me tell you from experience there is NO pain worse than a tummy tuck!! And that's coming from having horrible childbirth pain, gallbladder surgery and a complete hysterectomy! They literally filay you! Then when it's over you get to look at a scar running across one side to the other. It's just my opinion, but if it's just a little not drooping down over your drawers sagginess... Think twice! Plus the scar tissue on the inside sometimes feels like it's ripping...that's something surgeons don't warn you about. Trust me there's worse than sagginess.

Congratulations!!! You did it!!! I've followed your story..we're starting out the about the same and I'm so thrilled to see i could be at my goal in 6 months!!! My surgery is feb 18th! I can't wait for my journey. What an amazing accomplishment, be so very proud of yourself!

I'm so happy for you Lan!!! Many prayers for you sweetie for your continued success! It sounds like the cloud is lifting.. I too take the vit d3 5000 ius daily, as well as omega 3 very important... My thoughts go faster than my train of thought and I lose myself lol. Thank you for your kind words and I wish you much peace! We are all survivors! Keep me in your prayers my surgery is Feb 18th yeah!!! God bless you!!!

I'm so sorry for your trouble...who was your surgeon? How were they able to keep you there against your will? Did you have famiy there to help? What did Dr. B do? Who was your coordinator.. Did you report this to them? I'm very interested to know this...I hope you get well soon.

I get pains like that now and I haven't had my surgery yet..I have had my gallbladder removed since 2008.. But I take an acid controller which helps me alot. I notice a huge difference if I don't take it. Also, I was told I should be tsted for H. Pylori which is a bacteria that causes ulcers from what I'm told it's very common if your prone to ulcers which I am. The treatment is several antibiotics at once and can be repeated w new antibiotics if tested and found the first round didn't kill the bacteria. I would definately talk to your doctor about the pain. It may be a simple med adjustment... Keep us posted and good luck!

Minime, Where was ur surgery done? What pain meds did u take? I'm so sorry for u and glad ur doing better... What would u suggest to people going thru surgery soon? God speed!