AmandaRaeLeo

I opted for Dr. Lopez in TJ. I almost did PV but decided to save the extra money for PV next year so I can enjoy it properly... And be a bit healthier/thinner. Amanda Rae

I am using Dr. Lopez through A Lighter Me. It is $4500 for the sleeve. I have to pay an extra $500 because my BMI is over 50. The price range in Mx is between $4k - $10k. Amanda Rae

It is excluded from my insurance and I don't have $20k lying around... :-) Amanda Rae

How is everyone sleeved thru Dr. Lopez or Dr. Ortiz doing this new year? Amanda Rae

How are you doing now? Amanda Rae

I think Muffintop had Lopez/Ortiz... I think.

I am a blood donor. Any idea how long I have to wait to resume donating blood. Does Medical Tourism in Mx defer me for any amount of time? As much as I dislike the act of donating blood, it is important to me that I do donate blood. :-) I didn't see anything specific to it on their deferral criteria but Medical Tourism has only become trendy as of late. Amanda Rae

Sorry all. I amended my original post. I cannot remember if Janese used Dr. Lopez or a different surgeon with ALM. I mostly work with Ronda. Amanda Rae

'Cuz loud gas pain sounds sophomorically comical. Amanda Rae

Hooray for you! A thrilling feeling, isn't it? Amanda Rae

I'm still preop but I am scheduled for sleeve surgery with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Osuna on 3/18/13. I hopped around from surgeon to surgeon, mostly in my own head, although I vocalized my flip flopping on here too. I chose Dr. Lopez and Dr. Osuna, through A Lighter Me, (they are spouses) because they operate as a team. I like the idea of having 2 Bariatric surgeons at once. Dr. Lopez specializes in patients with high BMI, patients like me, who carry a greater risk. My sleep apnea is a big concern of mine. http://www.alighterme.com/ I spoke with people, on this forum, on Facebook, and on the phone who are former patients. Also, one of the coordinators, Janese, was sleeved going through ALM b4 becoming a coordinator. The cost played a part too. I have to pay 500 extra b/c of my high BMI unless I can get it down to under 50 by surgery date... And I'm trying. At this time the sleeve is 4500 for a BMI under 50. They have do financing sites on their page too. Others here have posted financing companies they've used as well. I'm paying cash from my 401k. I figure I can use some of my retirement money to ensure I live to see retirement! I hope I'm a good investment! I hope I helped give you some info. Good luck making your choice. There are so many options and just as many people to share their experiences. Amanda Rae

You can request a wheelchair at the airport to get you to and from your plane and connector flights. Many have posted that it made a big difference. Of course we want to walk as much as possible too. Le sigh. It's a judgement call... Amanda Rae

A safe and successful surgery! Please let us know how you fare. Amanda Rae

Don't let it get you down. We all respond to surgery different. Just "listen" to your body and if something seems off then get to the doc ASAP. Otherwise, slow and steady... Happy healthy recovery. Amanda Rae

I share that same worry. I haven't flown since I was 18. I'm pushing for an aisle seat. Plus my mom will be beside me. Amanda Rae

My mom and I are booking our flights right now!!! This. Is. Real... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amanda Rae

A safe and successful surgery to you! Amanda Rae