HoosierGirl

GOALS were: 1. Complete 1 mile fun run with kiddos - DONE! And it was GREAT! The kids (ages 5 and 8) completed the run with only moderate complaining! LOL! Maybe I will try a 5k next spring?! I KNOW I can do it! 2. One hour of exercise per day - well, less success here...but I DID exercise 19 out of 30 days this month for an average of 44 minutes per session. Proud of both accomplishments and appreciated being able to participate in the challenge!

Didn't hit my goal of 145....but did get to 149.5! Haven't been in the 140s since college!

I think the technical term is "cohesive gel breast implants". They are also called gummy bear implants or gummies because if you cut them, they remain intact - the gel doesn't leak out into your body - like how a gummy bear is squishy, but the inside doesn't leak out if cut. They feel lighter than saline and won't deflate if they develop a leak. The cost is a bit more than saline, but seem to have better longer term performance.

I have gotten quotes ranging from $6000 to $9500 in Mexico. My reward for reaching my personal goal weight is going to be to pay my deposit for a Mommy Makeover (tummy tuck and breast augmentation with gummy implants). Only 6 pounds to go! All the doctors quoted the same procedures and the range of cost were quite interesting. Same procedures in Hoosierland ranged from $15600-18300. Got quotes from Sauceda, Cervantes, Calderon, Cardenas, and Pantoja. After reviewing Realself.com and communicating with the office staff, I have decided to use Dr. Pantoja.

I do a lot of home workouts and gym workouts. Have a Polar FT7 and like it a lot. Although it doesn't track distance on my runs, I can still track my heart rate.

YES - tried it while I was about 170 lbs (so about 20 lbs ago) and finally sent it back. I had been doing a lot of High Intensity Interval Training workouts for about 35 minutes at a time and thought I could hang with this....NOPE! It wasn't really the pace so much as the lack of instruction on FORM. I think if you already know good exercise form, you would probably be OK. I like Shaun T and they offered modifiers for the less athletic to make the moves easier. Plus, the short 25 minute total workout time was wonderful. If you get it - let me know what you thought...

OMG - YES! I went through my local bariatric program and was denied....then did all the research and decided on Mexico. Now, everyone knew about my desire for surgery in the US, it was fine. But, when I told my Mom about Mexico she FREAKED OUT! Really read me the riot act and got hateful with me. Well Mom, I love you and I respect your opinion, but I'm doing this anyway! What is so funny is that now SHE WANTS SURGERY IN MEXICO TOO! If you don't know about the quality surgeons in Mexico, it does sound scary. Don't let anyone else's opinions change yours....you know the facts and what is right for you. I'd rather be thin with everyone mad at me than be fat and live with the pain of regret.... Good luck.

You made my day...wow. I'm so so so glad you found the blog and are going to be able to have surgery despite the stupid insurance company! What day in April are you having surgery? This surgery will change your life in ways you cannot imagine today. At first, I was all about the weight loss/protein, etc. Now, I am all about being HEALTHY. Eating good food. Exercising. Getting enough sleep. Etc. I am in shape - not just thin. My cholesterol/BP/blood sugar are excellent. I want the same for YOU! Your husband sounds like a wonderful person...you will be so glad you have his support. Go SoCalMomOfFour! I am cheering for you...April will be here before you know it! (And you let me know when you are going to be in Indy....would really love to meet you!) Hugs

You know how to make my day! Much love to you my friend! Enjoy reading about your progress! You are just going to blow past your goal weight...motivating to watch!

Aww -thanks! Glad I was able to help! The folks at the OCC do really good work that enables people to live a longer life... Have a lot of good will for them and everyone who is bold enough to go outside the mainstream to have surgery. Especially out if the country. Kudos to you for taking charge of your health!

Wow thanks! Glad documenting my sleeve experience helped you. Appreciate the kind words! I hit the doctor's goal awhile back and am 6 lbs from my personal goal of 145. The next big adventure will be a tummy tuck in Mexico....stay tuned! Lol

Fun run today! Kids and I ran the whole way! We didn't know it was a trail run, but managed to plug along and get it done! Maybe I should try for a 5k in December? Not getting 1 hour of exercise every day, but am getting much more than I have in past months. Boy this last 7 lbs is taking FOR EVER to go away!

WOW! Thank you! I am glad that I was able to help your journey. This surgery and weight loss is going to change your life! I am really excited for you....and am looking forward to hearing the story after you tell your mom! LOL! (You know there will be some crazy something....gotta love family!)

Down 84.4 lbs since surgery on 2/4/13. Hit doctors goal a couple weeks ago, now working on my personal goal of 145. These last 8 lbs are taking FOREVER! But really enjoying the exercise I have been doing. My next adventure is going to be a tummy tuck....hasta la vista hanging belly skin...

Since being sleeved, I am going to keep as habit the new behaviors I have learned. Weigh daily, track all my food and exercise. Never did that in fatness, but a must do for me to maintain skinniness. Gotta know my numbers or I will slowly start to lose the battle.

COVATILA84 - what is so funny is that my Mother has contacted Dr. Ortiz to see if he would do surgery on her! Go figure... I'm glad you have the support of close friends during this as it's a big deal. The mental aspect of the surgery is something I wasn't really in tune with. Thankfully, my husband has been very supportive and "gets it".

At last year’s annual physical, I asked my primary care physician (PCP) if I would benefit from weight loss surgery. She said, “Yes, weight loss surgery would benefit you. But, not something as drastic as the by-pass due to absorption issues.” Great – that is all I needed to hear. Last summer, I completed the program at my local bariatric center – even though I met insurance criteria, I was immediately denied – both insurance appeals were denied – I got determined – started researching all options - then chose my surgeon in Mexico. (My BMI was 36 and I had a co-morbidity and met the insurance requirement for surgery, but was denied because my hypertension was controlled with two medications.) It never occurred to me to ask my doctor for her “permission” to go to Mexico for surgery nor did I check to see if she would treat me after surgery. She said I would benefit from weight loss surgery, so I was doing it! After surgery in Mexico, I faxed her the surgery notes and she helped me get off all my blood pressure medication. Fast forward to today and this year’s annual exam. This was my first visit to the doctor since surgery in February. Of course my weight is down, my resting heart rate was great, and my blood pressure NORMAL with a normal sized cuff. YES! The appointment started out like normal, she was asking how I was feeling, etc. Told her I felt great, was eating well, exercising, and losing weight after bariatric surgery in February. She said, “Oh yes! I got the surgical notes you sent me…did you REALLY go to Tijuana and have surgery?! I thought you might have been kidding!” It was sort of comical. As I started with the story – here eyes were huge! But, once she understood my surgeon’s credentials, facility certification, what procedure I had, post-surgery follow up, she had a big smile. My PCP said, “You did good! Our medical system is such a mess and everyone watches the doctors & hospitals, but who is watching the insurance companies? Oh, and I would be really interested in talking to your surgeon about how to practice out of the country. We love the Caribbean and I would love to take care of the ex-patriots living there.” She looks at my incisions and said they looked great. For anyone considering Mexico and concerned about what your doctor might think, don’t be. If your doc is on board with weight loss surgery for you, they might be really interested in learning more about medical care outside the US too.

DANG - so sorry to hear about the flu and very glad it's not surgery related. You are doing the smart thing to stay hydrated! Hope you start to feel better soon.

Karliy - how are you feeling today? Mouseonthemile - keep us updated!

WOW - reading all these intolerances is very interesting! Never had the slimes...never thrown up. Seem to be able to eat anything really. But I do find that I physically feel ill after eating any type of potato. Not sure what is up with that!? Also I can plan on just feeling badly after eating any high fat food. Just a general "sick" feeling for a few hours after.

OK - here is my update for the first third of the month. I a MOST PROUD that I started running and am up to 1.4 miles without stopping!!! Upcoming 1 mile fun run with my 5 and 8 year old this Saturday! Will be sure to post a photo! November exercise minutes actual 558 minutes - goal 600 minutes, feel like I am "on track" to hit my goal of 1 hour per day: 1 - 30 min 2 - 66 min 3 - 44 min 4 - 61 min 5 - 55 min 6 - 35 min 7 - 62 min 8 - 55 min 9 - 60 min 10 - 90 min

Prayers and good vibes sent your way! Be sure to update us after surgery!

I had a friend with me before/during surgery, but traveled home by myself. It was no big deal. If you are alone, you will be fine! I never felt concerned about my safety.