HoosierGirl

We are in Bradenton on the Gulf side. I like State College, PA - great town!

What you are saying about the marathon surgeries is valid based on my research. I’m understanding that over 6-7 hours is considered ‘too long’ for elective surgery....so the surgeon has a time limit to complete the combined procedures. Both Sauceda and Cardenas recommended a lower body lift, breast augmentation, and breast lift. Both indicated all procedures would be done in the same surgery. Sauceda said he could do a face lift a few days later if I wanted, but Cardenas said no, that is too much and I should wait at least 6 months. I believe the other part of the equation is how much blood you might lose during these long procedures and risks of hemoglobin dropping too much. From what I understand, the higher your hemoglobin is before surgery, the better the healing. If you are healthy and have the time to get everything done during one trip, I say go for it! Cardenas recovery timeframe is 8 days and Sauceda 12 days. There is so much to consider! But safety is not negotiable. Both Sauceda and Cardenas seem to feel the same.

I am looking at surgeons as well....I live in Florida but want a surgeon who specializes I body lifts for weight loss surgery patients. For that reason, I am zeroed in on Dr Cardenas and Dr Sauceda. On Saturday, I had a Zoom consult with Dr Cardenas. She is extremely impressive. I feel like she focuses on safety and feminine outcomes. Big emphasis on pre and post op nutrition. All of which are important to me. Dr Sauceda is a bit more direct. Send your photos, get a recommendation and cost. He does good work. Both doctors recommended the same procedures for me - makes it easy to compare cost. The costs were significantly different, but I am leaning toward Dr Cardenas because her results are just beautiful. Will be sure to post results if I go forward with surgery in December. Hope to see your results as well!

Surgery 2/4/2013....still maintaining the loss...so grateful!

I weigh every single day. Maintaining since 2013!

As I approach my 4-year VSG anniversary with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, I wanted to share all the positive things that have happened in my life: 1) Went from a size 18/20 to a 6. No more meds and overall fantastic health. 2) Weight loss gave me the confidence to go after my MBA. 3) I completed my MBA (and also completed a 2nd Masters just this year). 4) I got a promotion at work. And I'm making more money. 5) My husband says people think he is either rich or "well endowed" because I am "hot" and with him (he is crazy-funny). 6) Two other friends have had successful VSG surgery with Dr. Ortiz and have lost all the weight they wanted to loose. (And let me tell you, being an role model to others is a powerful thing I was not expecting, but love.) 7) I am glad to answer any questions about my experience as a 3+ year VSG veteran, surgery in Mexico, or other. If interested, you are welcome to visit my own personal weight loss blog that chronicles my pre-surgery craziness and post-surgery experience. I don't work for anyone or get paid for anything, just my experience for those researching options. www.hoosierfatty.wordpress.com HUGS - Shelley

My thought process with regard to all things related to the sleeve went something like this... Pre-Op Diet: "I can put up anything for two weeks if it gets me closer to my weight loss goal. I am going to kick the pre-op diet' a$$!" liquids Phase: "I can put up with liquids only for 10 days if it gets me closer to my weight loss goal! I am going to kick a$$ on liquids!" Soft foods phase: "Yay! Soft foods! I can totally do this phase because it's way easier than pre-op or liquids! And I am so much closer to my weight loss goal! I am going to kick a$$ on soft foods!" Adding in exercise: "I can do anything for 30 minutes! I am going to kick this workout's a$$!" Reaching goal in January 2014 : "OMG! I stuck with my routine for a YEAR and hit my goal! I really can do anything I set my mind to! I kick a$$!" Currently kicking MBA degree a$$.... I am 18 months out and will tell you that YOU CAN GET TO GOAL!!!! We are the tape recording that constantly plays in our head. Use that tape recorder to become a fierce, fat fighting machine!! Affirmations are powerful!

Way to go Kindle!!! Below goal is quite an accomplishment! Sleeve life is pretty fantastic.

Hey OCC buddies! Just checking in! Monday August 4, 2014 marks my 18 month surgiversary! I'm 5'8" and started at 237. Proud to say I hit my goal weight this January and have been maintaining ever since. Today, I weigh 145 and am a size 6 or 8 in most clothes. This procedure gave me back a quality of life I had truly forgotten existed. Just want to thank you all for your encouragement and sharing your experiences. This forum has been so helpful to me! Live reading about all the vets and new sleevers experiences. Hugs to you all!!

I have been very successful with my gastric sleeve. My primary care doctor said she didn't like the loss of nutrients with the gastric bypass. She said unless your BMI is very very high, she would not recommend it. Said she felt that over time the nutrient loss was something that would affect health/longevity. She was pleased I went with the sleeve. What led me to pick the sleeve was the removal of the upper portion of the stomach where the hunger hormone is produced. I also felt with my doctor's feedback about nutrients and longevity, the sleeve was a better option for me. I am 5'8", had high blood pressure. At my highest ever weight, I was 276 (this was while pregnant). When I started my sleeve journey, I weighed 237.6. I've been as low as 141 and no longer take blood pressure meds. Regardless of what you choose, if you follow the program and exercise, you will be successful. GOOD LUCK!

Hope your Dad is doing OK...and love the vacation pics!

Hope your Dad is doing OK...and love the vacation pics!

Kindle - totally agree...wouldn't trade my sleeve for the world! Still nice to see OCC featured on Nightline. Takes some of the fear out of weight loss surgery abroad.

Check out this cool link of Dr. Ortiz at the OCC doing a Gastric Balloon. This was a Nightline piece I read this morning....pretty darn cool! http://news.yahoo.com/video/americans-head-mexico-weight-loss-052347976.html

Raven - it's not how fast you get to goal, only important that you make it to goal! You are doing great! I was technically a slow loser too, but still made goal in a year. Actually blew past the nutritionist goal and hit my personal goal. Been maintaining 143-147 since January. If you feel good, that is all that matters! Good job!