NMJG

New Mexico has a low rate, and this is a very poor state. I think that is due to eating chiles, however.

Thanks, Mandy, I appreciate your thoughts. I am so glad to hear how successful you have been. I'm not sure my son is ready to do what it takes to eat clean and exercise. He sees what I do, but I don't think he really understands how much discipline is involved. He might well decide in the future to go this route, it is always open to him.

Hey Zappo, thanks for writing. I don't know that he has completely made up his mind and he may well decide to do the surgery later on. I just didn't want to push him either way, but for him to make up his own mind. He's a sedentary guy, does a lot of gaming. Best of luck to you

PDX, you utterly crack me up......

Me, too, Revs. I feel your pain. Ugghh. Ready for it to stop falling out anytime now. The little hair that's left looks like cr@p, too.

Look at you! Amazing transformation. Your hard work has paid off

My insurance required a "center of excellence," so I had to travel 3 hours to my clinic. I had a choice of several doctors, so honestly I just picked the one with the first appointment, since supposedly they were all good. My doctor has been great. His goal for me is 127 lbs, or BMI of 21. I think this is totally doable, although I'm already getting the "you don't need to lose anymore" stuff from other people. I plan to get to goal and stay there Peoples' goals do seem to vary widely on this site, so it will be interesting to see other responses to this thread.

Inspiring! Congratulations!

Sleevette the Wonder Tummy!

So, we decided to hold off. Had a heart to heart with my son and I told him I thought he was too young and he should really try on his own first before making such a drastic decision. He readily agreed with some degree of relief, I think. We'll see how it goes.

Moon, I answered that I was cutting back on carbs and doing exercise, which is all true. Give them a bone like, "bread will really do it to you, I am so addicted to bread" they will start going on about how addicted they are to bread, etc. etc. etc. and you don't have to say another thing lol. They will do all the talking for you

New sleevers often ask about drinking and the sleeve. Here is why it's a bad idea. Last night went out for a drink with a friend. Ordered a decaf coffee with a shot of Jack Daniels. Was doing OK sipping it. After I was done I asked for a coffee refill. Instead the waitress brought another coffee and JD. I should have sent it back but I didn't. Shortly afterwards an Indian woman from the rez is making rounds in the bar with Indian jewelry for sale. For those of you not in New Mexico, this is fairly common. Anyway, I bought some earrings for $40 that I had no intention or business buying. Ok, they are gorgeous (sterling hoops inlaid with opals) but my shopping self control was shot with the second drink. Don't sleeve and drink! (Unless you can afford it).

Current thread from a poster with complications, surgery done in Mexico. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/297213-i-had-a-small-leak-now-all-hell-has-broken-loose/ Her surgeon, who has done a lot of folks on this board, is in touch with her and is trying to mitigate things, but what a mess when you have different teams in different countries trying to sort things out. This is the atypical scenario for Mexico sleeves, but, it is a real possibility that complications will happen, and the ability to deal with the complications is hampered when the original doctor is in another country. Just something to think about and frustrating for everyone all around. I feel for this woman.

I think there is a huge difference between surgeons outside the US. There a lot of great Mexican (or other nationality) surgeons, and then there are ones whose patients have lots of complications. The problem is that it is very hard to get data and compare doctors outside the US. I think that is why so many people rely on referrals from this and other websites. I had my sleeve surgery in the US with a Center of Excellence (was required by my insurance). However, for my plastics next year I plan on going to Mexico.

I have seen a lot of pics on here of younger people like you who look phenomenal after the weight loss with no surgery. Chances are you will be fine and look great and not need it. You are relatively young You don't have that much to lose (compared to others) I foresee a beautiful new Tanya.

Honey, I'm sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

If he just started recently, I would use another surgeon, just MHO. I would also highly recommend a Center of Excellence. But if you are comfortable with it, then go for it.

Thanks, guys, this is great input. I agree it should be a last stop. We've been doing low carb, since that's the way I eat now anyway, and he's lost some just because we don't have Pasta or potatoes or bread in the house anymore. On another note, his younger brother, who was also obese and diabetic, lost the weight on his own this last year. While he did go low carb (kinda sorta), the biggest difference was exercise (forced) due to a new warehouse job combined with long walks from the parking lot to classes at his college. He is now cured of diabetes, no more metformin, and doesn't even have to test any longer. I keep hoping this will happen for my older son.

Not to belabor the point, but sleevers who are relatively new can have a harder time knowing when to stop. It took me a long time. Your sleeve is a baby at this point. It's just a good habit to measure your food so you don't overdo it and eat more than 4 oz. We all want you to succeed. I have to admit, hearing "eat anything I want" sounded bad to me, too. Maybe it's "eat anything I want that is on my plan..."

Slocin, you are doing just fine. Don't compare yourself to others, everyone is so different and it can just frustrate you. Keep to your plan and you will be great:)

Had a little wine a month out, no problem because it took me an hour to finish it. Still have a glass of wine or a low-carb cocktail, one a week or so. More than one is a problem (get drunk fast) so I sip them over a long time. Also try to stay away from drinks with too many carbs (sugary liqueurs or cocktails, beer).

Welcome to the forum. How are you holding up?

Wow! and look at those curves! Way to go!

So glad you came back to post. That is just wonderful.

what are they going to use the data for? can we see the results when they are done?