PhatKat

You have to make a permanent change to your mindset or you will regain. I am focused on my health period. Everything I think and do supports that. I changed my mind, the sleeve was a tool. I am 2.5 years out and down 118 lbs. permanently. My hobbies are cooking healthy foods and being active in dozens of ways. I don't have any unhealthy habits as I have determined to eliminate each one step by step. I got honest with myself about what made me fat to begin with and fierce about changing mindset. I do not self indulge on food, alcohol or negativity. I am a different person. Tackling the mental/emotional is the real key to success but without the sleeve as my tool I would have lost hope and incentive. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I was 264 and now am 146. I had the sleeve 4/14/14. I have had zero weight gain, however, I am the type to make a decision and stick with it. I made permanent changes and never backslide. I will eat something naughty at times but always stick to the overall plan. I don't drink alcohol and do not focus on food. I did the psychological work to permanently change my emotions. I have done serious work as health us a serious business. I no longer have any medical issues. Diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems are gone. I only take an allergy pill, rather than 12 pills and 4 shots. The surgery is not a miracle, it is a tool. Your mind is the key. If you are the type that gives yourself permission to self destruct, you must take care of that. That was my approach. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I had surgery 4/14/14 with Dr. Ilan in Tijuana. I weighed 264 and now I weigh 146. I had zero complications and obviously would do it again in a heartbeat. Two of my coworkers did it too and are doing well and had an easy time. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Update from me: Surgery date: 4/14/14 Complications: 0 Difficulties: Head Hunger Disappointments: I didn't magically begin liking vegetables and exercise. Beginning weight: 264 Current weight: 197 Pounds lost: 67 lbs Inches lost as of 7/15/14: 48 Body parts lost: Boobs and some hair

Then you are a veteran. I am a newbie. I have lots to learn yet.

I am involved in a Facebook support group that are past, present and future patients of Dr. Illan. I would like to have some support from my hometown. Now that food is not my obsession, I don't know where people meet if not at restaurants.

I would love to! I live on the east side of the Valley on Sunrise Mtn.

I thought I would give you an update...I was sleeved 4/14/14 as planned in Tijuana with Dr. Illan. After I arrived I had an EKG, a chest X-ray, and blood work. Later that afternoon it was show time. By this time I was more excited than nervous. They did give me a pill for nerves. I warned the anesthesiologist that I am a puker. I get violently ill every time I go under. She assured me this time would be different. I inwardly rolled my eyes. The 45 minute operation ended up being 2 hours due to an enlarged liver. I only did one week pre-op. In retrospect, I should have done two weeks. They didn't use a catheter so when I was back in my room I realized I had wet the bed. I am not sure if anyone noticed because I put the pad in the trash. I didn't have any gas pain. I did end up with a drain but no big deal. Since I didn't have gas pain I was lazy about walking. I slept as much as I could get away with. The nurses were super respectful about needing peace and quiet. The keep your door closed and come in with minimal intrusiveness. All of the nurses were the best ever. I only had one that was all business but not rude. My doctor was caring and so supportive. He took the time to get to know me before and after surgery. His partner Dr. Flores was even more personable if that is possible. I have never had such quality care in such a great facility. Even though I had done my research and was assured that all would be well, it is still a bit daunting to have surgery by oneself in a foreign country. I slept most of Tuesday. Wednesday I was released. Omar, the coordinator took me out for the most delicious broth after the final leak test (they gave me the films) then we checked into the hotel. What a nice hotel! After a nap Omar took the other woman and her husband sightseeing. I stayed in the hotel because I had to work. I laid out by the pool, the sat out on my balcony and listened to the birds. All this time I only had minor discomfort. Omar had provided me with drinks. The hotel does broth and a Popsicle each day. I slept like a baby. Dr. Flores came to check on me in the morning. Omar took us shopping. I need up buying so much stuff, he had to take me to WalMart to get me a second small suitcase. We went to the Farmacia where I bought a year's supply of B-12 shots, Retin-A, Imitrix, and Z-packs. I came back to the hotel where the doctor came to visit again. The only discomfort I have is when I breathe in deeply. Tomorrow I fly back home with fond memories and a new life.

I am sleeved! Surgery was 2 hrs because of a huge liver. No gas pain at all maybe because I ended up with a drain? I feel really...normal. I am pretty sleepy though....nap time

I had my surgery last night with Dr Illan. I had an amazing experience. No gas pain and no barfing (my biggest fear). I am being treated so well. I feel like I am on vacation.

Best wishes Elenasal. I will be thinking of you and praying for you.

I am also having anxiety because it is right around the corner. A couple of people are giving me a hard time. My DIL disapproves with fast weight loss. I explained that it is a diabetes thing. I need to get into remission ASAP. I have lost 8 lbs in two days (water) and one of my employees said, "see, you could totally do this on your own". I told her I have never had trouble losing Water weight and dieting for two days. I don't think my weight loss in the last two days means I am cured. Sigh. I am glad that I have this forum full of people that get it.

I am so sad. I still haven't found a sleeve buddy. I am at Hotel Lucerna and it seems everyone will be at the Marriott. I am going by myself. I will truly be alone. I am scared and nervous. My surgery is Monday. I started my pre-op diet today. OMG the head hunger!

I would also love to do weekly check ins. I started my preop today. OMG! I am starving (actually I am having head hunger). I got my cashier's check today. This is getting real. I think I am actually getting excited. I have been freaking out but I think it is turning from terror to excited.

I am also having surgery on the 14th. I am totally freaking out. I am seeing a therapist to help me with emotional eating. Oh my heck. I am allowing myselt to feel my feelings. The fear has been crippling the last couple of days. Last night I read some of your posts. I felt so much better. I have been researching this for two years and felt like I was totally prepared. All of the sudden I am so nervous. It is weird that I am nervous about pre-op and barfing after surgery (I don't do well post anathesia). I am totally fine with everything else. I want to thank you guys for your posts. You have no idea how much it helped to know that some of you are nervous too. I am having my surgery on the 14th as well. May I join you on the loser's bench?

Good Morning, It seems like everyone stays at the Marriott. My doctor (Dr. Illan) puts everyone at Hotel Lucerna. Is there anyone who will be there on the 16th and 17th? My surgery date is 4/14/14 so I won't get to the hotel untive 4/16/14. Thanks, Kathryn

I am completely freaking out. I have been seeing a therapist regarding emotional eating. I have not felt fear since 1987. Since getting in touch with my emotions and not stuffing them with food I am really feeling my emotions. OMGosh. I am having trouble sleeping and concentrating. My tummy is doing crazy things. I need to get it together. Surgery is right around the corner (4/14/14). Thankfully I have supportive people around me. My employees are super supportive. One is even going to do the pre-op with me! My family have all come around and are supportive of me. I know I will be fine. I have faith in my doctor and I know I am doing the right thing. The reality is setting in now. I keep repeating 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Are any of you feeling the nerves?

Nancy, I am having it the same day! It seems like a lucky day.

I am having my surgery on 4/14/14 as well. I am working on emotional eating right now and trying to feel my emotions rather than masking them with food. Holy crap! The fear is getting to me. I am having bathroom issues like crazy. The good news is that I have lost 4 pounds by just cutting out the obvious emotional eating. I start the liquid diet on Monday. I am terrified about not being able to make it 2 weeks without eating. Basically, I am freaking out. Anyone else?

Hi Are you getting nervous! I am so very nervous. I am getting nervous. I start pre-op diet Monday. It seems everyone will be at the Marriott. I will be at Hotel Lucerna. Elanasal perhaps we can keep in touch and encourage one another...

My dr takes care of all that. I sent the paperwork, he signs it and scans it back. Dr. Illan and Omar are very customer service oriented. That is an understatement actually.

I am going to Dr Illan 4/14/14. Wanna come with?

I am in Las Vegas too.

I know this is a really stupid question but I had PCOS prior to having a complete hysterectomy in 2009. I am still a hairy beast, still get acne and my hair is still thinning. I am thinking that this should have resolved itself after my hysterectomy. I wonder if having the sleeve will help any of that. I also wonder if I will be a slow loser because of PCOS. Are you still PCOS if you no longer have your overies?

I am so excited. I thought my PCP would drop me as a patient if I told her about having WLS (nevermind having it in Mexico). She was so supportive and promised to do my aftercare. She was up on what the sleeve is and what I should expect from it. She was more than happy to give me a referral to a Nutritionist and to a therapist for my food addiction. Things are starting to fall into place. I am 90% sure of my surgeon choice (Illan). As far as money goes, I have been unexpectedly been offered overtime at my job. While the overtime is very short term, It will pay for 1/4 of my surgery cost and my tax return should cover the rest. I have also discussed it with my adult children and spouse, my daughter still living at home, my parents and my grandmother. I am shocked that they are supportive. Particularly that I am going to Mexico. Of course, no one is willing to go with me (to be fair each has a newborn and my parents and grandmother are elderly) but at least they are supportive. It is starting to happen and I feel good about it. Last year when I was considering it, I had recurring nightmares about it. I guess now is the time. I am almost ready! As mentioned above, I am going alone. I would love to meet someone who is going on 4/14/14 or around that time.