JKC2016

Please don't go! I've really enjoyed your posts. Are you sure it was intentional? They have whole sections for those of us headed to Mexico. I'm headed to Dr Fernando Garcia and found posts on here about him. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I'm just shy of 3 weeks pre-op. After a lifetime of battling to get healthy I was at HW 237 back in 2011. Lost 80 lbs with exercise, whole grains, lean Protein, healthy fats, no sweeteners. Felt and looked fantastic. Since then have battled up and down 20, 30, 50 pounds at a time, at this point I've regained 60 of those 80 lbs. Two friends had the sleeve in Mexico with Dr. Fernando García. One is 3 years post. Both say it was the best decision they ever made. One's husband had the sleeve 6 months after his wife. Both of them were lower BMI and self pay. I've watched the process and marveled at their results and decided to go for it. My BMI was a hair under 30 when I decided to go forward. There is a 30 BMI threshold and I am worried I could fall below. So I gained a little more weight to 31 for a cushion. Cost is $4,500, or $5,500 for single incision, which I am going to have. He goes in through the belly button with minimal visible scar. I'm not planning on a bikini, but I figure there will be fewer sites to heal, and why not be vain about my tummy. There was no need to wait for a surgery date, I could have scheduled as soon as I wanted. With low BMI I have no pre-diet, just 24 hours Clear liquids and 8 hours no intake at all. My scheduling challenge was convincing my wife to let go of her fears for my safety. Now she is considering having the sleeve herself if it goes well for me. She would qualify with insurance, so might have a different experience. My co-morbidities are not life threatening. They decrease my quality of life. Back pain, minor urinary incontinence, knee and ankle pain. I wake up 3-7 times per night--very curious to see if that clears up. I'd love to lose quickly. That isn't my important goal. My goal isn't losing. My goal is maintaining a healthy weight. I've always been able to lose quite well (getting harder now as I passed 50 a couple of birthdays ago.) I have NEVER been a stable weight in my life. I am so excited at the prospect of having a single clothing size in my closet! (Maybe 2, since brands vary.). There are things I won't bother buying because I can't justify the expense since I won't fit in them for long. That could change. My biggest fear is sliding even after the sleeve. I hear a lot of "these pounds are gone forever!" That will only be true if we hold to healthy food and beverage patterns forever. It's clear from my reading and YouTube watching--people who establish and maintain healthy habits get great results. People who don't, don't. Simple equation I want to be on the right side of. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I'm BMI 31 and will have surgery 1/17/17 in Mexico with Dr. Fernando García. I know 5 people who went to him with great experiences. I was 30 BMI and worried I'd drop some pounds in the no liquids prior to surgery so I've let my weight drift up to 31 BMI. First time in my life I intentionally gained, very weird experience. I'm eager to focus on healthy living, but can't lose any weight prior to surgery. There is no pre-op diet, aside from 24 hours pre-surgery fasting. Three more weeks. In the meantime I'm getting good exercise, starting therapy, and acquiring tools for easy Portion Control. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Very cool to share the journey. I'm hoping my love follows me someday. Seems like it would make family cooking and eating easier. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Wow. No cure for addiction does not mean no life absent our triggers. I know so many wonderful people living in recovery, including my mother with 21 years sobriety. I am expecting to struggle with certain trigger foods (chocolate and baked goods for me) all my life. Avoiding them works best for me now, and very likely after the sleeve too. The vast majority of us food addicts have successfully abstained many times. And eventually returned to these foods and/or beverages. I love the original post on N this thread. Thank you for the compassionate and clear reminder. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am private pay, and the threshold is BMI 30. Research I've seen says they are getting very good results with the sleeve and people at BMI 30-35. I wonder if the insurance threshold will continue to drop over the years--it has so far. After 40 years of gaining and losing, with the ceiling going up each time, I finally stopped fighting and let the last 5 pounds come on, knowing I would then qualify. I'm sure most people would say I don't need this. Mostly because I'm fortunate to store fat all over my body and it's not as obvious. Until pain in my back, knees, ankles reminds me I'm carrying an extra 60-80 pounds around again. I know the surgery is only a tool, and I have appointments to start work with a psychologist and a nutritionist. And I'll be attending support group meetings and continuing to read on this forum. Much to learn. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I carefully researched back in 2014 and decided against. Once again I did all the things I know work and lost the weight. And once again I relentlessly put it back on. I only seem to know losing and gaining. I'll know if this worked a year and more after I lose the weight. Maintenance is my goal. I'm very excited for my January 17 date. I've only told my immediate family for now. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

17th with Dr Fernando Garcia in Tijuana. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App