I Guess I'll Stop Lurking Now...i Have A Date!

[SexySlim 107]

Here's my story, it's pretty long...

I've always been a big girl, big and tall. I think since the 2nd grade. I remember weighing 90 lbs in the 2nd grade, I don't know what the norm was for 2nd graders in the 80's. I don't remember ever weighing less than 200 lbs. I'm 5'11". I won't list every diet program I've been on, but I was successful with slimfast/ephedra/daily exercise, HCG, and the Body for Life Challenge. WeightWatches frustrated me because I was allowed more points because of my height, worked out daily, and wouldn't lose while everyone else would lose 3+ lbs/week. At one point I thought something was wrong with me, my metabolism measurements were not low according to the BodyBugg.

No doctor would ever mention my weight. I thought that was odd. Fast forward to 2011 when I switched to Kaiser insurance. I was the one to bring up my weight because my doctor skipped over it since I have excellent blood work and vitals *eye roll*. He suggested the VSG and said he had many successful patients with it. My BMI is 39 (280 lbs, yikes!) and I have high cholesterol (he told me that is a co-morbidity). I first heard about VSG after learning the rapper Paul Wall had it. I said nah, I can lose it on my own, he wrote me a Rx for Phentermine. FF a year later, I'm 20 lbs heavier, I couldn't tolerate the Phentermine, I'm very sensitive to stimulants. I made the call and said lets move forward with the VSG process.

I met with the nutritionist. She didn't see how I was qualified, she said my cholesterol is a little high but my LDL looks great and is "to die for." Yes, she really said that to me. So I gave her my family history of diabetes and she said she will use that. She needed documentation of my weight from 2009. I tracked down some records from a Bariatric Clinic I went to. I had an issue getting the records to her in a timely manner. I would e-mail and call to follow up and would never get called back.

I got fed up with Kaiser's unprofessionalism. I was pissed off because I'm not fat enough and too healthy to get an instant approval. I learned more about Medical Tourism from reading these forums and started researching surgeons in Mexico. I chose Dr. Ramos Kelly. I sent him an e-mail directly last week and he responded to me in 15 minutes. Yes, 15 minutes! I sent off all my paperwork, and he called me yesterday and we spoke. I picked his brain (I'm a PhD) and requested photos and/or videos of my stomach. We both laughed. I'm weird like that! He said I can bring a camera and he will snap some photos of my somach for me. Yay! My date is set for March 29th and I couldn't be happier! I'm finally making the investement in my happiness that I have deserved for years. I have only told 2 other people that I'm going to Mexico. I can't take the ignorant comments when it comes to Mexico. A friend and I went on vacation in Peurta Vallarta last year and I couldn't believe all of the ignorant comments we got before going (I hope you don't get kidnapped...really?!?). I love Mexico! The culture and the food! Viva la Mexico!!! I told a few close friends that I am having WLS done this year, and my parents. I stopped telling people because some family and friends were not supportive. Like, one of my fat friends was like I don't want you to have the surgery, but I will support you. WTF, why you want me to stay fat like you? Sorry, that's mean but that's what I was thinking in my head. I have 2 friends with the band and one with gastric bypass, and I have their support. I'm 32, single, and make good money and I deserve this. I was just thinking today that I will not be fat on my 33rd birthday this year!

Ok, so that's my story. Thanks for reading

[Caradina 65]

Your story sounds just like me! I also opted for self pay in MX but due to being in the US and having no insurance. My BMI is the same, and I'm 33, but you are alittle taller than me. I remember wearing a 12 in 6th grade and being teased horribly. I don't remember not being overweight. I can't wait for my sleeve. I'm going on March 22. When is your date? I'll be rooting for you! We can take back our lives!

[5DoxieMom 87]

Congrats on making the decision. My date is 3/12/12. I'm having it done in Oregon. I wouldn't hesitate to go to Mexico, but since time is at a premium for me, I couldn't afford to be gone for extra days. My surgery will be done in an outpatient clinic. Kinda scary, but I've talked to people who have done this. Anyone else have theirs done outpatient?

[SexySlim 107]

Cool! I'm getting sleeved a week after you, on the 29th! Good luck with everything

[Enerfina 50]

loved it, and u made a great awesome decision! yea ur closes friends can be very discouraging at times! My best friend is sometimes in tune with me, and exited for me.. then she gets "you could lose weight without the surgery!, you just got lazy and went back to your old habits", and she had the courage to say that i am looking for a quick fix. i got so bad.. and told her you know its harder with the surgery because u really have to live a new life! everything literally has to change, and adapting is hard!.. boy was i mad.. she just wants a fat friend to stand next to her.. she lost a lot of weight only because of her diabetes, and i don't want diabetes to be the reason y my body looses weight.. she is still my best friend n all, but sometimes people can be so cruel!.. so forget them because its our time!!!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hi SexySlim, I'm glad to see you posting!! The more the merrier.

I too went to Mexico to have my surgery. I certainly came back a-ok... or even better. I don't regret my decision to go to Mexico and definitely don't regret my sleeve. It truly has saved me from myself!!

All the best to you, and welcome to your new journey!!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

CONGRATS! Welcome to a healthier life style. The sleeve is the best thing I've ever done.

[mnbsleeve 87]

Congratulations!!! This has been an amazing journey! Looking foward to reading about your progress!!!!

[Becca 108]

Congrats! You are making such a great decision! Let me know if you need anything.

[blondeej 111]

I am tall as well, 6'2" - so I know all too well how hard it is to be not only freaky tall but overweight as an adolescent. I am still scarred to this day from the torture other kids put me through.

My doc is Dr. Aceves in Mexicali - LOVE him. He did my band and will be doing my revision to the Sleeve in May as well. After having surgery in MX, I would take Almater Hospital and Dr. Aceves ANY day over a US hospital and docs. The difference is just black and white - and I agree, those that want to talk bad about Medical Tourism in MX are just straight up ignorant. The only thing I wish I could change about getting my surgery done in MX is I wish I had the ability to tele-port - the flying and traveling is a pain in the arse! lol

Good luck with your surgery! Come back and let us know how it goes! Your doc is also a very good choice in surgeon!!

[energeticmonique 2]

Hi sexy slim. I am having surgery on March 22 also. Who is ur Surgeon if I may ask? I going w/ Dr Kelly

[SexySlim 107]

Hey there! I'm going to Dr. Kelly as well. Looks like I will miss you. My date is the 29th.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[energeticmonique 2]

Oh dang, so close. Well listen let me ask you, are you doing one week pre op or two?

[SexySlim 107]

Well he only told me to do the 3 day liquid diet. My BMI is 39. I'm making the decision to do a two week diet on my own. Just Protein shakes and one meal with meat and veggies. How about you?

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[energeticmonique 2]

Yep same here I'm doing the 3day. I was just concern since there are so many post about 2weeks pre op. But I am watching cutting back as well. What protien shakes are you going with>