SERIOUSLY Considering having this surgery.

Angel1974 · February 18, 2009

I am seriously considering having this surgery. I am 33 years old, 5'4 and 207 pounds. I am having problems with my breathing at night, chest pain, knee pains, and I'm kind of scared for my health. I work out everyday but I am not losing weight. I want to have this surgery not because of vanity but for health reasons.

A friend of mine had it done in here in the US and it cost her nearly 18 grand. I don’t have that kind of money. Reading here I have notice a lot of people saying that they had their surgery in Mexico and Dominican Republic. I would mind having surgery in DR as my family lives there and I wouldn’t have to pay for a hotel or anything. I was wondering if someone had the information about the Dr. In Dominican Republic or the name of the hospital or clinic where the surgery is preform so I can do me research on the matter.

HeatherO · February 18, 2009

I had surgery in Mexico and had a wonderful experience. Lodging was part of the price so it was not an issue. I know nothing about surgeons or hospitals in DR.

My stats were somewhat similar to yours . . . 32 at the time, 5'3 and 225 pounds and I have lost 100% of my excess weight in less than a year. My health is phenomenal and it is the best thing I ever did for my health.

I wish you the best of luck in finding a great doctor with lots of experience.

Dinorahp · February 19, 2009

I also had my surgery done in Mexico (Tijuana) it went great, it cost significantly less, very professional staff and doctors (Dr.Jaime Ponce de Leon) very nice facilities. You should explore your options. Good luck!

Headhunter · February 19, 2009

:smile:Welcome to the forum!

Lots of great information here, lots of widely varying opinions. You'll get several different points of view for every question you ask!

My first thought on your post is that you say you work out every day, but you are not losing any weight. Exercise is certainly part of the equation. But how HARD you work out is another. You need to make sure that you are giving it all you have. It's worth hiring a trainer for a few sessions to help you set up a program, and make sure that you are exercising at the correct intensity. Also, keep in mind that having WLS will NOT eliminate your need to exercise....you want to get HEALTHY, not just thin. And proper exercise is an important part of that.

Also, you didn't mention what your eating habits are like. All the exercise in the world will not change your weight situation if you don't eat properly. If you aren't changing your eating habits at the same time you are exercising, then you're not going to lose much at all.

My thought is that Weight Loss surgery of any kind should be a last resort. The BEST situation is where you are able to control your weight through natural methods, which include proper eating habits and regular exercise. You need to be CERTAIN that you have given diet and exercise the BEST shot you can. Millions of people are able to lose and maintain their weight by changing their daily habits.

But, for many of us, that just doesn't work, and WLS can be an appropriate answer in those situations.

I know that many people on this forum have gone out-of-country to have their surgery performed, and for many of them, the results have been excellent. I can't dispute their success. But, I think that, if it is at ALL possible, you should try and find a way to have your surgery closer to home, where you live. I think that it is VERY important, should complications arise (and they can), that you be within a very reasonable distance from your surgeon. To me, it only makes sense. Now, in your case, it's good that you have family in the DR, but if you don't LIVE there full-time, I would be very hesitant to go there for surgery. And it's not just about going out of the country; I would be opposed to even going out of state for this surgery.

Again, there are a lot of varying opions on this, and I would encourage you to consider all points of view.

Best of luck in your decision-making process, and Best Wishes to you on your Road to health!

HH

Edited February 19, 2009 by Headhunter