So here goes...

[Tasha4]

So this is my first post… I am scheduled to have the gastric sleeve by Dr. Almanzo on Tuesday, July 24 I am getting ready to start the last week of liquid protein and starting to get a little nervous :-) I am 5’4” and about 210 pounds.. I say about because you simply quit getting on the scale when you Do not like what it says .. I have lost the same 60 to 70 pounds 100 times in my life. I have lost the same 60 to 70 pounds 100 times in my life. If Oprah tried it so did I! Losing weight has never been the problem it is gaining it all back plus some
I am on high blood pressure medicine and I am prediabetic

I am a registered nurse in Atlanta and my hospital has a wonderful bariatric program. My BMI is just not high enough to qualify for their program and have insurance coverage I am sure there are many in the same situation. I am very encouraged by all the comments on here about having no regrets other than wishing they had done it years before. As a nurse I know all the things that can happen but it seems rare so I am hoping that I will be one of the success stories ..

I have not discussed this with my family I do not want to listen to all of the s.... About doing this out of the country and the dangers involved. I guess one of my biggest concerns is finding someone for aftercare I plan to get some counseling and see a nutritionist but it seems that the surgeons in Atlanta do not wish to see patients that had surgery out of the country unless you come in through the emergency room. I certainly hope that will not be my case!

Thanks for the ear as I begin this journey getting back to good health WISH ME LUCK

[sraebaer]

You will easily lose all your weight, you don't have that much to lose! I'm 5'4" and started at about 217. Got to 140 in about 7 or 8 months. Now I'm 135, (High end of healthy BMI.)

It's really fun, get ready!

[Tasha4]

Omg if I could have that success I would be thrilled. Thank you so very much fir your response!!

[sraebaer]

Omg if I could have that success I would be thrilled. Thank you so very much fir your response!!

You will!

My PCP is very knowedgeable on the sleeve, she knows what extra blood work is needed and when. I was self-pay in the states, so couldn't return to the bariatric center after my 3 months of follow-up were over.

I have all my doctors follow-up instructions if you need them, now sure what they give you in Mexico.

[swatkins]

Hey Tasha,
Just returned from being sleeved in Mexico with Dr. Almanza. Rest assured, very clean and new facility, professional, courteous, nice staff, never felt danger or unsafe conditions, other patients were supportive and encouraging. I am sure you will do fine. Don't hesitate to ask questions, and follow their guidelines to the letter.

[Dutchie]

Don't worry Tasha, you will be one of the succes stories!
I am also 5'4" and I started at 218 lbs.
Now I am at the low end of a healthy BMI at 107, 14 lbs below my goal weight.
For the last 4 months I am maintaining this weight.
As sraebaer sais: this is so much fun!
Sit back and enjoy the ride.

[Juanita62]

I am 5'1" and started at 214 at my heaviest (I lost 2 pounds before surgery, so 212 on surgery day). I am 3 1/2 months out and weighed 168 this morning. Before surgery my husband was not very supportive. I honestly believe he thought this was just another weight loss fad that I was going to fail at. This morning I went to go on my hike wearing my workout clothes and he just looked at me with so much pride. I really do look at food differently and feel so much better physically. You go this!!

[KiwiGal]

Welcome.
I'm sure that you will do just fine.
Many of us don't tell many, is any, people about our surgery....for various reasons. This is your journey, you decide if and when you want tot ell anyone.
Good luck

[HubHacken]

You are a real hero!

[Stacey03]

Fabulous and welcome :-)

[Tasha4]

265 to 126?! REALLY WOW!! You ROCK!!

[Tasha4]

Thank yo so very much for the kind welcome an doffer of post op info. I would LOVE it!! That is my only concern. As a nurse I know after care is so important. So far no luck in anyone who will see me unless I come through ER 8(

[Tasha4]

thanks for that. Starting to feel guilty bout not sharing!! Hope all goes well!

[Tasha4]

Thank you for those encouraging words!! Your husband smartened up FAST 8) fortunately my dogs do not care what I look like! and I handle my Harley fine!! LOL!

[Tasha4]

14 below your goal!! WOW is all I can say. There IS light at tunnel end!!! Those tulip fields in your pic are amazing!