Excited for this journey

[LauraJS]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your advice and words of encouragement as I embark on this amazing journey to a healthy, happier me. I will turn 50 in April and the only birthday gift I wanted was to be a thinner version of me. I have been exploring the option of Gastric Sleeve Surgery since my former colleague posted her success story on Facebook in the spring.I was recently told that I always looked cute considering my size and it cut pretty deep.I knew that it was time to take a new approach to my weight loss since no diet has ever worked. Believe me, I have tried them all as I'm sure most of you have. I look forward to conversing with you and learning your secrets to success.

Congratulations to all of you!

Laura

[Stacey03]

Welcome Laura, great to have you here. Do ask all your questions on the forum, its a great bunch of people :-)

[KiwiGal]

Welcome Laura. This is a great place for support and advice.

[Christie13]

Welcome Laura! Best gift you can give yourself. Excited to cheer you on along the way!

[The North Sleeve]

Welcome and best of luck to you on your journey. You will feel like a new person in no time!!

[LauraJS]

I enjoyed your videos. It’s great to see success and the joy it brings.

[AnnieG]

Laura, I think the one I really disliked was "but you have such a pretty face"....this is a lovely support group with lots of sane, sensible and proven advice.
Welcome!

[LauraJS]

Thank you for all your support. I spoke with my daughter this morning and she discouraged me from going ahead with the surgery in Mexico. She stated the health and safety reasons why this was not a good idea. She researched the horrors of gastric sleeve surgery. She questioned the doctors ability to perform it properly. She mentioned what she found online when she googled his name. She mentioned the many murders by The Cartel. And the list goes on. She said she doesn’t want me to die and she would rather I pay 3x more for the surgery and have it done at home when I have the money. While I think she is being a bit dramatic I have been told that I must consider the feelings of those who love me. Her last statement was “Mom, you can do this on your own without surgery. You’re only 200 lbs.” My problem is that I’m 200 lbs. I now have so much to think about. My head tells me to go ahead anyway but my heart tells me to listen to those who love me.

[jansluv]

My concern with Mexico - or any surgeon far from home - would be lack of support post OP. What if you have complications? I assume you are going to Mexico because you are paying out of pocket. My other concern would be - do they have the same safety/cleanliness regulations as US hospitals/surgical procedures. You have to go with your gut, but are there other options closer to home - what about the balloon?

[LauraJS]

Those are all great questions and one’s which I have been contemplating since beginning my research.

[GlennA18]

this is your decision. I"m not saying discount your daughter, but you only hear the horror stories. Lots of folks here have had the surgery in mexico and have been very happy with the results. From what I've read/researched, the facilities are extremely clean. It's a good idea to make sure your primary doctor here knows of your decision and will be supportive.

the second doubts about doing it on your own - we all had those thoughts. I've done it on my own 3 times. And gained it all back 3 times.

I was lucky to have insurance and my wife would have hated it if I went to Mexico, but you need to make the best decision for you. Your daughter needs to support whatever decision you make for your health.

Good luck to you!

[sraebaer]

I'm excited that you are excited! It really is so much FUN! (I know, I sound like a broken record, but it's true.) A positive attitude will take you to being a healthy, happy, smaller person.

[Ann2]

The Cartel?! The CARTEL!?

Because they're targeting bariatric patients?

Seriously. No.

[jerzeygirl]

This is a personal decision and not to be taken lightly. I think you would be safe from the "Cartel" though, but you have to choose what works best for you. Continued success on your decision however you choose, it's the best tool ever to life a healthy lifestyle!

[sraebaer]

Everyone knows the Mexican drug cartel works in the Ozarks. (If you watch Netflix.)