I had always had small boobies with never really bothered me, my issue was the shape and nipple placement. I looked like “out of Africa” boobies - two deflated upside down triangles with south-easterly and westerly nipples. I’ve also had serious weight issues in the past and as a result had the sleeve (VSG) done in 9/2010 and lost 105lbs - went from 255 to 150. I eventually maintained at 165/170 for 5 years then started regain. Went up to 205, had a revision done 8/2016 to the SADI-S, and lost to 180-ish and maintained there. I am presently working to lose that last 20lbs to get back to 160/size 8. In the meantime I needed to do something about my boobies, and eventually my arms and torso after so much weight loss. So I headed bak to Dr. Frayre, who did my revision in 2016, to get started with my boobies. His office is located in Tijuana, which is only about a 20 minute drive from my house in San Diego. I sent him the pics I’m attaching here to see what he could do. He said I would need a lift and relatively small implants. I forget what the procedure is called, but he would just need to do the “crescent moon cut” right above my areola to lift and maybe cut around a little to adjust as needed. So we set the date for Thursday August 30, 2018.
I'm traveling to Tijuana this week to have Orbera placed. Over the past seven months, I've gained 20 lbs. I was about 15 lbs overweight to begin with. Since my BMI is 28, they won't do the procedure here in the US. I start my liquid diet in weds, and have it inserted Friday. Pretty nervous and excited! Updated on 7 Jul 2017: Hello all! Thanks for your comments and posts. I just got back to the hotel after a day at the hospital here in Tijuana. The shuttle camr for me about 7:30 Am. Checked into the hospital and waited in my hospital gown in a room for about a half hour. The dr. Came in and answered some questions, then the nurse out an IV in me. I was then wheeled into the operating room. The staff was all very friendly and professional. They sprayed some anesthesia in my throat and put something in my nose and mouth, turned me onto my side and I was out. Woke up around 9:15. I immediately felt nauseous, so they put some medicine inti my IV. They consistently did that throughout the day. I did throw up once after I ate some jello too fast. It was just liquid and nothing too gross. I was slightly annoyed when they told me I would only be in the room for an hour, and it Turned into many. I was even more annoyed when I didn't get my belongings until 3:25. I had no phone to look at or books to read because they were all in my bags. I eventually got them tho, and it was fine. Nobody knew the wifi password there, so I couldn't surf the web. Thank god I downloaded some Netflix shows last night into my phone. I was feeling a lot better and spoke with the dr, got my paperwork and Was sent back to the hotel. They wanted me to stay the night at the hospitsl but I was more comfortable at the hotel. I feel fine right now, other than feeling like I just ate a whole pizza. Hoping I can get some sleep tonight and avoid getting nauseous on the ride home/on the plane. I seriously feel like I could go walk around the town right now, but I'm going to try to rest. Anyone coming down here for the balloon, Judy a heads up the prescriptions will cost $250 in addition to the surgery, and one of them is a liquid ( I only did carry-on so now I have to check my small bag which also annoys me). Seriously hoping this thing helps me lose some weight! Trying not to dwell on all the $$ I've spent Updated on 9 Jul 2017: Well I'm feeling remarkably better than yesterday. I still have heartburn and occasional cramping, but I feel a lot more normal and ready to go back to work tomorrow. I threw up once last night but it was nothing significant. Today, I ate a mashed up hard-boiled egg, some protein shake and half a yogurt. I also did a beach body workout and went for a 22 mile bike ride. I felt a little dizzy on the ride but pretty good overall. The only thing bothering me is the heart burn at night. I'm hoping to start seeing results over the next month! Updated on 10 Jul 2017: Continue to feel better each day. Went to work today, nothing eventful. Took me all morning to drink my protein shake, then I had lunch around 1:30 which consisted of about 2 oz chicken and a quarter cup if guacamole. I came home and got pizza for my son since he's been asking for it and omg it smells so good. I know I shouldn't be eating that though and it would probably make my cramps awful, so I just had two hard boiled eggs all mashed up. I'm off the anti-nausea and only take the heartburn med at night. I'm drinking a lot of water too, do that's good. Ive also been sleeping so well. I think it's because I haven't had alcohol in a week, so I don't get up in the middle of the night to pee. I think my body is slowly adjusting to this thing! Hope it works. I also went for a 3.5 mile walk tonight. Really hoping to see some changes to my body at the end of the month! Updated on 20 Jul 2017: This week was very difficult, as I was traveling for work. Last weekend was hard, and I went out for drinks with friends when I was out of town. Then, when my work conference started on Monday, I kind of over did it. I tried to stick with just eating proteins and vegetables, but Tuesday, I think I over ate, and got really sick. The same thing happened yesterday. I am glad to be back home now and will hopefully be able to manage the diet better. I was at 175 still today and am sticking to liquid today. Updated on 21 Jul 2017: One more update from today, was able to fit into my old size 12 shorts. Probably been at least a year since I've worn them. Even though I'm not seeing the lbs drop as dramatically as I'd like, something must be happening for those shorts to fit. I couldn't button them two weeks ago. Hoping this continues!
Excellent doctor... very profesional and very detail with explaining the process. The facility and staff over exceeded my expectations. Will do it again in a heartbeat. My biggest regret was not doing it sooner.
I just had the Orbera placed on Thursday. I haven't experienced any nausea or vomiting but I do have a bit of cramping. I also feel very week. I've only had broth, juice, and water since two days before surgery. So far I've lost about 10 lbs in just a few days. It all water weight of course. I feel foggy and am not able to drive. I have a three year old that I took to a roller skating birthday party today. Luckily she didn't like the skating part so she sat around with her friends playing arcade and eating popcorn. I would have not had the energy to put on skates and take her skating. My start weight is 213. I am hoping to lose at least 40 lbs. Updated on 23 Jun 2017: I had the obrera ballon placed on May 25. So far so good. I've lost about 15 lbs. I am not exercising yet but only bcz we are moving and I just haven't had time. The cramping has fully subsided. I am 100% on solid food. I am eating mostly a high protein diet. No rice, bread, or sweets. I get full much faster than before. I try to eat 5 small meals throughout the day and occasionally drink a Diet Coke. Otherwise lots and lots of water. I find that if I don't drink enough water through out the day then I feel empty. The water helps my tummy not feel hungry. All in all I am very satisfied with the procedure. I am not satisfied with the service I received from the Mexico Bariatric Center. They are horrible with customer service. Basically, they'll tell you whatever it takes to get paid and once you pay they stop responding. I worked with Kristi and I've delt with Brian and he's just rude on so many levels. Dr Ponce and his assistant were very good and like I said absolutely no side affects. I had zero nausea. I've never even thrown up. That's one of the major side affects when the ballon isn't appropriately placed.
of course the moment when you wake up from surgery is the worst but after day 2, you are walking and feeling better. He explains everything from the beginning till the end of this journey. He is the best in the industry & I know for a fact that he keeps himself up to date with his profession. I literally trust him with my life. I would go again to him for anything else.
My children are my motivation. They are so young and need a healthy mom. I have had a weight problem for a number of years and tried every diet going with some short lived success. I had the gastric sleeve on January 21st and it was the best decision ever. I was sore after the operation and my scars are still tender but it's bearable just have to be careful with my children head butting my tummy. At the moment I am struggling with my protein drinks since they are making me nauseous and the vitamins I have are the same. I am looking for alternatives and it seems a process of trial and error. My secondary goal for having the op is that I want to work in the Homeland Security field but need to be fit and healthy in order to achieve this goal. My body is under construction. Getting water in is not a problem for me, the eating is a bit of a mission mostly since there is no hunger I have to think hard sometimes about weather I have eaten enough. I will post photos when I'm further along in my journey since I'm only 11 days out and have lost 10 lbs most of which was lost in the first 5 days of so, my body is being a bit stubborn but I'm sure the scale will move soon.
My story starts like many others. I grew up chubby, did my teens with a little something extra, got hitched in 2010 with the much needed help of spanx and a tightly corseted dress and moved blissfully into marriage with a burger in my hand. A big personality can help you a lot, it can also give the impression of confidence where it lacks. I have never felt comfortable in my own skin, but showing that weakness and sadness and being vocal in my struggle was not something I felt comfortable doing. I had gotten to the point where I wasn't sleeping good, I was constantly tired, starving myself throughout the day and binging at night. My body was protesting and I knew I had to start to listen. At the same time - a friend had reached out and told me of her story and struggle and that she had heard great things about Dr. Jaime Ponce de Leon in Tijiuana. I told her she was crazy - who goes to Mexico for surgery? She persisted, and after a lot of research and soul searching I filled out the forms and was approved to move forward with my gastric sleeve. It wasn't a full month from the time I said yes to the day I had my surgery. October 15th was my 28th birthday and the start of my new life. The first week after surgery has been challenging. The hospital in Tijuana was great, clean, and the nurses friendly and attentive. The language barrier was not ideal, but getting creative with hand motions helped solve some of the issues. Traveling home - sucked. Take a few extra days in the area if you are traveling. I have been home for 5 days. On Thanksgiving Sunday I weighed 275lbs, this morning I weighed in at 258.6. This liquids are fine but my mind tells me I want more, my body does not. It pukes it all up. So pleasant. I don't have any pain anymore, other then gas (that's been fun), and my tummy is healing up nicely. I have no regrets. Updated on 3 Dec 2015: It's been 7 weeks to the day since my surgery and life is great. I have lost 37 pounds. I have energy, and I feel good. Good in a way that I haven't felt in a very long time. I can see the weightloss now. I can see definition in my cheek bones, my clothes are loose, I get compliments from loved ones, and most excitingly - I am complimenting myself. How many of us are so cruel to ourselves when we look in the mirror, and when we step on the scale? I hated both. I avoided both. I look forward to these things now. The continual progress and changes. I feel the surgery has given me a new outlook, one I didn't realize I so desperately needed. Eating is definitely a challenge. It's a bit of a gamble as I introduce new things into my system. Soups are definitely still by best friend. The fatgirl mentality is still a battle - thinking I can eat more then I can - and puking it right back up. But I'm learning. And moving forward.
So after all this time and research I've finally purchased my plane ticket and paid the $500 deposit. I'm getting sleeved! I decided to go with BariatricPal and get Dr. Ponceto the surgery. Deciding on Dr Ponce was easier thN finding the right coordinator, David from BariatricPal was perfect. I can't wait to see how my trip goes. I go under the knife on the 15th April 2015. I'm honestly so anxious, I'm tired of being fat and immobile. There aren't too many men on these sites so I hope this helps other men as well. Anyway, its finally happening! I'm almost 6' tall and weigh 304lbs and my BMI is 42. Mytotal and final goal is 225lbs. My complete journey will be documented. If you have any questions ask away! Take care all my fellow sleevers :-) Updated on 2 Apr 2015: Holy crap, and it finally starts! I can't lie I didn't sleep a wink... Nervous and anxious as hell! I'm more worried of starving than the operation itself lol. I went out for a crazy sushi bufft last night. I had to celebrate the departure of this fat belly body. Ok well, here are my measurements: Height 5'11-1/2" Weight 305.4 lbs Waist 56" Hips 49-1/2" Chest 53-1/2" Left thigh 29-1/2" Left bicep 16-1/2" Left forearm 13-1/2" Neck 17-1/2" BMI 42.5 Now I'm off to my wonderful kitchen filled with old disgusting non tasty food like, eggs, steaks, bread, pasta, potatoes, pork, bacon, ribs... did I mention it was disgusting food :-((( But it's all good I get to have a tasty tea and shake!!! :-D Pardon my sarcasm it's been bottling up lol Ok well keep strong my fellow realselfers. All hail the liquid diet!!! By the way, thanks for all the support in advance, it's about to get real nasty in my area for the next 14 days haha. Updated on 4 Apr 2015: Today is my 3rd day on the pre op diet. Ok well let's start with the first day: The first day I was pretty ok throughout the whole day, I had ate like a mad man the day before so that food kept me going for a while lol. By evening time I got home and I started feeling cold, light headed and somewhat blurry vision. I threw on some jogging pants and a sweater and had a tea. I started to feel a little better but nothing significant until I decided to make myself a broth. Once I had the broth that helped my core temperature warm up. I think I was just going through a little shock. I went to bed and woke up the next day feeling good I must admit. Well needles to say (I have a scale next to my bed) I weighed myself! I had lost 4.5lbs in 1 day! I know its just water weight but man it was encouraging. I felt like jumping and dancing but I didn't want to waste much protected energy :-) Anyway, so on my second day I did the same thing except for lunch I had a soup with 1 spoon of little lentils. I'm not sure I was allowed to do that but it kept me full pretty much the whole day! Long story short I woke up the next day (third day morning) only 1lbs lighter :-( Truth is that's still great but 1lbs next to 4.5lbs is a psychological difference. I know I'm not supposed to weigh myself daily but that's something I just can't stop. It's become an addiction... So last night was Friday night and my wife and I decided to go buy some teas, we went to Chinatown. I love their herbal teas in glass jars. So there I am looking at all this weird stuff and getting all captivated. I'm picking this and that and going full force with my questions. I ended up by buying just a few kinds, nothing much at all. Guess how much it cost me??? $98!!!!!!!! Holy crap, I'm almost lost all my weight through shock right in that store! Anyhow... I picked up my jaw and paid the guy, what else to do I need that stuff right? hehe... I couldn't stop ranting about my $100 tea purchase for the rest of the night, poor wife of mine had to endure that but thank goodness I was pretty humorous about it as well. From there we decided to go see my parents and then I hit a wall, their food... Oh crap it smelt so good. I pulled through, I had only fish and a little cream spinach. Well I finally made it home and so far I'm good for my third day. Updated on 8 Apr 2015: If I ever thought it was hard before I can only imagine how it will be for the next 7 days. I've always felt that time passes by very fast but this time I can't wait for the time to pass by faster lol. It feels so slow!!! Oh well, we are all in the same struggle either way. May everyone be strong and motivated! Take care real selfers :-) Updated on 15 Apr 2015: Alright let me get right into it. the first flight out of Montreal to JFK was a breeze, the layover time was very short but then from JFK to San Diego kicked my rear end! Oh man i couldn't wait to get off that plane. But once I was in TJ oh man it was so worth it! As you know I chose to go with BariatricPal and David my coordinator has been superb so far. He sent me my driver "big" Robert who was simply super funny and humorous, he had my wife and I laughing the whole way. we stopped off at walmart and well... he did my shopping for me and it was a blast. I kept on picking stuff up and he kept on putting it back lol it was weird him telling me that i would only need two bottles of gatorade for my whole stay while under normal circumstances i would have drank two bottles in one day. Anhow he took relly good care of us and while driving gave us some good history pointers. the trip to TJ was a breeze. From there we left to Tijuana. I was doubtful of the recovery house until i came and saw it. This place is so comfy and cozy i feel like home away from home. Here I met David and Juan "Johnny" who's my tour guide here and he as well has a great sense of humor. David my coordinator has been amazing and after meeting him I felt even more happy that i chose to go with him. and BariatricPal. I know I might sound like a salesman but he's been on the ball with me and all my requests. My wife and I and Johnny went for a walk later on that evening and my wife had some amazing tacos... I swear that was difficult for me, I'm in Mexico and can't even eat god damn it! Anyhow the walk was nice and refreshing for my eyes as well. In Montreal we still have snow so yes it was refreshing. Anyhow back at the house there is internet a computer a tv and even an internet phone line. The wifi speed is very good and I have not found myself complaining at all. I will post up pics of everything in the upcoming days. Anyhow I arrived on Tuesday and my surgery is on Wednesday. I strongly advise everyone coming here to arrive a day earlier to settle in and relax before the surgery. I think its better but to each their own. Anyhow, if you have any questions whatsoever please do not hesitate to ask. I cant wait to get this done! chat soon everybody! Updated on 15 Apr 2015: So let me start by saying i'm super scared of needles lol. My veins are hidden and hidden which makes it difficult to find and my nervousness made it close to impossible to find, poor nurse. She tried finding it near my wrist and poked me a few times but it never hurt. She was nice enough to freeze me with a spray before poking me. After several attempts I asked them to stop and give me a few minutes because I started feeling a little faintish. Truth is it was all in my mind but as we know the mind is strong so we relaxed for a few minutes and then went into my arm. 1-2 tries and we were in! Everything went super smooth. from there. Big Robert held my hand like if I was his baby lol it was hilarious. I must admit it was my request hahah I'm terrified of needles remember?! We were all laughing at that but it all went super well. The nurse was so patient and kind it's been super pleasant thus far. The hospital is very clean and nice. The room I'm in a also very clean and nice with a TV and wifi! I'm in room 403 at the INT hospital, in case you ever come here. Apparently this room has the bigger tv compared to other rooms. Now it's the waiting game, Dr Ponce will be doing my surgery. I just got my results back and it all looks very good apparently, no complications. I'm 180 cm tall and weigh 128kg. I'll convert it in my next post along with my measurements. Updated on 15 Apr 2015: ok so here are my measurements: Height 5'11" Weight 292 lbs Waist 54-3/4" Hips 46-3/4" Chest 51-3/4" Left thigh 27" Left bicep 15-3/4" Left forearm 13" Neck 17-1/2" BMI 40.7 Updated on 18 Apr 2015: Hello everyone, I`m sorry I have not been able to upload anything earlier but here I am and it`s finally done! I got sleeved in Tijuana!!!!! Ok so where do I start... All I remember is getting woken up and then being brought to my room. It was super nice and fast for me. While in the waiting room to get operated I heard a lady complaining about the pain, can`t lie that got me a little nervous but I didn`t let that get to me. So off I went. Once it was all done I kept on sleeping like a baby. When i woke up i was expecting all kinds of pain, weirdly enough i had none! I didn`t have any kind of pain or anything. I mean at one point i was wondering if they even operated on me lol. The only way i knew is because i wasnt hungry at all. So i started walking and stretching my legs. The iv had me going to the bathroom every 2-3 hours, i made it a habit to go for a walk every time i got up so it definitely helped. i think thats why i never had no gas pains. Dr Sing told me to make tracks in the floor tiles lol so i walked away like mad. So keep in mind that this is all during the night, my first night after surgery... The next morning following surgery is when i started feeling a little dizzy and bloated. the doctors told me it was normal and the dizziness would go away and the bloated feeling would leave only if i walked so i kept on walking. Ok so here is where things got a little freaky for me. by late after noon which was about 24 hours after surgery i was jogging laps down the hallway. i honestly thought it was normal until everyone started looking at me crazy. haha it was kind of funny. i was walking backwards and all but i thought it was what i had to do. anyhow my goal at that point was simply to fart. my belly gas was uncomfortable i so did what i had to in order to let it out by burping or farting. Later that night i had my first fart and boy o boy it felt great! That same night we got moved to the third floor, it was not as nice as the fourth but i met a fellow Canadian! We walked and chatted for a while and she as well made me realize that i was doing good because i kept on jogging. Anyhow, from what all the doctors told me from the start «i was pretty exceptional to the rules. My blood work was amazing and my heart rate was at 51, apparently the normal ratio is between 60-90 and 99% of patients hit the high 80`s when going into surgery but I was at 51, I was really calm about everything. While on the third floor i heard some people in pain and truth is if i heard that before i went for my op i`m not sure i would have gone through it. this one man was yelling like if he was dying but the next morning he was perfectly fine. its like giving birth i was told, some take to it well and others not too well. made sense to me but still scared me a little. Dr Garcia is Dr «Ponce`s translator and he is super nice calm and articulate. So here`s the ultimate deal. I could have gone to a better hospital and got it done for cheaper and had more aftercare post op follow ups but i didn`t. i went with the magician himself dr Ponce, he and his rockstar team did me correct. i truly cant really tell i was operated on other the obvious incisions and what not. would i have changed it if i could, NO. I am so happy and glad i went the route i went. i have nothing bad to say about any other doctors or facilities i can only talk about my experience. i`m sure other doctors are just as good but this guy is the master and everyone knows it. he doesnt have to bend or bargain and i was ok with that. I have a bunch of pictures and videos that i will be posting on youtube soon and when i do I will let everyone know. If you have any questions ask away! Remember to walk walk and walk!!!! Updated on 17 Jan 2016: I've lost all my weight and finally stable! Thank you so much Dr Ponce. Time to start working on getting my muscles built up!!! Updated on 17 Jan 2016: Here's a little video I made. I hope this helps people and encourages you to do it!
I've had many surgeries throughout my life. I had a bowel resection May 2013. Dr. Ponce and his staff made me so comfortable and I did not have any throwing up, no pain, nothing like other surgeries. I thank God for him and his wonderful coordinator Trish at WLS4 Life. They really great you like family. Best money Over ever spent... 30 days & 23 pounds gone. I Highly recommend Trish & Dr. Ponce!! Updated on 15 Mar 2015: Everything is superb! I'm at the gym 4 times a week, have more energy and have already received compliments on my weight loss. I'm excited and looking forward to buying a new more hip bathing suit this summer! (Did I just say "hip"?). Lol. I should have done this 10 years ago!! I'm 50 now. Diet is fine lots of protein and sometimes something else only in a bite or two. I'm happy, feel stronger and can't wait to lose another 30 pounds! Updated on 23 Jun 2015: 58 pounds gone and still losing! Thank you Trish wls4betterlufe and Dr Ponce de Leon!
This group of doctors saved my life! I've lost 120 lbs with the "sleeve" surgery and am very pleased with the level of service offered by this caring group of healthcare providers in Mexico. An added bonus: the price is about half of the cost in the U.S., plus the procedure can be performed quickly (over a four day weekend) safely (this group is very experienced) and with a nice trip to the beautiful Pacific Ocean in Baja, California. Recovery is only two nights in a clean, well-appointed hospital with very kind nursing staff and one night at Grace Guesthouse, operated by a bi-lingual (the owner in from the U.S.) caring team and overlooks the Pacific Oceans. They also provide transportations to and from the San Diego airport.
