Wiljon W. Beltre, MD

I had my consultation May 17th 2019. I was extremely nervous but the staff and doctor were very friendly. Dr.B made me feel very comfortable. He asked me what my concerns were and what surgery I had in mind. He then did a demonstration of the VSG and explained the process, cost, complications, and steps I needed to take. I asked about getting surgery having PCOS and he was very insightful and let me know that the surgery helps get rid of PCOS due to the weight loss. He gave me a packet with all of the information and then had one of the technicians come in the room to set up a surgery date and get information on payment options and insurance since I am self pay. The tech gave me paper work to get blood work done and also set up my pre-op appointment.

My next step was setting up a consultation with the nutritionist which was very convenient because it was done via FaceTime. My nutrition consultation was May 22nd 2019 it was 45min and i was able to pay through Paypal or Apple Pay. The nutritionist sent me two big packets of pre, post, and life long information about what my diet is going to be.

My appointment with psychologist is coming up this month. This one is cash only.

I just had surgery on july 12th and would be happy to refer anyone to Dr. Beljer. He is wonderful at what he does and I'm glad I found his office. His staff is very friendly and always there if i had a question.

In my late forties, I had struggled with my weight since the age of 26, when I had to have an emergency hysterectomy and my metabolism took a dive. I had tried everything from Weight Watchers to Nutri System and everything in between, but could never get effective results. A co worker at my job told me about the sleeve gastrectomy and I could see with my own eyes how well he was doing with his weight loss. I asked for the doctor's office address and phone number and made an appointment for an evaluation. Dr. Beltre explained my options and we started the process of preparing me for my surgery. Just over 3 months later I had the sleeve performed and was home 2 days later. My weight loss started immediately and so did the compliments from friends and family. I followed my recommended diet and kept my follow up monthly visits with Dr. Beltre, which I looked forward to since he always had such positive things to say. I lost about 100 pounds during the first year and felt like I had been given a new life. It has been 3 years and I have maintained my weight loss. I have no noticeable scars from the surgery, just a much healthier, happier life. I have referred friends to Dr. Beltre with good results and will continue to do so as he is quite skilled and compassionate in his work. No regrets here ever!

I've been overweight all of my adult life, and most of my years as a child. Both of my parents are in the medical field, so you would have thought that my hypothyroidism would have been caught before I was in my 20s, but it wasn't. I've been on all kinds of diets, cleanses, fasts, and exercise routines. My lowest adult weight was 150lbs when I was in my second of year of college. But, I reached that weight by eating *maybe* 500 calories a day, and exercising for 2 hours 6 days a week at least. I was exhausted.

About 2 years ago I looked into bariatric surgery, because my best friend has a lap band. I talked to my father about it a little; he's a family practitioner. He wasn't 100% for it but also wasn't necessarily against it. He's seen all of my struggles with my weight. Since my dad is "too close" to the situation, I went to a doctor who wound up doing the usual "let's try some diet and exercise" stuff. Work got busy with 60 hour weeks, and I saw my best friend yoyo-ing with her weight because of her lap band (it had slipped, she couldn't keep anything down) and I kind of put aside my thoughts of bariatric surgery for a few years.

I kept up my exercise (4 times a week) and I'm eating better than ever. Nothing is changing. My thyroid is still kicking my ass and as of late my PCOS has been acting up and I've been having a ton of ruptured cysts. My mother texted me randomly one day and recommended I look into bariatric surgery again. At first I was a little pissed but I quickly got over that as I found this site and scrolled through instagram's "vsg" and "bariatricsurgery" tags.

I feel like this is something I need in my life. My insurance doesn't cover this surgery and to be honest I wouldn't want to have to deal with the months and months of jumping through hoops to prove that I'm trying and that this surgery is needed. I have my initial consultation with Dr. Wiljon Beltre on May 30th. I'm hoping I can get my sleeve done this summer, when I'm off from my current internship and will have time to heal and not stress too much. I plan on asking about his leak rate, how soon I'd be able to do the surgery since i'm going with the out patient self pay option, and asking him about the anesthesia process (because it freaks me out), as well as recommended protein shakes, foods/soups, and which specific vitamins to stock up on. I have some plans for the latter part in thanks to this site and everyone's reviews.

I really hope that I'll be able to go through with this soon, the sooner the better. I'm ready for this change, and I'm ready to be confident in my own skin.

Updated on 15 May 2017:
Wanted to add a few photos

Updated on 16 May 2017:
I was looking at some reviews on here today about a few surgeons in Tijuana, Mexico. The price tag on the procedures there is great and just much much more appealing than the $10,500 price tag I'm currently looking at. I got very optimistic about it for a bit, even filling out the "get more information" on 2 sites and applying on one. I got a phone call relatively quickly from one site, asked a few questions and had a nice conversation with the representative.

The more I thought about it though, the more nervous I am about the anesthesia and general operation stuff. I've had my wisdom teeth out before, and a tonsillectomy, but of course I'm always nervous about it before hand. I want to make sure I can get all of the necessary checks to ensure I'm ready for surgery beforehand, and I'm not sure I could do that if I went to Tijuana for it. I also really want to ensure I can go to the post-op check ups.

Plussssss.... I really hate flying. So were I to get sleeved in Mexico, yes it would be much less expensive, but I'd freak out about the flight there, the surgery itself, and the flight back. Getting sleeved here at home, the price would be higher but I'd only have the surgery to be anxious about (bc of course i will lol).

Anyone have any advice for not panicking or getting anxious about getting sleeved?

Updated on 17 May 2017:
So, I'm not particularly religious. Okay I'm not at all. But I do believe in putting positive energy out there into the world. Yesterday, during one of my moments where I was nervous about vsg, I hoped for the universe to give me a sign that vsg is the right thing for me, that things will be okay.

Some background- I love horses and horseback riding. I've ridden since I was 7 and had 2 horses of my own in the past. Today on Facebook one of those "on this day"posts showed up of one of my horses that I miss. It made me nostalgic because I haven't been around horses at least in a year.

So there I was sitting in my car in a random Village Inn parking lot after my internship hours, trying to kill some time before a doctors appointment. I notice two police horse trailers pull up. They parked really close to me, and I got to listen to the horse closest to me whinny for a while before my appointment.

I don't know. I feel like I'm reading to much into it but it was just so weird.

Anyway, on the drive home I called the surgeon's office to ask a question about bloodwork, because I just had bloodwork done last week. I'll need it within 30 days of my surgery so I think I'll definitely need it done again. No biggie. I also decided I may as well ask how quickly I could have this procedure done since I am self-pay. Depending on a case by case basis (as usual) and if everything is copacetic with my bloodwork and possible ekg, bmi (44), and age (29) I could have it done very very quickly. As in late June or early July (my consultation is May 30).

I am so ready. Very nervous about the actual procedure and possible risks, but I want this done and quick!

Updated on 29 May 2017:
Tomorrow is my consultation with Dr. Wiljon Beltre! I'm both very excited and nervous.

Since I'm self pay, I'm hoping I can schedule surgery tomorrow and just quickly get my blood test and ekg if its needed. The scheduler said with my bmi (44) and no comorbidities, late June or early July should be doable as long as Dr. Beltre approves.

Please keep your fingers crossed for me, I'm looking forward to this new chapter and the results this tool will bring.

Ive got a list of questions to ask. What are some things you wish you had asked before surgery?

Updated on 30 May 2017:
July 11th!! 7/11 is my surgery date!

I went in to my consultation today slightly worried that for some reason i'd be denied surgery. I had a great talk with Dr. Beltre and he answered all of my questions (i seriously had a list in a notebook) and he was patient and kind. He had even come to the appointment at his office even though Tuesdays are his surgery days. I think I was scheduled for today by mistake but regardless, he didn't have my change my appointment. He instead asked if i could come earlier, left the hospital for only my appointment, then went back to the hospital for another surgery.

I'm so impressed with him and I left my consultation feeling very confident in my choice to not only have this surgery, but to have Dr. Beltre as my surgeon. So! July 11th!

Oh remember my older post about good signs? 11/7 is my boyfriend and my anniversary. 7/11 is my surgery date. I really think thats a great sign!

Updated on 6 Jun 2017:
My psychiatric appointment and nutritionist appointment are both this Friday the 9th. I'll probably get my bloodwork done the week after or two weeks after. I know it's fine within 30 days of surgery but i'd like to get it done closer to the 11th for my own peace of mind.

I have to pay in cash the day of my pre-op appointment- July 6th. I've set up a countdown on my phone for both my pre-op and my surgery date! I've also joined a couple of bariatric/VSG groups on Facebook, and they are so SO encouraging. I love seeing everyone's progress, recipes, and tips. I love seeing the support.

Oh, I also started the pre-op diet. I'm not being too strict since I am still 4 weeks out but I'm working on a protein shake for breakfast, one for lunch, and a nice protein and veggie loaded dinner.

I wish i could fast forward to the day of surgery!

Updated on 11 Jun 2017:
So I should be writing a paper for my class but instead I'm here updating you all.

Friday morning was my appointment with the psychologist. It went really well. She taught me a breathing technique for when I get anxious, and we went over all the regular psych questions to assess whether I'm at risk for an eating disorder, depression, anxiety, binge eating disorder, etc. Tbh I do have depression and anxiety, but I am medicated and thanks to my own psychology background I am well aware of when my symptoms are flaring up.

One thing that did bother me, though, was that the psychologist was of the mindset that depression can be cured. It can't! It is literally a disease- a chemical imbalance in the brain. That's why I take medication for it. I've gone off my meds in the past when I'm feeling good but I can always tell when it wears off and when my brain starts turning against me again.

Anyway, the nutritionist appointment was that Friday evening via a video call. I didn't really learn anything new because I already had the info from the nutritionist's info packet, from Dr. Beltre, and from this site and the FB groups I'm in. I did get some more specified information for myself though. The nutritionist said she'd be happy for me to get to 150lbs. But I'm aiming for 125 or 130lbs because I'm only 5'1. At 150lbs (my smallest weight ever in college) I still wore a size 12 and still didn't feel great about myself. Currently I'm at 247lbs, or at least I was a few weeks ago at my appointment with Dr. Beltre. So I've got 122lbs to work to lose after surgery to reach 125. If I hit a point before that where I'm satisfied, I'll just maintain. My goals are: 180 lbs, 150 lbs, 125 lbs.

So. Ive got those two appointments checked off. The last thing I need is my bloodwork. I'll probably go at some point this week, since today makes exactly 30 days until surgery. Oh I'm also adding a few more before pictures for future comparison's sake. (The ones with the green hair- my boyfriend and I go to nerdy/geeky conventions and cosplay or dress up like our favorite characters)

Updated on 22 Jun 2017:
Not exactly 14 days to surgery, but it's 14 days till my pre-op Appointment. It'll also be the day I pay for my sleeve. But it's 19 days until surgery. I'm kind of nervous but also oddly calm.

Oh and I also lost 4 lbs from last time I saw the surgeon. I'm hoping I lose a few more in the next two weeks but with my thyroid- who knows? I'm also not sure if the -4lbs is legit, because I used my roommates scale and I'm not sure if it's 100% accurate.

Anyway. hopefully the next 2 weeks fly by.

Updated on 10 Jul 2017:
I've gotta be at the surgery center at 7:15 am and my surgery is scheduled for 8:30 am. My boyfriend, mom, and dad will be there. I'll have to stay at the surgery center until I get 4 Liters of fluids through my IV, then I can come home.

I'm super nervous. Anesthesia and the thought of being knocked out and having no control freaks me out. But I'm glad to know it's a short surgery...

I just really hope it all goes well and that there's no complications. I'm in pretty good health and have no comorbidities so it *should* be fine, but I'm still anxious.

Updated on 17 Jul 2017:
Hey guys. So I'm 7 days post op currently. Let me go over the day of surgery.
My surgery was Tues 7/11, scheduled for 8:30am. I got to the surgery center at 7:30am and waited around a bit. There was no one at the front desk until a nurse came out and had me fill out paperwork. At around 8:15 or so I was taken back to change and my boyfriend and parents were sent out to wait/have breakfast/relax. I made the dumb mistake of giving them my phone, so after changing I literally sat in a room waiting for surgery, doing absolutely nothing. Luckily I wasn't nervous- if I was I imagine I'd have had a panic attack since I couldn't distract myself.
Anyway, around 9ish the anesthesiologist came in and introduced himself and asked a few questions. He was nice but curt and professional. I sat around for a while more and then at like 9:15 I was walked into the operating room. I laid on the table and the anesthesiologist set up the IV, while the nurses set up the heart rate monitors and stuff. I watched as they injected the anesthesia into the IV line and as I started to drift away, i said "Bye. Please take care of me".
The next thing I remember is hearing the nurses talking. Two of them sat with me in the recovery area. My mouth was SO dry and I couldn't really speak. I had a hard time opening my eyes, I was so tired. Eventually I felt like I had to pee SO bad, so I made an effort and one nurse noticed I woke up. They helped me get to the bathroom, then offered me some gatorade. I was already through most of the 4 L of IV fluids I needed before going home, so they gave me the anti-clotting shot in my thigh and called my boyfriend.
*AND then the nausea hit*. It was so bad. Anesthesia makes me so so nauseated. i kept having to sit on the toilet as i threw up because I threw up so hard I peed. I think I vomited 3 times at the surgery center. at one point I was put into our car and I had to get them to put me back in the wheelchair to go throw up and pee again, cause I wouldn't have made it home. So essentially day 1 was full of me going to the bathroom to throw up and pee, and when i wasnt doing those things, I was sleeping. It sucked.
Day 2 was much better, but there was still some throwing up. Walking from my bedroom to the living room would result in vomiting. Sleeping on the couch was much more comfortable than the bed. I basically carried around a throw up bag the nurses had given me.
After day 2 its been great. I almost feel as though I haven't had surgery. Drinking too much does make me burp and makes my tummy make strange noises. But otherwise I haven't been emotional, or in pain, or haven't had any trouble with any foods. I'm in the puree stage now but I have munched on a tiny piece of chicken and steak my boyfriend had, and chewed them thoroughly, and they haven't given me any trouble. TBH I'm kind of worried because it's going so well? There's not much discomfort, the only noticeable thing is that I'm not really hungry at all. I worry that I'll easily stretch my stomach out though.
My follow up with Dr. Beltre is July 27th. Oh, I haven't checked the scale yet today but yesterday morning I weighed in at 231, or 16 lbs down since surgery. I'll attach pics of my surgery incisions. There are 4 total, 1 in my belly button, 2 on my left tummy, and one on my right tum. They're really small, only about an inch long, and tbh I'm not even sure which my stomach was extracted from, because they didn't hurt very much.

After 3 years of contemplating this surgery and trying desperately to lose weight on my own, I finally realized I need help and have decided this is the best route for me. I'm nervous, excited, anxious and happy...all in one!! More than anything, I'm prayerful that my surgery will go well! Thankful!

Updated on 12 Dec 2016:
Happy to say that my surgery went very well on 12/8 and I'm already down 9 lbs today (12/12). The procedure along with consuming 4 liters of fluids took about 2 and 1/2 hours. The first day was the worst with gas pains and a sore throat, but no real discomfort from the surgical incisions or my stomach. I have been up and out of bed walking each day and was able to go to my office and work on yesterday, as well as grocery shopping. Albeit exhausted after that, I'm moving around pretty well. I haven't taken any pain meds since one day post surgery. The worst part of this has just been the gas bubbles and trying to release it all. The sore throat is subsiding and all my systems are now working properly. I was able to shower 24 hours after surgery and have showered everyday since. No photos as of yet, but they'll be coming soon. I'm eating oatmeal, grits and applesauce. I tried a small piece of chicken just to see if it'd stay down, and it did. I had some trouble with dry heeving and too much saliva build up initially, but that subsided after the first two days. Overall, once I learn how to eat enough food and drink enough fluids, I'll be on my way. Seriously taking it one day at a time.???? Very happy!!