Getting the Weight off Once and for All... - Tijuana, MX

Hi Everyone! It's been a long while since I've last updated and I'm not sure that I will again. Just had a few people reach out an ask how I am. 2016 was an incredible year for me. In the year and few months since my surgery I had a baby and lost over 115lbs. Yes, I got pregnant 2.5 months out! At first it was a struggle to eat but pregnancy hormones actually relaxed my stomach so that I could eat enough to stay nourished. My baby was born perfectly healthy in July and weighed a whopping 7lbs. She's perfect.

I haven't reached my goal yet and my whole process is going a little slower than everyone else's-- I imagine but I wouldn't trade her for the world. I am trying to get back on track and make it to goal. I still have 60lbs I'd like to lose. Overall, I am so happy with my new life and body. If you are considering the sleeve it is well worth it and not as restrictive as full on bypass. I feel like a completely different person and I don't regret it at all. I don't worry about all of the things that used to haunt me everyday. Will I fit in that chair?, will I fit in that booth?, if I sit here will everyone else still be able to get past me?, can I really squeeze by these people without knocking them over?... walking any distance was hard, climbing steps made me lose my breath, I couldn't tie my shoes without effort... I felt left out of a lot of things. I thought I was happy for the most part but I think I was mostly faking it because now I truly feel like a different person. Still me-- just shinier, happier, healthier, and not dreading anything.

I have to say that I haven't heard much from Dr. Ortiz's staff besides a monthly email prompting me to weigh in. I am healthy and had a perfect experience. I am not sure how I'd feel about the after care had I had any complications. I'm not upset with them only because mostly everything has gone right for me. Just a warning of sorts for people who are considering medical tourism. Their "state of the art follow up system" is not true -- or at least I haven't experienced it -- I am truly on my own. It doesn't matter now because I veered off track having the baby but if I was still chugging along doing everything traditionally I know I would feel differently. Nobody really understands what it's like so having the regular visits, bloodwork, and support groups would have been nice. It's a trade off for saving so much money.

My stats:

HW 331
SW 286
CW 210
GW 150

Good luck to everyone considering this! The hardest part once you've had it is the first month or so. After that it feels like a new lease on life. NO regrets. None. Without this surgery I wouldn't have my daughter and that's a fact.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

So it's been awhile since I've checked in but there's a very good reason for it. I am currently 8 mos. post op and 6 months pregnant with my first child. I'm due to have my baby girl in June! Obviously unintentional but we are excited. I've been married 10 years so it's long overdue even if she surprised us!

I lost 23lbs my first trimester and since then I've maintained.

My current stats:

HW 331
SW 286
CW 238

Almost 100lbs down but I'm ok restarting once the baby gets here. My surgery team was super supportive because even though the rules are to wait 18months life happens!

Hope you all are doing well losing weight and kicking butt. I'll try and check in more often!

Hi Everyone! I've been missing in action! The holidays and work have me swamped! I have been doing ok I am still not losing as fast as I want but it's really adding up. I am officially 4 months from surgery and while I thought I would/could lose an additional 70 pounds so far the actual number is 45lbs. When I add that to what I lost pre-surgery I am officially down 90lbs. I'll take it. I'm averaging about 10-12lb loss every month and I try and keep in mind that 1. maybe my skin won't be as saggy 2. 12 pounds x 10 months is pretty damn good. 3. I'm really ok with it. I am pretty proud of myself. 90 lbs is nothing to sneeze at. I'm happier, I feel healthier and even though at times I miss really being able to eat like a grown up I honestly can say this is 100% worth it. I just give the nitty gritty because I think when I researched I saw a lot of people losing 100lbs in 3 months and I thought about it a little unrealistically. Otherwise I am really happy with where I am. I am making a conscious choice to enjoy the holidays. I don't go completely haywire and definitely haven't gained anything (still losing) but having a small bite of whatever is being served at parties and social gatherings.

I have read many bariatric support groups say that moderation is a no-no for long term success but I'm not sure if I will ever get on board with that. I guess it'll depend on how it works for me long term. I won't mind though because I don't feel addicted to sugar or carbs or anything really and that's another testament to this process. Sometimes I forget to eat, all the time I can't eat much and besides going out with others who have full plates of food I really don't think about it anymore. I really do look at people's plates and think how in the heck are they eating all of that!? Basically, I waffle between being grossed out by the excessive amounts of food and missing being "normal" once in a while. Overall I don't miss my dear old friend and I'm glad. I'm better off because of it and I feel amazing.

One of the weird side effects of being down 90lbs is people commenting on my progress. I am still not comfortable with all of the compliments and people asking me for updates. (not you guys but friends/family/co-workers) I still haven't told anyone about the surgery and I am still ok with that. I feel like I've gone through enough for right now and sharing with everyone after all of this time seems like a hassle. Maybe one day.... for now I just tell them I'm eating mostly low carb and walking. I don't really elaborate past that. Judge if you must but it is for my own mental health at this point. I don't feel ready for any negatives and when I get to my goal I will be more likely to share.

Anyways, I hope you all have an amazing holiday season and I will try a little better to check in more often!

HW -- 331
SW -- 286
CW -- 241
GW -- 150