SeahawkDarrel
I was prediabetic, with severe sleep apnea and almost 500lb. My wife was diabetic, had high blood pressure, sleep apnea and was over 500lbs. We had looked into WLS but our insurance wouldn't cover it, so we just kinda ignored the problems. We'd tried so many weight-loss programs already and while they had worked, in the end we'd gain the weight back plus some. So we just kinda gave up.
Then suddenly in 2013 my best friend since 1st grade passed away at age 42 from diabetic complications. This was a major blow to both of us- this man had married us in 2006 and was a major part of our lives. Then both our bio-dad's passed away; both from heart attacks. This combined was our wakeup call. We didn’t want to die young.
We(mostly my wife) started really researching WLS; trying to find insurance's that would cover it. Even contemplated getting divorced so at least my wife would then qualify for government insurance and could get help. Mexico was too scary; or so we thought. Then she started really looking into Mexico- it seemed the only viable way financially. After major research, talking to and getting feedback from others that went before us, scouring Facebook groups & OH forums we'd narrowed it down to 2 surgeons. We needed the best, as in addition to all of our co-morbidities my wife has a blood disorder that has her on blood thinners permanently. She was extremely high-risk.
In the end we chose Dr Elias Ortiz from A Lighter Me; he was a top-notch experienced surgeon and we are very pleased with him. But what ultimately made us choose ALM was their coordinators, after-care program and yes, even the sight-seeing of Tijuana while recovering was a bonus.
I was extremely nervous day of surgery- mostly for my wife. She is my world. Since she went first they gave me something to help calm me down- and I actually fell asleep and don’t remember anything till after surgery. It went pretty smoothly- Amy was amazing! She was up & walking and did much better than me. But we worked together to walk and recover.
That’s what the last year has been; us working together. Some days are better than others as far as sticking to plan. But overall I feel we’ve been very successful. We lost over 180lbs each in our first year. We are both no longer diabetic- my A1C has been spectacular! My sleep apnea is now mild/moderate and my wife’s is completely gone! I take ½ the pills I used to and all but 1 are vitamins.
Then we relapsed abit and each regained 6-7lbs. This was also after moving 3000miles across country and we’d lost all of our routines and didn’t have meal plans or even a kitchen for a few weeks! The Obesity Help conference helped us get our motivation back. We’ve been doing the A Lighter Me 2 week preop diet together and have each lost 13-15lbs so far. Definitely feeling back on track! I would like to lose another 50lbs and hope to be at goal by the 2016 Obesity Help conference! I’m going to Disneyland!!!!
