amykareena
I was diabetic, had high blood pressure, sleep apnea and was over 500lbs. My husband was prediabetic, with severe sleep apnea and almost 500lb. 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 husband’s 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.
I started really researching WLS; trying to find insurance's that would cover it. We even contemplated getting divorced so at least I could then qualify for government insurance and could get help- it’d be a start. Mexico was too scary; or so we thought. Then I 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, I have a blood disorder that has me on blood thinners permanently. I 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 very at peace the day of surgery. I knew whatever happened, I’d made the best decision I could. The risks of the road I had been on outweighed the risks of surgery in my opinion. I needed this tool desperately. I was first on the table that day, as the highest risk patient. I remember being thankful I’d bought and had my own compression stockings as the ones they had didn’t fit me. I had a bmi of 67 and nothing ever fit me. Dr Ortiz, Dr Morales, the anesthesiologist and a special doctor they had on hand b/c of my blood disorder all came over to visit and talk to me before I was put under. They had extra blood on standby just incase I needed a transfusion afterwards. I was pretty impressed by all of this. I don’t remember anything else till I was in my room. Then I remember thinking “WALK!” and dammit- I got up and walked! I remember seeing Dr Ortiz in the nurses area and how surprised he was that I was walking already. Then I went back to sleep. lol
Once hubby was out of surgery, we worked together to walk and stay motivated. He had a tougher recovery than me for some reason. We’ve supported and worked together this last year and overall been very successful. Some days are better than others as far as sticking to plan, but we’ve each lost over 180lbs in our first year. We are both no longer diabetic. My sleep apnea is completely gone and my blood pressure med was cut in half. I’m close to being off of it completely.
But we relapsed abit and each regained 6-7lbs. This was also after moving 3000miles across country and we’d lost all of our routines, didn’t have meal plans or even a kitchen for several 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 still like to lose another 100lbs and am working on my goals. It’s slower but not impossible. I am starting to gather info on a possible revision, but waiting till at least 18months out before making any plans for it.
