YouTube Videos

Hello everyone,

Well we finally made a YouTube channel to keep up with our patients who have been video blogging their weight loss.

Here's the channel link if you would like to subscribe to our channel and we can do the same in return.  www.youtube.com/user/BeliteWeight

Thanks and Happy Friday!

Patient of the Week: Joe Luna

Words cannot express the love that we have for our clients, you are all the reason why we are so passionate about BeliteWeight and the services it provides. That being said, we have decided to dedicate posts throughout the week to outstanding people who have used BeliteWeight's services to begin a new healthier, happier life.

This week we wanted to feature a gentleman who has won the hearts of every person at BeliteWeight (including the surgeons)! Joe Luna had his surgery about 3 months ago at the Tijuana location has lost about 87 lbs. and is still on his way down. Below are Joe's photos and weight loss story:

     

I was an eating machine, a food-addict, the “big guy” at work; I lived to eat. I knew I needed to make a change and I could not do it alone. This is when I found BeliteWeight. My patient facilitator and I discussed and decided that the Vertical Gastric Sleeve procedure was the perfect fit for me. Going into this surgery in Mexico, I never knew the outcome would ever lead me to meeting such a great group of people, now whom I call friends. When you arrive, you are picked up by Alberto, who was an absolute blast. He loved his country and showed me how wonderful it truly is. The doctors are there for you through it all, when I needed something, the nurses and doctors would be at my hospital bed in less than 30 seconds. It’s this type of personalization that makes everything perfect.

In one month, I went from a size 60 to a 52 and I keep losing. It makes me really ask myself, what did I do to get to this way and was it ever worth it. I would take at least 4-6 Advil every day for pain and ever since the day of my surgery, I have not take any pain pills. If you’re miserable and uncomfortable, this surgery and the people at BeliteWeight takes this away and gives your confidence back and now, I am paying it forward.

TGIF!

TGIF! We all hope you have a good weekend :) 

Don't Wait, BeliteWeight! 

It's Monday!

Let's face it.. It's sometimes hard to get up from that warm, comfy bed to start that Monday morning, knowing that you will not (MAYBE) get a break until that Friday evening. I want to make your Monday a little better by sharing a collection of some beautiful photos and thoughts that help remind me how wonderful this world is and how amazing life truly is. I hope you enjoy! :)

 

So what is the one thing you will do today? Make yourself a promise to accomplish that thing.

At BeliteWeight we want you to live your life to the fullest and if your weight is inhibiting you from doing this, we can help. Give us a call today and you will be set up with a patient facilitator who will not only educate you on the different surgeries, but assist you every step of the way in your weight loss journey. If you are a previous patient, keep us updated on how you are doing!

It's a gorgeous Monday, start it right by making the step to a better, healthier life today.. Don't Wait, BeliteWeight!

Love to all,
Melissa

Happy Mexico Independence Day!

Hello all,

We're here in Tijuana this week and today is Mexico's Independence Day....

Here's some photos:

Dr. Reyes, all scrubbed up for surgery.

Dr. Sanchez & JoAnne

Dr. Sanchez

Dr. Solis ... we all think she always has the cutiest scrub hats...

Dr. Sanchez & Jamie

BeliteWeight Team

This weekend we took a photo of the BeliteWeight Team! So now you can put a name to the faces of all our patient facilitators and administration when you talk to any of us. I hope you all have a fabulous week! Don't Wait BeliteWeight!

Front Row (left to right): Nadia, Joyce, Ishi, Sharon and Sa
Top Row (left to right): Teri, JoAnne, Melissa, Jamie, Amy and Sylvia

Give Thanks This Labor Day Weekend

When we count our many blessings, 

It isn't hard to see, 

That life's most valued treasures, 

Are treasures that are free. 

For it isn't what we own or buy, 

That signifies our wealth,

It's the special gifts that have no price:

Our Family, friends, and health. 

-Anonymous

Here is Amy holding the "Give Thanks" Plaque that hangs in JoAnne's office.

At BeliteWeight we are SO thankful for all of our treasures (YOU!) we would not be here today if it was not for the amazing patients and their families, administration/staff, and doctors.

We are always here for you and as you start on this three-day weekend, we hope you remember the special gifts in your life.

Lots of Love.

A Little Inspiration for Your Tuesday

Make your change today.. Don't Wait, BeliteWeight!

The Best Seven Foods That Fill You Up!

Everyone battles with the "attack of the hunger" and what it actually means to be hungry, especially those who are trying to loose weight.  True hunger is, "usually felt first in the stomach – as blood sugar drops, the body releases hormones that stimulate the stomach to contract, and you get hunger pangs."  A lot of people confuse the sensation of hunger with just simply wanting to eat – which is actually defined as appetite, not hunger.  To help learn the difference, allow a moderate amount of hunger to set in – to really recognize the body’s signals that say “time to eat” – and to put the fork down when they feel comfortable – not stuffed.  This helps to incorporate healthier, filling foods along the way.  Because in the end, if you feel hungry, it’s going to be a lot harder to stick with the program. It is important to appreciate every bite, savor the flavor, as some might say. Here’s a list of seven of the most filling  and healthy foods you can eat, that I found from Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD. 

 Fish – Fish is one of the most concentrated sources of protein around.  And that’s critical, because – compared with fat or carbohydrate – protein is the clear winner when it comes to satisfying hunger.  And, since most fish is much lower in fat compared with meat or poultry, you get more protein per bite. Fresh baked or broiled fish is great, but if you’re short on time, don’t overlook canned tuna and salmon, or frozen fish filets, shrimp and scallops.

 Berries – High-fiber foods take time to digest, which gives them staying power.  And while all whole fruits provide some fiber, berries are some of the highest fiber fruits around.  One cup of raspberries has a whopping 8 grams of fiber – twice what you’d get in an apple – for only about 65 calories. Frozen berries are always available, and they’re convenient add-ins to protein shakes – you can also thaw them slightly and use to top yogurt or cottage cheese for a filling meal or snack.

Broccoli - Vegetables are high on my list of filling foods because they’re full of calorie-free fiber and water – so they fill you up, not out. Broccoli is one of the highest fiber veggies -one cup of chopped cooked broccoli has 6 grams of hunger-busting fiber.  And loading up your plate with cooked broccoli will only cost you about 50 calories per cup. (Try it with a little garlic and olive oil to give it flavor!) 

Black beans – Beans provide a one-two punch against hunger – they’re high in fiber and they also pack a fair amount of protein.  A half-cup of black beans will give you about 8 grams of protein along with 8 grams of fiber.  Navy, pinto and kidney beans all run a very close second.  Toss some beans into salads, soups or pasta to make them more filling and satisfying.

Quinoa – you can get a good amount of fiber from most whole grains – and they hold more water than ‘drier’ grain foods like crackers or pretzels, so they’re more filling.  Quinoa stands out because it also has more protein than most grains – about 8 grams per cup.  And, unlike barley and brown rice that require long cooking times, quinoa is ready in about 15 minutes.  Try it as a side dish, or as the base for a main-dish salad with chopped veggies and grilled chicken added. (You can put fruit and nuts in your Quinoa too!) 

Nonfat Greek style yogurt – Most nonfat dairy products are good sources of protein, but Greek-style yogurt is a standout.  Since it’s concentrated, a single-serve carton of nonfat Greek style yogurt can pack nearly twice as much protein as the regular style – as much as 15 grams. Try it for dessert – the protein will fill you up and help curb evening snacking. (It is amazing with berries too!)

Vegetable soup – Vegetable soup is low in calories, and since it contains so much water, it’s really filling.  Starting a meal with a cup or bowl of broth-based soup often means you’ll be satisfied with a smaller portion of your main meal.  A cup of veggie soup makes a great  afternoon snack, too.

http://www.discovergoodnutrition.com/index.php/2011/08/seven-best-foods-to-fill-you-up/

I hope you found this article informing and helpful for your weight loss journey, remember that when you are trying to loose weight or after you had your surgery, it is important to start a new relationship and outlook with food and your eating habits. It will become easier once you have established this relationship, we are here for you at BeliteWeight.. if there is anything we can help you with, let us know! Don't wait, BeliteWeight! 

Love, 

Melissa

August 2011: BeliteWeight Weighs in on Mexico Day 2

The second day was very busy, but exciting! Sisters and patient facilitators, Ishi and Joyce went home in the morning and our public relations girl, Melissa was able to scrub in on a gastric sleeve surgery. JoAnne, Bibi, and Dr. Juan were very busy taking care of patients and our driver Alberto was busy picking up new patients in the United States and taking them home. JoAnne's sister, Teri came later to help with the patients as well!  

Owner and CEO of BeliteWeight, JoAnne looking gorgeous before she takes on the busy day. 

Laurie looking absolutely beautiful the day after surgery!

Regina and her step mother go for a little walk down the hall the day after her surgery. 

Pam looking wonderful the day after her revision surgery! 

What a model! 

Joniece being taken in to the surgery. This process is called, "passing the patient."

Dr. Juan and his nurse passing Joniece before her surgery. 

Dr. Reyes with Melissa after she scrubbed in on the gastric sleeve surgery. 

Melissa after scrubbing. 

Joniece returns after a successful surgery! 

Dr. Juan makes sure Joniece is all settled in and comfortable after her surgery. 

Once again, we had a wonderful time in Mexico. It is always great to meet the patients, as we get to develop a personal relationship with them. We cannot wait to watch the progress of each person.

We are also starting to tweet while each person is in surgery! If you have a surgery coming up with us or are looking to have bariatric surgery, your family and friends who are not with you can be informed on how everything is going when you are in surgery and how you are feeling after surgery! Let us know if you want us to do this for you! We are looking forward to meeting new patients, soon to be friends in Mexico in September! We also are doing Medicare A&B in Las Vegas, if interested, please call us! Don't Wait, BeliteWeight!

August 2011: BeliteWeight Weighs in on Mexico Day 1

Some of the BeliteWeight team made the annual monthly visit to the INT Hospital in Mexico last week. JoAnne brought Melissa, who is managing the public relations of BeliteWeight, on her first trip to Tijuana and sisters Ishi and Joyce came for a night! JoAnne's sister, Teri joined in on the fun later on as well. We met some amazing new people! We even had one of our old patients, Hilda bring one of her co-workers to get a surgery done. We love it when old patients bring their friends to help them live a more healthy and fulfilling life, so if you have any friends who are possibly interested in the procedures, let us know! We would love to give them more information.

Ishi and Joyce waiting to see the Doctor Elmo and Rodriguez

JoAnne with Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Juan Sanchez.. As you can tell Juan loves getting his picture taken.

Beautiful Ishi as she gets a fluoroscopic x-ray.

Ishi and Melissa. Melissa was learning how fluoroscopic x-rays are done.

Ishi getting ready while Dr. Elmo is preparing the fluids.

Joyce watching her sister Ishi.

One of our old patients Hilda came with her co-worker and to show how successful her weight loss has been and looks GORGEOUS! 

Regina and her step-mother waiting for her surgery.

Dr. Rodriguez and Regina's step mother meet before Cindy goes into surgery.

Regina and Dr. Rodriguez

Dr. Rodriguez and Gabby the day after her surgery.

Gabby and her boyfriend the day after her surgery. What a good boyfriend to come out and support her!

JoAnne and the anesthesiologist Doctora

Doctora, the anesthesiologist with Regina as she gets ready for surgery.

BeliteTeam: Joyce, JoAnne, Ishi and Melissa

Hilda with her co-worker/friend Erica the day after her surgery! They both look fabulous!

Melissa, who is in charge of the public relations with Hilda. 

Erin, Melissa, and Hilda.

Everyone in our van with their water, ready to go back to the United States.

JoAnne and Dr. Rodriguez

Gastric Band Patient Donna (came to get her last fill) and Dr. Rod.

 

Gastric Band patient Donna came to get her last fill. She looks so beautiful! We are so proud!

We had an amazing first day on our Mexico trip. As you can tell, we are all a close community at BeliteWeight. When you choose us, you are apart of our family. We always love to know how you are doing and will never leave you in the dark. Don't Wait, BeliteWeight!

Our Whirlwind Trip to Las Vegas

We are really happy to announce the addition of our new Las Vegas Medicare program for some of our weight loss surgery patients. Medicare pays for either the Lap Band (Gastric Band) or Gastric Bypass (RNY - Rouex n Y.) We have heard that possibly they might cover the Gastric Sleeve sometime starting in 2012 but this isn't confirmed yet.

In order to qualify and have Medicare pay for weight loss surgery the patient must have Medicare Parts A & B, a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 or higher and a medical condition such as sleep apnea, diabetes or hypertension (these are only a few, please call for more details.) For more information or to see if you qualify please call our Medicare Specialists at 1-800-215-6497.

A week ago, part of the BeliteWeight Team, JoAnne, Jamie, Sa and Teri, went to our new Las Vegas location to assist the patients who have Medicare Coverage for their surgery and who were arriving that week.

We left our office in Irvine, California on Sunday afternoon and hit the road to Las Vegas (about 4 hours away.) It was a relatively boring drive except for great company in the car and some of the scenery was interesting and pretty, in a desert sort of way.

We knew we were entering into Nevada by the various Casinos starting to line the roadway.

For Sunday night we were unable to get a reservation to stay at our usual location so we stayed at the M in Henderson.

We had a view of the mountains from our room.

Then we settled in and went up to a restaurant in the "tower" to eat dinner. We ordered some mini dishes like appetizers & from their smaller menu portions and shared them. With some of us being weight loss surgery patients, we still had food left over to snack on later in the room.

Inside the elevator.

View of the pool from the restaurant.

Scallops & deep fried apple pieces.

Salmon sushi roll.

JoAnne & Teri

Beef sliders & fries.

Sunset came about during the meal.

Lobster mini tacos.

View towards the Las Vegas strip.

Although the M Hotel is not on the Las Vegas strip, we highly recommend it as a great place to stay if you are just visiting or on vacation.  They have comfy beds and a nice casino for an affordable rate without paying for resort taxes.  Patients coming for surgery will be staying at a hotel much closer to the hospital.

Monday was spent working on coordination for the patients that were coming in for surgery, and went by Dr. Hanna's office and by the Psychologist's office also.

On Tuesday we went with one of the patients, Caroline, for her meeting with Dr. Hanna and his staff.

Carmen, Dr. Hanna's office manager.

Dr. Hanna

Jen, Dr. Hanna's patient coordinator.

Caroline & Dr. Hanna

Jen & Sa working on patient files together.

After business was taken care of, we had time in the evenings to do some sightseeing and overall had a good time. Here are some random Las Vegas photos.

Really funny looking building near the North Outlet Mall.

On Wednesday morning we saw the patients off to surgery at the hospital, then Jamie flew home to Idaho and JoAnne, Sa & Teri drove back to California. We had a great time together and it was a productive trip.