SeattleSue

Give that kid a raise in his allowance for Pete's sake!! "bawling"

Eggs!!! Those are OK. Take sausages and press between napkins to remove excess grease! I have actually done this with fast food patty's off of hamburgers! hahahaha We don't eat much, so I've found that it works in a pinch. I just travelled this last week and carried with me; jerky, baby bell cheese, Protein shakes and a couple Protein Bars. I've never eaten the bars before (I don't have a sweet tooth). But the ones I picked up were in the "sugar free" or diabetic section of my grocery store. I do NOT remember the brand, but it was Peanut Butter. 100 cals and 10 gr protein. Not bad, but it saved my bacon on the plane! If you can carry a little insulated lunch bag...I HIGHLY recommend the Hormel Turkey Pepperoni. It travels real well and 17 slices and a cheese stick will give you abt 19 gr protein. A nice little meal on the go... Good luck,

You do not need a passport unless you are flying into country. A certified birth certificate and a drivers license is sufficient. Done it twice in the last 2 months.

hahahahaha I went to Dr. Kelly...they have their share of handsomeness too. Funny think, I took my girlfriend just last week...made a comment to her about a particular young man. I knew as soon as he laughed, "oops...speaks excellent English" bahahaha

hmmm let me try again with the pic

Sweet! Mine is the red one in the forground, hubby rides the baby blue. That's Mount Saint Helen's in the background!

WOOT WOOT

THANK YOU for posting. You really have had an incredible transformation!!! Consider this; you are now the inspiration that someone else will hold onto. Isn't that remarkable?? Again, thanks for posting your pics and your story...you look AMAZING and happy!!!

I share your mixed emotions. I had a small "reveal" at work after having the summer off. I popped into work for 7th grade orientation on Monday and it was so busy that my co-workers didn't have a chance to do more than see me in passing, but the shock on their faces definately registered a big, "Holy Cow!" I wasn't prepared for that. What I see in the mirror is someone who has 135+ pounds to lose...what they saw was someone who lost about 50# since they last saw me. I thought I was ready with the "diet and exercise" response. And honestly, nobody asked, but it's coming. I'm really doing some soul searching on this... My intent was NOT to share that I had WLS, and I had a whole list of exceptions for those that I "might" share with based on my own judgments of their need and/or motivation. That alone was a very revelatory and very personal thing to discover about myself. For me, the scary truth is I think it is some inverted pride that triggers a shame response. Like I'm afraid to fully own the fact that "I couldn't do this without help." That may be too inflammatory for some to hear--but I'm still exploring this vein in my head and heart. The rational part of me say's strong people know how to ask for help. Like that old lyric, "...people who need people are the luckiest people in the world..." There is a great measure of truth to that. Knowing when to get intervention IS a mark of honesty, strength, humbleness... I think Starry was the one who pointed out that Americans as a society will generally applaud expeditiousness and inginuity. Why the ground rules change for losing weight is beyond me... The thinking is definately wrong. I LOVE the statement of "...tried the hard way and it didn't work..." I have a lot of thoughts roaming around. You are not alone... I'm going to let this one mull on the back burner for a while. I basically have until Monday to put the issue to rest because that's when I am back to work officially.

WOOT WOOT So glad to hear you are recovering!! Tomorrow you should be getting your drain out and heading for the hotel!!! I HIGHLY recommend the pineapple jello. We don't get that around here and it is good (I don't even like jello) hahahahaha

Dawn, Thanks. I have to agree...we really made some fun memories. My friend and I were laughing so hard at times, we had to put a pillow over her belly. Hysterical. We met quite a few other American ladies who are board members here...we got our picture taken with Paco the stripped "zebra" donkey...what a kick. I TOTALLY can see myself doing this again with other friends. hehehe It sort of took me back to my youth when I lived on the edge a lot... hahahaha I think I'm a tad bit crazy. It was fun.

I'm home! I'm home! Oh, it's so good.... Well, I promised details and I won't sugar coat it but I want to start by saying: I have no pain (except for the first day...) and was up and walking within hours of surgery, have no nausea or reflux. I'm drinking 40+ oz of Water, some broth, and eating Jello with no problem. I have NO hunger. I've been walking 1/2 mile or more per day.... If I woke up with amnesia and someone told me I had major surgery on Thursday, I'd say, "Liar." RECAP: I'm a self pay, Mexico patient. My story "sleeve" story started about six weeks ago when I begrudgingly attended a WL Seminar to hear about the 'band'. I went thinking maybe things had improved and maybe, just maybe it was time to reconsider getting the band. Then, the clouds parted and heavenly music played~~Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Wow. Shiny. Must know more... Fast forward to July 6. I fly out, San Diego bound with my dad in tow (resume includes lots of Mexico experience, big guy--big arms, street smart). I'm 43 and 19 years married with teens. So, there is no hang-up about hubby not being with me...he's just not the best choice for me because he cannot stand to not understand what's going on. Mexico is not conducive to making my baby a calm companion. No harm, no foul...he is happy to stay with the kids on this trip! Before we hit the gate, Ricardo (our driver) is on the phone finding out if we are curbside yet. We agree to call as soon as we are...and sure enough, 2 minutes later we are safely ensconced in the silver Honda Civic, weaving our way toward the border. Ricardo speaks EXCELLENT English and is very knowledgable of the whole "sleeved in Mexico" process. He probably picks-up and delivers most of Dr. Kelly's patients...and he also runs for another. Anyway...all that to say that he is an excellent source of info, he's got the Doc's on speed dial, and is professional in that he calls ahead to confirm details with you. Good guy! As a side note, if you mention the theory that chewing gum is NOT allowed because it causes your stomach to make and release stomach juices/acids, he will have to pay me a royalty. So I appreciate your help there. Arrive florence Clinic and are met by Trish as Ricardo delivers us to the reception area. The bldg. looks just as pictured on the exterior, the garden/courtyard is nice. I would liken the reception area to a 'nice' office or professional bldg. That changes as we are led to our room in the back corridor. The impression is less professional office and more motel. It's clean and you'll have everything you need, but really...it's like a motel room with surplus hospital furnishings. I'm given yet another health history form by the head nurse, Jessica. She speaks very good English also. Trish is a bubbly joy, Dr. Kellly is quiet and trying to greet me and give instruction/answer questions, Jessica the head nurse is speaking rapid spanish to a trio of nurses, and things are frankly, CHAOS. Everything happening at once. I found it amusing that no one respects that the Dr. is speaking and everyone has their own agenda. It feels like I'm standing on some trading floor. Eventually Trish and Dr. Kelly leave...and I'm left filling out the health history form that Jessica was requiring. There is some discussion about whether I will or will not have labs tonight, the people have gone...then they are there...then I am getting my IV so they can kill 2 birds with one stone. Take blood, get I.V. si? hahahha Let's just say that I am one of those that has to hydrate well before having blood drawn. So, as Maria (not so good English...Ok, virtually none) is trying to find a vein in my right hand, I'm suggesting she try my left as I am right handed and will need that hand for things. Important things, like wiping my butt? OK...I know that there is one or more of you out there that are worried about the 'bathroom logistics/gymnastics' of dealing with hygiene will having several incisions in your belly. Am I right? Maria can't locate a vein by touch and understands enough of what I'm saying to move to the left hand. After about 10 minutes, she decides she needs to find someone 'to help' si? Si! In about 2 minutes, Maria returns with 2 other nurses. Oh great, this one is NOT listening to my suggestion of 'left hand please' and Maria cutely tries to convey the same message. NOPE, guess the boss has arrived. She massages my hand for about 10 minutes and is pumping the 'ball' of my thumb. She's in. I have half a roll of tape now on my right hand holding this fragile accomplishment in place. Bathroom issues are now raging in my head as, gulp, I have also started my period that morning. OMG This is NOT going to be OK. Si? NADA! -----I gotta take a break and go to bed. I'm tired after my trip today and need to take a shower! A loooooooooooooong shower followed by a looooooooooooong sleep in my own bed. I'll finish tomorrow.

Hahahaha Julie...thank you. This was good timing to revisit the post as I just returned from Tijuana for a second time. I travelled as a companion this time for my very good friend who just got sleeved by Dr. Kelly too! I am so glad I wrote this too, because my girlfriend new EXACTLY what to expect at every step. I think just about all of us are paranoid about sending monies to foreign countries and most certainly, putting your life in the hands of someone you've never met face-to-face... No bragging, but it takes a pretty courageous person to cross the border to do something like this!! I obviously had those, "are you out of your stinkin' mind" moments! Because we did not go through any broker (i.e., American Coordinator) because my friend was my referral, there were some bugs to work out as far as finding the most efficient payment process, etc....but it all worked out wonderfully. My girlfriend, knowing my experience...didn't have all those concerns that others may have had, not knowing a real patient who had lived to tell their story! hahaha Dr. Kelly is building a private practice after having left a very successful career at the beautiful Angeles Hospital. Things aren't "super slick" using Trish...at least not from a "polish" aspect...but they are working out some procedural things and what IS impressive, is the personal care that you receive. Trish now physically works for and has an office at florence Hospital. I come to think of her a friend of the family. She's a remarkable woman. Anyway, my friends trip was almost identical to mine...her recovery was also exceptional and we were laying poolside at the Lucerna when she looks at me and confesses..."I feel so good! Part of me actually thought you were lying about how good you felt!!" Hey, what are friends for!! teeheee As a newly sleeved patient myself, I was a little concerned about what I would eat; especially since I need to focus on Protein and I'm a woman. I'm not so brave (or stupid) to go wondering off campus by myself in search of food. I was fully prepared to live on Jerkey and cheese sticks...but not to worry, I was driven anywhere I needed. Trish took me to Breakfast and I had a fantastic Chili Cheese Omelette...she took me to market so I could get cottage cheese, yogurt, pork rinds and anything else my little tummy desired. She was wonderful. We had a blast.. It's funny...Dr. Kelly is the only other person besides my family who gets away with calling me Susie. As a side note, when you book directly through Trish (which I had also done...but paid by credit card through the other coordinator...), you are picked up by a professional driving service. The driver meets you at baggage claim and has a sign with your name on it. This is for those that read my story...I just wanted to update you, because I expected something else, not realizing that because I had used the other website merely to make my deposit (I never spoke to them or ever had contact with them) they did arrange some of the details and apparently were paid the booking fee. Going directly through Trish, there are some minor differences, but I would call them improvements. Before, I wasn't processed at the border as a medical patient, this time we were and were expedited through a MUCH shorter line of cars.

In full disclosure, I used Trish for my surgery and then referred my friend to her. Where I spend my money is enough of an endorsement I guess. I'll take expertise over bed-side manner in my surgeon, and boots on the ground in Tijuana over a slick operation with printed materials at the ready and a sketch 3rd party payment system through a website that doesn't give you any warm fuzzy feeling when you get a single line response, "...your payment is received..." but no confirmation, no summary, no surgeon name, etc. I happened to be in Tj this last week for the "drama" which Dr. Kelly and Trish tried to hide for the most part from patients. But here's my understanding...and a lot of it was confirmed in the statment posted by Sandy that I read advertising her website and company. Trish no longer works for Sandy and so she's now "competition". This boils down to money...or losing money. It's all about the commission. The coordinators work for Dr. Kelly, not the other way around...and no one is "exclusive". Dr. Kelly worked at Angeles Hospital, a part of a large staff. He's now building his own private practice and pay's various outlets for their referrals. Now that patient referrals are coming in, some businesses are losing money because patients are going directly to Dr. Kelly or to Trish. It seems that some or a, coordinator(s) feel that it is unethical of Dr. Kelly and/or Trish to accept clients that another coordinator didn't send them without paying a royalty to her...even when the referring patient never went through her either. It boggles my mind. Anyway, my advice is to remember that not everything that glitters is gold. A slick web page $10000 Guarantee's of lowest prices $400 Boots on the ground in Tijuana = Priceless Just my 2 cents...

I had a Protein drink this morning and had to take a nap within 2 hours... Had another Protein Drink about an hour ago, and I could take another nap. What the heck? Has anyone else noticed this in the transition from clears to Protein drinks? (I'm 10 day's out). Thanks for your input, Susan

I agree, they are big. Last night I heated one, then I layered some fresh basil leaves, some low moisture part-skim mozarella, and a slice of tomato and popped it under the broiler for about 2 mins to finish the tomato. I ate half and it was so good!

I don't know how many of you have tried the Amylu's chicken Burgers...but they are DELISH. I bought them at costco in the butcher dept... I picked up the Sweet Carmelized onion version and I really love it! They are pre-cooked and just need to be heated. 150 cals. I think they are WAY better than the Chili Lime patty's from Trader Joe's...and I really enjoy those! The other think that I have found to give me some light carb crispiniess...is a brand called Kavli. They make wafer thin flatbreads and 3 = 50 cals and 10 carbs. I eat the garlic flavor with some laughing cow. YUM Totally satisfies that cracker desire. Found them at Fred Meyer's in the cracker section...near the entertainment crackers.

Yesterday, I was hungry...I'd eat (not full, undereat and be comfortable) but be hungry again in 2 hrs. ALL DAY. Ended up just over 900 cals. Today, meh. Scrounging to get in just under 600. WTH?? So yesterday I lifted weights...but not until mid-day and was hungry before that. The only thing I can think of is that I drank a Protein shake first, treadmill, Water...ate egg later. Today I reversed that and ate egg first, treadmill, water, Protein Shake later. The difference was astounding in how I felt. Both my treadmill workouts were equally punishing. Anyway... This is sort of random ramblings, but I remember someone (Rootman?) saying that if he started the day with a shake he was hungry all day. Well, it's got me thinking.... Does anyone else find this to be true for them? Is it too early to start a hypothesis? lol Wouldn't it be nice if it were that simple?

possibly, but unlikely with only 2 carbs?

Thank you...I'll check it out. Makes sense...I wasn't thinking in terms of liquid leaving faster...duh. I was just thinking calorie per calorie...

THANK YOU! Everything you said made sense. I don't want bad habbits to sneak in, and I already found out that I can't have just ONE Dorito (slider food for me)...so things like that I'll have to just ban as tabu for me. Hey, you will get NO lecture from me on the coffee front, but I appreciate the heads up on the water consumption suffering from no logging--I can very clearly see this happening to me, so maybe I'll have to do the old paperclips in the pocket or something to remind me to drink. I used to do "counting" on WW with pennies, paperclips, whatever...it was helpful, if not a little OCD. HAH! Thanks for the answer... I hope my '6 month' point comes too. Gosh, I can't even imagine not 'thinking about food." Wow. That's just a fantasy right now. A good one though!

Good for you!! Nothing like a cup a joe mmmmm

WOW You look so good!! Seriously. Great job! Hey, can I ask if at what point the "novelty" of the sleeve wore off where you didn't obsess over everything? I mean, for me it's gotten WAY better now that I'm beyond the first month...but when did you start to forget that you "just had surgery" and began to feel normal and not ruled by the food diary? I hope that makes sense. I just don't want to be obsessed in a whole different way than I was before and I feel like I am right now. Thanks, Susan

When you say your blood pressure is good, what is it?

Bless him! Very sweet and succint. I'd have been in the lou too.