Suzannesh

Hi and thanks. That is just why I wrote it. Sometimes we just need to hear that others have had the very same issues and problems that we are dealing with. It does get better. The big thing is to remember when it comes time to chewing that you chew and chew and chew before you try to swallow it. Each step and each day gets better. It does take time. You will NEVER inhale food like you used to. It take time to eat because of the chewing, and sometimes you just get tired of chewing and push your plate away. LOL Hang in there and I am always on here posting, if you have any question please feel free to ask me. Hugs, Suzanne

Yes, I had what I later learned was what we call "Stalls" I went for 9 days with NO weight loss. Honestly I kept doing what I was doing and did a little more exercise and then it kicked in and I started to lose again. Experiment and see if adding some calories will help, but if not just keep doing what you do. I learned that Stalls are pretty normal. Take care, Suzanne

Hi Everyone, Why to first month is so difficult. You are about to change everything you know about eating and your body. Your brain for all of you life has been used to you eating almost anything you wanted and large amounts of food. I never stopped and gave this much thought, when I wanted to have WLS. All I was thinking was about getting the fat off my body and feeling healthy again. I spent a lot of year being fat and this was my chance to change the roller coaster of losing the weight and regaining it again. So for me I had to spend the first 10 days having nothing but Clear liquids. I could only have about a ¼ of a cup of anything when it was time to eat. I felt pretty good, but this first 10 days were the worst. There are only some many clear liquids. I had various kinds of broth—chicken was my favorite. I had Jello, white grape juice, apple juice, Water with Crystal Light, decaf tea—Earl Gray and my life saver was sugar free all natural fruit popsicles. If my stomach felt quizy this really seemed to clam it. I had problems finding a Protein Drink that was clear that I liked. I since have found some. They are made by Syntrax and they are called Nectar—all kinds of flavors that can be mixed with water. It is very important that you try to get some protein the first 10 days. These first 10 days are difficult because my brain is screaming at me “I am hungry.” We call these head games because your brain is trying to control you. Your brain can play some mean and ugly games with your mind and what you are thinking. You are NOT hungry; you are getting what you need for these 1st 10 days. You NEED to give your new stomach time to heal and that is why you need to follow exactly what they tell you to eat. The next 10 days is so much better. 10 days of nothing but creamy foods. I thought I was in heaven when I got to this stage. I could have my favorite Protein Drink. I love Premier Protein Drink—I get mine at costco. I have since found 2 other Protein drinks made by Syntrax that I also love—Mint Cookie and banana Cream. I could have cottage cheese, sugar pudding, yogurt, and creamy Soups. Some Creamy style Peanut Butter. I still could also have any of the clear liquids I was having before. Remember you are only going to be able to eat about 2 oz. of anything when you eat. Your new stomach can now only hold food about the size of your thumb. The next 10 days are getting a little better. It is 10 days of mushy food. I found this stage a little harder, but I became a little creative. I took some home made chicken Soup and put it in the blender, veggies worked great to make mushy, sweet potato was great instead of a regular potato. I also had applesauce at this point too. I tried to watch my carbs too—no more than 20 carbs per day. I always made sure I had my protein drinks at least 2 per day. I was told to have at least 70 grams of protein per day. Premier Protein had 30 grams per drink box. Another challenge I had was drinking enough water and getting the Protein Drinks down too. It felt like I was always sipping and drinking something. This is just what you have to do. Eating is like having a job and you have to do the best you can to get everything inside your body that you need. I had problems swallowing my medication during this time. I learned to smash the meds up into a power with a mortar and then mixed the powered medication with applesauce and that is how I took my meds. You may have problems with constipation too. I use 1 cap full of Miralax everyday in the morning. I put 1 cap full in with my Protein Drink and mix it in my Magic Bullet. I still use Miralax all the time. It is not habit forming and helps because we eat a lot of protein and that causes the constipation. Remember there is a reason you need to follow the diet that your doctor has given you. Different doctors have different things they may want you to be eating. These were what my doctor had me do. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me. Suzanne Sleeved 10/28/2008 Lost 105 lbs.

Hi, I am so very happy that you have made this choice. I know without a doubt that this will the very best thing you have ever done for yourself. When you see Dr. Aceves please tell him we spoke and that I highly recommend him. He is the most caring, kind, excellent surgeon you can ever find. Honestly if I lived closer (I am in Oregon) I would make him my PCP. He has a great sense of humor too.He will take all the time you need answering ALL your question too. You would never receive the kind of care in any US hospital that you will get being in Mexicali and having Dr. Aceves do your surgery. They clean 24-7 there too. If you need or want any kind of information PLEASE just send me a note, I read them every day. Hugs and I am here for you after your surgery too. Yeah for you!!!

Hi, There have been lost of questions about Dr. Almanza and Jerusalem Hospital and sending his patients to a Recovery House or Hotel to recovery. I think this is good information. http://www.obesityhe...gery-in-mexico/

Hi, It is very normal to only be able to eat about 2 oz at one time. Remember that your new stomach will hold when healed about 6 to 8 oz. But for now because of the surgery, your new stomach is swollen and will only hold as much food as about the size of your thumb. Your old brain is thinking--WOW I used to get to have a whole lot more food. Now you will have to retain your barin and teach it that is is very OK to only have 1 to 2 oz of anything. Just eat what is comfortable. For Mushy things, I didn't do much meat, mostly veggies that I couls mush up and then only in small amount. Egss didn't work well for me at firist. Later on I did ok. Soft boild eggs worked the best. Stop when you feel you have had enough. You don't have to eat the entire egg. We are so used to our old way of thinking. This is what we call "Head Games." That brain makes us think the old way and you have to star thinking the NEW way. LOL About the Nexium, it just never worked well for me. I got Prilosec and mashed it into a power and them but it in 2 tablespoons of applesauce and that is how I got it down. I hope that helps you. Sorry if you didn't get this right away, I was out of town. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, You are going to be just fine. I had Dr. Aceves do my surgery 3 years ago. An amazing doctor--and his staff are fabulous. So I just wanted to say when you get home, if you have any questions or just want to talk, please feel free to contact me. I am here for you every step of the way. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, I had sleeve surgery 3 years ago with Dr. Aceves--lost 105 pounds. You have picked the very best Weight Loss Surgeon that there is. He has a team of amazing doctors and nurses. He recently was named in the top 25 Bariatric Surgeons in the WORLD. He is the only doctor that was named in Mexico. There should be an article about him in Time magazine sometime later this year. He is very shy about telling people things like this. You will never hear him brag about awards. I can tell you for a fact that it is very normal to have all these feelings and emotions. We can all tell you that you are in great hands and will be OK, but once you get to the hospital you will see for yourself what a clean and great place it is. The staff are outstanding. They will make every effort to meet all your needs. Hang on, this is something that is going to change your entire life. I am always out here for any questions that you might have. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, This doesn't sound good. I know you have picked the doctor of your choice. So they should be treating you with nothing but respect. Maybe ask if there is someone else to talk to. I would NOT stand for being treated like this if it were me. This is your money and your are THEIR EMPLOYER. You shouldn't have to deal with this kind of stuff. Maybe you need to let someone at this clinic or hospital how you are being treated. I wish you better luck in the future. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Everyone,:kiss: Why do I always post a lot on this site? I have such a passion about the success that I had after having weight loss surgery with Dr. Aceves and his staff. My entire life changed. I had the most wonderful support from so many people on this board when I was first starting out and was “just thinking” about what kind of weight loss surgery I wanted. Then once I was sure I was going to do it and that I wanted a sleeve, came my thousands of questions. Now these people were so patient with me and ALL my questions—trust me I had a lot of them. They really helped me educated myself. They were there when I had opposition from my own family and encouraged me this was about me and NOT them. By asking ALL MY questions I felt very comfortable with my choice. I am not saying I wasn’t scared, and had all kinds of feelings and emotions before I went to Mexicali, because I had the very same ones that most of you have had before you had your surgery. It was MY choice to go alone and I did great and knew I was going to be OK going alone and I was—that might not be for everyone, but it was what worked for me. I learned so much through this process and I wanted to give something back to the “newbies” who were coming along behind me. I have 3 years of experience behind me and some valuable information I think. I can only talk about “MY” experience and tell people what I know from my own experience and the education I got before, after and during my 14 months it took me to lose 105 pounds. I am retired, I do have the time to answer people’s question and say what I know. I do this because I want to pay it forward and give back ALL that I got from the people ahead of me. I want YOU to be successful with your weight loss. I want YOU to have ALL the information from as many people on this board as it takes before you make a choice of what kind of weight loss surgery you are going to have and where you are going to have it. Suzanne :cheer2: Sleeved 10/21/2008 Lost 105 pounds

Hi, loved your post. There are those who I call uneducated when it comes to WLS. So just remember this is ALWAYS ALL ABOUT YOU AND NO ONE ELSE. Stop trying right now to educated them. When you get home and you doing well and dropping the pounds they will sit up and notice. LOL we all inhaled our food. Now you know how you got fat so easy. You could inhale the food. It does take time and effort to eat. I wish you great success with your WLS. If you are going to Dr. Aceves you have picked the VERY best. Suzanne

Hi Everyone, Did you every stop and think “you really do get what you pay for.” Yes I know that there are a lot of different prices when it comes to Weight Loss Surgery. If you are a self-pay patient people look at going outside the US—it just cost a lot less and for many Mexico is the first place they may look. All you have to do is look around on the internet. So ask yourself why are their prices lower for so many doctors in Mexico? What I am going to talk about are some of my concerns about WLS in Mexico—and yes I went to Mexico myself. Here are some of the things I have learned while doing my research into doctors and hospitals or clinics. 1. Your recovery is done is a Recovery House or Hotel for some. I have heard some of you say that there are nurses 24-7 in these Recovery Houses. PLEASE ask to see documentation that proves they are really a RN. There is nothing wrong with asking questions—this is your health and your life we are talking about. Make sure that is truly who will be taking care of you during your stay in a Recovery House. If it is a hotel they come and check on your and are NOT there 24-7. 2. Ask questions about what kind of staples they use-I have heard that some of these doctors are using black market supplies—such as staples. We go to these facilities thinking that we are getting top of the line supplies, drugs and staples. You should receive very best medical titanium staples you can have. Please make them prove to you what they are going to use on you. Feel really comfortable with the answers they give you. 3. You have every RIGHT to know what they are putting in your body. They are going to be there for the rest of your life? Why is it that we think that we can’t question a hospital or a doctor about these things? We ask more questions when we go to buy a new car than we do about Weight Loss Surgery. Well at least a lot of people do. We want this surgery and we assume too much sometimes. I know that I had the answers before I went to have Weight Loss Surgery. I knew I was paying more, and I knew why. I have also heard that some of these less expensive doctors are using veterinary supplies. We are not animals we are humans and we do deserve to have the very best we can. Please READ EVERYTHING you can find about the Doctor you are going to have do your surgery. I am also saying there are some very good doctors in Mexico, but take a little time and check things out. Hugs, Suzanne

Hey, I think you are doing a great job as a matter of fact really amazing. Just keep doing what you are doing OK. Each day it gets a whole lot better. Remember the 1st month is the hardest. Then each month after that it just keeps getting easier. We all have our ups and downs. Don't forget the stalls that you may experience. We have all had times when we didn't lose one pound for days and we knew we were doing everything right, then the weight loss starts up again. Hang in there. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Julie, Thanks so much. I just want anyone is is thinking about WLS to have a good experience. If you are considering it this is good information too. There are a lot of things to think about before you have it. The list can go on and on. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, This is an extremely SAFE border to cross. Ernesto who is the driver that picks you up from the Airport in San Diego does this 2 times a day and I promise you that Mexicali is one of the safest borders to cross. Tell hime to relax. You are in great hands and nothing will happen to you. Hugs, Suzanne

This would NEVER happen with Dr. Aceves. So it must be other doctors in Mexico.

Hey Jackie, that is just what I am here for. My goal is to help others and pass on what I have learned along the way. I had some wonderful people who really helped me when I had my surgery and we have become good friends along the way. You are doing fantastic with your weight loss Yeah for Jackie. You honestly have to stop and have talks with yourself--so your brain understands who is in charge. Your brain can play some nasty tricks on you along with the smell of food the they are bringing into the house. I am sure they don't even think about it but sit down and nicely tell them, right now this is NOT working at all for you. 2 more days, I can still remember when when I got to start on the 2nd 10 days. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I got to have creamy soup--and I could only get down about 1/4 of a cup not even all that, but it taste soooooo good. You can and will do this and you are going to be so successful. sugar free Popsicles were really good too--get some of those and try them. Just remember you have earned the right to be skinny and it is going to happen. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Yes sometimes family and friends become more of a problem than help, and right now you just need some peace in your life. You really don't and won't have hunger. What you are having is "head hunger" your head is telling you that "IT" wants to eat, because for all your life the head has rules what and when you were eating. Now you are going to take control and pick how much, and when you are going to eat. It takes a good two months to get this habit going. That is why the first month is the hardest. When people bring things in the house--it is the smell of the food that you are dealing with. Ask them to please not do this for this first month. If they want something else please eat it where they picked up the food. It is really hard when someone does that to you. Glad to hear that your pain is going away. Each day it gets better. You just have to adapt to the lifestyle changes that you are going to be making. Healthy choices when it comes to food. I have a new Protein Drink that I just love. I have ALWAYS just had Premier Protein Drink that I got at costco after 3 years I wanted to try something different. I wanted to try something different and so I had heard a lot of people talk about "Mint Cookies." It is sooooooooooo good. This is where I ordered it from www.netrition.com The item number to order this is 39-0963 it is made by Syntrax and you can have it in the 2nd 10 days. The Label says Matrix 2.0 Mint Cookies This might be something that would make it a little easier for you. The cost of it is $22.95 for 2.16 lbs. It truly is good. You can mix it with water or milk. I use Skim Milk. They have other flavors once you get to the site and find it. I have also ordered banana Cream--have not tasted it yet. Hang in there it will get a whole lot better. Hugs, Suzanne

Big steps you are taking, lots of emotions and feeling going on with you. Hey these feelings and emotions are all normal. By the time you read this, you are already finished with your surgery. Congratulations on your life changing event. Life is going to just get a who lot better from here on out. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Everyone, If you are going outside of the US for your surgery there are some things to consider. Is it safe to cross the Border to get to the city where you are going? This is a great site to get a lot of information. Spend some time reading all the good information they have to offer us. http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html The other thing you should consider is if you are going to be using your Credit or Debit cards, make sure you call your banks and let them know the dates that you will be outside of the US and what countries you plan on traveling to. If you don’t do this they may block your charges thinking your card may be stolen. For so many of us Mexico was our destination. Now you may already know that you are taking someone with you. For me I felt very comfortable going by myself and I knew the conditions of where I was going and knew about my transportation across the border. Remember if you are driving your own vehicle into Mexico, your insurance for your vehicle is NO good once you cross the border. Should you tell people what you are going to do—and that you are going outside of the US to do it? I would say tell a select few where you are going along with the name of the Hotel and Doctor that you will be seeing. Honestly you will be amazed at the opposition that you may get from your family and friends. They really have not had the opportunity like you and I have had to educate ourselves about the Doctors, the Hospital and the type of surgery we are having. They only know horror stories and are sure we are going to dirty filthy places to have this surgery. They listen to a lot of gossip and honestly believe it. They will try to talk you out of having this done. You have to become strong and just do what you know is right for you—this is NOT about them. I believe that by the time you have made a choice of who your doctor is going to be and what kind of surgery you are having, you have done quite a bit a research. If you aren’t comfortable with what you are hearing about your choice take a little more time to find out more about this doctor and his facility. For me I am not willing to have the surgery done in a clinic and be sent to a recovery house or hotel to recover—I knew I want a FULLY equipped hospital. I knew a lot about my choice for a doctor and that was Dr. Aceves. I knew that his driver Ernesto was going to be picking me up and taking along with others that day to Mexicali, Mexico. I also knew that was a very safe border to cross and I knew the drive did this 2 times a day every day. So I was comfortable with all my information. This is a big step that you are about to take, take your time, ask a LOT of questions and be comfortable with your choice. There are no bad questions to ask. Keep asking until you are comfortable with your answers. This is a life changing event and I recommend having the VSG also known as “the Sleeve.” That is just my choice and I can only speak about what I know the most about. This is all about you and don’t let ANYONE bully you into thinking that this is wrong and I knew a lot about my choice for a doctor and that was Dr. Aceves. I knew that his driver Ernesto was going to be picking me up and taking along with others that day to Mexicali, Mexico. I also knew that was a very safe border to cross. So I was comfortable with all my information. This is ALL about you and don’t let ANYONE bully you into thinking that this is wrong and you shouldn’t be doing this. It has nothing to do with them but everything to do about YOU. I wish you great success in your weight loss journey. Hugs, Suzanne Sleeved 10/28/2008

Hi, you are so correct. It has been almost 3 years and I had forgot about the one he does in the OR, so he does 3 leak tests. Thanks for catching me on that one. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Eliza, I am so excited for you. I know for a fact that you will NEVER regret your choice of doctors--he is fabulous and so caring. If I had the time I would go to Mexicali with each and everyone of you to easy any questions or problems that you might have. I am always just an E-mail away from you and if you need at ANY time I will send you a private E-mail with my phone number so that we can talk on the phone. I want you to know it is very normal to have a range of all kinds of feelings and emotions as you get closer to the date of your surgery. I had all of them. I was excited, scared, anxious and 2nd guessing myself over should I do this or should I not. I knew that diet and exercise just wasn't my answer. WLS was going to be my answer and I wanted it. So know that I am there for you 100%. Hugs and keep me up to date on what is going on with you. Suzanne

Hi, I am can only speak about my experience. I wanted the very best I could find because I wanted to make sure I was taken care of 24-7 in a hospital. So after a lot of research and talking with others and checking things out for about 6 months, my choice was Dr. Aceves. He is highly skilled, I saw him and one other doctor 3 times a day while I was in his top of the line hospital--the entire staff are great. All these things were very important to me. I had spoke with some of his patients, who themselves were nurses and one doctor. They all had nothing but good things to say about their care--now wouldn't you think they would know about the quality of care they received more than that average person--they sure did. Dr. Aceves does 2 leak tests on your new stomach before he will release you to go home. He send home very detailed information for you and you can all and check with his staff if you have any questions when you go home. Dr. Aceves will call you back himself too. I have always found his staff helpful when I was there and when I went home. I would never want to leave a hospital to go recover in a hotel. That is just me. I feel that every dime I spent was well worth it. I have NO regrets at all. I hope you find this helpful. This is ALL ABOUT YOU and your health and the best care you can get. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, I wish you great success. Remember the first month after surgery is the hardest you will have to do. It is only 30 days and not forever. You are going to be so happy that you have had the surgery. You are about to do something that is a life changing journey. Enjoy it and keep us posted. Suzanne

Hi, Wow, you have me on that one. I think it must have to do with who your doctor is and how he puts your new stomach back together again. I had Dr. Aceves and he is an amazing doctor--top of the line when it come to VSG's. He checks you 2 different ways for any leaks before you are sent back home. I have staples and stitches and have NEVER had any problems. So I think you want to have the very best doctor you can and ask all kinds of questions. I wish you a lot of luck. I know there are so pretty bad doctors out there so be very careful who you pick for your doctor. Hugs, Suzanne