Suzannesh

Hey Ricky, Congratulations for making a good choice of going to Mexicali to have Dr. Aceves do your surgery. You will love having the sleeve compared to a Lapband. If you have already been there, then I don't need to tell you how wonderful he is and how great the hospital is. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. And by all means tell Dr. Aceves that Suzanne said Hi. Where in Oregon do you live? I live in Eugene. Hugs, Suzanne :rolleyes:

Hi, Yes, you need to have a passport to go to Mexico. Some people have told me that if you show the papers that prove you have applied but not received it yet, that they will let you in and out of Mexico. Suzanne

Hi Everyone, I have had this on my computer and try to post it for people who are going to Dr. Aceves for WLS. A group of us have put this together and you may find it helpful. Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves. 1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no Water required—nothing difficult to swallow either. 2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry. 3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask. 4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs. 5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like. 6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases. 7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great. I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home. 9. As far as money someone suggested I bring about $40.00 to $45.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali. I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home. I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might appreciate the cash as a gift. I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk. The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec. 10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home. 11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home. 12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage” and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery. 13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you want. I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink. 14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too. 15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips. If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too. Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home. Suzanne This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom. I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort. You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some hot water and add some chicken broth to the hot water--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works. I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital! The best of luck to you! You will do great!

Hi, Amen sister to that thought! Those are the things that I am so used to now that I don't even think about them anymore. It is like someone sitting on my shoulder and saying "hey enough; you are full now." It is easy to stop eating when you know you are full, you have had enough food and you can do this for the rest of your life. Congratulations on learning this! It took ALL of us to have WLS before we could learn this. That is the beauty of it. :P Have great day tomorrow. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, What great things to be thankful for. :rolleyes: And to have changed the people's lives around you because they saw what you are doing is just FANTASTIC! My husband lost 25 pounds because he started eating what I was eating, however he ate more than I did. We share meal when we go out an eat, because we know that neither on of us NEED all the food they give you. You really are heading in the right direction and you are going to be very successful. Just think if you would have never done this you would still be spinning wheels. Congratulations to you on your success. :cheer2: :cheer2: NEVER give up on yourself ever again. You now control food instead of the food controlling you. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, I LOVED EVERYTHING you are thankful, and I read each and everyone of them, and smiled all the way through my reading of them. YOU are really doing an excellent job and I am so very proud of you. I can tell from the way you write that you are not from the US and it is delightful to read how you write. It will just keep getting better each and every month until you reach your goal. We are coming to Europe in Sept 2011 and we start out in London. :heart: Where do you live? It would be fun to meet you if we are going to be any place close to where you live. I would love to stay in touch with you. I wrote this because I wanted to share how it has changed my life, but I can tell you it has made me feel GREAT reading everyone else's reasons why they are thankful too. You had sooooooooo many GREAT things to say. Congratulations on your success you look great!:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, It is amazing in the amount of money that we spend to remain fat. As we lose the fat we gain control over our eating, and being healthy and our money too. Good for you and I wish you nothing but success. Hug, Suzanne

Hi, You are no longer living to JUST eat. You now eat healthy to live a good life. This is a real advancement in your way of thinking. Congratulations to you. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Bingo, You got just what I was saying. I didn't figure this out right at first about about 2 months into it, I sure did. I wish you great success in your new journey. Suzanne

Hi Kurt, What a GREAT list of things to be thankful for. Most of us are women that get on here and write these things. I am soooooooooooo impressed with ALL the things you said. I loved it when you said someone call you small and thin. For a guy it must feel fabulous. Congratulations on your success. Enjoy the Harley. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Everyone, I thought about how much WLS cost and then I sat down and did a little calculation on what I would save each month. I was amazed when I figured out that is sure didn’t take me long to pay myself back because I wasn’t spending as much for food, medication, doctor’s visits, eating out and less gas for my car because I walked a lot more and did my shopping on my walks. Yes self-pay does cost us more. I gave up waiting for an insurance company to say yes, because I knew that they just weren’t going to do it and I wasn’t willing to give away any more days of my life. I knew Dr. Aceves was the best and that was just where I was going. Check out my numbers and think about how fast you actually recover your initial investment in yourself. Suzanne Sleeved 10/21/2008 Total weight lost 105 pounds Item Saving Costs per month Savings Cost of my Sleeve Surgery Food $150.00 $1,800.00 by Dr. Aceves Eating out $150.00 $1,800.00 Medication $75.00 $900.00 Doctor $100.00 $1,200.00 Gas/walk more $25.00 $300.00 Saving per month $500.00 Total savings for 1 year $6,000.00 $8,700.00 How long it took me to pay myself back for my WLS because I was saving each month because I wasn't eating as much or going to the doctor as much and taking less medication. So at the end of 17 months I had saved enough money to pay myself back what I spent for the cost of my WLS. AREN'T YOU WORTH THE COST OF THE SURGERY? Take care, and be happy,

Hi Everyone, I thought about how much WLS cost and then I sat down and did a little calculation on what I would save each month. I was amazed when I figured out that is sure didn’t take me long to pay myself back because I wasn’t spending as much for food, medication, doctor’s visits, eating out and less gas for my car because I walked a lot more and did my shopping on my walks. Yes self-pay does cost us more. I gave up waiting for an insurance company to say yes, because I knew that they just weren’t going to do it and I wasn’t willing to give away any more days of my life. I knew Dr. Aceves was the best and that was just where I was going. Check out my numbers and think about how fast you actually recover your initial investment in yourself. Suzanne Sleeved 10/21/2008 Total weight lost 105 pounds Item Saving Costs per month Savings Cost of my Sleeve Surgery Food $150.00 $1,800.00 by Dr. Aceves Eating out $150.00 $1,800.00 Medication $75.00 $900.00 Doctor $100.00 $1,200.00 Gas/walk more $25.00 $300.00 Saving per month $500.00 Total savings for 1 year $6,000.00 $8,700.00 How long it took me to pay myself back for my WLS because I was saving each month because I wasn't eating as much or going to the doctor as much and taking less medication. So at the end of 17 months I had saved enough money to pay myself back what I spent for the cost of my WLS. AREN'T YOU WORTH THE COST OF THE SURGERY? Take care, and be happy,

Gee thank you, I want you to know that I am happy that my post are working for you. If I can make a suggestion to you please. Do you know who you are having for your doctor yet? I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Aceves. :kiss: I have all kinds of information, and can talk with you and answer ALL your questions about sleeve surgery and tell you the good and the bad parts of it.:omg_smile: For me I wanted the very best doctor I could find for this surgery, and did a ton of research. Dr. Aceves's name just kept coming up over and over. I have to tell you he is EVERYTHING plus a who lot more when it comes to someone with skills, talent and a caring doctor. :star: :star: :star: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Stay in touch and in the mean time, I will keep posting for you. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, GREAT answers. We did this one day at a time,, but having my health back was the most important for me. I found out there were so many more things that I felt like doing once I was healthy again. :lol: :rolleyes: Take care, Suzanne

Nothing wrong at all with all the things that you want to do--and you will be able to do ALL of them if you want. Just keep your goal and it will all fall into place. Keep me posted to how you are doing. If you have questions or want to talk about things, I am always just an E-mail away. Yeah for you for doing this for yourself. Hugs, Suzanne

How great to do this for yourself when you are 24. You have added so many years to the rest of your life. You are going to have so much fun doing all the things you want to do. You are amazing. Just keep doing what feels good and right for you. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Julie, I Loved the being happy in "your own skin." Me too. It just keeps getting better and you keep getting stronger. You have done an amazing job, just keep going. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, All VERY important things to be thankful for. Itsn't it amazing at how much our lives have changed? I loved the picture of the cat. I had a white cat just like that one for about 12 years.....cute picture. Hugs, Suzanne

What are you thankful for after having WLS? · The first thing I am so thankful for is Dr. Aceves. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe this wonderful gifted doctor who did my surgery. :first: · I still am shocked when someone calls me skinny—I thought who me skinny no way? But, it was me they were calling skinny. · I am so thankful for my great healthy.:hand: · The best part of about this weight loss surgery is that I NEVER feel hungry. I have to remind myself to eat. · Hold on to your hats because this is going to be the ride of your life. · I know I will never be fat again in my life. I thanked Dr. Aceves for what he did for me and he said “I only gave you the tool to achieve your Weight Loss, give yourself the credit for making it work.” I still want to say Dr. Aceves you are the BEST! :cheer2: · I take only about 10% of the meds that I used to take before WLS. · I love walking in to any clothing store and knowing I can buy clothes that will fit me. · My family is so proud of me for doing this.:drum: · When someone doesn’t recognize me because I have lost 105 pounds!!!I love it when then figure out who I am—then they have a million questions for me as to how did I lose the weight. · After 2 ½ years to have people say WOW you still look great and have not gained anything back · Most of all being able to support new people who are thinking about WLS and telling them about my journey and answering their questions. Talking with them about their fears. And then seeing them have great success like I have had.

What are you thankful for after having WLS? · The first thing I am so thankful for is Dr. Aceves. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe this wonderful gifted doctor who did my surgery. · I still am shocked when someone calls me skinny—I thought who me skinny no way? But, it was me they were calling skinny. · I am so thankful for my great healthy. · The best part of about this weight loss surgery is that I NEVER feel hungry. I have to remind myself to eat. · Hold on to your hats because this is going to be the ride of your life. · I know I will never be fat again in my life. I thanked Dr. Aceves for what he did for me and he said “I only gave you the tool to achieve your Weight Loss, give yourself the credit for making it work.” I still want to say Dr. Aceves you are the BEST! · I take only about 10% of the meds that I used to take before WLS. · I love walking in to any clothing store and knowing I can buy clothes that will fit me.:wub: · My family is so proud of me for doing this.:angel_smile: · When someone doesn’t recognize me because I have lost 105 pounds!!!I love it when then figure out who I am—then they have a million questions for me as to how did I lose the weight. · After 2 ½ years to have people say WOW you still look great and have not gained anything back · Most of all being able to support new people who are thinking about WLS and telling them about my journey and answering their questions. Talking with them about their fears. And then seeing them have great success like I have had :heart: :cheer2: .

Hi, Before you know it, it will be Aug and you will be on a journey that will change your entire life. Congratulations on taking the steps that will make such a difference in your life. Hugs to you Suzanne

Hi I loved what you said when you said the sleeve saved your life and it could save someone else's life too. That is part of us being willing to talk about our WLS and telling others who ask us how we did it. So many people are embarrassed to say they have had WLS. NOT me, I am all about educating others. I get it if they are uncomfortable talking about it. But if we can talk about WLS it may make a difference in someones quality of life. Congratulations on ALL your accomplishments. You have done GREAT. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, I think you can do just that. It is something that you should be able to achieve. Keep that great attitude. Suzanne

Hey, You go girl !!!!!!! Anything is possible if you want it bad enough and you have the right attitude and drive to make it happen. I will be excited following your progress. Since I have been down this road ahead of you, please feel free to send me a note with any questions that you might have. :cheer2: I love they way you dream about being where you want to be. It can happen and it isn't unreasonable. Sometimes just visualizing yourself at that weight really does help :happy: . I also learned that looking at others before and after pictures really motivated me a LOT. Stay in touch and Hugs,:cheer2: Suzanne