TheSkinnyCow73

Wow Sara! You look amazing!!!!!!!! What an awesome feeling that must be to look at those pictures and see the transformation!!! You are an inspiration for those of us just starting our journey! I cant wait to WANT to go hiking and clothes shopping!!! Congrats to you!!! Thank you for sharing!!

Hi Kathy! Wow!! I hate that you were treated that way! That is just horrible! On a brighter note, CONGRATS ON YOUR WEIGHTLOSS! That is fantastic for only 8 months out!!!! Wow! Dr. Rod still goes to INT Hospital in TJ once a month. We live in Houston so the trip to El Paso was easier/cheaper for the two of us and the dates worked out better for me too since Dr. Rod works out of Juarez most of the month. Honestly, I am glad we did go to Juarez and not TJ after reading what you went through.. my hubby would have been in the Mexican jail if someone spoke to me like that!! That is just horrible! It was very different having the shoe on the other foot being a foreigner for the first time. My husband was in the Air Force and traveled all over the world so it wasnt new to him. We both wondered if the Mexican people were irritated that we were there like some Americans get irritated about Mexicans being here. We never got that feeling from anyone we met/dealt with but it was something that had crossed both our minds with the language barrier. I think they appreciated the fact that we tried to speak and understand by using Google Translator because they could speak into our phones and it would spit out in English what they were trying to say... Thank YOU for sharing your experience! Dr. Rod is a great doctor and doesnt get as much recognition on these boards as he should! Amy

For those of you that are thinking about being sleeved in MX with Dr. Rodriguez, dont hesitate! I researched and chose Dr. Rod because of his ability to work with scar tissue after talking with some of his former patients that had a revision surgery. I had the Molina band for 17 years (had it removed here in the states since insurance was nice enough to cover it!!) so needless to say, my tummy had some scar tissue and i needed a surgeon that could handle this. Dr. Rod did with ease! Here is my detailed journey/experience... My husband and I arrived on Friday, 2/10/12 at 5-ish due to our plane being late. Sergio, the driver, met us at the doors of the airport and guided us to one of his drivers, Alfonso, for the ride across the border. It was uneventful driving across and we laughed and joked with Alfonso about eating real mexican food and what is was like living in MX. He was very open and honest and made us feel less like tourists and more like a long lost relative. It took about 20 minutes to get to Star Medica Hospital from El Paso Airport. Once we were at the hospital, Alfonso grabbed our suitcases and delivered us to Dr. Calderon, the psychiatrist and the first person you meet on staff with Dr. Rodriguez's team. He is very quiet/soft spoken and explains everything to you in great detail. He answered all of our questions about the surgery and paperwork (my husband was asking most of the questions) and then off I went with him to have my chest xray. That took all of 15 minutes total and we were off to our room on the 3rd floor. The rooms are fantastic!! Other than the hospital bed, you get the feeling of a hotel room more than a hospital room. The shower is huge and everything is super clean. The couch/bed that my husband slept on was a memory foam and very comfy for him and of course, I had a hospital bed, nuff said on that! Once we got settled in, the nurses came in and weighed me, drew my blood and did the ekg. We had the rest of the night to do whatever so we went and walked down to Denny's for my "last meal" of sorts... I had a lower bmi so Dr. Calderon said it was okay if i had a healthy last meal as long as I didnt eat or drink anything after midnight. Deal! Something that everyone needs to remember is that not everyone speaks English so using the handout that BeLiteWeight gives you or Google Translator is a must! The next morning (2/11/12), I woke up to the nurses getting me ready for my IV. Martha got me on the first stick and I was so thankful for that! Once she was done, the anesthesiologist came in and talked with me for about 15 minutes asking the usual questions. She was really nice but I cant remember her name to save my life! Then Dr. Rod came in and sat down and explained everything that was going to happen and answered all my questions and my husband's questions too. Didnt hurt that he smells damn good too! Around 1pm, they came in and wheeled my entire bed to the surgery waiting room.. that is when I really got nervous. Hubby was upstairs, I was there alone, hardly anyone spoke english in the surgery waiting area so I broke out into a sweat and the mind started racing. eeek! Then it was my turn... they wheeled me into the surgery room.. I calmed down when I heard the mexican music playing.. the surgical room looked just like the one I was in here in Houston. The last thing I remember was the Anesthesiologist looking over the top of my head and asking if I was okay and telling me that everything was going to be fine. I was out and she was right! I came out of recovery without any problems (I have read where some folks have tubes down their throats when they wake up, this wasnt the case for me) so they wheeled me back into my room where my hubby was.. boy, was he a sight for sore eyes!!! Seeing him assured me that everything was good! By the time I got back to my room it was around 4-4:30pm. I had some gas pains but nothing out of the ordinary. I kinda knew what to expect since I had my band removed a month earlier and went through the same thing. The only thing that bothered me was the drain. ugh! that teeny-tiny incision hurt the worst and still gives me trouble 11 days post op! Throughout the next couple of days they stick my finger for blood sugar and get my bp reading/temperature ever 6 hours or so. You cant drink anything for the first 24 hours and that didnt really bother me. I was too busy trying to manage the drain and walk around to get the damn gas out of me. burping never felt soooo good! Since you have an IV hoooked up the whole time, pain management was really good and any time I felt queasy, they handled it immediately. If you hit the nurse button, they were there within 2 minutes of it going off. Just make sure you are ready to ask them in Spanish if you have someone that doesnt speak good english. Anna and Anna were the two best nurses on the floor for me. The one thing I recommend to everyone is to make sure you have a bowel movement before you leave. The nurses will ask you how much you are peeing and pooping... make sure they give you something to make you go if you havent!! Seriously! We got home and i hadnt had one in 5 days and it was horrible giving myself an enema that soon after surgery! The leak test was cool but awful! You cant have any ice chips/broth/jello/apple juice until you have the leak test with Dr. Elmo... that liquid is horrible tasting but watching it go through your new nanner tummy is amazing and worth the two gulps you have to take! Dr. Elmo gives you Water to wash it down once you are done. They give you a copy of your leak test xray to bring home.. it shows the progression of the Fluid as it moves through the tummy. They even let my husband go in and watch it! How awesome was that! Once the leak test is over and you pass, you get the dreaded drain out ( Dr. Elmo takes it out and does it very well! But dont watch it! LOL) and you get ice chips and broth! Yay! The broth they serve you is delicious and tastes like Ramen Soup chicken broth! The also bring you Jello and fresh squeezed apple juice. YUMMY! you are also given hot water and a cup/ tea bag/ sugar if you want warm tea. Take it slow when you start sipping the broth... the warmness feels good going down but everyone is different. My sleeve sister couldnt handle the broth and hated the jello. I loved them both! Dr. Rod, Dr. Elmo and Dr. Calderon come in each day and check on you and talk to you if you have any questions. The day before you leave they deliver your operative report, leak test xray/chest xray, prescription for the antibiotics, acid reducer pills, and pain meds. On Monday morning, 2/13/12) Dr. Rod came in and said goodbye to us. He offered his phone number or to contact Beliteweight if there are any questions. Sergio calls you when he gets to the hospital and off you go to the airport. Be prepared because that is the bumpiest damn ride ever!!!!! bring a pillow or something to hold close to your tummy! We left at 11am on Monday morning and it took us 1 hour to get across the border bridge (our flight left at 3pm so we had plenty of time). We flashed our passports, they asked if we bought anything, and we were on our way. And tip Sergio well! He was very entertaining and full of stories and information about Juarez and the lifestyle there. If you have time (and make sure you do!), ask him to bring you by the restaurant to get the wonderful homemade chicken broth. for $5 you get a container of the best chicken broth ever!!! All in all, I am sooo happy I chose Beliteweight and Dr. Rod! Beliteweight (JoAnne, Jamie, Amy, and Sharon) helped me with ALL my FMLA, FSA credit card payments and paperwork, and my short-term disability papers. They were very understanding and helpful and i cant thank them enough! I started this journey at 213 and 11 days post op I am sitting at 206. (this includes the 7-8 days (14 lbs of fluid retention from the IV) it took to get back to my pre op weight of 213!) If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! xoxox - Amy p.s. - Dont forget to bring the following! personal pillow - stuff it in a suitcase but dont forget it! chapstick! flipflops for walking the halls although they provide slippers heating pad - it helped with the pain soo much! computer/smartphone for communicating - we have ATT and didnt have any roaming in Juarez and the hospital has wifi too. pajama pants to wear while walking the halls. you are hooked to an IV so the top is pretty much useless until you are ready to go home or take a shower. clothes to wear home that are 2x bigger than what you normally wear... you will most likely gain weight with the IV if you have to be on it more than 2 days, so be prepared!

I had my surgery on 2/11/12 through BeLiteWeight with Dr. Rodriguez and his crew at Star Medica Hospital in Juarez, MX and I have to say that it was the best experience ever for me. You stay in the hospital the entire time you are there (4 days, 3 nights). I have read where some patients have left earlier than that if they are doing okay with keeping liquids down. The hospital is super clean and the rooms are like staying at a 4-star hotel! My husband traveled with me but if you travel alone, there isnt a minute they leave you unattended from the moment you land in the El Paso Airport and meet Sergio their driver to the moment you walk out the hospital to meet Sergio again to go home! Dr. Rod is really down to earth and sat and talked with us about life, technology, kids, the surgery after-life, etc.. for about an hour or more each day we were there! I have NEVER had that kind of personal attention with any doctors here in the US! They make you feel like family and that was really comforting! Good luck with your search for a doc! Let me know if you have any questions!

I was sleeved 10 days ago and I can tell you the following were life savers for me... my personal pillow my beach bath towel - I use it to wrap up in after showers at home and it gave me some freedom from the gown while my IV was disconnected heating pad - helps with the pain more than you can imagine! chapstick - we went to a very dry climate in MX compared to the humidity of Houston slippers - the hospital supplied these (thankfully) and they came in handy when walking the halls flip flops - so convenient and you need convenience! If I didnt wear the slippers, I put my flipflops on to walk around. pajama pants - I was hooked to an IV for 3 days so my upper half was confined to the hospital gown but my lower half I was able to put these on and it made me feel more secure. I bought a pair that was 2x bigger than what I normally wear for comfort Loose fitting clothes to wear home - I gained 14# of IV fluids and NONE of my clothes fit me going home that I planned to wear! I ended up wearing the pajama pants and my husband's hoodie (no bra either) to the airport, etc... GasX strips - I brought them and used them but the gas pains are going to be there regardless... it was nice to have the mint flavor in my mouth when I couldnt drink anything for 24 hrs after surgery. Pack lightly and in a rolling suitcase! Good luck!!!

I used this website http://web4health.info/el/ed-dia-weight-ideal.htm and the fact that i have been 140-150 ump-teen years ago and felt healthy at that weight..

You are doing great! Just sit back and relax and work that sleeve!! I had 3 days of IV fluid/ pain meds and that had me UP 14lbs after surgery. I am JUST NOW getting back to my pre-op weight (213) a week and some days later! Talk about frustrating but it goes to show you that the body is confused and trying to figure things out after the trauma it received. To be honest, I have skipped around with what I have been eating since about day 5 and I am still losing the inches. I can tell already in my clothes and the way they fit. Give it time.. we are all still pretty early in our journey and together we will make this work! Good luck!

Interesting read! Thanks!

Found this on Pinterest.. sounds yummy and might be a good occassional sweet tooth solution for some of us.. Protein Peanut Butter CUPS - 1 scoop chocolate whey Protein powder - 1 TBSP all-natural peanut butter - 1 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder - 1-2 packets of Stevia - 4oz Water - Blend all the ingredients together in a blender - Divide the peanut butter mixture into round muffin tins (USE a SILICONE tray!!!), filling about 3/4 full. - Place filled muffin tin in freezer and let freeze for about an hour or until firm (Freeze any extra peanut butter cups for up to five days)

5 weeks for me and from the looks of it, I am going to need every bit of that time! My boss wanted to make sure when I got back to work, I was going to be ready to work. 4-6 weeks is good if you can take that long.

thank you all sooo much for the comments/suggestions!!! A boiled sausage in casing is exactly how I am feeling! I went to CVS and bought a diuretic this morning. I am now walking the dogs every 2 hours and sipping my bottled Water. I cannot stand the taste of our filtered water from the fridge now! I do have one more question.... what weight do I start with for my journey ticker? My pre-surgery (213) or post-surgery (227)? Thanks again! :wub:

I am 5 days post op and the swelling in my legs, ankles, and feet are about to drive me to tears! I can barely put my flipflops on and cant wear my wedding rings right now either! I GAINED 14-ish pounds after surgery after being on a constant IV drip for 3 days. I need some relief FAST! I am walking the dogs 2-3 times a day for about 15-20 minutes and trying to get in all my Water too. I am miserable with this tight feeling in my skin. does anyone have any tips on getting this Fluid to go away? I am tempted to go to my GP tomorrow and get them to give me a water pill. Looking down and seeing my fingers, legs and ankles like this is sooo depressing and scary! I know it is still early for me but damn, this is really sucking!!!! Other than this fluid retention I am doing pretty darn good. I cannot find ANY posts where people talked about the fluid retention and gaining this much weight from being on an IV. And of course, I am making myself believe that I was right and I am failing my sleeve already.

I am 5 days post op and can eat 5-7 tbl spoons of Jello with ease along with about 10oz of broth in about 20 minutes. The docs told me that liquids go down easy and to watch the calories and carbs in what I am drinking. I have not felt restriction really and I am guessing it is because I have not put anything substantial in my new sleeve. I am on the verge of strangling my husband because he keeps asking me if I am supposed to be able to eat that much. I know he is concerned due to me being a failed band baby and all the fears I am having of being "THE ONE" that doesnt succeed with my sleeve. Has anyone else had a spouse that was constantly watching them? Bless his heart, if he doesnt stop analyzing me, I am going to stab him with my spoon!!!!! LOL

yep! My husband sawwed logs while I layed there and couldnt sleep! I ended up walking around the hospital floor toting my IV pole. Burping is good... remember to walk as much as possible because it will help with the pain/gassy feeling. I ended up "chewing" on a wet rag to keep my mouth wet when I couldnt have Water and it helped. I wasnt the prettiest looking doing that but it got the job done! LOL Once you can get ice chips/broth/jell-o, you will feel much better. The green Jello is my favorite. Oh, and make sure you have a bowel movement BEFORE you leave the hospital! I didnt for 4 days and had to give myself an enema when i got home.. that WAS NOT fun! Ask the doc if they can give you something to help you. Dont be shy about that either, that is what they are there for. Hang in there! Our road to success is unfolding in front of us as we type these posts!

I had mine Saturday... the pain is pretty intense moving around but it is worth it and it will pass! I GAINED 14 lbs of Water weight after being on an IV 24/7 for 3 days! Talk about a shocker to the system! I keep telling myself to keep my eye on the prize.. health and energy! good luck to you and if you want to chat more, we can share stories! I am currently making my 4th batch of Jello flavors to have around the house! LOL

Awesome! I am glad I could help! I am 3 days post op and as soon as I can have full liquids, I am all over these! I ordered a 4pk of vanilla and strawberry on their website for $25 with shipping.... I liked both of them and am planning on ordering more through the website.

Enjoy!!!! Fresh berry Boost smoothie 1 Premier Protein® vanilla shake 1/2 cup Acai juice 1 cup Raspberries 1/2 cup Blueberries Approx. 6 ice cubes Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour into glass and start your day with a boost! Cafe Vienna Shake 1 Premier Protein chocolate Shake 1 serving Cafe Vienna instant coffee 1 cup ice cubes Directions: Add all ingredients into a blender and mix on high until blended. Pour and enjoy! High Protein Peppermint Mocha 1 Premier Protein Chocolate Shake 3 tsp sugar free Chocolate syrup or topping 1 serving instant coffee 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, more or less to taste (optional) 1 dollop of sugar free whip cream Directions: Pour Premier Protein Chocolate shake and sugar free chocolate syrup or topping into a large microwave safe mug and microwave on high for approximately 45 seconds. Note, do not bring to a boil. Remove from microwave and add instant coffee and peppermint extract. Stir to combine. Optional topping, add a dollop of sugar free whip cream. Enjoy! Iced Mocha fusion 3/4 cup skim milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 scoops Premier Protein 100% whey Protein Isolate Chocolate Milkshake 1 serving mocha flavored instant coffee mix 1 cup crushed ice Directions: In a blender, combine milk, vanilla, instant coffee mix and crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glass and serve. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Shake 1/2 cup rolled oats 1-1/2 cup skim milk 1 Tbsp peanut butter 2 scoops Premier Protein 100% Whey Isolate Chocolate Milkshake 1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup crushed ice Directions: In a blender, crush rolled oats until they become a fine powder consistency. Combine milk, peanut butter, Premier Protein 100% Whey Isolate Chocolate Milkshake, cinnamon and crushed ice. Blend until smooth and serve. Muscle Monkey Frosty 1 banana peeled and frozen 1 Premier Protein Chocolate Shake 3 Tbsp Peanut Butter Ice for volume Directions: Break frozen banana into pieces, combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until lightly chunky. Scoop into large cup and serve with a spoon. Protein pancakes 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour 3-1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 Premier Protein Vanilla Shake 1/2 cup skim milk 1 egg 2 Tbsp melted butter Directions: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter, mix until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter into the griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot. High Protein Eggnog 2 Premier Protein Vanilla shakes 1/2 cup egg substitute 2 Tbsp sugar substitute like Stevia, more or less to taste 2 tsp rum extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp + pinch nutmeg, ground 2 pinches cinnamon, ground Directions: In a medium saucepan heat on medium to medium high the Premier Protein Shake, egg substitute and sweetener. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, usually a few minutes. Note, do not bring to a boil. Stir in the vanilla, rum, ½ tsp nutmeg & pinch of cinnamon. Remove from heat and pour into a heat resistant container, cover and refrigerate until the eggnog has cooled (at least 3 hours). Just prior to serving, ladle your yummy high protein eggnog into glasses, and garnish each with an extra little sprinkle of ground nutmeg & ground cinnamon. Blended Peach Pie a la Mode 1 Premier Protein Vanilla Shake 1 cup unsweetened frozen peaches 2 tsp sugar substitute like Stevia, more or less to taste 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch ground nutmeg Pinch ground ginger Ice for volume Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until creamy smooth. Pour into a dessert cup and savor this mid-afternoon treat! Blended Apple Pie a la Mode 1 Premier Protein Vanilla Shake 1 cup Apple Sauce, Unsweetened 1 tsp Cinnamon Ice for volume Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on medium until mixed thoroughly. Pour into a cup and eat with a spoon or sip.

I havent tried this yet but thought I would share..... :smile1: High Protein Frappuccino 1/2 Premier Protein vanilla shake 1/2 Premier Protein chocolate Shake 2 tsp instant coffee 3 drops sugar free kahlua syrup 6 ice cubes Directions: Add all ingredients into blender and pulse on high until combined and enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! Enjoy this delicious chocolate treat without guilt!! High Protein Chocolate Fudge pudding Recipe - 1 pkg. Fat Free & sugar free Chocolate Fudge Pudding - 2 Cups cold Premier Protein Chocolate shake - Sugar Free Whipped Topping (optional) Directions: Whisk together pudding mix and shake for 2 minutes. Spoon mixture into dessert dishes. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Remove from fridge and dollop with Sugar Free Whipped Topping (optional). This sounds so yummy! I am going to make this as soon as I am able to have full liquids! The Premier shakes have an awesome flavor and 30g of protein each. You can buy the Chocolate at Sam's Club and I hear that costco has the Chocolate and vanilla now. I ordered a 4 pk of the Vanilla and strawberry off their site and they are de-li-cious! Have a great <3 day! Amy

Hi! I just got back from surgery with Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez, MX (this is supposed to be the scariest/deadliest place in all Mexico due to the drug cartel war) and everything was better than awesome. We even went walking around at night the first night we were there. My husband walked to the mall and to eat at various restaurants while we were there. I have never heard of anything bad happening to any of the WLS patients. I get so aggravated hearing people say that Mexico is dangerous!! Yes, if you are going there to do things you shouldnt be doing, it could be dangerous but that can happen in any state or country in this world. Those of us that are going for WLS and to come home do just fine. The Mexican people were very, very nice and accommodating and couldnt do enough to make sure that both me and my husband were happy. If someone is telling you that THEY PERSONALLY KNOW a WLS patient that was hurt or killed while getting WLS surgery, I would have concern but would still check out all their references. If they are making a general statement about Mexico, tell them to go to any city in the US and they will find areas that are not so safe too. Do what is right for you AFTER you have researched, researched, researched! The decision to have this surgery is not something to take lightly and being informed is the best way to keep yourself safe. Good luck!!! :smile1: p.s.- check out the forum for Mexico Self Pay Patients and type in Almanza, Kelly, or Garcia in the search box. You will find lots of info there too.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the replies! I have researched and researched and dont remember anyone talking about this Fluid retention being so bad! I am walking around the house and sipping on Water and/or Jello right now. We are going to the store to get SF popsicles, etc... Right now I can eat about 5 tablespoons of jello and get what I call a "full" sensation. It is pretty cool! I am loving this!!!

Well, we got home after a delayed flight at 7pm. The flight from El Paso to Houston was uneventful. I am pretty sore only where the drain was on the left side. Bending over and twisting are not on my "favorite things to do" list! I got to see my new tummy on xray and they even give you a copy of it! since i was a revision patient (one month out) i have a small pouch that will straighten out with time then my little banana. Dr. Rod uses a 32f bougie and over sews the staple line. You get a report with all the details. I have to say that everyone was very nice and accommodating to me and my husband. Whatever he needed, they got it for him. I said this in my previous post but want to stress this again, the language barrier can be trying sometimes but Google Translate saved us and helped us through getting what we needed. My husband even used it when he went and ate outside the hospital! Dr. Rodriguez is a dream! and he smells so good! He is very understanding and will sit and talk to you about anything and everything. We never felt rushed or like we were not important. His son is also a doctor at Star Medica! He is a cutie too! I will be getting together a blog soon and will post it for those of you that are interested in my journey or have questions about Dr. Rodriguez, BeLiteWeight, or Star Medica. I do want to mention that Sergio and his team are awesome! Tip them well!!! They are full of information and do not mind sharing it with you! Ask him to bring you by the restaurant for some of the chicken broth on your ride home! It is $5 and is to die for!!! Make sure you have time to do this!! Talk to you all soon!! Amy

Thanks Cheri! I know I shouldnt be weighing but I feel horrible! My skin is sooo tight and I feel like (and look like) the Michelin man walking around. I made my Jello and broth and have with my Water with fresh lemon. This is my first full day home so I will see how i do! Thanks again!

Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 2/11 weighing in at 213 but today when I got home I weighed 227.2? I feel like my skin is going to burst with how tight it is! Has anyone else experienced Water weight gain? I was on IV fluids all 4 days at the hospital. How do I get rid of this extra weight? Did anyone else have this happen to them? Talk about frustrating!!!

I am 3 days post op and yes, I did all of that. FMLA and short term are most important. I was able to get 5 Weeks off from my job. alot of folks go back sooner but I wanted to make sure i was ready to hit the ground running when I did return.