KatInFL

It depends on your surgeon. While many doctors in the US opt to perform it as outpatient surgery, I'm not familiar with any doctors in Mexico that allow you to leave the hospital the same day as surgery. My doctor required the 2 night hospital stay AND the 2 nights at a local hotel. They weren't negotiable, as he felt that was/is the time required for patients to recover enough to travel safely. ~Kat

I had my surgery in Mexico. I did a questionnaire prior to scheduling my surgery and the doctor followed up with me regarding some chronic conditions I had and medication I was taking. Otherwise, all of my pre-op testing...EKG, x-rays, and something else I can't remember off the top of my head, were all done immediately prior to surgery. I had scheduled same day surgery, so I arrived at the hospital around 11 am. I immediately started pre-op testing and meeting with the doctors who were assisting my surgeon...the anesthesiologist, cardiologist, etc. I had completed all of my pre-op testing by noon or so, I think, and then just dozed waiting for it to be my turn on the OR. I wouldn't plan to have any pre-op testing done prior to going to Mexico unless you have a chronic condition your surgeon wants recent test results for or your surgeon otherwise requests something. ~Kat

When I first told my PCP (whom I have seen for 11 years and adore) I was thinking about VSG, he agreed that however I could lose weight was certainly beneficial in the long run. We had discussed at almost every appointment for years how I could have better success at losing weight and keeping it off (he had documented my many attempts at Weight Watchers, South Beach, and a run with Atkins). As we were wrapping up the appointment, he off-handedly mentioned he was now promoting Body by Vi and asked if I might be interested in trying it before doing something so "drastic" as WLS. I about fell off the exam table..seriously? I was being solicited for a multi-level-marketing scheme by a health care professional, at an office visit? Luckily, we had a long and well established relationship and I'm willing to give him a free pass on that instance. But I love how WLS is like the red-headed step child of attempting weight loss. Body by Vi? HcG shots/drops? Phentermine? Those are acceptable practices...but the procedures that have sound science behind them, with the best long-term results for patients are questioned as being "right"? It defies logic, to me. ~Kat

I've taken the Cystex and a similar product that I can't remember the name of right now to just treat the symptoms, not the actual UTI, and had decent luck. I think that its supposed to sort of numb the bladder to get rid of the urgency to pee. I was first given a prescription strength version but my PCP told me to just get it over the counter when I had several UTIs last year. I just worry a little that it might not be great for my new tummy. ~Kat

Blah. I think I'm getting a UTI. I went through a time last year where I had 4 or 5 of them within almost as many months. I haven't had any issues since surgery in March but I think I have one again. I will make an appt with my PCP in the morning (I can usually get in the same day) but, in the meantime, anyone taken Cystex or another OTC UTI symptom reliever post-op? I can't really think of any reason it might be an issue, if I'm taking it short term but am curious if someone has been told otherwise? ~Kat

I drink coffee flavored Protein powder- fully caffeinated. I haven't had any issues and my doc allowed caffeine when I was one month past-op, I think. ~Kat

Are you planning on going out of the country? Is the insurance offered through the doctor or something you found on your own? I know there are a couple of Mexico doctors who offer insurance for post-op...you might get more information on the Self-Pay Mexico forum. I had surgery in Mexico but haven't needed anything other than my regular medical insurance post-op. I also checked prior to surgery and my medical insurance does cover any complications, should I have any, from the VSG done out of the country. ~Kat

Here is the sticky I was talking about in my previous post: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/1267-places-to-get-liquid-protein-samples/ Some of the links are outdated or old, but I was able to get enough information from what was there that I used only samples to get me through my liquids phase post-op. Once I was through with liquids, I knew for sure which ones I liked well enough to buy full sized tubs. ~Kat

Awww...super duper congrats, then! It's such an exciting time. ~Kat

Samples of Unjury and Chike came directly from their company websites. I can't remember where I got the Syntrax samples (maybe Netrition.com) but I believe they are available on the company website as well. I later did samples of Big Train fit frappe and Click. Those were when I was cleared for caffeine/coffee. They are casein based protein (different milk byproduct than whey but still good quality protein) and are my absolute favorite. I drink Click daily. I'm on my phone and can't check but in one of the forums (might be nutrition or pre-op, will check and link later) there is a sticky thread foe protein samples that have even more listed. ~Kat

Aww, congrats on your success and pregnancy! I'm debating doubling up on the birth control given the frequency of post-op pregnancies around here! My only child is 10 and I'm not looking to start over at this point. ~Kat

Stupid autocorrect... it should have said I search Pinterest.

I've struggled with finding good recipes that are high protein/low carb, too. Someone already suggested theworldaccordingtoeggface.com which has become one of my favorite sites, and I really like bariatricfoodie.com. Both blog authors are RNY patients but have a ton of recipes that work for us, too. Even more important for me, both authors are really honest about what they've done that works and doesn't for them post-op. When I get bored or can't find something that piques my interest on those sites, I will search interest for low carb or high Protein recipes. Sparkpeople.com is good for recipes but requires a little more work to find the low carb options. I also love skinnytaste.com for just general ideas. It's a great place for me to start with a healthy recipe and modify it to fit what I need, especially when it's something the rest of the house can eat. ~Kat

I am averaging approx 3 lbs a week. It feels slow but when I look at the big picture, I know I'm doing pretty well. I think everyone wishes they lost faster, at some point. Slow and steady is healthy, according to my primary care doctor. I know I'd never have lost 3 lbs a week on my own, so I try to focus on that and do the best I can. ~Kat

Eh, I don't love them. Some I could stomach some I couldn't. I'd highly recommend their sample pack. Its not that expensive and you could use them immediately post-op to help you determine if you its worth ordering full sizes. I ordered samples of Syntrax Nectar, Unjury, and got a couple more from GNC and Vitamin Shoppe. It got me through my liquids stage. ~Kat

I don't subtract them either. In tracking my carb intake, they still count in my book. I haven't had much luck in finding Protein bars that are a good balance so I skip them unless I absolutely need something quick and easy on the run. Even then, I have to plan ahead so I still keep within my goals for carbs, protein, and calories for the day. ~Kat

Have you read the link that is in Butterthebean's signature? It's really helpful and explains the science behind plateaus after surgery. Here it is, if you haven't see it: http://www.dsfacts.c...or-plateau.html If you haven't been getting your protein, you will want to ensure you do so...you don't want your body to break down your muscle (which actually helps the weight loss) rather than fat. ~Kat

I think there are lots of us who feel similarly about our insurance companies. My policy has a weight loss surgery exclusions, specifically. I imagine because it makes the whole policy less expensive. The logic escapes me, though, that they'd rather pay for high blood pressure care, Type II diabetes, sleep apnea, and other obesity related co-morbidities than WLS. I had my surgery in Mexico in March and am so glad I did! It was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself. ~Kat

Maybe NurseGrace will see this and be able to explain the reasoning behind using or not using drains? I didn't have drains and was glad I didn't have to deal with them. ~Kat

I had surgery in Mexico and flew out of an airport over 2 hours away from my house. I had surgery late Thursday and drove my car the two hours home from the airport on Monday night. I had absolutely no problems. ~Kat

Congrats!! I'm glad you're feeling well. ~Kat

I messaged you. Again, I loved Dr. Illan. Florence Hospital was fine. Not a brand new, big hospital but absolutely fine. The care was fantastic. The hospital itself reminded me of a little more old fashioned, local hospital. There was no lacking in care or ability to meet my needs. The hotel Lucerna was great! The rooms were plenty big (my best friend and I were both very comfortable in our own beds), clean, and perfect for a few days stay. Our room had a balcony that overlooked the inside courtyard. It was so pretty. ~Kat

Happy Independence Day to you! I'm approximately the same height as you and started within just a few pounds as well. It's so nice, even a few months post-op, to know I "fit" places better. It's fantastic that you've been able to get some support from friends; it's amazing to have the support of those you care about and you know they really care about you, too. Good luck! Surgery day will be here before you know it. ~Kat

Here too! I can eat more of it than I can anything else and it's packed with Protein, so it's a winner all the way around for me. ~Kat

I was driving within 4 days post-op and back to work within a couple of days. I was tired but it wasn't too bad, since I work from home. When I was exhausted, I was able to take a break for a couple of hours to nap. I've read lots of experiences here where people were able to go back to work, full time stay-at-home parenting, etc. pretty quickly post-op. Everyone recovers at different rates, so just be prepared in case you need some extra time. ~Kat