sirensiren

are 2 oatmeal Cookies 9 days prior to surgery going to cause your liver to be inflamed and hazardously large for surgery? It's quite unlikely. Without being a surgeon, that just stands to reason. As others have said, so long as you don't make "slip ups" a habit during these tough 14 days, you should be fine. I had a low BMI and my surgeon put me on only a week of pre-op surgery to shrink my liver. My habits were not great on my liver prior to surgery, I enjoyed alcohol frequently, not to mention some other things. My surgeon said my liver looked perfect during surgery (I asked! I figured it was large and blackened, LOL!) and it was nice and small and easily moved out of the way. Just keep on your diet, and remind yourself that you will never ever be this hungry again! This diet is to assure that you have the easiest, complication free surgery as you possibly can in regards to your liver allowing your surgeon to have full access to your stomach. It's good that you are concerned, and realize you messed up and asked. I am sure out of the many VSG patients out there, there are plenty of people who don't control their urges to cheat during this time and figure it's no big deal. Better to be safe than sorry, and better to have the easiest possible surgery you can.

I think you have a great outlook on it PDXman, I really think sometimes we get caught up worrying about things people say too much to enjoy the fact that we are no longer capable of overeating. I am so happy with my sleeve. I was able to enjoy two small hor dourves and get full at my Christmas party for work last night, I took off my jacket and everyone went "damn!" when they saw me in my (size SMALL!) new dress. No one knows I have a sleeve and thats the great thing- it just seems like I've cut my portions down. I'm not forced to avoid certain foods, and I'm 138 lbs. I haven't been 138 lbs since high school!

Great post PDXman! Great for you on the running- coming from where you were to where you are now is no small achievement. I feel the Protein shake in the morning is important, because I do do cardio and light resistance first thing, and morning (to my knowledge) is the best time to get your higher caloric "meal" in. The stretching theory I heard was that part of the reason you are not supposed to combine food + fluids is that it can stretch out your sleeve long term. This does not make sense to me because at proper portions food on it's own will not stretch it out permanently on it's own, and Water will not stretch it out on it's own..why would the combo somehow result in genuine damage? I hope it's not true, as I'm admittedly not always perfect about avoiding fluids for an hour before/after eating.

As soon as I wake, I MUST have water- problem is, if I am going to have a "solid" Breakfast, I simply don't have the time to wait so I go for a Protein shake or Soup in the morning. I also find myself unable to resist coffee in the morning- my husband drinks it, and I love it (black, no cream or sugar). What is everyones take on substituting what should be a "solid" meal with something that is healthy but truthfully a liquid? I don't find myself uncontrollably hungry 2 hours later, but I've heard that allowing yourself to "fill up" on fluids it potentially going to stretch out the sleeve. I'd like to call BS on that one, but I don't know enough to say for sure. All I know is I'm far happier having my coffee, Protein Shake, and Water in the morning vs. eating eggs and no fluids. I also work out immediately after I leave the house, and I think I'd die if I didn't get water in!

GREAT post Oregon Daisy!!! Though I am a Dr. Kelly patient and fan, I recommend Aceves highly as well for all these reasons. With any doctor- US, Mexico, wherever- it's important to REALLY do your research. Dr. Aceves is not just one of the most qualified surgeons in Mexico, he's one of the most qualified in the world. It really pays to do your research when spending thousands of dollars on allowing someone to remove the greater portion of a vital organ, no matter what country you're in!

YIKES! I don't want stretching, thats for sure! In terms of getting hungry sooner, that is not a huge fear of mine- I now find I am extremely capable of avoiding food until appropriate. That video is a good demonstration of how it all works! Thanks for sharing.

To the OP: PLEASE post this in the Mexico forum, they need to know! I find the statement about US doctors being a safer or more advanced option to be arrogant, and honestly misinformed. I am a surgical technician in the USA, and I have to respond to this. Mexico is not a bad place to live for everyone who lives there, and upon investigating their laws and medical practices and training for the past 2 years- it actually rivals the USA. I can seen where a Mexican MD would prefer to raise a family in Mexico, and be around their family. My Dr. (Dr. Kelly) is also a US medical doctor, and visits here frequently to actually train US surgeons- he prefers to be in Mexico, where he was born and his family is. Property is much cheaper there, and the education system is actually much better than our public school system, and cheaper for private school. There are people who choose to live in Mexico, not because the USA isn't an option, but because they genuinely are happy there. I met a nice couple from Canada who has VSG in Mexico, when I mentioned the USA they gasped and said "I would never let an American doctor perform this surgery!"- also a prejudgement based on bias, but it goes both ways. It stands to reason that a surgeon who performs 5 sleeves a day for many years is going to naturally be more skilled than a doctor who performs 2 a week- it does not matter what country you are in. There are amazing doctors in the USA and Mexico, and there are shady doctors in the USA and Mexico. Though we would like to believe that if a US surgeon left us badly injured there would be justice or a revision surgery to correct it, the reality is they are set up for malpractice law suits- those forms you sign aren't just for fun. Though I think most surgeons would jump to correcting a complication here, there is no guarantee you are "safe" in the event of a complication. That said, it's obviously much harder to pursue a doctor whose surgery resulted in a complication if they are in Mexico and you are in the USA. There is little to no justice you can get, other than alerting other patients. I will say, when ever I've called or e-mailed Dr. Kelly, I've had a detailed response in 30 minutes or less to my concerns. When I've had concerns that would require a visit, he referred me to an independent bariatric surgery practice in my area (Los Angeles) that is very reasonably priced for visits, and performs VSG. I've felt very, very, very cared for through this process. The only surgeons in the USA I have real cell phone numbers for are friends of mine- a treating doctor rarely gives out that kind of information here. The OP also did not has VSG, she/he had plication, which is a different procedure altogether. It would be good to alert them on Sleeveplicationtalk.com instead of here. I chose VSG after my research because I didn't trust the results of plication. nor having a pprtion of my stomach "tied up" in a sense.

Good to know! I was concerned it was a health or safety issue. I've yet to feel "full" with the sleeve even when exploring solid food, it just feels a bit uncomfortable or heavy. I would like to be able to have some Fluid around meal time, I've spent my life avoiding getting full- I can certainly handle it with the sleeve!

It's my transition week into real food (yay!) and per my surgeons instructions, no Fluid intake 1 hour prior to eating, and no fluid 1 hour after. Why? What is the purpose of this? Is this rule forever? I have my work holiday party coming up, and I find myself negotiating "do I want to eat? Or do I want fluids?", I have Breakfast with a friend every Friday and I'm also worried I'll have a lifetime of choosing between coffee or the eggs each week. Im guessing there's a direct reason why, but I'd love to know why I'm spending hours a day avoiding hydration.

I personally met Sara, his personal coordinator, in my hotel after surgery, he actually introduced me to her and said "this is Sara, she is going to fulfill the role of coordinator like Trish did, or in your case Sandy" (I used A Lighter Me). I'm sure Trish can still coordinate for him (why would he refuse a patient!?), it just seems like that relationship/position has changed- but who cares- if you love Trish and feel most comfortable booking your surgery through her, I'm certain he will be happy to take a patient through Trish. There are plenty of positive things said about her, and whether she's working with Dr. Kelly or talking to you from a phone in Africa..so long as she's attentive and coordinates an organized, informed trip and surgery, then great. (The Africa was a random comment, I think she is still in Mexico, LOL!) I was extremely happy with Dr. Kelly, he talked to me personally the night before surgery in my room, and the nurses and medical staff were literally in my room checking on me every hour, even in the middle of the night. The hospital is just like a basic private practice in the U.S., it could use some paint and updating, but it was extremely clean, and I had a private room with a TV and a nice hot shower/bath. If Dr. Kelly was twice the price, I'd still be happy with him. I felt like working with Sandy at A Light Me was great because there were multiple staff to answer my questions whenever I'd call. I never waited more than an hour to hear back typically. I was satisfied with my experience with them, but my concerns were more about researching Dr. Kelly, and to actually confirm through real records that he also holds a medical license as a MD in the USA, not just as a doctor, but specifically trauma, was very refreshing. I also think it's great that he trains doctors here in bariatrics, and that all of his work has been bariatrics for the past 12+ years.

I've tried everything but prunes, MOM, and enemas...the people at Rite Aid see me every day now, lol! I will give all those a go, my surgeon seems to feel things will eventually flow normally and the 7+ days is normal on fluids and puréed food.

Worked in seconds?! Thats what I would love to happen. I don't think there is too much TMI when it comes to surgery that affects your digestive system- it's important for us to talk about it openly to help each other and others! Sleeve Wonderland- my doctor said a similar thing, and seems not to be too worried about the lack of bowel movements. My concern is that I am aware I am constipated and there is stuff that needs to come out, and I just want to make sure I'm not potentially harming myself and my system will know how to make things move when it naturally should. I am going to try the enema, my doctor e-mailed me back and referred to colonics as a "scam" (LOL), I do see a gentle enema being a much financially friendly option, not to mention gentler, in the meantime.

...Or for a cheaper at home option, enemas? I am worried about my safety, a week with no bowel movement in sight is a bit concerning.

I'm at a month out now (woohoo!), and I have not gone #2 in over a week (boohoo!)- I've tried everything to be recommended: Miralax, Sodium Ducosate, coffee, lots of Water, olive oil, hot baths, massage, jogging...nada. It's there, but it's not moving..if you know what I mean. My surgeon is 3 hours away, and I cannot go visit him. I can see my general MD (I do not have insurance though), and I figured perhaps a colonic may be the best option. Has anyone else done this with success? I'm so happy with my weight loss, but being this backed up has me fearing for my life. I don't know how else to get things moving.

I think I have just been so stuck in the "eat frequently to keep your metabolism high" thing, that it's hard for me to adjust to the idea of it being more productive to actually limit the meal times. I am eating my first "real food" as we speak- a small filet of tuna I grilled. =0 it feels so exciting to chew again! LOL

I hope things start moving soon! I'm literally doing everything that should help, and have been- just bought the Miralax last night, and some docusate sodium! I run daily for 30 minutes, I've been eating blended veggies and a Protein shake with Fiber, I drink coffee each morning, I get exactly the amount of Water I should (sometimes maybe a little shy- this is the one problem I see), and I have been trying olive oil orally, hot baths, and saline laxatives. Tomorrow is my "transition into real food day"- I am going to have to postpone that until things start moving, unfortunately I wrote my surgeon an e-mail, perhaps he will have some insight. The only thing I have not tried is Milk of Magnesia. Or a hospital visit, LOL! I hope it doesn't come to that- I have no insurance.

I've been naughty and had Some coffee today..I've had 2oz of olive oil, a serving of miralax, 80 oz of water, a stool softener, and a hot bath..nada :/ I'm hoping it will happen soon!

I "go" maybe once a week- I've tried olive oil, hot Water, hot baths, saline laxatives...and things are still, well...stuck! I know my body is producing waste, I'm in a great deal of pain.. and without going in to detail, it's evident I need to go, but things aren't moving or soft enough to move along. This alarms me, as I am getting food (I'm 3 weeks out, consuming plenty of blended veggies and Protein shakes) and I know I really, really need to go. Has anyone come up with a solution to this that works? I can't be the only one whose experienced hardened stools during this phase! Yuck!

My surgeon, among others recommends limiting meals to 3 times per day once you are on solids. This conflicts with every nutritionist and personal trainers recommendations I've got pre-sleeve- the rule has always been to eat smaller meals (obviously the sleeve takes care of that) consisting mostly of Protein every 3 hours (roughly 5-6x a day), because beyond that point your metabolism can drop. Is there a reason we are typically recommended to limit our intake of food to 3 "meals" a day and avoid the snacking? I don't ask this because I wish to nibble throughout the day, but because I'd like to be on a track that will keep my metabolism as high as possible and get me to my goal the quickest. Obviously, these people with normal size stomachs who adhere to eating 5 small balanced portions get results- I do work with celebrities and people in the fitness community here in LA, and they look great and all adhere to small frequent portions. So, what is the theory? Are we now wired a bit differently because our body can only take in small portions? Does anyone have a surgeon who encourages eating every 3 hours? I am at week 3 right now, I've yet to get to the point of "meals" as everything I consume is blended or liquid. The concept of a meal or being full is still foreign to me.

Yay!Thats what I want to hear Right now, on soft foods and blended stuff I simply get the "pressure" myself and LadyKanKan described above, I never feel a feeling of "satisfied", but rather pressure: "OK, I guess my stomach is full of that stuff for now"...then the feeling is gone in 1-2 minutes after, and I can consume more, but I tend not to. I now have to gauge whether I should have a Protein shake or some blended stuff by watching the clock, or those feelings of hunger. I do genuinely get grumbles and feelings of lethargy and hunger. It's no where NEAR the fiendish, overwhelming cravings for food I used to get pre-sleeve, but it's apparent during a busy work day or when I'm out. The concept of consuming solid foods only 3x a day in small portions seems amazing to me, because I'm consuming pureed/liquid foods nearly every 2 hours or so.

I get this EXACT same sensation. I'm now on soft/pureed foods at 3.5 weeks, and this is essentially how I still feel. It's an odd sensation of pressure that goes away momentarily, and it makes me stop with caution as I don't want to harm my sleeve. I'm sure that it's normal, and your sleeve is equipped to deal with this "pressure" but likely an indicator to slow down.

I'm on my third week, and I get "restriction"- I can tell I've had plenty of soup/pudding and I stop..20 minutes later I want more though! Do you get hungry more often with the sleeve, once you're on solids? How long do you stay "full"? Does feeling "full" actually feel like being full did before being sleeved, or is it a new sensation altogether?

Mr surgeon encourages exercise. I actually started doing moderate, then intense elliptical running at 10 days out. I'm now 3 weeks out and doing about 45 minutes (3-4 miles for me) 5 days a week. This is on the more intense side, but I was a runner even at my heaviest weight and I'm fairly young (28). I think our bodies know better than anyone could. Though there are guidelines given to us by surgeons, I think your body will tell you when things are enough or if you're willing to keep going. I'm of the opinion that cardio is one of the things that truly keeps you young and healthy, and to me it sounds like you can only benefit from the level of exercise you are doing. I don't personally see how your stomach healing could be hurt by what you are doing- of course it's always good to confirm that with your surgeon. The sooner you adopt healthy habits and enjoy exercise, I think the better time you'll have recovering and being successful.

Congrats! Glad yo hear it went well, I almost used dr. Ortiz and I've seen very positive things about him.

Reason would stand that if you're drinking infrequently after that crucial 1st month, you'd be OK. I think the problem may come for those who make it a daily habit, because I'm sure it's abrasive on the stomach and (obviously) a bad choice for calories. My main fear is just the safety of keeping my sleeve healthy and healing, I know you take a while to "truly" recover, and I don't want to disrupt that. All surgeons seem to have different rules with what you're allowed to put in your stomach. Some restrict certain categories of drugs, some say no carbonated drinks for life, some say it's OK after the first month- I accidentally broke the rules and took a stimulant laxative and was OK yesterday. I'm a little freaked out, but it stands to reason if I had no pain from it I probably didn't do much damage.