NJsharon

I have been considering weight loss surgery since about November last year. Been researching it a bit. I have done Weight Watchers for so many years & stopped & started it so many times I may have set an official record! LOL But never really lost anything. In fact last time I did 14 weeks & gained weight since when I started! LOL Maybe I set a record there too! So Jan or Feb I started contacting doctors to see if I would be eligible. Finally settled on my Doctor & now have a date of May 10th. I will start my pre-op diet (just eating healthy) on friday. Then 3 days pre-op I do my liquid only diet.

I would say to enjoy yourself until you do officially start your pre-op diet too! Don't worry this early on about sipping liquids or higher Protein etc. You will have plenty of time for that soon.

I have a 2 week diet of eating sensibly, so smaller portions, lower fat, lower sodium. low carbs etc. Then 3 days pre-op of liquids only. So really not too bad either. Think I will do a Protein shake for Breakfast & lunch & sensible dinner in the evening. Well that is my plan anyway! LOL

18 days to go for me! I start my pre-op 2 week diet on friday, so went out & had my last big buffet meal today! It was at a japenese seafood/sushi restaurant. They only do buffet, not ala carte. So no chance I will be going there post-op! It was soooo good. I have started buy some sample packs of Protein shakes & Protein Bars. Been trying some of the protein bars so far. Also bought a Gatorade G2 variety pack for post surgery. Have my

Thanks Cheri & Lissa... you put my mind at ease a bit!

Lissa, any tips for me as I will be doing about a 7hr flight 3 days after surgery? I am going to MX for surgery & flying from San Diego to Newark NJ right after. I am thinking to get up & walk the length of the airplane a couple of times, or should I do it more often? Anything else I can do to prevent blood clots? They really worry me!

I was hoping to wear yoga capris with a loose t-shirt, for the trip there & back. Then will just take a couple of extra tops, a nightgown & think that is it! Well for clothes anyway!

It is coming up fast! I am getting sleeved May 10th & just realized that this time in 3 weeks I will be sleeved! Wowsers!

I think there is also no limit on pre-op liquids, as long as you are sticking to the rules for what liquids you are having. And no to the buffet! LOL ;o)

Thanks so much, that is good news then. I will speak to Dr Kelly & see if I can get that then!

Silly question & guessing I know the answer, but are medical expenses outside the country tax deductable?

I was going to bring gatorade, then realized it would be taken at airport security to scratch that idea! Taking gas-x strips though & a heating pad. I am hoping to just take a rolling carry-on, so that I don't have to deal with collecting luggage. Have to check my rolling bag is small enough for a carry on though!

Prayers going in for you. Yes, please update when you can to let us know how everything went!

Oh & my surgery date is May 10th too... so "hi" sleeve buddy! I have a 2 week pre-op diet, just eating healthy, low carb, low sodium, low sugar, small portions. Then 3 days pre-op I am on a liquid diet, but can also drink skim milk, yoghurt, pureed veggies, as well as the chicken broth, decaf tea, sugar free Jello etc.

I was also going to say that when you buy the chicken broth, maybe buy low-sodium kind. I was told the more I reduced sodium in the diet, the better it will help with not swelling up after surgery. I also thought Clear liquids meant no Protein drinks. I would have chicken broth, sugar free Jello, Water, decaf tea etc.

Dr Kelly will have you in the hospital for 2 nights, then in the hotel for 2 nights & I think that is plenty. Some people I have heard even do just 1 night at the hotel. So you should be fine with 2 nights at the hotel! Good luck, I am going with Dr Kelly on May 10th... maybe we will be sleeve buddies?!

Is that something everyone has to do... give themselves shots to prevent blood clots? Have all of you had to do that?

I am also having my surgery in May with Dr Kelly. May 10th to be exact. I would just say I don't think you should make a decision based on a coordinator as they are not the one doing the actual surgery. So I am going with Dr Kelly as he has so much experience & read so many positive reviews too. Omar has been wonderful at getting back to me with all my questions too (and I have had many)!

What did you have to give yourself shots for? This isn't something I have heard before & I am now worried about!!!

Please don't let an American doctor scare you! My primary care physician scared me quite a bit too... saying how do I know the Dr doesn't have any malpractice suits against him? Why is he practicing in MX & not the US? All hospitals are dirty in MX! How do they get the funding for hospitals there? Etc, etc, etc. She really had me worried, but I realized she didn't know anything about hospitals in MX as everyone has described the hospital as impeccably clean! Now I am just angry at my PCP's ignorance! I actually switched Drs because of that. I needed a supportive Dr when I came back, so made the switch! Oh & I also attend a bariatric support group at a clinic (where they have their own bariatric surgeon). The coordinators there were very worried when they heard I was going to Mexico too, saying I would need more support than just my PCP. But if you look at others that have gone to MX they have all done fine with just seeing their PCP, so I am sure I will do fine too. Good luck & stick with your decision, it's a good one!

Yep, when I booked the plane ticket to San Diego (from there I will also head to Tijuana) that was almost a little scary to click the confirm button. Made it a reality! I am just a wee bit nervous though, mainly excited! Good luck & I hope to post after I am sleeved too, to let everyone know about my experience.

Good luck to you & congrats for taking that big step! I am May 10th, so the day after you! I am a wee bit nervous, but mainly excited to start a new life!

Best of luck, praying for an easy successful surgery & a speedy recovery. Keep us updated on how you do!

Yep, gave up the coffee & my diet soda (coke zero to be specific) habit already. So proud of myself for that. Been about 5 weeks now! Just drink Water with very occasional Gatorade G2 or milk. But mainly water. Have to work on the sipping thing though, I know I will need to do that post-op!

It will cost $200 total. Will have to go in for 2 treatments I was told & they do a cleaning too.