Finding Myself

I've never had any problems with it, either, and my doctor told me in the beginning that there is virtually no restriction to fluids for many of us. I saw that when I saw my dynamic leak test - the fluids went right through! And it was probably 1-2 oz of Fluid. Be glad you don't have any issues getting in fluids! The ones that do, I believe, have more swelling than others of us, and honestly, the first few weeks, things just kinda are sore and everything has some level discomfort tied to it for many.

KeepingMySoul, have you talked to Dr. Kelly or Omar and given this feedback? Please do. They are running such a small family business and feedback, good or bad, helps them make improvements. If they need to hire someone else, then they need to know that...

I've told people repeatedly on here.... don't get pulled into the thought process of this being anything BUT major surgery. Do not worry about coordinators, family members, or whatever.... worry about Dr. Kelly. He is ultimately the only one who matters. I can promise you all... as they were wheeling me down the hallway to the OR, all I cared about were the people in that surgical suite. I concur with Cissie, and while not everyone is going to have a super stellar experience, at least see how you recover first... because that ultimately is all that DOES matter. 9 of us were there in the same week and we are all just doing so well. No skin infections, no complications, etc. THAT IS WHAT MATTERS. Bringing a lot of family members is great for you, and a good support system - but yes I'd rec. they stay at the hotel and rent a car. It CAN be a mini vacation for them, but it won't be for you. My husband was with me the whole time, except for when he'd walk out of the hospital to go get some good food! We really didn't want Omar focusing on anyone but ME. I don't think anybody should be bashed, or whatever, and I think all patients should care ONLY about the quality of the medicine. Nothing else really matters.

Travel insurance is different from health insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance because many of them cover NO complications! It is scary. I'm just over 3 weeks out and doing great but that was a big fear of mine cause my insurance won't cover any complications.

Dr. Kelly is also working on a new website so hopefully some of these issues will be resolved. Right now he's almost strictly word of mouth and that's kind of inconvenient for everyone involved. It's also very weird for Omar not to respond so I'd question that, too... yes call him directly!!!

OMG that's good to hear I think??? (that the leak is small). I hope you recover soon! Did they put the stent in?

I was there with Jennifer and Cathy too! I started at a BMI of 34.5 and I've lost 21.5 lbs, starting with pre op, to now. I'm dropping a LOT faster than I expected or want! I'm hoping it will slow a bit soon because 5 lbs a week isn't healthy! I'm sure a stall is right around the corner... Then I'll be complaining. LOL My husband traveled with me and actually had fun! He went out and got Breakfast off a great good truck every morning, had great food everywhere we went for broth, and had a BLAST at the Sat night dinner. If you ask Omar... One of the rooms has a Giant lazy boy recliner that he had hauled into our room for my husband. It rocks! That might really help your husband!

We are local in that we live in SoCal and plan to stay in touch and visit Dr Kelly and Omar in October. . Just think the world of those people.

Omar is amazing. We all love him! We gave him a $125 tip when we left. Well deserved. We will text regularly and it's been 3 weeks since my surgery.

Go Patrick Go! Go Patrick Go!!!!! I'm so proud of you!!!! I can't wait to follow your whole journey. I may have missed it somewhere, but... do you have a blog????

Yep!!! Told ya.

They put the steristrips on on your last day before you leave. Mine are finally falling off!

Yay Dooter! Sushi is a very healthy meal as long as you stay away from the heavy mayo dishes, so I'm looking forward to adding it back to my diet! I hope I can tolerate rice but if not, that's okay too... I can eat CA rolls or plain ol tuna sashimi and I'm happy either way! So I'm very glad to read this!

Mews you give me hope!!! I love my sashimi and am planning to have some at four weeks. I hope it goes down ok!!!!

I have a hard time with protein shakes too. Get some free samples of chike shake mix. The strawberry blast one tastes like frankenberries! I like it a lot, and this is from someone who gags down premier protein!

How early can we have sashimi? Is there any time that's TOO early?

I will second that Cissie was awesome.

Thanks for writing that, Alp50!!! Very well said. And the truth all the way around! Gigimamma if you have any questions at all, I'm also a Kelly patient and doing very well. Please feel free to PM any time!

We ate once at the Tiki Hut too and the food was fabulous! My husband had a few things that were soooo good! I'd love to go back there!

I'm glad you said that Katie, as it makes sense. We have normal sphincters in our stomach that are fully functional. Once things calm down after surgery, our stomachs will hold 4-6 oz. doesn't seem like gum would cause a problem! Even so, I don't plan to tempt fate.

I am 10 days post op and struggling with the SF, FF chemical tasting foods! I am on full liquids and had to make my own cream soup today because the idea of another can of something was making me gag. I know this can be done without eating processed junk!

Did anybody find more info on this? I'm having the same intermittent pain and it's very annoying!

Dr Kelly does 2 during surgery and a 3rd before you leave. The third is a dynamic test where you can watch the contrast pass through your sleeve, and he provides you with pics to take home. Most of the doctors do this!

I sooo agree, Cathy. Ridiculous. Unless the average drug addict eats healthy, drinks black tea, works out daily, rushes to his patient's hotel room to check on them when they call while IN his gym clothes, participates in his community, takes good care of his family... I challenge the coordinator who made that claim to show her face because that is slander. What an idiot.

I'm so sorry to read this. . What causes a stricture to hapoen?? Did you have any restriction on clear fluids? Hopefully the surgeon here can help??? Sending positive thoughts your way....