Finding Myself

Oh I went to your profile!!! Congrats! You look great!!!

pics?????

Rawr, what caused the staple to come out?

Are they hard seeds like flax? I'm gonna check these out... but again, how soon post op can we eat these? Do they soften up?

If you guys are talking about the broth at Case de Mole (I think that was the name) it was pretty simple, and I think that what made it good was 1.) we were all starving pre op (LOL) and 2.) we were happy to finally eat post op. LOLOL Seriously though, it had rice and cilantro in it and I think that gave it a little extra flavor. (we couldn't eat the solids, though) I'm sure it was a home made chicken stock with those goodies in it. We also had some broth at another restaurant (Omar said they order it as "sick soup" for VSG patients haha!) that was filled with fresh vegetables and fish. It was terrific as well.

Hi Everyone, Seems we all want to share our journeys, me included... being a writer at heart, I finally got the nerve up to start a blog about my own journey. I know there are many many out there but if anybody wants to read, please feel free. www.drmcsleevie.com

Does anybody know how far out from surgery before you can safely eat these? I'm only a month post op...

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.