BeanieandRosie'smom

Hey So Ready! I am doing ok! Just walking around, still have major gas pains... I would love it if you'd email me!

Jjansen71, I am in the same boat as you! Lost 30lbs...kept most of it off until I got completely drained in March and then gained 50 back... Do You have your sleeve yet? Erika

Hey there! I am currently in Tijuana, got converted last night. It was quite the rough night...I had a lot of nausea, but theyve taken care of me here! My Dr. I Jose Rodriguez. He did my band as well. I would highly reccommend him. He has done over 3,000 sleeves! He is a very nice man. I got to talk to him for about an hour the day before my surgery. he really specializes in tough cases so I feel safe with him. Please feel free to hit me up with questions you may have! Erika erikaj@aol.com

Sorry for two posts. I'm on my iPhone at work and it told me I couldn't post bc it timed out so I wrote a new one!

Hey! Don't panic! I cheated on Saturday and contacted my patient/surgical coordinator and she said it was fine!! She said they only expect people to try their best to stay on it. I cheated on the same pre-op before my Lap Band surgery in 2010, and the surgeon told me my liver looked great. My friend had her sleeve done in may and her surgeon didn't even have a pre-op diet for her. She did beautifully. I am sure you will be fine! I am around 250, so I'm not sure if the cheating makes a bigger difference if you are in the 300's, 400's, etc...but my guess is that you'll be just fine. Main point: no one is perfect, or expects you to be! Best of luck!!!!!!! My surgery is Friday! Eeeek! Erika

Hey!! Don't panic! I cheated Saturday and told my surgical coordinator. She said it was fine, and they only expect you to "try your best." I felt horrible, but then I didn't feel so bad after she said that. My friend who had her surgery in May didn't even have a pre-op diet, and she was fine. I doubt there will be a problem. I had the same pre-op diet with my lap band and I also cheated, and they told me my liver looked great. I am around 250lbs. I'm not sure if how big a deal Cheating is the bigger you are. Main point: don't beat yourself up. No one is perfect! Good luck!!! Erika

I am on my pre-op diet as well. It feels so strange because I have done this all before with the lap band! I even said goodbye to my beloved diet pop two years ago, only to realize I could have it again. I feel more mentally ready this time because I have dealt with some of my emotional eating, and I am wholly aware of just HOW emotional eating is for me. (That is something that the sleeve will not fix!!) I have a great book about emotional eating that has really helped me. It's called: "The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion." I highly recommend it to you guys having emotional eating issues, it will not get easier unless you address it! Now I'm here again, doing the pre-op and clinging to my diet coke & Pepsi (I would give up alcohol for diet pop in a heartbeat!!) But I am okay giving up gigantic portions because it will mean a healthier me. Much love & luck to you all! Erika PS Yes it has made me gassy...and it did the first time too...too much meat and vegetables. My husband is doing the pre-op with me to be supportive....and let me tell you...his gas is making our house liable to burst into flames...ughhhh!!

Hey Karen, I am ultra sensitive and I think a few of the things that have been posted were not as kind as they could have been. Everyone has those moments like "Ahhh! What have I done?!" But you'll get past it. I have had a lap-band for two years. I have hated every bit of it, but you know what's funny? We all kind of learn to adapt to whatever is thrown our way. It is only human. My "normal" became making sure I had empty cups with kids with me at all times in case I slimed! I am with you on being a big eater!! I love my huge portions and for me, food is a huge part of my comfort. I have been to counseling, which I'd recommend-find someone who specializes in weight loss surgery patients! I am getting this surgery and I don't think all my issues are resolved yet. I am working, one day at a time. Just remember that soon enough, this will be your new normal, and you'll be happy with how your body is looking and feeling!! Best of luck to you, and HUGS!!! ????????????

CowGirlJane, You look fantastic! And reading your post made me cry! I think we all know how deeply emotional the "weight" issue is. I am so happy that you feel "normal!" I want to feel that way too. I hate my band so much and I am very nervous about my surgery (one month from today). It is so encouraging to hear that you can eat, (gasp!), veggies! With the band, I'd be sliming till every last bit was back up. I love carrots, peppers, all the fibrous stuff... Congratulations to you and much luck in the future!! ????

My surgery is one month from today and I'm freaking out. I have a buddy I'm talking to about her experience with the VSG, and she has done wonderfully. I am just afraid that I will hate it. I have had my lap-band for almost two years and I'm 10-15lbs heavier than I was when I GOT my band. I threw up or "slimed" every day. I am so nervous and afraid I will feel trapped in this new decision, even though I'm so desperate to get this weight off. I am also scared that I'm not mentally strong enough! Anyone with helpful words or advice either way would be so appreciated! Thank you!

I was just hoping to find a surgery date buddy on here...I am getting my sleeve done 8-17-12 with Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana, Mexico. I had my Lap Band done with him in 2010 and had a great experience! Feel free to email me: erikaj@aol.com. Have a great day!!

I wasn't trying to be mean about other's surgeons. I was just saying what I had heard and thought it was pertinent to the discussion. I said that he seems to be a good surgeon, but here are the reasons why I, personally did not choose him. (Him being Dr. Almanza, my mistake). Personal comfort, we all make decisions every day that are different based on who we are. I didn't think it was unfair to present the criteria of why I chose one surgeon over another. I wasn't trying to run a slander campaign. Good luck to you in your journey!

OMG! Sweet Susie...I got myself mixed up! I meant Dr. Almanza all along. I have a feeling I wrote that late at night?! :{ How embarrassing. I meant Dr. Almanza, not Alvarez...please accept my sincere apologies for the mix up!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/29062-opinion-of-dr-almanza-and-his-facility-in-tijuana/ Read....This isn't the only place I've heard these things. It's all personal choice and comfortability level. I have no doubt that Dr. Almanza is a competent and capable doctor, (as I did say before). Obviously there are many happy with him! I am not a "hater," and I'm sad that this was said, not exaclty classy. I have friend who is connected closely with the mexican surgeon's community, and has had several surgeries herself there, one with Dr. Almanza in 2010. She told me what she knows... I was just presenting the info I had, and did not try to "knock" him. I am just more comfortable paying more and getting a different setting. And FYI, Dr. Aceves is one of the pricier doctors. My quote for surgery with Dr. Almanza--for a Lap Band removal and sleeve revision was more than half what Dr. Aceves' quote for the same procedure. Dr. Rod is in the middle of the two. I'm glad you are happy with your decisions! We are all entitled to our own respectful opinions! Good luck to everyone, and let's keep it positive on here.