JenC

You have done an amazing job!! I've still got another 20 to my first goal but it's so close I can taste it! Congratulations!!!

Breath, we have bad breath?? wth?

I didn't even tell my PCP that I was going to MX for surgery. I didn't meet the BMI qualifications with my insurance and the Bariatric providers in my area and I knew it so I went off and took care of things myself. I had gallbladder trouble last month and had to go in and had to tell her (my PCP) that I had, had recent surgery. She/they at the hospital didn't skip a beat. They took care of my gallbladder and so I carry on...not sure if it would be so easy for others with different docs but that was my experience lately.

Sounds like you are on track. I was sleeved on July 15 and have lost 47 pounds... so we're in the same range Everyone is different of course but knowing that we're in the same ballpark is a reassuring feeling.

Safe travels! All the best to you with your surgery and wishes for a good recovery! Exciting time!!

I had mine out last Wednesday. And I am soo relieved to have it gone. Black-out pain is a good description of the severity of the attacks. The pathology came back and it's description said "innumerial number of stones"...too many to count. One thing I wish I would have discussed with the surgeon doing the removal was how he would close the incision sites and that minimizing scarring was important to me. He stapled them and I will have scars... kind of a hack job. I went to a well respected surgeon for my VSg who was very good at minimizing the scarring and made sure I would not have an ugly belly afterwards. It did not even occur to me that I should have discussed the scarring with the surgeon who took my gallbladder...I know it will not be as pretty a site as Dr. Aceves left. My scars from my VSG were almost gone and these staple marks will not go away as easily. I have a bride of frankenstein belly button right now

Yahoo!! Good for you. Its an awesome feeling!

I'm having my gallbladder out tomorrow. The attacks that I have had recently have been excrutiating!!! actually felt like I was having the big life ending heart attack. I am 3 months vsg post op and everything has been going so great that I'm really upset to have to recover from another abdominal surgery so soon. I did not have any gallbladder attacks prior to surgery so the docs are assuming it is from the rapid weight loss. So if you already have stones I wonder what the proabablilty of future attacks will be for you once you start losing your weight. I wouldn't wish what I've experienced from a gallbladder perspective on anyone. It truly has bee one on the most painful and scary experiences I have ever had. If they're offering to take it out you seriously might want to consider it. Good luck to you.

I think I would be more worried about leaving a car in Calexico than Mexicali. The parking lot at Almater looked pretty secure with plenty of CA license plates...thats where I did most of my walking. But that being said I haven't driven there just took their shuttle from San Diego. I didn't go back for my follow up there but I do know that Gaby also said they would pick up and shuttle for the follow up just like for surgery. Not sure what and if they charge for that.

You will want to check with your own doc but for me I was 45 days out and taking pills in whole form with my doctors approval.

I've lost 46 pounds since July 15 surgery. 65% of the initial goal to get to a BMI within a "normal" weight range.

Well, I'm having that aweful attacking gallbladder out on Wednesday. The testing after the last attack showed stones and it's got to come out. I've had one small incident since the major attack that landed me hospital last week so I will be glad to have the fear of the next looming attack removed.For some reason I'm more nervous about this surgery than I was for my VSG. Anyone had digestive issues after having the gallbladder removed? Everything was going along so nicely up to this point.

I agree with all the positive comments about Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos. I have never looked back wishing I had the extra dollars I spent on my surgery at Almater Hospital with Dr. Aceves. I addition to having zero surgery complications and outstanding care during my hospitalization I have had excellent and immediate response to any questions I have had post surgery regarding diet, weight loss, exercise and vitamins. I have recently experienced gallstones and have consulted with him and his team regarding my current treatment and surgery here at home. The doctors have been very quick and helpful with information.

I experienced the most horrific, terrifying pain I thought imaginable this weekend. Friday night I was rushed to the hospital, everyone there including myself thought I was having the "big one". Right sided chest pain, scorching down my arms, cold clammy, soaking wet fever, vomiting, vomiting and more vomiting. I couldn't get a breath, couldn't stand up, sit down, lay down. I'm sure I was screaming obsenities and my husband said I kept ripping my hospital gown off trying to get at my chest. You know it's bad when all modesty is gone. This went on in the emergency room for 1.5hrs, hooked up to machines to ensure I wasn't having a heart attack, finally the anti vomiting meds along with a number of other iv meds I haven't had the energy to review yet, things calmed down and they took me for a ct scan. My pancreas, gallbladder and ducts inflammed but no visable stones. The surgeon won't touch it until the inflammation is gone. As a matter of fact he is not sure he'll touch it at all considering he doesn't know how complicated my anatomy is from having VSG which he insisted on refering to as a "bypass"....ugg! I'll probably have to travel to find a surgeon to touch it. So powerful antibiotics in my tender sleeve for the next 7 days after two days of iv antibiotics. I've had two much shorter episodes with simuliar but much less dramtic degree in the past month, did not have them treated as I thought at first maybe it was a stress or panic attack with other stuff going on in my life. The doc says "low fat diet" is a must but my diet has been low fat for the past 3 months. I'm sure he thinks I've been eating greasy cheeseburgers to bring this on. Has anyone had an extreme gallbladder attack after VSG and had the gall bladder removed? Did they use the same incision points for the surgery? Did anyone NOT have the gallbladder removed after a simuliar attack and found they where just fine after the inflammation was gone. I am thinking I just want this thing out of me because I don't know how I would deal with something like this while traveling or just the fear of it happening again is pretty undermining but the doc suggested if there are no stones they may not remove it. I'm trying to get my questions together to ask the surgeon on Tuesday after my ultrasound so any input is appreciated from folks who have had gall bladder/ pancreas experience. for now back to clears to let my poor tummy heal from all the vomiting and heaving. oh, and the O.R. doc suggested there might be a slight hernia in my esophogus maybe from the retching?? Guess I'll have to follow up on that too.

Have you been following any lifting restrictions? Don't want to be lifting anything too heavy too soon. The discomfort you are feeling sounds familiar. But don't let unknown pain go on too long before checking with your doc. I did have a little aching pain in approximately the same area when I was in the first month range. I have an incision in that area. Hope you feel better soon

I'll inbox you

I tackled my clothes closet today. Wow!!! I only left items that fit now or will fit in my smaller future. No going back clothes! I'll donate the majority of them. Hopefully they'll help a few ladies feel good. I have a few items, quality business suits that I purchased last fall and are still current and I've only worn once or twice... a few items with tags still attached. I have a casual friend that I know the clothes would fit and would suit but I'm hestitating offering them to her in case she takes offense. For some reason I just can't pull them out and put them in the donate pile. Sounds stupid I know. I can't believe I'm even taking the time to write this.

Family and Medical Leave Act applies to employers with 50 or more employees... so the leave your employer provides you for your surgery is at will. However to terminate your employment in most states and not have the termination affect the employers unemployment rating they would need "just cause". I personally wouldn't have any "frank" discussion after their accommodating gesture. I would be clear on my return to work date and return on that date. I would not leave the date open ended with the "take as much time as you need offer" If you have complications and need to renegotiate the date once you have had surgery take it from there. Good luck, don't sweat the small stuff!

Loved that feeling!! Congrats to you!

I think everyone is different. I have had small mixed green salads since I have been on solid food. I can't eat much of it but I definately can satisfy my desire for greens.

Mexico...Dr. Aceves was my choice even if my insurance would have covered it I would choose him. No contest!

Sounds like you are doing great! Enjoy your success and the fact that you are half way to your goal!! Change and the idea of maintaining it for life can be a scary prospect but you sound like you're on your way...just breathe!

I did a complete round of p90x program 18mths ago- pre surgery. Tony talks about "bonking" and getting enough nutrition to complete the exercise. I did not follow the nutrition plan, I had great measurement changes using the program. I am going to start p90x again (once this sprained ankle that I have tolerates it) I am going to continue on my prescribed method of eating from my doc and go from there. I expect I will have to add some additional calories to have the energy to complete but I am assuming I will add them in the form of Isopure and Beachbody Shakeology drinks as I struggle now to consume 800 calories of actual food a day. Your body will tell you if you need more energy to complete the workouts, you will feel overwhelming fatigue if you don't have the proper nutrition to support the intense workouts. JUST PUSH play and do your best! Would love to hear your results!

AMAZING!! I am so happy for you! You are looking great! I wouldn't have recognized you! Enjoy your new slim self

OMG!!! I had the yummiest (if that's even a word) shake for lunch today. So filling and satisfying. I can't wait to have it again tomorrow. I put 6-8 ice cubes in the blender to start then added 1 T PB2, 1 Cup Almond Milk, 1 Scoop of Unjury Chocolate Splendor, 1 T of Beach Body Shakeology powder and blended to the most perfect shake no commercial frappee or blended ice drink has anything over this one. Yum! 216 calories, 11 carbs, 30g of protien.