DebInAZ

Exactly the way I'm feeling. Such tactics can give excellent surgeons a negative image. A disservice more than anything... Also it muddy's the waters and scares off the "fence sitters".

Amanda Rae

Listen!!! Dr. Ponce is a wonderful Dr. and is Chief of bariatric surgery in TJ Mexico, most likely taught all of the above Dr's mentioned above, since he has been doing WLS since 1995...go with your heart and go with Dr. Ponce!!! I just had my surgery Oct 22, and would do it again in a heart beat!! I know of 4 medical professionals including me who went to him and have absolutely no regrets, and no complications!!

Deb

I know...they have so many! I got the 'Ninja Kitchen System Pulse' because it has a decent sized blender bowl, without being huge. But even more so, because I like that it comes with 3 16oz 'to-go' cups where you can just blend right in the cup. (This model was also the cheapest, so that goes a long way with me!) Here's a pic of the one I'm talking about:

http://www.target.co..._1_2&term=ninja

This one right now is at costco for under a hundred..Wow that's a steal!...I have had my( ninja the old style) for about 3-4 yrs now and I still use it everyday and I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!! anytime you can make ice into snow and not ruin the machine you've got a winner!!! That's right I said make ICE INTO SNOW! ....You don't have to think about it, just go get one it will be the best investment you ever made

Deb

Ok so I'm from Canada... What are refried Beans lol? Like brown beans in a can? Baked beans? Idk if I've ever seen refried beans but everyone eats them!

Re-fried Beans are a Mexican staple eaten instead of say potatoes or rice and are a favorite here in the states eaten mostly with Mexican food. They are made using pinto beans, onion , garlic, cumin and salt and pepper. ( mostly we just buy a can of them here and add cheese on top and micowave) They are very tasty and its a all around American favorite!

Debbie

I also did not/do not have any issues with food tolerance !! Had a work meeting off site yeasterday & the boss took us for sushi. 2 california rolls and I was stuffed LOL!! As of today & have hit the 40 pounds lost since surgery,5 weeks, 3 days ago! WOOHOO!! I an so pumped, I am loving this new lifestyle. I still have a long, long way to go but I just take one day at a time & am enjoying the journey

Its so strange how everyone reacts differently with the sleeve, I was hoping to at least have a lactose intolerance, as ice cream is my all time down fall....hahaha

Geez 40 pds in 5 wks is CRAZY GOOD!!! what that's 8pds a week????? how are you doing it???? I think getting in all of your Protein is the key,,,,or do you have a theory???

Deb

I just got the scale, put it in my bathroom and have stepped on it 3-4 times for accuracy and it never wavers...I think its a keeper!

I just had my sleeve, and gall bladder removed on the 22nd of Oct and on the 3rd day I was released and went shopping. The day of surgery and the day after surgery I only felt achy across my back. I brought a heating pad with me and that really helped, I just put it on low and layed on it...soothing to the back!

Good luck with your upcoming Surgery!!!

Deb

I have done some research on this myself and decided on the eat smart scale, you can order it through Walmart, for around 29.00. It has been rated as the most accurate digital scale for 2012. Its supposed to be no farther off than .2

Good hunting

Deb

Hi Deb,

I am 14 days out from my surgery! I am exactly like you - I have found no intolerances at all. Taking everything slowly. I have been getting my Protein in since last Friday. I still struggle to get my 64 ounces of fluids in - usually 4- 6 glasses. No nausea either! I guess we have been blessed! I have been doing a lot of walking and riding my exercise bike.

It is funny how fixing food for others doesn't bother you or me either! Strange, I know!

I return to the surgeon on Monday, and I must say I am looking forward to moving on to the challenge of the next food stage!!

Good luck to you!

Ellamae

Well best of luck to you Ellamae, I'm so glad your surgery and recovery is going so well, I just can't believe I have just recovered so wonderfully myself with such a major surgery, I honestly have to remind myself to slow down Deb you just had surgery!!! My blood sugars have normalized, my joints have honestly stopped hurting, and my blood pressure isn't jumping all over the place. Even if I don't loose another pound, just having the above stay the way it is...it would be all worth it :wub:

I can't wait for the next food stage, mine starts on Monday....MMMM...cottage cheese....eggs...yum! hahahah

Sometimes I think I'm just still on this HIGH/EUPHORIA still from the excitement of having the surgery? Whatever I like it and hope it never goes away

Deb

I just wanted to say I am only 11days out and I feel fantastic, I am also a nurse, so maybe that gives me a little edge but I just thought I could help.

If your Dr is the best, and you have the confidence that he can call the shots, and he say's its a go because you have no infection or problem at the time of your date, Do It!!! you will be totally healed without weight limits in 6 weeks. But in the mean time there wouldn't be any reason you couldn't pack before your surgery and even 1 week after your surgery continue to pack and organize. I went shopping on day 3 from noon until 7pm and I am 60 yrs young, with HBP, and diabetes, with a little arthritis in my hips, NONE of this holds me back! You will have a weight limit, and basically will be told no pushing, pulling, straining, lifting for just about 4/6 weeks, nothing about packing and planning?

My advise is follow your Dr's orders and if he says its a go then don't hesitate, procrastinate, or even think about it...RUN as fast as you can to the procedure and have it done...it will be the best day of your life, it may even save your life!!!

If you haven't had a flu shot get one! between now and then stay away from crowds and especially sick people, even if you have to wear a mask in public do it, wipe off anything that the public uses with antibacterial wipes, and wash your hands after everything.............AND GO HAVE YOUR SURGERY!!!

Debbie

hi, everyone, i,m 54 and getting sleeved this month, i hope. did anybody have health issues before, like being on blood thinners. i,m a little nervous going off my blood thinners for 7 days. would love to hear if anyone else had any health issues, and how they dealt with it........thank you.......saddie

Hi Saddie, Are you comeing to the States to have your surgery or in Canada? when is your date?

Deb

It's November, good luck to all my fellow November sleevers! Mine is on the 6th.

Good Luck tparker, Only 4 more days!!, you are going to be so happy with your results, even though I haven't weighed all of my clothes are loose especially the pants, and they were very tight before surgery.

Many prayers and thoughts for a fast and safe recovery!

Deb

Gosh its been 11 days since surgery.. I can't believe how time is flying now, before surgery it felt like time was standing still. For the past two days we have had company and of course I had to cook, our visitor is a single widower that loves my cooking soooo, I thought OK lets see how this works. I have to say it really didn't bother me a bit, I was really surprised, and of course I made my favorite things, and I was taken back at how it really didn't bother me!!! So I was wondering does this happen to everyone?

I haven't gotten on a scale yet, only because I don't have one...hahaha...I have ordered one and its supposed to come in today its called Eat Smart, its supposed to be the most accurate one on the market this year, we will see. I was wondering if anyone here has used this scale and how do you like it.

Also I'm proud to announce that nothing so far bothers me, milk, coffee, Protein Drinks, everything tastes the same and I don't seem to have any intolerance's...am I weird? or what?... it seems everywhere you look on this site you read I can't stand this, or this hurts my tummy, or this doesn't taste good anymore, anyone else? or am I the odd ball out here? just wondering

Debbie

Glad to hear you are doing so well! Did you have your surgery with Dr. Ponce? (i thought u did) if so, can you pls share your experience? I am scheduled with him on Dec. 19th. and of course I am a nervous wreck!!!

I need to go out for the afternoon, but when I get back I will send you a personal message ..Deb

ME TOO!! I to am surprised that I can drink so much, yesterday I drank about the same but it was made at home and it only took me an average time as though I had nothing done. I also have not had any of the issues others have had, I can drink a 20oz bottle of Water in about 15/20 mins?. My Dr. gave me a DVD of my surgery, if it weren't for that I would think nothing at this point happened. hahaha I did eat about 2 1/2 oz of yogurt last night and I was full for the rest of the night...so I think its just that maybe our swelling wasn't as severe as others which is good for us...I know as of about the 5th day out I have not had any issues regarding getting all my water in!

I found this recipe and it sounds marvelous!

1 container greek yogurt

1/4 C pumpkin

liquid stevia to taste

pumpkin pie spice to taste

1/2 package SF cheesecake Jello pudding mix

mix altogether and add lite whip-cream or SF whip-cream on top

Thanks so much everyone, we went on a shopping spree yesterday and spent way to much money on stuff I didn't need, LOL but it sure was fun! I got alittle to much sun on my face ( forgot about all the antibiotics ) and did not use sunscreen, didnt even think about it because the weather here didn't get higher than 68, beautiful day!!! Going home today at around noon. I was treated like royalty and had a wonderful experience...but time to go home!

Thanks All....Deb

Hi everyone, I just want to thank everyone first for your warm wishes and prayers! everything went well, I also had my gall bladder out at the same time so for 2 days I have to say I was pretty miserable with gas and upset stomach. But today I feel like my normal self and ready to get out of here and to the Hotel Lucerna, Looking forward to sitting by the pool, and getting that famous broth everyone talks about. I am so glad this is over with and start a new beginning in my life!!!!!

Debbie

Hi everyone, My surgeries went well, I also had my gall bladder out at the same time, so I was pretty miserable for the day of surgery until last nite. This morning I feel like a million bucks, and ready to get out of the hospital and get to the hotel. Dr Ponce is wonderful, and Trish has taken care of me and my husband like we were family very sweet!

Debbie

I have a digital food scale, it measures in ounces up to 5 pounds. You can put your container on it and zero out that weight then add what ever you want and it will weigh that inside the container..Super neat! I found mine at TJ max but I have seen them at Walmart also.

Am I still the only one on this site going to get sleeved on Oct 22nd, with Dr. Ponce? ????

HOPE ALL GOES WELL DEB!!! AND I'M WITH YOU; THIS FORUM HAS BEEN GREAT. WE'RE THINKING OF YOU....HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!!

Deb...I was extremely prepared because of the 12 week pre-op program, and then what I read on the site. Surprisingly what I learned was right on. I know with self pay sometimes the educational materials are lacking, so if my explanations help then I feel happy to be of support, I can't tell you how to handle a complication, but what to expect under normal recovery most of us have experienced and can help the newbies : )

Hopefully your experience is a positive one. If you do feel something isn't right, speak up loud and clear so that you can be attended to before you are released.

Did you get your chewable vitamins? You may also need a PPI like prilosec twice a day 30 min before a meal. It decreases acid production which can irritate your already injured tummy.

Buy your supplies for clear fluids and full liquids before you have surgery so you don't have to go shopping afterward when you don't feel up to it.

Almost the weekend, are you going to TJ for surgery? Have a safe trip and think positive!!

Yes I have my chewable Vitamins, Gas X, chewable Calcium, vit B 12, and I plan to get the PPI in Mexico called Gex Gel, I hear its wonderful, also Zofran for nausea, and I hear you can buy Vit B12 injections there so I'm considering that also.

You are so right when it comes to the educational information its just not there, so this forum has been a God send for me! All the wonderful people I've met on line...If it weren't for all of you I would probably be going in blind like I did with the band, and just have to play it off the seat of my pants . I have been a nurse for a very long time, and I can say I have learned so much through the good people here, who have been there, that's its just invaluable :wub:

Deb

Deb...in the beginning there is swelling in the stomach from surgery and the incision (stapled) edge of your new little tummy needs time to fuse and heal. I think that is one reason for the various steps in the re-introduction to foods, there isn't much room at all, and to prevent damage to the new incision line while it heals. I did not have much hunger in the beginning but knew I needed Protein (at least 65-80 grams) and hydration (yeah-yeah the recommended 64 oz) and it can be very hard to achieve those goals in the beginning because you feel you cannot physically achieve those lofty goals....

The Isopure has 40 grams of Protein in a 20 oz bottle and it is a clear Fluid, it doesn't taste wonderful, but it's not that bad either. I bought mine at the local Vitamin Shoppe. I would pour half a bottle and Water it down a little and add ice and let that melt as well. Because I was used to having coffee or tea in the morning, I kept that normality, that little ritual and had Decaf vanilla chai - a 16 oz cup slowly in the morning. By 10 am I would start the Isopure and finish about 16 oz in 2 hours, then make an 8 oz cup of broth mid-day, then 8 oz of Water before starting the afternoon Isopure (I rotated between the orange and grape flavors) and then broth (sometimes 2 cups slowly sipped )again for dinner, then just decaf iced tea in the evening and either a SF popsicle or SF Jello. It is doable, but you will feel like it takes effort to make it all happen, because you may feel like you are not hungry/not thirsty and how the heck am I supposed to meet the goals.

Take it easy at home, don't even run the vaccum the first week home, or carry laundry, you can sit on the bed or sofa and fold clothes, but don't be carrying anything heavy as your internal and external stitches need to heal properly. You may not feel good laying down the first couple nights, I had to sleep on the sofa propped up a bit the first night, my tummy felt very weird and the incisions were tender. Finding the right position in bed takes a little work - it may different from the usual, but soon, you heal and start to feel more like yourself.

Remember to take your Vitamins. I would usually do it with my first Isopure mid-morning, and when on full fluids with breakfast.

You are at the beginning of this journey....but time passes quickly and it is amazing to see the results you may have up until now only dreamed of.

Thanks Katie, Your incite is so valuable to me and others..I feel that you have come to my rescue

Egad this day is almost gone! 3 more days!

Deb

Deb...I can hardly believe you're almost there!! Monday is just around the corner!

Good luck with everything. I hope it all goes smoothly. I was surprised that I felt as good as I did after surgery. I had some discomfort but nothing too bad, I was walking the hallways by the afternoon after a morning surgery, and released the next morning.

When I got home I was able to tolerate my fluids fairly well...I would have chai tea in the morning with my PPI then pour myself a big glass of Isopure (grape ice) with ice and Water mixed in and sip that all morning. At lunchtime I would have chicken broth or beef consomme, then more Isopure all afternoon, sip, sip, sipping....and broth again for dinner...and a sugar free Jello in the evening. After 3 days I moved to full fluids, so thinned out hot cereal for breakfast, creamy Soups for lunch and dinner and regular Protein shakes. After two weeks, started pureed/soft diet adding yogurt, cottage cheese and canned fruit, soft scrambled eggs, tuna, Beans, etc...By 6 weeks full solids...and sweetheart, that is when you will feel the real power of your restriction, you get that full sensation quickly - so you have to pick your food wisely, make it count for health!!

Good luck!! Let us know how your'e doing as soon as you can.

Thank you so much for thinking of me and all your well wishes, I hope mine goes as smoothly as yours, I will take your advise and get up and walk as soon as I can, and your post-op diet looks great, they haven't given me mine yet so I will have to compare it to mine when I get it. I plan on taking my laptop with me so I should be able to let everyone know how I am surely by the next day = )Deb

Hi Deb! Hope you had a wonderful BD....only a few more days until you are sleeved. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and know it will all go really well....be sure to keep us all posted.

Queen of Crop

Thank goodness my BD is gone and I can stop thinking of that awful # LOL!!! Thank you so much for thinking of me I'm getting so excited and it seems like I'm running out of time, as its really going fast now and it just doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day.. I will definitely keep you and everyone posted. Deb