zenoosh

Oh and, I had a thought/ saw a doco on medical marijuana in Colorado. It seems to be a drug that helps a lot of people with your sort of symptoms... Is it worth a try anywhere near you? It's strange but it sounds like the surgeon hit a nerve in your abdominal cavity... Has any doctor suggested this possibility? Nerve damage does strange things...

My surgeon was not impressed with single-incision surgeons. He basically said it's a gimmick and could compromise safety for minor cosmetic improvements.
I would definitely like to see some studies in the future. I bet in 5-10 years when they have enough data we can see if the single incision is just as safe.
Good luck.

Hey peeps,Im zenoosh, 34 y/o Echo-tech from CALIFORNIA. Widowed, 3 cats, ready to rock and roll on this mofo! My date is set for Oct 27 with Dr Garcia in Tijuana at Mi hospital. If you check the boards and search for Mi Hospital, you'll find a plethora of great info. One of the selling points for me was the fact that its a full service hospital, not a clinic...its small, but only 2 two years old and from what I've heard, immaculately clean.Im doing a low-carb liver shrink to prepare and lose a bit before surgery. A week or two prior, I'll start Protein shakesand other liquids to shrink my tummy and liver for ease at surgery. Good luck everyone! Im planning on totally rocking my sleeve....positive vibes :-)

Ok, I wrote a long drawn out reply to chad2rad, but the site got squirly on me so I'll paraphrase...on the main page, there's a ton of info re: pre-op plans and other great tips. Im doing an Atkins type plan. Low carb, below 20 grams net carbs. Its not easy: im missing sugar and starch, but its a great way to shrink that fatty liver! As far as preop liquids, every surgeon has different plan for that. Some want 2 weeks liquids, some only 1 week...mine wants a few days post up to be light and the day before, liquids only. Im going to start Protein Shakes about 1-2 weeks prior to surgery to shrink that liver even more, and get my stomach ready for the shock...btw, I love your handle, chad2rad...well played, sir! :-)

Hey, guess I will be the first guy to check in for October. Just got insurance approval and I am scheduled for October 8th. First case, so I have to be there at 0500.
Very glad for this mid life second chance. Look forward to meeting ppl here.
What strategies are you using to loose weight or just be healthier before Oct?
Live in North Florida.
Sent from my UBER SMART PHONE using VST

Yes! You totally answered everything....Thanks so much. I appreciate you showing us what can be done when we use the sleeve as a tool, not a cure. And its great to know that it can be maintained for a sustained length of time.
Thanks for sharing, and again, you really look fantastic.

Reading about everyone's pre-op diets make me feel terrible. My doctor only requires a 1 day liquid diet the day before surgery so I feel spoiled. I am trying to eat healthy bc I don't want to go into shock post-op, but I do plan to have sushi one last time this weekend bc I doubt I'll be able to eat it for a long time bc of the rice and sushi is my most favorite food.
Hang in there guys. You all seem to be doing good, even with a slip up here or there!

Awww Love you M2G! Thank you!!!!
Yes, the skin has tightened up somewhat and that's just with time. I can literally grab hand fulls of skin especially the stomach area above my belly button (below the belly button is pretty flat) and my back thigh/legs, also a ton under my arms . I've been working out 5-6 times a week since February 2012 (mainly weights and zumba). I took some before pics in February 2012 with just my bra and undies and will take after pics in February 2013 to see if it helped any. I think my biceps look good, but it's been difficult trying to get the triceps built up.
This tool is AMAZING! I STILL have pretty good restriction. Sometimes it's a few bites and that's it, then there are other times where I feel like I ate a whole lot (but it's really no where near a lot of food, more like a normal thin person would eat). The most difficult part is the head/body craving sweets , I LOVE candy and sweets. It's especially really difficult once a month during tom. But I didn't cut 85% of my tummy out to turn back. I refuse to give up. I do eat whatever I want, and If I get too close to my goal (I try to stay under lol), I just start to watch what I'm eating, and drink more Water and it works. Water ugh, that is really the most challenging, but even without sleevie we should be drinking more of it.
I hope I answered everything lol!

Wow...you really look amazing. And you seem very healthy and happy with your sleeve! As far as the loose skin, have you noticed it beginning to tighten up since reaching goal? I've heard time really helps ( and a LOT of lotion...)
Do you feel as though this can / will continue to work for you, or is it a struggle to limit your food intake?
And lastly, do you work out regularly? It looks as though you must do something on a regular basis...that's what im looking forward to: being able to sustain weight loss, while working out around 4-5 times/week and eating like a normal person: balanced, healthy meals and the occasional splurge. That's my dream...

Eating "normally" is a tricky question because most of us have individual "normals". Some people's new normals are super strict and very specific.... some people choose to do a less rigid approach. Its an individual's choice- thats the cool thing about the sleeve.... you get to define your lifestyle.
Whatever your definetion of "normal" is DO NOT RUSH TO GET TO YOUR "NORMAL In less than 3 months, you will be able to define your own normal and have a little bit of everything you want (yes, even ham sandwiches and fritos). In the meantime- do not rush the liquid, mushies or food stages- they are put in place by a medical professional for a reason.
That being said- I eat a pretty liberal diet.... a bit of anything I want (I still make pretty healthy choices tho). I waited until I was 3+ months out before I started deviating from a strict diet.
I am sure if you are strong enough to be proactive and take your health into your own hands.... you are strong enough to stick to the plan until you have the freedom to choose your foods. Reach out to us forum peeps if you need support- you CAN do it!

Thank you so much! You are so sweet! I do have TONS of LOOSE skin however most of it isn't hanging loose skin.
Girl thank you for always being there for me and motivating me and inspiring me! Love you tons!!!!!!!!!
Thank you ...no problems regarding the sleeve that I'm aware of. I need to get 2 year post op blood work done to make sure all my labs are fine. DON'T STOP taking your Vitamins

For Dr Garcia patients, I heard the broth at Marriott is awful...any suggestions for a good place to get broth close to the hotel ?

Omg, your story is total agony, mixed with a monstrous cluster-f*** = REALITY. I agree with others, you should really think about being a writer. Your descriptions were so raw and I really felt your pain...(I know I didn't, really, but the stream of consciousness way you express yourself is true talent. Im not a religious person (probably because of times like these when all you do is pray and nothing happens....) but I will be thinking about you, and vibes will flow your way. I also think you should contact a lawyer. Do it now, before time runs out, just so you know if there's something that can be done. It won't help you fix the issues, and it won't take away the pain and suffering you've experienced, but it could help you emotionally and financially.
I am so truly sorry for your agonizing journey. Makes me feel very grateful for good days, and my bad days will mot seem as difficult to overcome. Thank you for sharing.
You are a f***ing WARRIOR.

Seriously, you guys, I almost sharted reading all these posts! This is some funny S**T! LITERALLY! Im not laughing at you, and im sure once im sleeved, ill be laughing with you
My boyfriend always used to say "never trust a fart..."

Too funny!!! I'm single, so I can toot at home as much as I like. Sometimes though when I can feel one coming, I have this fear that I won't make it out of hearing/ smell range quick enough. Then, god forbid it just sneaks up on ya. This actually happened to me when I was in a guy's cube at work. I was doomed. I was sitting down and he was showing me some stuff on his computer. I knew if I stood up, I wouldn't make it out of the cube, so I was hoping my butt would keep the smell in the chair--- yeah, that didn't work. He didn't say anything, but I know he noticed. I was quite embarrassed but pretended like nothing happened. Those poor office chairs..... I tell ya.... sure makes a person think twice about getting a used office chair for one's personal use... LOL

Y'all are so funny! I needed this

I did not have a bm until day 7 post op... I was in the hospital on iv antibiotics for an infection and the nurse was getting worried.... Day 7 I thought as usual it was the famous gas and let it go... All over my bed! Felt so bad I apologized to the nurse! She laughed and came in so excited! They were waiting on that!!! I never thought I would see a nurse to happy to clean me and my bed up! Lol

I'm just over 7 months out & if I even have the feeling of gas or a bowel movement coming, I get to the nearest bathroom...because I'm not taking a chance of sharting! I'd rather run to the bathroom than crap myself & sometimes you can't tell what is going to happen... Better safe than sorry! In the beginning, I would run at the slightest rumble! LOL!!! I have become lactose intolerant since surgery so I started buying fat free, lactose free milk.

I also liked the "productive flatulance" term. That got me laughing.
I'm 5 days post op and everything just got going again Friday. Started with a good amount of gas and non-productive flatulance, but then Friday evening it hit. Just like you, I was tricked into thinking it was some simple gas, but no - it was actually a productive flatulance laying in wait.
After some grumbling I decided just to trash the underwear. I'm getting thinner anyway, so they'll need to go sooner or later. I'm still dealing with this. My body makes sounds now like the Titanic did as it was sinking, I never know what to expect. It's cheap entertainment for the kids, I guess.
Good luck!

Lol....what a nice way of putting it, "productive flatulance"
I just started pre-op a few days ago - I'm not even doing all liquids - just mushy at this point. Same thing ALMOST happened to me tonight.
Sounds gross, but... liquid in, liquid out. Makes sense to me.

Ooooooh, im getting some right NOW!! That's something I fear greatly. I have a LOT of hair, and plenty of inches to cut, but im still freaked out about it. Im stocking up on Biotin and GNC powder Vitamins, so im really hoping its not super noticeable when it happens...yours looks really nice...doesnt look much different than your before pic! Thank goodness for great stylists and awesome product!!!

I'm so happy to see people that will be going to Dr Garcia early October, I've booked for 10/09/12! I'm so excited but nervous at the same time, Im not nervous about going but how I'm going to learn to change, I've done the same thing for so many years it scares me to change. I'm ready for a new journey just have to learn how to adapt! I have started a pre pre diet of shakes and 1 meal a day, I have a cheat day 1 day a week but will start the pre op diet 09/01/12, is that enough time? I'm going alone so meeting people on here going at the same time is awesome!!!!!!

I've heard this is a pretty common side effect...it sucks. I am not sleeved yet but know what reflux and heartburn are like: I used to take proposed, but weaned off and started eating better foods...not a lot of processed stuff. It also helps not to eat before bed, but it seems a lot of this is due to the surgery itself, not necessarily the foods we eat That really sucks... I am not gonna like that one bit :-(

I'm heading to Mexico for surgery with Dr. Kelly on 10/25..it seems like so far away, but I know the time will pass so quickly.