Jillyr

You are most welcome. One more thing, wait until you have lost most of your weight. They have to measure your breasts and take into account your volume-loss before determining the size of the implant. If you still have a signficant amount of weight to lose, the implant will be saggy after you lose more weight. My doctor told me that my weight loss had to be stable for six months. As for breast discussion boards, prepare yourself for big-time boosom wishers who strive for tripple-Gs. Just be careful. The advice is not always as sincere as it is on this board. For me, I was okay with realself.com. The point is, you can at least educate yourself. PS: I posted this before reading the one just above. I don't think I came across that site. I wish had because I was so desperate for advice.

Okay, so i never thought I would care about my breasts losing volume . . . but, that sure changed when I began to see my great-grandmother's 89-year old National Geographic breasts every time I saw myself nude in the mirror! After I lost all my weight, I became embarassed about my breast bags. That's just me. I hope no one else feels that way. But, for some stupid reason, that is just how i felt. Anyway, I began to explore breast augmentation sugery. My husband was VERY against it. My poor husband! He must think I'm crazy!! Weight loss surgery in Mexico and now this. Seriously though, I even thought myself to be pretty selfish, foolish, and vein to put myself through breast surgery. But, I just made myself do it. Don't even ask me about the first month because i was miserable and full of regret. They seemed huge and unnatural. But, now, three months later, I am so so so so so glad i did it! The swelling went away and I now feel totally normal. Actually, they just look like they did before, except on a skinnier frame. I can wear all my fat bras! You should probably explore breast implant discussion boards to find out more about it. It's a big step. Just my two cents.

Count me in! I had a perfect experience. Everyone from Nina (the coordinator) to Eduardo (the driver) to Dr. Aceves (the star) to Dr. Campos (the other star) to the anesthesiologist (can't remember his name but he was a sweetheart) to EVERYONE! I just respect and admire all of them so much. I am eternally grateful for Dr. Aceves and his team!

No regrets! Except, that I regret not doing it sooner! Jilly

I am nine months out. The VSG is the best thing I ever did for myself. I have NO REGRETS. Sure, eating out is a bit boring now because i am finished eating waaay before anyone else at the table. Sure, I miss eating big meals sometimes but those meals were the reason I was fat! I definitely do not miss that. I had no "off" switch. I just kept eating! I used to go to bed at night with thoughts about a new tomorrow and a plan to eat healthy. I used to wake in the morning with a food hangover and another pound gained on the scale. Before I knew it, no matter how good my intentions, I was making poor choices and kicking myself the rest of the day. So, the cycle would repeat over and over. My husband was against me having the surgery and that made it difficult for me to go through with it. But, I did it . . . with his reluctant blessing. He tells me, "I didn't know I had a say in the matter!" Now, I am free. Forever! I am so relieved. I am so grateful I had this opportunity. I wish I would have done it sooner! My husband agrees it was the right choice for me. He tells me he could not bear to go through it again but he sees the positive effect it has had on me. Forget about the weight loss . . . (YAY ME) . . . he sees that I am finally free (I know, I already said that but it is soooo how I feel) and I am finally at peace! Never again will I be CONSUMED with constant , pervasive thoughts about my weight. I AM FREE! (Last time, i promise.) Now, I get to stress about real stuff! Crazy. Jilly

Hello All, I was sleeved by Dr. Aceves January 2010. I trust him completely. I am very particular and i only choose the best. I researched him and Dr. Campos before going to Mexicali. They lived up to their reputation. I know sugeons in California and i work at a surgery center that specializes in gastric surgery. The surgeons i work with are phenominal. Yet, when my son expressed interest in having the VSG, my first thought was, "I'll call Nina!"

I am nine months out. In the beginning, I had a hard time after eating, in general, because I struggled with post-eating nausea. I do not think there was anything in particular, just felt crummy after eating. That does not happen anymore. But, there are some foods that give me heartburn. The only thing I never consume is carbonated drinks. But, that is not because i have ever had problems. I was told that this is a no-no forever. How come? Does anyone know? I really miss beer!

I thought of a few more things and editted my post above. Still not a bad con list!

Here is my list of cons: 1. I can't "down" my Water like I used to. 2. I am ready to leave a restaurant long before everyone else at the table is finished. 3. I sometimes get heartburn. 4. In the beginning, I really had to figure out how to eat. I have learned that I can still take regular sized bites but i have to swallow it in sections. Before figuring that out, I used to feel pretty icky after eating. 5. I hate it when I come across people i haven't seen in awhile and they blurt out "wow, you have lost so much weight!" 6. I am at the point now where I have to be sure to get enough calories. No big deal, I just have to be sure to eat all the time. 7. When I go out to eat with people, I have to fake that I am chewing and still eating when I am so ready to just leave. I move the food around and hide it so people won't question my portion size. I even hide food in my napkin sometimes because I don't want the waiter to ask me if I am unhappy with my dish. 8. I miss beer! I really can't think of anything else. It has been nine months and I have not regretted it for a moment. I feel so free. Don't even get me going on the list of pros! We will be here all night!.

Hi Tracy, I am wonderful. I have zero problems. The surgery was a huge success!! Who is the other surgeon you are considering? For me, it was between Aceves and Alvarez. I have heard great things about both. I chose Aceves because for logistic reasons. I am very happy with my decision.

Hey, I like the gas/reflux excuse. I am totally going to use that one!! Very brilliant.

Hi Lan2k, Have you gone to your doctor to see about taking antidepressants? I take antidepressants and I am not ashamed to admit it. You have done the right thing with your surgery. If your brain chemistry is off, the medication will fix you right up. If you had high blood pressure, wouldn't you take medication? If you had diabetes, wouldn't you take medication? This is no different. It is a shame that you have to suffer. Please see your doctor. PS: sorry, if I overstepped or offended you. I write this only because I am sympathetic. Very sympathetic.

Hi Coopersmama! Good for you! I weighed 188 on surgery day. They told me I was a lightweight too. But, I knew it was only a matter of time before I put myself in a weight category that would make surgery too risky. I do not think it is a vanity thing, at all. It is a life decision that I regret not making twenty years ago. I have struggled with my weight every day of my life. The day I graduated law school, I weighed 250! I am too ashamed to show my graduation pictures to anyone. Very sad. There is no doctor in the US, who would even consider me a candidate for surgery. Thank God for Mexico! Today is my one-week anniversary! Wow. I am celebrating with an Isopure. Ohhhh, I am soooooo over the Isopure. Anyway, I believe you are doing the right thing. I totally support you. As for me, I will never tell anyone except my husband. I know people will think I am crazy so I am just going to lie and say I am on Atkins or make something up like the DNS Diet (do not swallow - he he he). I am sure I will find a confidant here and there but for now, my lips are sealed. By the way, I feel fine. Just fine. I have felt fine since the day of surgery. I had one rough "gasy" day when I got home, but that was it. I am so happy. I never again have to go to bed with that horrible, disgusting, you-know-the-feeling.

Okay, I will stick with the clear liquids until Jan. 16th. Thanks for talking me down. I feel the spasms sometimes. I have NO ENERGY though.

Hello Everyone, I was in Mexicali with Megan. (Hi Megan!) I was fine at the hospital but I am having a terrible time getting my fluids and protein down. Dr. Aceves repaired a hiatal hernia during the VSG. I did not think much of it but now I am wondering if that is the reason I am so swollen. I do not even know what the repair is. Is it a snip or a stitch? I guess I should have asked Dr. Aceves but, like I said, I thought nothing of it at the time. Last night was probably the worst night for me. I had so much gas that my back and shoulders were hurting terribly. I took GasX strips, put on a heating pad, moved up and down, walked, . . . I tried everything. Anyway, I was fine by morning. I think it was the Miso soup (with chuncks of tofu) that caused the gas. Today, I was able to drink down two Isopure drinks (40 grams of protein each). I can barely keep from gagging when I drink those. Today, I ventured out and had an Atkins shake (15 grams) because I needed substance. I actually did fine. I am going to move on to full liquids. Starting very very slowly, of course. I start my new job on Monday 1/18. I really, really hope I will be okay. I will keep you posted.

Hi, I am only one week post op so I'm afraid I do not have personal knowledge on the subject. But, I know two people who freaked out about losing their hair four months post vsg. They had gobs of hair in the shower drain and hair just everywhere. When it calmed down, they looked totally the same. I want to say it took a couple of months but don't quote me. Hope this helps.

Oh, thank you so much for responding! Dr. Aceves cautions that we can only drink clear liquids for ten days. I have done it for six. I am going to add a protein shake starting tomorrow. I will be careful though. Please keep me posted. It helps so much. Jilly

Hi Bernadette! Okay, so today is Day 6. My biggest stressor is getting my fluids and protein. I hate the Isopure drinks and I hate "sipping" water all day. I am used to downing my water three times a day. I feel like I would rather have an IV. Will you give me an idea about your diet these days? Other than that, I am great. I have lost eight pounds. I start a new job one week from tomorrow but I think I will be fine by then (right?) I love my sleeve so much. I feel so free! How are your incisions healing? How much weight have you lost in the eleven days?

Thanks Mary, I did end up going alone and everything was just fine. Today is Day 4 post surgery. Today, I feel pretty good. A little weak though because I am on liquids. Still worth it!!

The experience was perfect. Why doesn't everyone do this? I am home now, drinking Isopure. I have lost six pounds. Yet, my swollen belly looks four months pregnant!

Well, today is day three. I will have my final leak test today and then I am going home tomorrow. Tonight I get to drink chicken broth. yummy. Last night I dreamt i was eating pizza! There are more patients here and I am starting to meet new friends. Ernesto comes in my room and checks on me every day. Drs. Aceves and Campos are in here several times a day. I am still having the gas pain, particulary after i drink my fluids. I just asked for medicine to make me sleep so i am off to la la land. Tennessee, did you get your money? xoxo, Jilly

Hello All, I had surgery yesterday! I am feeling just fine. I walked a little but spent most of the time in bed, watching TV. At 9pm, I asked for an Ativan so I could sleep. Dr. Campos orderd a pill crushed up and it had to rest under my tongue until it was dissolved. So, I went to sleep just fine. I woke up at 1:30 am, thinking it was morning. My stomach felt sore and I did not want it to feel worse so I asked for a pain pill. No clue what they gave me but it did the trick. Later today, Dr. Campos will order fluids for me to drink. At some point today, I will have my first leak test (not including the one they did during surgery. I am told I will drink Water with blue food coloring for a while and the nurses will monitor my ldrain for leaks. Then tomorrow, I will have the fleuroscopy (sp?) where I can see the blue liquid go through my new tummy. I am glad it is over because I was starting to experience real anxiety! So, today I feel perfectly fine. I am so grateful that I have done this for myself. I told my husband, the last time I felt this sure of anything was after my Lasiks! :crying: I will check in again soon. xoxo

Okay, this is it. i am meeting the driver in the lobby at 7am. I will see you on the other side. I am definitely nervous. xoxo

Awww, thanks for the cyber hugs! I am in my room at the Lacerna Hotel. I had all my preop work done this morning and then I went out for mexican food and drank two beers before settling in for the night. I am about to fill out my paperwork and then take the Ativan they gave me. Did you guys know Dr. Campos had the VSG about five months ago? I hadn't heard that from anyone on the board, so I was surprised. Did you guys know Earnesto (the driver) had the VSG recently too? Of course, Dr. Aceves did it for both of them. Dr. Campos told me he has lost 50 pounds since the surgery. He is a very small person; I cannot imagine him getting any smaller. He said the best part about the surgery is that when he goes out to eat, he does not order anything to eat. He just has a little taste of food from his family. He said the cool part is that he never has to pay because he never ordered anything! He is pretty funny. He looks sooooooooo young. He is obviously very knowledgeable and thorough. I very much liked him and Dr. Aceves! Actually, everyone here is pretty darn wonderful! So, I have surgery in the morning. I am getting kind of jittery. I can see why they gave me that Ativan!

Hi Tennessee! I am leaving for San Diego in the morning! I have my lab work tomorrow and then surgery with Dr. Aceves on Tuesday. I can't wait. I am going alone. I have three kids and my husband needs to stay home with them. I was nervous about going alone but after reading everyone's responses to your post, I feel totally fine. I am so grateful for this forum. I really can't wait for the surgery to be behind me. I am so excited! I will let you all know how it went.