Shergirl

Thanks for your honesty

I am 3 weeks out and I'm feeling great, eating mostly soft, moist foods. Tonight I had baked Tilapia.
2 oz and a few brocolli sprigs and thought it was a feast! My incisions have pretty much
healed, and every food I've tried has given me no problems. Everyday I put on my jeans
and there loser:) I have lost16# since I was sleeved.
Just wanted to express myself cause I feel real good. To everyone just having surgery
my first week was rough, but after that it was all downhill. Be strong and hang in there
and you'll reap the rewards:)
Thanks for listening to me rant...

You're not doing anything wrong and making poor nutritional decisions to speed weight loss is a bad idea. We're already losing a LOT of weight compared to a traditional diet, even though it might not seem that way. You can't judge your weight loss by what others do.
Personally, I only lose about 4-5 pounds a week. Sure, I want to be done already, I'm as impatient as the next person However, it adds up. I've lost almost 100 pounds total now, and you will too You and I had similar start weights.

My husband was supportive and apprehensive. I think he thought I was going to have surgery in some adobe hut with chickens running around on the dirt floor . Since we have been home, he has told everyone how great the Dr and the whole experience was. OCC is super clean and the whole staff is caring and very attentive to your needs. I had surgery 1 16 and last week I e- mailed them because I was having some pain in my left side. The doctor called me back within 15 minutes. Turned out to be just muscle pain from the surgery but it sure made me feel better that they got right back to me.
Don't worry about your parents, they are just scared. I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about and when you start getting healthier, they will see that you made a good decision for your life.

My husband was supportive and apprehensive. I think he thought I was going to have surgery in some adobe hut with chickens running around on the dirt floor . Since we have been home, he has told everyone how great the Dr and the whole experience was. OCC is super clean and the whole staff is caring and very attentive to your needs. I had surgery 1 16 and last week I e- mailed them because I was having some pain in my left side. The doctor called me back within 15 minutes. Turned out to be just muscle pain from the surgery but it sure made me feel better that they got right back to me.
Don't worry about your parents, they are just scared. I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about and when you start getting healthier, they will see that you made a good decision for your life.

My husband was supportive and apprehensive. I think he thought I was going to have surgery in some adobe hut with chickens running around on the dirt floor . Since we have been home, he has told everyone how great the Dr and the whole experience was. OCC is super clean and the whole staff is caring and very attentive to your needs. I had surgery 1 16 and last week I e- mailed them because I was having some pain in my left side. The doctor called me back within 15 minutes. Turned out to be just muscle pain from the surgery but it sure made me feel better that they got right back to me.
Don't worry about your parents, they are just scared. I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about and when you start getting healthier, they will see that you made a good decision for your life.

My husband was supportive and apprehensive. I think he thought I was going to have surgery in some adobe hut with chickens running around on the dirt floor . Since we have been home, he has told everyone how great the Dr and the whole experience was. OCC is super clean and the whole staff is caring and very attentive to your needs. I had surgery 1 16 and last week I e- mailed them because I was having some pain in my left side. The doctor called me back within 15 minutes. Turned out to be just muscle pain from the surgery but it sure made me feel better that they got right back to me.
Don't worry about your parents, they are just scared. I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about and when you start getting healthier, they will see that you made a good decision for your life.

My sister goes to a bariatric clinic in the US and she was also told that she would have to wait 6 months. They completed all of her tests and she did all of her classes. So they scheduled her for surgery after 4 months. She does have the co morbidities so maybe that is why.
You know if this does not work, you always have a back up plan!

I realize I didn't fully count up the costs before I had surgery... I need shoes... all of my shoes are too big... I'm glad its winter and I can get away with boots... and my grocery bill is higher... making sure to have Protein rich Snacks and foods is expensive... and I have to feed 3 other people than myself...kids will eat you out of house and home! Even with all this... I don't regret having the surgery... I have more energy... and I am no longer on blood pressure meds... monthly savings right there... but all the Vitamins and supplements I am taking... I don't actually save anything... still its worth it all...

I recommend selling your clothes to a consignment or resale store and buying from them as well until you maintain at goal. A lot of times they will give you more in store credit than outright cash...
Amanda Rae

Had my Sleeve done on 1/16 with Dr Ariel Ortiz. They picked us up in a gold van and took us directly to the center. It took a while to meet with all of the Dr's but once it was done, I was ready, except, the nurse tried to place the IV 2 times in the back of each hand with no luck. So when they took me to surgery, they knocked me out with a shot and then place the IV. It was such a relief. My room had a bathroom in the hall but it was no big deal and all visitors leave at 4:00 PM. Everyone was very nice. The clinic is clean but they do have different ways of doing things but nothing I saw gave me any concern. I only stayed one night and was really good to go to the Marriott the next day. They gave us anti nausea meds and pain meds which are non narcotic. Had barium swallow and they removed my drain on Friday and I came home today.
The broth at the Marriott was great and today I had a tiny bit of very liquid cream of potato Soup. There is swelling in your gut and in your little sleeve after the surgery. Just drink veryyyyy slow. I cannot tolerate cold drinks and still have pain in my left side but nothing like I thought I would have. It was a good experience for me, There was a man there who had an issue with plication. It seems the stitches were too tight. They got it resolved quickly and and it sounds like he will be there until next week. Good Luck to all of you. You will be in great hands.
Here are a few FYI's.
Bring books to read.
While your companion is waiting at the clinic, have them go down stairs to the street. My husband says the taco cart there is excellent.
If you need refills of your Water bottles, The gym at the Marriott has a large bottled water dispenser, That way you don't pay 2 to 3 dollars for a bottle.
You can make calls to the US for free from the clinic so make your calls while you are still there. I have Verizon cell service and I did not have any service unless I was willing to pay the international rates, which I did not. It was actually a relief to be able to rest and not talk to a bunch of people.
You may want to purchase extra sublingual pain meds from the clinic before you leave, You don't know if you will need them when you get home.

Had my Sleeve done on 1/16 with Dr Ariel Ortiz. They picked us up in a gold van and took us directly to the center. It took a while to meet with all of the Dr's but once it was done, I was ready, except, the nurse tried to place the IV 2 times in the back of each hand with no luck. So when they took me to surgery, they knocked me out with a shot and then place the IV. It was such a relief. My room had a bathroom in the hall but it was no big deal and all visitors leave at 4:00 PM. Everyone was very nice. The clinic is clean but they do have different ways of doing things but nothing I saw gave me any concern. I only stayed one night and was really good to go to the Marriott the next day. They gave us anti nausea meds and pain meds which are non narcotic. Had barium swallow and they removed my drain on Friday and I came home today.
The broth at the Marriott was great and today I had a tiny bit of very liquid cream of potato Soup. There is swelling in your gut and in your little sleeve after the surgery. Just drink veryyyyy slow. I cannot tolerate cold drinks and still have pain in my left side but nothing like I thought I would have. It was a good experience for me, There was a man there who had an issue with plication. It seems the stitches were too tight. They got it resolved quickly and and it sounds like he will be there until next week. Good Luck to all of you. You will be in great hands.
Here are a few FYI's.
Bring books to read.
While your companion is waiting at the clinic, have them go down stairs to the street. My husband says the taco cart there is excellent.
If you need refills of your Water bottles, The gym at the Marriott has a large bottled water dispenser, That way you don't pay 2 to 3 dollars for a bottle.
You can make calls to the US for free from the clinic so make your calls while you are still there. I have Verizon cell service and I did not have any service unless I was willing to pay the international rates, which I did not. It was actually a relief to be able to rest and not talk to a bunch of people.
You may want to purchase extra sublingual pain meds from the clinic before you leave, You don't know if you will need them when you get home.

Had my Sleeve done on 1/16 with Dr Ariel Ortiz. They picked us up in a gold van and took us directly to the center. It took a while to meet with all of the Dr's but once it was done, I was ready, except, the nurse tried to place the IV 2 times in the back of each hand with no luck. So when they took me to surgery, they knocked me out with a shot and then place the IV. It was such a relief. My room had a bathroom in the hall but it was no big deal and all visitors leave at 4:00 PM. Everyone was very nice. The clinic is clean but they do have different ways of doing things but nothing I saw gave me any concern. I only stayed one night and was really good to go to the Marriott the next day. They gave us anti nausea meds and pain meds which are non narcotic. Had barium swallow and they removed my drain on Friday and I came home today.
The broth at the Marriott was great and today I had a tiny bit of very liquid cream of potato Soup. There is swelling in your gut and in your little sleeve after the surgery. Just drink veryyyyy slow. I cannot tolerate cold drinks and still have pain in my left side but nothing like I thought I would have. It was a good experience for me, There was a man there who had an issue with plication. It seems the stitches were too tight. They got it resolved quickly and and it sounds like he will be there until next week. Good Luck to all of you. You will be in great hands.
Here are a few FYI's.
Bring books to read.
While your companion is waiting at the clinic, have them go down stairs to the street. My husband says the taco cart there is excellent.
If you need refills of your Water bottles, The gym at the Marriott has a large bottled water dispenser, That way you don't pay 2 to 3 dollars for a bottle.
You can make calls to the US for free from the clinic so make your calls while you are still there. I have Verizon cell service and I did not have any service unless I was willing to pay the international rates, which I did not. It was actually a relief to be able to rest and not talk to a bunch of people.
You may want to purchase extra sublingual pain meds from the clinic before you leave, You don't know if you will need them when you get home.

I want to be able to go horseback riding without feeling like I am going to break the horses back and I want to get rid of all of my big clothes and not have to keep them because I am not going to gain the weight back this time.
Surgery is tomorrow for me with Dr Ariel Ortiz. Really excited

So, I was just mentioning to my Mom how hard the pre-op diet is going to be, just drinking Protein Shakes and having a salad. She looks at me and says, "Well,if you can do that then why can't you go on a diet?" Really?! I don't know how many times I have to keep repeating myself. It actually gets me irate now because I'm tired of trying to get them to see my point of view. She's overweight too! Why can't she just be skinny?? Probably for the same reason why I can't be. Also, the guy that I've been dating keeps trying to tell me that I'm just wasting my money, that I'm a hard headed person and I can do this on my own blah blah blah. And guess what? He's overweight too! If it's soooo easy then why are they still overweight? I hate that they look at me like I'm just running off trying to get a "quick fix" when I'm not doing that at all. I KNOW that if I don't get this surgery, I will NOT lose weight. Even if I go on a diet, I know myself and I will give up because food has that much power over me. I'm such a strong person, but this is too much for me to overcome without some kind of help. I wouldn't run off to another country, risk the complications, spend all the money on it just for a quick fix. I'm going because I have faith that this is the answer that I've been looking for! I know it's not going to be easy, but having it as a tool that I can utilize will help me so much. I just wish others in my life, my "support system" could actually see that too.

Thanks for your honesty

I've read almost all of the posts in this thread. I have tears in my eyes after reading so many sad things. I totally relate with almost everyone.
So many people were brave enough to post their stories, so I thought I would post mine as well. My last straw occurred in early December, when I took a flight home to see my friends. I was very late getting to the airport due to a bad accident on the highway. I attempted to run through the airport, but could not do it. I could hear people laughing at me. I made it to the plane seconds before the doors were closed. I had to make the walk of shame down the aisle while huffing and puffing and sweating. Most of the passengers looked at me with expressions that seemed to say, "Please don't let her sit next to me." I know I'm not imagining that several people looked relieved when they realized I wasn't in their row. When I made it to my seat, I had to ask the flight attendant for a belt extender. I was mortified.
I had already made an appointment for the surgery to take place on the 20th of December, but I was debating canceling it, as I believed I could lose weight on my own. However, on the plane, I realized that I could not do it on my own and that I desperately needed this tool. I went through with the surgery and I haven't looked back since.
Good luck to everyone on their journey. Thanks to all who posted before me for giving me the courage to tell my story as well.

I told my husband that he deserves to have a fit and pretty wife. Not a fat old hag! That seemed to encourage him

This makes me quite emotional actually..
The moment I realized it was time to do something about my weight for good was this Christmas. It is a tradition to go shopping the day after Christmas with my mom and sister. It hit me hard when I realized I am no long "store" sizes. I had to watch my mom and sister try on clothes all day while I sat in the chair in the dressing room lobby. I even picked the largest sized shirts to try on a few times and was let down every time. I couldn't even stand to look at myself in the mirror. I cannot wait until I can get control...

I am at the very beginning of my journey, I have been one of the ignorant people that tend to pass judgment on WLS, My daughter was sleeved last year, and it took everything in me to not nag her to death, I just felt, their she was taking yet another easy road out of something, I mean come on girl get off your a** and step away from the fork. Stop being so lazy. Well...now here we are, she has a hot healthy active body, she even did a 26mi bike ride with her and my grandchildren. Me on the other hand, have gained 30lbs since her surgery,which makes me almost in the mid 200,im all of 5'3 I'm in pain 24/7 and... Wait for it... I can't even wipe correctly, I know that may be TMI for some of you, but seriously I will bet there are some of you that feel the same way, just not putting it out there. I will do it for you, I want to wipe like a normal person, I want to wash those personal areas without pulling a muscle. I have many other triggers that finally opened up my mind and my heart to this path, but when I saw the topic, What was your last straw? that is the first thing that popped in my mind. I will be attending the seminar this week, my daughter has been such an inspiration to me, and I have seen the suffering, hard work and sacrifices she has made to get to where she is today. No easy road with this decision for sure. I am ready, I am ready to be the hot healthy grandma that can actually sit on the floor and get up all by her self. Ready, Set, Go!!!!

Bariatric surgery is covered by my health insurance. (Blue Cross Blue Shield of PA). I met all the insurance requirements. Completed the bariatric program. BMI over 35 with one co-morbidity. I was denied because my hyper-tension is controlled with two meds. Very disappointing. And took 8 months to be declined
So, I decided the insurance company is simply a business. They don't know me. And I am going to make decisions about me and my health. Thus, I am going to Tijuana for surgery on Feburary 4. (Up yours Blue Cross!)
Good for you and your decision and being pro-active!!! All the best as you start the process!

Maybe you're right. I have one medication for nausea that seems to help and one liquid pain med that makes me gag just taking it. But I can sip Water without gagging. I will see if I can stop taking it because the pain I feel is less than how much the nausea and dry heaving hurts. Thanks. Ill try. I just feel so sad. I thought I would be worried about eating and hungry but food is the last thing on my mind. I just want to feel healthy and I would follow my diet. I am going to try ruling out what is getting to me. Thanks.

I feel the same way and that is also why I decided to go to Mexico.I could have waited until I had other health issues or could have gained another 40 lbs but then I would be 40 lbs heavier. I also figured out that with my 3k deductible and then a 20% co pay, I would pay at least what I am paying to travel to Mexico.

WINI, I am 10 days out and i used Dr. Elias Jesus Ortiz. He goes by Elias Ortiz. He is PHENOMINAL! I wasn't ever scheduled with Dr. Lopez. I just signed up with A Lighter Me with Ronda and I couldn't be happier. My husband was sooo skeptical of Mexico and having surgery out of the US, but he can't stop going on and on about the attention and care i received. Dr. Ortiz is about 30 years old, has done about 2000 surgeries and is the ultimate professional you would think he is in his 40's! Also everyone in our group was very pleased. No leaks no infections with everyone and all walking within a couple of hours of recovery room exit. The service provided by Abraham (the driver)and Eduardo (local coordinator) is awesome. You couldn't ask for more. They will get you ANYTHING you want or need. A lot of other Dr. coordinators don't do this, but they will take you shopping the second day after hospital release, then take you to an excellent Mexican restaurant in Tijuana (at your cost, but my hubby had a combo plate and i had the most delicious broth and it cost $10.50US. They will take you to one of the open pharmacies where you can get antibiotics, male enhancements, etc.that are over the counter there. They will take you to a flea market in an indoor building, or anywhere else you want or need to go. The Marriott Tijuana is a very luxurious hotel and the bellman are top notch.
Getting back to the Dr. and Mi Doctor Hospital. Once you are checked in for surgery, you are taken to your room and given a gown to put on. If you have a companion, there is a bed in your room for them so they are with you unless they go on a walkabout lol. Then you get an IV, EKG, blood drawn for complete chem work up. It even types your blood and you will get a copy of all the labs.The anesthesiologist comes in, then an internal medicine specialist, then Dr. Ortiz. Maybe not in that order. Once your blood work comes back and is approved by the Dr. you are told what number you are in order for surgery. I was second out of 4. There are english tv channels mostly in the number 200 and up but they vary.If you get spanish commercials, wait until after the commercial are over because alot of the programs are in english! My husband was able to watch TV alot lol. Some of the nurses did not wash their hands and some wore disposable gloves. When they inject three very large syringes into your IV they do it slowly so it doesn't sting, just feels a little cold. They will do it slowly if you ask them to slow down. This goes on every 6 hours during your entire stay. There is a very sweet Mexican nurse names Monserrat, who doesn't speak great english and there is another nurse named Samantha who has dyed blond hair and her english is perfect. She is really nice if you get talking to her.
When my time came for surgery, about 2:30 p.m. I was wheeled in a wheelchair into the holding/recovery area and temp and blood pressure taken. Then I walked into the OR and got on the table. The anesthesiologist was there and said hi to me and was I ready and I said yes. He said I am going to give you a little something to help you relax so I said OK. I woke up in my bed after surgery about 6:00 with my husband holding my hand and talking to me!! I thought I would know when the Dr. would knock me out, but he wonderfully tricked me and was putting me out right then.
When I came around I had some minor pain, very tolerable and I was just wanting to sleep and I didn't really feel much until around 8:00 when I had to pee. I raised the bed, my hubby helped me sit up and once i stabilized, we wheeled the IV pole into the restroom right next to my bed and I went. Got back in bed. I felt some gas, nothing bad, sucked on a gas-x strip and it started to move and come up. The next day and a half I probably used 6 strips. If you walk, it helps move it. You can walk around your room or the hallway. Once you are ready for your leak test number 1, you get a small (3 oz) bathroom dixie cup size of blue liquid they tell you to sip. It wasn't great but it wasn't as bad as some folks said. If you see blue in your drain, then you have a stomach leak. There were NO leaks in our group and from what I was told Dr. Ortiz has had no leaks in the last several hundred patients! The second leak test is different. You go downstairs and stand. You drink a clear liquid, two gulps while you are x-rayed and you can see the white Fluid going through your esophagus and into your new NARROW stomach. I liked this part because I knew for sure the size of my stomach and the surgery was indeed done! I started to gag a little after the gulping and it hurt a little in my chest like pressure, but then it was gone as soon as it started. The Dr. turns you and you see the Fluid moving. He tells you No leak! You will get a DVD of this and the report. When you go back upstairs you can have crushed ice and be sure to ask for the apple juice OMG!!! it is the best tasting I have ever had Martinelli's! Everyone was raving about it.
The next day and a half went like this with constant care from the nurses, the Dr. coming in and checking you and you adjusting to your stomach GURGLING lol it is like there is an alien in there! When you are released they will take you to the hotel and tell you when you will go shopping. Dr. Ortiz came to my hotel room each evening then removing the drain.By the way if your companion wants to go anywhere while you are in the hospital, Abraham is available to take them anywhere they want to go. He and my husband when to a local watering hole and to Burger King. Mexico is just like the states, and very populated in Tijuana. Abraham took us to the airport or to a hotel in San Diego if you are staying there 1 night ten we caught the hotel shuttle to the airport the next day. It was an awesome experience. Now at 10 days out I have lost 10 pounds since check in at Mi Doctor! I had a BM on day 5 just after arriving home, no problems. I know this is a lot of info but when I was researching, this is what I needed to hear and wanted to read. I would highly recommend Dr. E Ortiz as he is exactly the same price as Dr. Almanza with a real hospital and recovery two nights there. There is so much personal attention and care and interaction with the Dr,, afterward.

Hi all,
I was sleeved on Jan 17th 2012 by Dr. Garcia. I followed the post op exactly and healed perfect with zero complications. I just had an endoscopy in Dec and my Gastro here said my stomach line looked perfect. He is very skilled.
My #1 Advice: Go immediately, if not sooner, and purchase the GAS-X dissolvable strips. Do not try an off brand and do not try chewables. These were an absolute lifesaver that another VSG'er told me about. Matter of fact, buy 2 boxes as you will need them the first couple of weeks. I could only find them at Walgreens.
Your tummy will rumble like crazy after a sip of anything. Don't panic...it is just your tummy telling you its working hard.
The nurses do not wash their hands. It's a cultural thing. Don't stress about it, just ask them to wash them and they will do it. It is not rude and they totally understand. It's just not something they normally don't do.
Tip for the ladies (I may get in trouble for this): The really nice replica handbags are in the back of the purse stores right around the corner from the hospital. The ones they display on the street are the cheap immitations- and they look it. The replica Gucci's, Channel's and Louis are in the back rooms under cover. Just ask the pushy salesmen for the "good bags". Walk away at least twice and dont pay more than $60 bucks. They will act like you are robbing them...LOL be firm in your price point. I purchased a very nice replica Louis for $55 and he started at $120. I went shopping day three and loaded up. They all know you are there for surgery, just tell them if they won't barter that you are tired and will maybe come back. The price starts to drop dramatically. I also picked up some beautiful handmade tiles with birds on them. They are my weight loss birds and I love them.
Congrats and Good Luck everyone. Your in good hands.