carolyn24seven

I did not have epidural. I had minimal pain. What pain meds I got were thru the IV into my hand. I was fine. This is the frist I have heard of epidural for barriatric surgery. It does make sense. Talk it over with your Dr.

thank you for the reminder that the sleeve is just a tool, and, if we do not use the tool it cannot work. Think tooth brush, sitting in the holder it will not clean your teeth!

Just go back to basics, water~protein~exercize and you will get back on track.

Good idea to use thoes small zip locks. We all need reminders, and, you can always have two if you are really hungry one day.

Plan your meals, for left overs and while eating out. But, every once in a while, splurge and have something that does not keep, so just have what you want like a treat and then let it go. Again, use this tool to help you achieve your ultimate goals.

ya gotta set some! lol

good luck and thanks for posting.

great job! great NSV about the seat belt too. I have to take a 5 hour plane ride in May, I am so hoping the seat fits, not squeezingly tight like before. we shall see.

yaaay Tiffy guess we all know what your new exercize routine will be come April. LOL

Seriously, congrats on all the great results.

Oh Bill, I hope you are into other threads than just those. Dr. Almanza was my surgeon also, but I continue to get lots of great help and support from this board. I just go into other threads. Stay with us Bill, we can help you and we are willing.

Carolyn:thumbup:

What posts are you talking about? I follow all of the Dr. Almanza posts since he was my surgeon.

Here are links to the three that I have been following, one of them for months.

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-vsg-surgeons-hospitals/1334-dr-mario-alberto-almanza-reyes-21.html#post28242

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-vsg-surgeons-hospitals/410-dr-mario-almanza-2.html#post24908

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/post-operation-vertical-sleeve-gastric-surgery-vsg-questions-answers/3005-what-emmanuelle-jerusalem-clinic-like-2.html#post29124

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/tell-your-story/2613-major-complications-emmanuel-medical-center.html

A couple of these threads are the typical positive endorsements and a couple of them are very negative and paint a horrible picture for Emmanuel Clinic. These threads are still here and easily found from the search function. I am not here to defend Dr. Almanza or Dr. Battencourte, rather I am here to defend VST. I don't see where these posts are being removed. If I am wrong I am sorry for my error.

On a side note, I am glad that I got my surgery over and done with. I gained a lot of info from this site and I hope that the new people will continue to gain insight into what I think is a wonderful procedure. I had hoped that this site would be a valuable asset to me in my battle against obesity, but I am finding it to just be a place where the old timers can rehash past arguements/conflicts and doesn't really help me anymore.

Bill

I am so happy that I found this forum/blog. I am new to this stuff but I wanted to share that I am scheduled for surgery on Feb. 16. I can't wait. I have learned a lot from reading everyones post's and the suggestions have been very helpful! I have had the best experiance so far with all of the staff at Jerusalem clinic. I was wondering if anyone can help me, I was wondering where in Tijuana is the clinic and the recovery house? My husband is coming with me who speaks fluent spanish but he wants to drive so I wanted to check out where the house and the clinic are for his benefit. I look forward to reading and learning more from everyone. :001_smile:

Hi, the guest house and old clinic are not far from the Marriot. THere is plenty of parking there, and the staff driver could pick you up there. You can get driving instructions from map Quest or Marriot for that matter. I know there is not much room for parking at the guest house. I do not know about the parking at the new Hospital, at the old one there was 0 parking. Good luck getting answers.:thumbup1:

Chancie: Picture in that stunning outfit please! That is such a great NSV. I am so happy for you. These shout outs are some of what keep me on track I swear.

I love my sleeve.

To Doris1970: The pain of all you have been thru all your life being overweightVS Maybe 4 days of pain? ummm yeah you can handle it. I am 63. The sleeve is for seniors too. I had minimal pain. Uncomfortable was more like it. I am going to PM you so we can chat. This thread is for the little victories we are experiencing each day. You will not get alot of the help back that you need here. Look for a Private Message, then go to User CP tab and click. Glad you are here to join us!

yaay every one of us. We are all doing so well. Even Chancie. Small set backs do not detract us from the ultimate goal. I hear no one giving up. Excellant. Most positive "meeting" I have been to.

Thanks everyone on this thread!

yup yup yup a doodle. It's official. I am a One~derland sister now.

199.5

Huge sigh.

I upped my workout today also. One more level up on the bike and 5 min more. Plus I am doing upper body weights so I increased the reps on thoes.

Bring on summer, I am gonna be sleeveless!!!

very good of you to share. I too wondered what it looked like. I have my Xray photo of my sleeve,but, nothing actually inside.

I can share this with my friends/interested people.

Thank you.

Okay you young whipper snappers.

You can buy the (my) Grannie panties at costco in packages of three. they are strechy kinda girdley things that fit to your body and do not bag~baloon~sag. I am still wearing the 2XXL's from when I was 252. they just shrink right down to your size. I can hardly wait to see them get baggy. HA!

nevertowearathong,Carolyn

Welcome! oh boy a new sleeve sister. Glad you started posting!

I am praying for your easy recovery.

You are gonna do great!

BLAQK:gottalove the Brittish. What a great attitude.

STEPHANIE; Leave your "best friend" out of the discussions reguarding your WLS journey. Unless, she ask's, don't tell. She has made herself clear. Now move on and let that issue between you die. It will hurt your friendship if you do not let it be.

Do not allow her opinions influence your decisions.

Do your research, make informed decisions about your own health.

Try not to be hurt by her negative comments, she is also dealing with weight issues, and like !1Linda said, she will feel like you are doing something and she isn't.

This sleeve is very successful.

Be aware that there will be people that will say negative things about you when you loose weight. However, It is sooooo much easier to just smile and say, so sorry I offened you with my thin healthy self. lol

Just take it one step at a time.

Enjoy the journey.

I sent her an Email yesterday. I am concerned also. I know daughter Allison has trouble with anesthesia, so I am just praying there were no complications.

She should answer back soon.

God Bless you Donna and your family.

Welcome and good luck on this journey. I am so very happy to have my sleeve "tool". I love my life now. I have so much energy and my poor knees are so much better. I do not have to use the "riding cart" at the stores any more. I can walk.

Take Tiffy's advice she is just the best.

(((((hugs))))))

yaaaah DeeDee! 150! you are my heroine! I will wait to weigh in until I go to the gym later. I don't know if I want to be in One~derland or not. I will have to set a new goal if I am. It is almost like too much is happening too soon.(?) Gheeze, last week I posted I was not waiting, now, I am the opposit. Good heavens the emotions with this are crazy/scattered. Anyway, I will be at the gym today and post later.

If you Email Dr, Betencourt abot having someone from staff do it,be sure to tell him you only want them to film the operation and you will do the rest. You are only asking for about an hour of anyones time. You are going to do the rest yourself, right?

I still may be able to come and do it. I am still thinking about it. I am only two hours driving time away. I just think for a four hour trip to shoot one hour of film is kinda not a really good use of time. Maybe you will meet someone going at the same time that will shoot for you? Anyway, I am still considering it.

Definately make the call. Could be something simple and has a simple remedy.

No need to suffer in pain and doubt.

Take care, please post back results.

Welcome to VST. Your parents will be so supportive of your decision to take back control of your life.

You are doing a positive thing for your continued healthy life.

Stop with the shame/blame.

This is not something you can do "by yourself" .

Please start thinking of the sleeve as your new "tool" in the Quest for a healthy life.

Unless your parents have weight issues, and are the jealous types, you will most likely find them so supportive of your decision.

Make the decision for yourself. Do not be bullied into this. The Dr.s tough love talk can be a catalest for action, but you must make this decision for yourself. Give yourself no excuses. Be very positive. Yes, there will be some fear and doubt, but, get past that, head up, clear on the goals ahead. Forward and downward! (scale joke)

Confidence!

I live close enough. I am thinking about it. I do not have a squemish stomach. I just need some time to think about this. As an alternative, could you have one of the people on staff hold the camera? Not one of the nurses of course, one of the support team. Or, if you are going to Dr. Almanza, maybe Dr. Betencourt would film the surgery. I mean you are only talking one hour of filming. So, maybe you should enlist their help? just a thought.

Welcome to the VST boards! Please continue to do your research until you are satisfied with your decision.

I was on these boards for 3 months lurking and 3 months actively posting before I could make up my mind.

This is the best thing I could have done for my healthy life.

I was so tired of dieting and loosing only to re-gain and FAIL all the time.

I needed this tool. I needed it to be permanent. I needed to be in control of whatever I did.

My weight loss is amazing to me. I have soooooo much energy. My life is so good.

Granted I am only 3 months out~~but, I am in such a better place now. I know I will never go back to that dark place again. I have the confidence to go into my life, healthy and cheerful at my great prospects.

Yes, there are some tough/rough times in the first 6 weeks. They are all worth it. The two weeks before surgery are difficult also. (more mentally than physically) again, all worth it. All just part of the process.

I never got the slimmies or foamies. I never threw up at all.

I never had huge gas pains.

I am eating 1/4 of what I used to eat. I eat what ever I want. I am very healthy. My husband is just amazed that I do not need much food to stay as healthy as I am. (He, of course is a naturally thin man) {wonderful, but, thin man} I have had that "cross" to bear all my married life. I have struggled with the shame of my weight for so darn long, I cannot tell you how great it feels to be "doing something about it" that is a permanent solution. It will take me working the sleeve as my tool to accomplish this life I want. Having the sleeve on "my" side is the answer to my prayers for control of food issues in my life. It is almost the magic pill we have all been dreaming of.

Keep reading the posts here. Go thru as many of them as you can. Please take the negative ones with a grain of salt. Search your own heart for the right answers for you. If you are finally fed up with your situation, be positive in your actions, for a better life.

I wish you the very best. You are on a great journey into yourself no matter what you decide. Enjoy.

Thanks very much for your replies! I've learned alot about what I should have to maximize comfort levels:

1. pre-op diet to detoxify, clean out digestive system and reduce glycogen in liver

2. heat source: heat pad and microwaveable heat wrap

3. gas-X

4. appropriate Spanish to ask for pain meds (Necesito la medicaci?n de dolor por favor)

5. warm, loose clothing

6. slippers

7. antiseptic spray and Purell-similar stuff

8. something to read or similar

I'm going alone so it will be great to meet up with CynCyn! And, I have to stay in San Diego for 2 nights before I can get back to the Island. I think I'll be all right on my own for that time.

Good luck to us that are going to have the surgery. And, I hope everyone has a joyful recovery.

I will make a suggestion here. ONLY since you are going to have to stay 2 extra nights before you go home.

Instead of staying in SanDiego, Stay in TiaJuana at the Marriot. Dr. B can get you a GREAT rate (about $80) The staff there is very used to WLS clients. Your room charge covers your food. Teas popcyles, Soups. TV in english. Have Sevier come over and give you a massage. You will feel very secure there I walked the halls anytime I was awake, in my jammies and robe. NEVER a problem or did I feel "out of place". The staff at the Hotel was soooo nice to me. My last night there I went to the dining room for dinner, they treated me like a Queen. I am sure Dr. B will help you with the arrangements. He is a dream to have on your side!

One other thing to add to your list of things to take. extra panties. and pads. You will want to change often. My Bag was at the recovery house. Darn it. My Husband thought to bring my toothbursh and paste, but, he could not remember to bring my jammies and undergarments. So, for the two days in the hospt, I was in hospt gown and hand washing my panties. haha now. not so fun then. minor inconvience, but, one that can be avoided.

Hope you have a great experience.

I did.

Yaaaay!

Welcome to the loosers bench, sleeve sister!

Take it slow and easy.

Give yourself plenty of time to rest and get strong.

Go slowly into your brand new life!

Exciting!

Congrats

You poor girl!

Onward and downward!

We all have to learn our limits I guess.

Your learning curve was a bit rougher than expected.

Hope it all goes well in the future.

At least you were in a fun place, and could be distracted from the event.

Hi Laurie, welcome to VST! Great to have another sleeve sister on board. What an exciting journey you are on. I am just 3 months post op. I am soooooooooo happy with my weight loss. (see stats below) You will be so pleased. Have patience, especially with the diet afterwards. It is only 6 weeks. That is not that long for life time results. I am so glad you can do this at 36 and have the "best" of your life to look forward to.

Congratulations on your decision. Can't wait to have you on our loosers bench!