GayleSBennett

Congratulations! That is excellent news. I can't wait to hear about your future success with the surgery.

I have something every day that makes me feel gassy. I'm almost at puree stage so I try a bite of eggs.. or cottage cheese.. and within 5 minutes my belly is blah. Doesn't hurt, but can definitely feel the pressure. So I pop in a Gas-X strip and in about 30-45 minutes I feel better. Get used to that feeling.. it will be with you until your body finally adjusts. Its trial and error and your body just needs time to adjust. =)

I had my post op appointment yesterday and mentioned this to my doctor. He said to take 25mg of liquid Benadryl and that should help me sleep.

Dave you REALLY need to call back again to madigan. I just got the sleeve there by Dr. Sebesta on September 17, 2010. My other friend had hers done on the 13th. They do the sleeve surgery EVERY day. Here is the general surgery clinic number 253-968-3105. Like I said, my doctor was Dr. Sebesta. I'm a military spouse - active duty. All I had to do was go to my primary care doctor and ask for a weight loss consult. Next thing I know I am enrolled in classes and four months later I had the surgery. I would see if you can switch your primary care doctor to madigan and then be assigned to a white, blue, red team. Then ask for the consult. I know its a pain.. but its worth a shot. But Madigan 100% does sleeves. I'm one of them. =)

I have Tricare and just got the sleeve done September 17th. I'm Tricare West. (Which you should be as well since you're in the NW) I'd keep calling. I went through Madigan hospital in Tacoma, WA and had no issue at all. Can you switch to Madigan hospital?

Without knowing the history of your family I'm going to try and take the "they just worry about you" position. Your family may be acting out in anger because you didn't share this with them before and with that said they may be scared. Let them get it out of their system. However, having said that. NO ONE has a right to treat you like crap even if they are angry or scared. I would sit everyone down and state that what they said hurt your feelings, but you understand their fear and anger and you should have shared this with them sooner. Explain that you've done your research and this is what you have decided to do. Give them your information, tell them about this board, the folks here will be all too happy to tell them about surgery in Mexico. As a family, you want and need their love and support. If their concern is solely Mexico, ask them if they can give you the money to have the surgery in the United States. If they don't support you then don't talk to them until after the surgery. Having this surgery WILL save your life. You've read what everyone has said on this board, this is the best decision they have ever made. I wish you the best of luck.

sugar free Raspberry jello. =) DELICIOUS!

I had two appointments. One was a 4 hour test. It tested for various mental issues. the second appointment was going over the test and discussing the surgery. I learned from the test that I have a disease that is called: Free from all sprirituality. I asked if this was an issue and the doctor said no, this particular part of the test was to see how I cope with things. One of the questions was if you were hurt in a car accident would you pray and turn to God or would you get out of the car and try to flag down help. I chose the help. A whole bunch of questions on if you'd turn to God or if you would turn to booze, drugs, seek help, etc. I cannot believe this is a true mental disorder. Cracks me up.

11 days out and I have large scabs over the incisions and the drain area. The itching is KILLING ME!! Any ideas? =) Thanks.

Go back to your doctor and ask for liquid pain medication. I received liquid OxyContin.

The sugar will make you hungry faster. So its best to use sugar free with everything. Besides some of it (jello) tastes good. I am 10 days out and I've tried a bite of eggs and a bite of cheese and immediately my body said NO WAY!! I was curious if I could hold down any mushy stuff and the answer is no. I learned and went back to my campbell's vegetable beef broth (its a waste of veggies, but the broth is soo good) I certainly can't tell you whats best for your body.. but I'll tell you that after 10 days, my body isnt ready and still needs liquids ONLY>

Someone who had the surgery (not on this board) had this issue. She did not chew her food and because of it.. it got stuck. She ended up with an ulcer and severe pain. Chew your food thoroughly and you should be fine.

I have a husband at home.. but I'm so independent I hate asking for help. So the other day (6 days post op) tried to do laundry and fold the clothes.. i pulled a muscle on my right side. Now it hurts to breathe a bit and move. (Feels great when I put on the heating pad and lay down.. so thats how I know its only a pulled muscle) REST .. REST.. REST.. trust the other person to do the work and if it doesnt get done.. it doesnt need to get done. Other than that.. I'm good 9 days out. (I'm really yelling at myself in this post and holding myself accountable for being a big DODO bird!) Gayle:cursing:

Hi Mashezia: I had my surgery at Madigan. My doctor is Sebasta. He was nice. I'm 9 days post-op and making it!! I read your ticket that you lost 88lbs.. that is excellent! I'm going to follow your footsteps! =) Are you originally from Tacoma? I'm from San Diego. Husband and I have been living here for two years. =)

Drink some broth and tea and if it settles it.. then you figured out it was hunger. I doubt it tho.. its probably gas.

Seems you have gas left over. The easiest thing to do is walk around as much as possible to break up the gas and start burping and farting. Also taking GasX strips can help. My friend had the same pain for several days and all she could do was walk around until it broke up.

Congratulations!! I'm so excited for you. I'm only a week out but I can tell you that you'll never regret this decision!

I dont know if you like slim fast. But Slim fast now has a Protein version. It actually tastes very good. I drink that and then mix in a teaspoon of unflavored protein mix. Its really delicious and fills me up. chicken and Beef broth cubes are good for warmth. I'm not sure how you're going to survive since everyone is different. But I can tell you that when you start to feel bad.. just come here. reading the success stories is enough to get anyone through the liquid stage. =) Congratulations on your surgery date. I look forward to reading about your new life. =)

I did that too.. ate whatever I wanted prior to surgery. I did not have to change diets. I was able to eat until 8 hours of the surgery time and then I had to fast. Don't feel bad about wanting all you desire. It is scary thinking we can't ever eat it again.. but we can.. just in moderation and several months later. I don't know when you should switch because I'm not sure what your doctor recommended. if he didn't recommend a specific time, you could always just switch two days before to clean out your system.

I did not have to do any pre-op diet prior to my surgery. I was told to fast 8 hours prior to my surgery time. The doctors could have advised the liquid diet so you could get used to it prior to the surgery. I'd call the doctor. But I'm sure you'll be okay.

Starting weight on Surgery date: 232 Weight as of today 9/26: 216 I didn't have pre-op diet. 16lbs gone!

Fantastic that you went out and enjoyed yourself. Congratulations.

Cherice.. thats excellent. Just keep progressing every day and you'll be just fine.

congratulations!! =)

Right now I'm only on a liquid diet as I am only 7 days post op from surgery. I do not like regular protein shakes, but i do like 1% milk with Slimfast / Protein and then i put an additional spoonful of protein in my glass of milk. The Slimfast / Protein version is delicious. You may want to try it.