MissJ482

Does anyone know...okay so the stomach muscles are cut during the surgery, so can anyone tell by touch that you've had the surgery, specifically a massage therapist?

Thanks everyone!

We had the same surgery date. I'm right there with you. I've lost 28 lbs. since surgery but most of that was in the first week. I haven't lost anything since June 11. I'm frustrated but so thankful for this forum so I know this is actually quite normal & I'm not the only one. Hopefully our stalls will be over soon & we can get back to losing!

I haven't had the problem with water but definitely had the red/warm skin, but I had it all over. I kept taking my temperature thinking I had a fever but my temp. was always below normal. I'm only a little ahead of you (Monday will be 2 weeks) & it has finally subsided in the last few days.

This past Monday marked one week since my surgery and I had lost exactly 20 lbs.! I was pretty excited. I've been really weak and tired so today I started on full liquids a day early (oops!) because I just couldn't take the clears anymore. Hopefully this will help with my energy level.

Congratulations, Lisa! That is FANTASTIC!!! (And awesome to have yet another person say they're glad they got this done since I'm having the surgery in a few days!)

Just curious if anyone knows how long the waiting period is before swimming after surgery? Thanks!

Thank you all so much for the info.! I realized after I read some of the responses, when I say "swimming" I actually mean "floating around the pool on a mat." Sorry, I should've been more specific! Glad you guys were able to read between the lines to figure out what I meant! I do intend to swim laps eventually. Looks like the general consensus is at least 3 months on that. Thanks again everyone!

Thank you!

Way to go, Mini!!! Whoo-hoo! I really have to commend you for being proactive with your maintenance. That is the most important thing, to monitor your weight closely and get on it as soon as you get out of your comfort zone instead of waiting. This is the part I have always been bad at so I truly admire the people who stay on top of their weight and nip it in the bud before it gets out of control. That is so awesome...you've come too far and worked way too hard...keep up the great work!!!

That is a GREAT loss, pasquini! And that's got to be a wonderful feeling that your bony butt hurts from sitting. Well, maybe not the hurting part, but you know what I mean!

Irene...thank you so much for this, this thread is awesome and soooo helpful!!!

Hi everyone, I had been researching being banded but have recently come across information on the sleeve and this seems like a better fit for me. My insurance doesn't cover any part of the sleeve and I've been reading a lot on here about people having the procedure successfully done in Mexico (specifically Tijuana and Mexicali, but I'm open to other suggestions) for a fraction of the price. Initially my reaction was, no way would I have this done anywhere but the U.S. but after reading about people's experiences, my concerns are subsiding. Most of my questions have been answered on various threads throughout this forum, but I felt by starting this new topic I can see everyone's responses in one place and be able to PM people who respond if I think of any additional questions. First and foremost, my biggest concern is safety, as in traveling to/staying in Mexico. I've been to a resort area in Mexico and felt safe but I've heard nothing but horror stories on the news and such about the border towns. I'm just curious if you felt safe traveling from [generally, from what I've gathered] San Diego into Mexico and back. My understanding is that someone from the hospital picks you up at the airport and drives you into Mexico and then returns you to the U.S. I would feel much better about that than trying to drive myself there. I'm sure they're so used to traveling back and forth it's probably no big deal for them. And what about once you were at the hospital, etc. Did you feel safe there? Was the hospital clean and sterile? How long were you actually there? I would kind of like to get a timeline from the time you land in San Diego (or wherever) until you return to the U.S. just so I know what to expect. I've seen a few people mention upgrading to a hotel or something, for their recovery. Would those of you who did that recommend it? If you don't mind disclosing the price, that would be great. I think I have an idea of the cost from what I've been reading but I just want to make sure. Also, how did you pay? Did you have to pay ahead of time or when you get there? That's all I can think of for now but if you can think of any other pertinent information to add, that would be awesome. Thank you all so much!

Elle31--Thanks so much for all the info.! I really hope things are getting better. That is so scary when you have a complication from surgery. Disney--Thank you for the info.! I spoke with Nina on the phone and she WAS very nice! She also has been e-mailing me some info. She seems like a very, very nice person!

WOW! You guys are awesome!!! Thank you so much for all of the responses. Lily--Thank you for the specifics...that is all very helpful! And great idea about the phrase list. sarsar--Thank you for the info. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your experience...how exciting! Good luck with everything, the 24th is coming right up! Foxbins--Thank you very much! Sounds like everything went pretty quick! Did you leave the morning of the 4th day by choice or did you just have your surgery later in the day so they kept you a little longer? ToDream--Thanks so much for the info. And I love your blog! I'll have to check it out more tonight. Oregondaisy--Thanks for the info. Sounds like you had a great experience! Renee--Thanks for the info. I might take a look at Dr. Joya, too, just because your description sounds great. And that is good to know about the low complication rate of Dr. Aceves, plus the fact that you felt so comfortable with him, that is so very important. Kim--I'm going to check out your blog tonight! Thanks for the info. And Wartburg was one of the 2 colleges I narrowed my choices down to. I ended up somewhere else but always regretted that I didn't go there. Waverly is a beautiful town...I love it there. And I love Minnesota as well! It's a nice, close place for us Iowans to go since there is nothing to do in Iowa! I did think of a couple more questions...I knew that would happen! So here goes: For those of you who work outside the home, how long before you were able to return to work. I have a desk job. What was the time period from when you first contacted the coordinator until your surgery date? Was there a long wait in between or did everything fall into place pretty quickly? Lily mentioned the forms you fill out once you are actually there...how bad is that? Just a few typical forms or like a book? Was there any preliminary paperwork to fill out ahead of time before you got to Mexico? Was there any kind of pre-op diet any of you were expected to follow? What about requirements such as weight, BMI, etc.? My BMI is at least 40. Thank you all again so much, this is incredibly helpful to me.