YellowRose

Every good story starts like this "Well, you see, what had happened was... If only weight loss and gain,and loss and gain, and ..well you get it, was such an easy story to tell! So for me what happened was life. You see, I'm a southern girl. To say that food is a big part of my life is an understatement. I consider myself an eastern North Carolina BBQ expert! I have driven across the state of North Carolina charting my course around the best BBQ restaurants in the state more than once! My mother could out-cook Paula Deen any day (now that's the truth!) My grandmothers probably created every recipe in the Southern Living cookbook collection! Genetically, I am pre-programed to cook (and eat) all that is delicious!!! When we have a pot luck at work everyone wants to know what I made- It's guaranteed to be good. Did I mention I make custom cakes "on the side"? People love my cooking! It's been a blessing and a curse all my life.
I wasn't overweight in high school,but the potential was there! Like most women my weight gain began after having kids. I gained 75 pounds with baby #1, lost most of it fairly easily (I was only 20). Baby #2, I was more careful with that pregnancy, I exercised regularly and only gained 18 lbs! Lost my best friend to breast cancer a year later and ate my weight in "friendship bread" (a delicious cake for those who aren't familiar with friendship bread, make sure you NEVER eat it!!) over the next few months - From September to January I had gained 60 pounds!!! I woke up one morning (literally) and looked at myself in the mirror and didn't know it was me. I was actually startled when I saw myself that day. I decided I had to do something, so I just started walking. Everyday I walked at least a mile or two, slowly I began to jog and then run. I lost 65 pounds over the next year. I ate nothing white- no sugar, no white flour, white pasta, white rice, white bread. If it was white or prepackaged I didn't touch it. I lived like this for about 4 years. If I would slip off my program, I would quickly catch myself and get back on track. I exercised daily , sometimes twice a day. No cake at birthday parties, no splurging during the holiday's, I stayed on a tight leash. At my smallest I was still overweight by 15-20 pounds. I was happy enough with my fitness level, my size and weight but I had to follow my program to a "T". If I slipped I could gain 5 pounds overnight.
I got pregnant with baby #3 at 29 years old. I gained too much weight (60 lbs), and it was so much harder to lose than it was when I had my first two babies. I had so much pain in my feet I could hardly walk some days. Found out I had plantar fasciitis in both feet- OUCH! I needed to exercise, but my feet hurt so bad I couldn't, so I didn't. I slowly began slipping back into bad eating habits. For me sugar is the devil, so are carbs- love that white stuff!! Once I start I can't quit, it's like crack! lol!! I didn't want to go back "there" again so I once again tried to get back on track.I took almost a year. I went back to my program, started exercising again. I was feeling great again. I went through a few changes in my career over the next few years, finally going to work for the government in 2008. I was excited about the new job, but had no idea how much different sitting a desk would be. I had never worked a desk job before.
Over the last three years my weight has steadily increased. I have gained over 50 lbs. in the last 3 years. I was already overweight when I started there, I've tried to control it but it has gotten so far out of control it's not even funny. In the last three years I have: begun taking two blood pressure pills daily, sleeping pills for my insomnia, prilosec for my reflux, naproxen for my other aches and pains and I can't tie my shoes with out cutting of my oxygen supply! I have to stop in between flights of stairs, I am chapped and chaffed in places I shouldn't be, even my rolls now have rolls. I've taken diet pills, every fad diet there is, spent hundreds (maybe thousands) on pills, supplements, exercise equipment and DVD workouts.
Well, I just can't do it anymore. I can't wake up at 4 am, dirve the van for the van pool, work all day for some arrogant SOB, make dinner for my family when I get home at 5pm. Clean up ,check homework, take care of a house and give my husband and my kids the attention they deserve. Food has become my comfort,even though it is the cause of my misery. I'm sick of having no energy, no drive and no interest. I am tired of being tired and I want to be myself again. I have set a terrible example for my sons and I've finally decided that enough is enough!
So.....on July 29th (just 12 days from today!) I am having VSG! I know it will be hard , but it will be worth it to have my life back. Some people won't understand, some will think I took the easy way out, some may even be jealous. i just don't have time to care about what anyone may think about my decision. Either they will support me or they wont.
Please, wish me luck as I do the rest of you. I need all the support I can get, especially at those family gatherings with my own "Paula" and her fabulous meals! I think her feelings are gonna' be hurt when I can't eat her cookin' any more! She'll just have to get over it now won't she?

Almanza too. Perfectly adequate, you will not get the bells and whistles but will get the same procedure at a lower cost. The facility is safe, clean and, well adequate. It has worked wonders for me.

The reality of the pain.
Pain is a relative term. I have a very high pain tolerance. I was a little surprised that I felt so weak. I couldn't catch my breath. For the first day and 1/2 I kept hoping I was going to feel better sooner! I had gas when I had my tubes tied many years ago. The gas settled in my shoulders and it was painful. For ME, this time around, I did not experience that. The "gas" pain was just general pressure. And yes, the slow walking and moving helped.
So to some people that pain is bad. I kept waiting for "bad" but I only got "weak" feeling and could not take deep breaths.
Three ladies there a day before us were able to go shopping and such. It gave me hope that I WOULD feel better in a matter of hours. The reverse of that, AFTER the "shopping" ladies left to go home, two new ladies were brought in. One was trying to do what the rest of us were doing, but the other one went to bed. I KNOW what she was thinking.... " what in the heck have I done". She didn't want/feel like talking. Her husband was with her looking kind of bewildered. Everyone told him what she needed to be doing but bless his heart he was

Okay... I'm about to scream. Husband is eating his dinner (I was just sleeved last Thursday). He is crunching and slurping and sloshing, and clanging that dang spoon against the bowl. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH... I would leave the room but I am in the middle of a project.
I am going to have to work this out because the smell is sickening, but the sound is deafening.
.... hmmm... think I'm detoxing????!!!!!
Someone lock the knife drawer, please.
hahahahahaha
(JUST KIDDING.... about the knives but NOT about the God awful eating noises.)

The reality of the pain.
Pain is a relative term. I have a very high pain tolerance. I was a little surprised that I felt so weak. I couldn't catch my breath. For the first day and 1/2 I kept hoping I was going to feel better sooner! I had gas when I had my tubes tied many years ago. The gas settled in my shoulders and it was painful. For ME, this time around, I did not experience that. The "gas" pain was just general pressure. And yes, the slow walking and moving helped.
So to some people that pain is bad. I kept waiting for "bad" but I only got "weak" feeling and could not take deep breaths.
Three ladies there a day before us were able to go shopping and such. It gave me hope that I WOULD feel better in a matter of hours. The reverse of that, AFTER the "shopping" ladies left to go home, two new ladies were brought in. One was trying to do what the rest of us were doing, but the other one went to bed. I KNOW what she was thinking.... " what in the heck have I done". She didn't want/feel like talking. Her husband was with her looking kind of bewildered. Everyone told him what she needed to be doing but bless his heart he was

FIRST TIME WITH FIRST CLASS --
I had thought ahead and requested wheelchair assistance for the trip home. It can be a very long walk to some of the gates. When I arrived at the airport there was a long line at the check in. I had done my boarding pass via my smartphone so technically I was checked in. I ALSO had the option to "upgrade" to first class for $150. I grabbed it up. Originally they had me in seat #29 at the BACK of the plane. ugh.
I found a airport worker and asked him what I was supposed to do. He told me to "go sit over there" and walked off. I did as commanded. haahaha... AND then afterwards thought, okay... is someone going to come and get me? I tend to ask very few questions and just observe everything around me looking for clues. Suddenly a woman appeared with a wheelchair, helped me get in, and handed me my one bag.
... by the way, I packed ONE change of clothes and packed very light so that it fit in ONE bag. Not knowing what the situation would be I wanted to be able to carry my own bag if needed. Even with that, I really didn't need my make-up lol... but I brought it anyway.
So... anyway, I'm in the wheelchair going to security. THEY COULD NOT HAVE BEEN NICER AND MORE ACCOMODATING - or else I was still feeling the affects of the really good drugs! hahaah -- An agent leaned over and asked me, "Ma'am, are you able to stand up?" I said yes. "Ma'am, are you able to raise your hands above your head?" ................. hahahahaha.. and I seriously thought "YEAH! AND RIDE AROUND TJUIANA BUTT NAKED TOO!!" hahaha.... but anyway... didn't say that. I said yes. So he had me just walk through the metal detector. Let me add that they took my shoes off my feet, they took my bag and my small purse, they put it in the bins, they walked them through. One of the agents APOLOGIZED for having to check the liquid magnisium I was sent home with, but he put it back in my bag. They placed my shoes back on my feet, handed me my bag and purse. The entire experience took less than 5 minutes. I was AMAZED -- KUDOS to the San Diego Airport for such efficiency and politeness!! And we were headed to the terminal.
I DID NOT KNOW THAT ONE OF THE PERKS OF FIRST CLASS WAS A MEAL! Baja chicken Wraps or a grilled chicken caesar salad, cheesecake, & choice of wine.
Yeah... my first class experience and "wimpy butt" says, "No thank you, but may I have some hot tea?" It was FREEZING on the plane - or it may have been me. They brought me two blankets, but I still stayed pretty chilled.
We landed back in Houston and I was wheeled out front to my waiting hubby. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug... and home.
And the experience was over.
Now the new adventure begins as I peel off this fat coat.

Not.. not unbearably hot, just warm. We ran the fans on Saturday. Dress accordingly and you will be okay. There is no humidity so it isn't bad at all.
To make a long story short because life is moving forward at a faster pace than I care to keep up right now! lol... (In other words, I'm back at work - DAY 1 - with a long list of things to do).
I had a choice of staying another night in the recovery house and getting up at 4am to go with the group that had 7:30am flights (takes anywhere from 2-4 hours to cross the border) and wait for my flight at 12:30pm -- OR --
what was behind door #2!! I won!
I decided to go ahead and cross the border that evening with another guest. He already had a room reservation at the Hampton. I called and there were no reservations available. I called surrounding hotels - nothing. BUT... glimmer of hope.... the reservation guy said there "might" be a room if someone cancels. I took that chance. Besides, the gentleman - and he was a perfect gentleman - said that I could share his hotel room if needed. Yeah - my mind sort of did that thing that yours just did too, out of state, out of country, miles from home, all alone, - I felt like a true pioneer woman. Forging shelter & safety in the wilderness. hahahaha
It did take us almost 3 hours to cross the border, sitting in traffic. It wasn't boring though because it was Saturday night and the place was hopping. There were street vendors everywhere. More food than you could possibly want - hahahaha especially now! It was a unique and memorable experience. There were children juggling balls & men carrying huge home-made crucifixes on their shoulders. So interesting.
Please Notice - I am not in pain at this time. My belly is a little tender and I am a little tired - but the pain & gas pressure was pretty much gone. The worst was behind me.
So, we finally got through the customs gate and headed to the hotel. When I got to the front desk I was offered a room for $179 - and the manager said, "It is one of our nicer suites on the 6th floor and that is the price!" I said, "ok.. I'll take it" (knowing that some bill juggling would be happening when I got back home, but at that moment it did not MATTER.) The manager picked up his bag and left for the evening and the young man at the counter continued to check me out." He said, "I'm giving you the regular rate - you just had surgery." SO -- I got the suite on the 6th floor facing Pacific Ave with a beautiful view of the bay for only $129. Wow.
Seriously though, I had a little pang of regret thinking about the experience I just left - the flowers, the people, the view, the kindness, the aromas, and especially the smiles.
Someday I would like to see those people again.
So.. I got to my room, dumped my bag in the middle of one bed, gathered my stuff together for a good long hot shower. I had showered at the recovery house, but in respect of the other guests I just made it a quick run through - not the soaking, running, relaxing shower that I love. There are 3 bathrooms at the recovery house and there was never a wait. They were always clean. There were always towels. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT WHATSOEVER AT ANY TIME -- with the small exception of the full house. And that is not really a complaint because there was plenty of beds, chairs, & whatever you needed... just a full house.
I looked at the clock and it was already almost 9pm so I took some pain meds just to help me sleep, a gasX strip, and laid down to rest. I slept straight through until around 7am (I'm a morning person). I repacked my bags, dressed, and then got a phone call from the gentleman friend - I told him I had extra bandages and tape. I went to his room and taped up his belly for him-he had lapband-so that he could catch his flight at 11:00am.
After that, I wandered down to the Breakfast bar. Wow. People everywhere filling their plates high. I got a cup of juice and sat down - AND ran into the mom of another woman who had the full gastric bypass. She and I sat and talked about the experience and enjoyed the morning.
So... 10:30am.... I got on the shuttle to the airport and headed home.
BUT ... of course you know there is more - my "First Class Experience" -- first time I ever flew first class. I'll be right back....

... He was sort of at a loss because she just stayed in the bed. Hopefully she got up after a while!
I did sleep and rest a lot myself.
LEAK TEST 101
Yiyeeee. Not as bad as getting a nail in your foot, but not in the top 10 of things to do. I guess it depends upon the person. This may or may not work for you but I was willing to try anything. It IS going to make you nauseated so ask for an anti-nausea shot when they give you the little bottle of purple dye. It sort of has a slightly metallic taste. Then go get your most favorite Popsicle from the freezer. Okay... Find a cool, comfortable spot and allow plenty of time. We were told we had 1 hour so I sipped, sucked, and then relaxed. S-l-o-w-l-y.
I remember a friend telling me one time about how to take tequila shots - he said inhale first, drink, then exhale. That way the smell is blown out which lessens the taste. Lol. It worked. Guess that made the popsicle my "salt lick" lol. I got almost all of it down but left a little bit in the bottle. Just ran out of popsicle and couldn't do it.

The reality of the pain.
Pain is a relative term. I have a very high pain tolerance. I was a little surprised that I felt so weak. I couldn't catch my breath. For the first day and 1/2 I kept hoping I was going to feel better sooner! I had gas when I had my tubes tied many years ago. The gas settled in my shoulders and it was painful. For ME, this time around, I did not experience that. The "gas" pain was just general pressure. And yes, the slow walking and moving helped.
So to some people that pain is bad. I kept waiting for "bad" but I only got "weak" feeling and could not take deep breaths.
Three ladies there a day before us were able to go shopping and such. It gave me hope that I WOULD feel better in a matter of hours. The reverse of that, AFTER the "shopping" ladies left to go home, two new ladies were brought in. One was trying to do what the rest of us were doing, but the other one went to bed. I KNOW what she was thinking.... " what in the heck have I done". She didn't want/feel like talking. Her husband was with her looking kind of bewildered. Everyone told him what she needed to be doing but bless his heart he was

Wow. I have been sleeping! It has felt great!
I'll go back to Mexico in a bit for my story because there's a LOT more to cover, but WARNING must be given.
I'm not trying to be funny or gross but it is just a fact. You may have diaharia as a result (drinking juices). I WAS concerned on the plane ride home. If I had known I might have worn a pad or something just in case. I did not have a problem until I got home, but there was a definite risk factor!!

Okay next part. The patio and the friendships.
There was a nice private patio outside. A little bubbling fountain. The sound of peace. Many of us were put there walking and talking. Even though I was alone we sort of felt a commerdaderie of friendship.
The condo has a cook, a nurse, and a couple of assistants. I cannot emphasize enough how kind they were. Sylvestry gives massages for $30. I was planning on getting one but ran out of time (another crazy story to follow) so I tipped him $20 and he at least massaged my shoulders. Ahhhhhh!!!!
(I'm about to board the plane home in 10 minutes - 3 hour ride. See you on the other side)

Okay ... Where was I ...
I was up and down peeing all night by myself mostly. It was not easy, but I was tough and just did what i had to do.
Around 9am. We were told that we were moving to the recovery house. That was it. I asked , "in the hospital gown?" was told "Si". So I looked down the hall and everyone was dressed. SO I rapidly began pulling stuff out of my bag. I put on a knit dress/gown and a light robe, my Sandles, brushed through my hair and headed to the waiting van.
The recovery house would have made a nice vacation home - but not for the 12 people everywhere. The hospitality, gentlness, care, and concern MORE than made up for the cramped quarters but it was a eye opener. At night people (workers) were on the couches, and even a mattress on the floor. There is No air conditioning but fotumately the air was cool. One night got a little warm but the night-time meds took care of that.
WALK WALK WALK. SIT, rest, WALK MORE. Keep repeating that. I napped, then walked, napped, & walked.
Oh don't be shocked when you walk into the amazing Aroma of the most incredible food you have ever smelled. Some were repelled, others were cruelly assaulted by the food! Lol. ...as we were offered juice, Water, and Popsicles. Popsicles were the BEST!!! They went down better than ice chips (which made me nauseated). These ESPECIALLY helped when I had to drink the purple dye for the leak test. I sipped purple, then sucked orange. It worked. OH - and ask for anti-nausea shot right before you do this!!! Worked for me.
Anyway... Let me take a break and sip some watered down OJ before I continue.

First let me say that the great people at the Jerusalem Hospital & recovery house could NOT have been nicer or more accommodating. That place was very tiny, but spotless. There were only 4 of us in our group, but there were several already at the house. So Drs Almanza Reyes and Bettencourt were very knowlegdeable and very kind.
It was not a state of the art full service facility. Yes it was in a strip mall. After I got over that and realized that they were fully staffed and serious about what they do I was resolved at my choice.
I was placed in one room for a heart scan. I was moved to another room for my IV and fluids to be started. As a group we were ushered up stairs to a waiting are to meet with Dr Almanza Reyes (yes dr Almanza and dr Reyes are his full name - Almanza Reyes). The surgery was discussed with us. I had special circumstances because I had very old gastric stapling from years ago.
Dr explained to me that I required an xray before surgery. So we were ushered back down to the 6-8 beds in the hospital to wait our turn. Dr Bettencourt came in and removed my IV drip (left the needle only, taped of course) and put my sandles on my feet for my to go for my xray. It was kind of a "hurry" thing and I did as I was told. I was put into a brand new Ford F150 4x4, in the back seat with a Dora guitar and child's sweater (just thought that was cute). Another gentleman got in the front with the driver. And away we went.
We were taking the guy to a hotel while he waited for his wife to recover ( they spoke none if little English ). So I suddenly realize that I am in tijuiana with absolutely NOTHING on but a hospital gown in the backseat. I have not a stitch of undies AND no I .D. We drove for over 30 minutes to take the man to a hotel then to the xray clinic located across town. (whole trip took over an hour)
Okay. It has a good ending but I'm exhausted. Going to lay down for a while. More late.
As we pull up to the xray facility, I see a waiting room with about a dozen people inside. beautiful facility be the way. I though to myself, "wow, the hospital should buy THIS place!". As I was going tp the stairs I said, " oh well, I'll never see any of theses people again.". Driver said, "Que?". I said, "never mind". I sat my naked butt down for about 5 minutes, drank some typical chalky stuff, got the xray, and headed back acoss town to the clinic.

Okay part 2.
In the truck on the way back I went to my " happy place". Lol. I realized I was in a nice vehicle, with a chauffeur, riding around Tijuana naked. Suddenly Talking Heads song "As the Days go By..." came on the radio. I asked him to turn it up. He did. It was a surreal moment forever etched in my brain.
So, got back and was led to a room to lay down, get IV Hooked up and WAIT. I ended up going last.
Now must explain. My shoes were in one room. My carryon bag was in another, my purse was locked in Dr Bettencourts office. I am scattered all over the clinic.
So I'm am led to the surgery room. Smells very clean. I laid down, said hi to the anesthesiologist. And I was OUT.
NEXT thing I remember is hearing my name and trying to sit up. I think they laid me back down. Not sure. Next memory was needing to pee. They helped me with that. I was brought a shot containing pain meds a anti nauseous meds. Worked great BUT WARNING!!!! they must put it in the IV slowly or it will burn like Fire. Night nurse was not quite as patient with this and I yelped once.
For some reason during the night I decided I wanted my stuff. I had asked about it but was told it wad "locked" up. It was not. So grabbed my IV pole and headed down the halls. Found my shoes, found my bag in another room but since I couldn't carry it I pushed it on the floor with my feet. FINALLY a helper heard the noise and carried to to my room. I just wanted my stuff around me. I was all by myself.
Ok. Going to take some gasx and sip Water. More in a little bit.

The reality of the pain.
Pain is a relative term. I have a very high pain tolerance. I was a little surprised that I felt so weak. I couldn't catch my breath. For the first day and 1/2 I kept hoping I was going to feel better sooner! I had gas when I had my tubes tied many years ago. The gas settled in my shoulders and it was painful. For ME, this time around, I did not experience that. The "gas" pain was just general pressure. And yes, the slow walking and moving helped.
So to some people that pain is bad. I kept waiting for "bad" but I only got "weak" feeling and could not take deep breaths.
Three ladies there a day before us were able to go shopping and such. It gave me hope that I WOULD feel better in a matter of hours. The reverse of that, AFTER the "shopping" ladies left to go home, two new ladies were brought in. One was trying to do what the rest of us were doing, but the other one went to bed. I KNOW what she was thinking.... " what in the heck have I done". She didn't want/feel like talking. Her husband was with her looking kind of bewildered. Everyone told him what she needed to be doing but bless his heart he was

The reality of the pain.
Pain is a relative term. I have a very high pain tolerance. I was a little surprised that I felt so weak. I couldn't catch my breath. For the first day and 1/2 I kept hoping I was going to feel better sooner! I had gas when I had my tubes tied many years ago. The gas settled in my shoulders and it was painful. For ME, this time around, I did not experience that. The "gas" pain was just general pressure. And yes, the slow walking and moving helped.
So to some people that pain is bad. I kept waiting for "bad" but I only got "weak" feeling and could not take deep breaths.
Three ladies there a day before us were able to go shopping and such. It gave me hope that I WOULD feel better in a matter of hours. The reverse of that, AFTER the "shopping" ladies left to go home, two new ladies were brought in. One was trying to do what the rest of us were doing, but the other one went to bed. I KNOW what she was thinking.... " what in the heck have I done". She didn't want/feel like talking. Her husband was with her looking kind of bewildered. Everyone told him what she needed to be doing but bless his heart he was