mrsteacher

Glad to be of help! Anything you need to know just drop me a email

This is more for the newbies but I thought this video was very good. The speaker is two years out from VSG surgery.

I agree! I use YouTube and the forums as my complete support guide. I'll check out AmySDMOM as well. I'm still in the hotel and need something constructive to do. I'm happy that the other sleever in the hotel and I went for posicles this morning and then walked around the pool for about 45 minutes (love getting that exercise in and chatting!).

For those wondering I paid approximately $500 for my flight round trip from Savannah to San Diego (probably closer to $486 but I am checking my bag on my return flight and that will cost an extra $25). I paid $5,500 for the surgery and used money from a Roth IRA I had set up YEARS ago. I was able to access without penalty or fees (Yay Ron Clark for that idea). Dr. Kelly didn't require a deposit so I gave him a cashiers check when I arrived. I am suppose to get receipts for everything for tax purposes before I leave (already talked to Ana about that). I am not sure if we qualify for a medical tax deduction but I want to have all the paperwork just in case. Leah and her friend left the hotel at 6 a.m. this morning. Apparently that is normal as it takes awhile to get through customs. I am waiting on her post to let me know just how long it took them to get through. There flights are noon'ish (so is mine on Monday putting my return flight in at an ungodly hour). Leah changed her flight to today. She was suppose to leave tomorrow but she was feeling well and her friend was going back today. Dr. Kelly gave her the "all clear" and she looks really good. I am staying the full time. Apparently there is another person who will be at the hotel today and leaving on Monday with me. I checked in on her at Florence Hospital before we left for the hotel and she seemed to be doing well although she reported some gas pain in her shoulder. I got up and went to the store that Leah and her friend told me about. It is right across from the hotel and I want to say it is called "Extra?" or something like that. It looks like a corner gas station but without the gas pumps;. I got over there early because our hotel sits on the "corner" or a roundabout and the traffic is a bit insane. I figured the earlier I went the better chance I had of not playing "frogger" with the traffic I got a Gatorade and razor for my nasty legs. Total cost? $2/american. Then I saw the Popsicle selection. Whoo Hoo! I got a mandarin flavored Popsicle for 10 pesos (she had given me my change in pesos). I was equally excited about both the razor and the Popsicle I ate the Popsicle while walking up to one corner past the hotel...turned around...and walked around to the other corner. I finished it while doing laps around the pool deck. Total walking time about 10-15 minutes. I ate slowly. My stomach was still gurgling but not as bad as yesterday (Progress!). I took my antibiotic this morning with water without any problems as well so that makes me hopeful about taking pills when I get back. I haven't started my Gatorade yet but will soon. Now I am on the balcony surrounded by trees enjoying the brisk morning waiting on Ana's teeth whitening call. I hope it is earlier rather then later because I book my hair appointment for 2 p.m. I am assuming not much open here on Sunday so that will be my day to just chill and repack.

I think you just click on my name and you get the option to view my blog. Let me know if that works.

I experienced a lot of stomach gurgling yesterday. Leah, who got sleeved at the same time as me, said she did not which is another indication that everyone experiences everything differently. She experienced lots of gurgling the day before on ice chips. I was too chicken to take my drugs last night with my stomach acting out of sorts. We got a few pain pills, which I don't need but I am keeping "just in case" (the gurgling was uncomfortable but not painful and was only accompanied with liquids I was trying to ingest). Antibiotics and something for my stomach which I believe is acid reducer. I'll try the drugs today. Not sure why my stomach was all gurgling. Could be that I took the nasty leak test, followed by a popsicle, followed later by some broth, followed later by some super sweet apple juice (all in little amounts but my tummy was letting it all be heard). I was pretty active yesterday once we hit the hotel. I sat by the pool just to get some sunshine and enjoy the beautiful weather (too cold for pool but nice for sitting). Then I took a cab and went to a place to get a pedicure that the hotel bell hop recommended that was close by called Soleil. It was super close to the hotel and I could have walked but because I was unfamiliar with the area I thought it best to take a cab. I'm going back today and I will most likely walk. While I was there I had my eyebrows waxed and upper legs waxed. All three things cost approximately $50 total american. Totally worth it. You get a 10% discount if you mention you are from the hotel. Leah and her friend braved the traffic walking and went to a Starbucks and a convenience store where she got some Gatorade (I'll go get some this morning at some point). I am also getting my teeth whitened today. It is something I've always wanted to do. I'll post about that when I am finished. I tried to be on a semi normal sleep schedule that first night just to get my body back into the routine. I went to bed at 8:30 p.m. which is a little short of my normal 10 p.m. bedtime. I am up at 5 a.m. so I would consider that pretty normal (normally I am up by 6 a.m. at home). I slept in all different positions last night without any problem. Normally I sleep on my side but I woke up in the middle of the night on my stomach. The main incision on my left is hurting a bit but nothing too horrible. The beds don't have a fitted bottom sheet (it has a flat bottom sheet) so with all my tossing and turning at night (which is normal for me) I managed to rip off the bottom sheet and expose the mattress. That is annoying. I wish I had thought to bring compression socks with me for the flight home. I am worried about blood clots the most. I think I would add that to any packing list people are making from this point on. Also I would have had my larger bills broken up into smaller ones. I've been running into some problems trying to make change or not having small bills for tipping. I could have lived without a robe. The night nurse at the Florence Hospital gave me a second gown that I would use as a robe while I was there. Since I don't wear robes at home I might leave the one I purchased here at the hotel and save some packing space. As I think of more stuff I will post.

It took us forever to get out of the hospital this morning. We thought we would be gone by 11 a.m. but it was closer to 2 p.m. Which meant some more reading and sleeping for me. I did get in a shower this morning which made me feel good. I liked the night nurse Sarah a lot and I made sure to take a shower on her shift so she could change my stomach bandages. I told her that I had heard crying in the night and apparently a family from Russia had come in to treat their mother who had severe lung cancer and she passed away. It was a rough night for the staff and the family. We went to the Hospital Angelos for the leak test (that was a new modern hospital!). My sleeve sister and I were happy to be out in the fresh air. Our leak tests went well. I was dreading the solution but it was only about a quarter of a cup of clear liquid which tasted like really bad cough syrup. The hotel Lucerna is very nice and we got Popsicle right away (should have had the orange one!). I have a nice room with a balcony facing the pool which is great considering I am going to be here for a few days. It is too chilly to get in the pool but it is a nice day - cool but sunny. I am trying to establish a regular sleep pattern for these next few days since I have been oversleeping the past few days (resulting in nightmares...which is typically for me when oversleeping and trying to force more sleep). I opened up a bottle of water and been practicing sipping but I think I will go down and explore the hotel a bit. Treating the rest of the trip like a mini vacation. Dr. Kelly's assistant Ana is making teeth whitening reservations for me and I think I might hit the spa close to the hotel for a pedicure. Overall feel good and I think getting out of the hospital and the sunshine helped lift my spirits tremendously.

I think it is (and I hope it is) the Zoom. I've wanted to have that done as well. Someone on this blog posted that they paid $200 to have it done so that is what I have budgeted for. I'll let you know when I have it done.

Doing well. I've given a more detailed account of my trip on my blog. I got sleeved on Wednesday and I am now in the Lucerna hotel for the next few days. Not experiencing any pain but I was experiencing lots of stomach gurgling yesterday but it could be because I had a leak test, I tried eating a popsicle, chicken broth, and apple juice and my stomach was trying to figure out what was going on! I'm going to stick to water and Gatorade today to see if that helps. I'm not hungry so that is good. Now to just get all my liquid in. I wasn't too worried yesterday since I was on an IV most of the day.

I'm in TJ right now and Dr. Kelly said he had just hired a man who spoke excellent English as the patient contact. Glad it worked out for you.

Got sleeved last night. I remember getting wheeled in and then I was put under. The next thing I know I am trying to get into the bed with some prodding from the nurses who got me from surgery. I remember being VERY nauseous. They gave me something to get sick into but I managed to get through that without getting sick. I remember the light being VERY bright (almost migraine level intolerance to the light). They got pain and nauseous medicine in me and I remember laying very still waiting for it to kick in (again like a migraine where you are afraid to move and have the searing head pain). I had no trouble sleeping on my side (either side...which is good because that is how I sleep). It seemed like the nurses were coming in every 15 minutes to take vitals. My mouth was super dry. I was told I could suck on the ice chips but not to drink the water down. I'm guessing that was a last night thing because this morning they said I could. I have not experienced any horrible gas pains like some people have reported. I have gotten up to walk a bit only because I don't want any blood clots to form! They are making me do lung exercises with a breathing "toy" with balls in it. That is super annoying because they want it done for 5 minutes at a time and the deep breathing is making me light headed. I've gone to the bathroom several times without any issues (peeing not...you know ) The on call doctor said that we would be taking our leak test tomorrow so basically I'm getting in some marathon sleeping today (which is fine with me!)

I am leaving tomorrow for Mexico. My bag is packed and I think I am ready. I have to make a copy of my passport and drivers license for the house (we had a friend who lost his in South Africa and it was a pain getting those things replaced when there were no copies). I am taking the bare minimum. I don't want to spend the extra money on checking it. I may do that on the return flight but I think I can always get some kind person to help me lift and take down a bag from the overhead. I booked window seats going out and aisle seats coming back. I am not taking makeup, hairspray, etc. I'll be "roughing it". My flight leaves very early and comes back very late so it is doubtful I will run into anyone I know. I just finished the "just in case I die" letter to my husband (not mushy more practical...things he would need to know...like my mother's phone number

I like it and will keep those thing in mind as I start my journey. Thank you for sharing.

I got picked up at the airport and it turned out to be my fault that the driver couldn't find me! I bought my tickets through United but they put me on another one of their carriers U.S. Airways so that messed up the pickup location (because I said I was coming United in my email to them). It all turned out well (thank god for cell phones!). I tipped the driver $20 only because I am sure she doesn't make that much. She tried not to take it but since I budgeted for it I made her It took about 40 minutes to get to the hospital and getting into Mexico was a breeze. I didn't need to show ID or Passport. However, the line coming OUT of Mexico was HUGE! I am assuming that is where I will need my passport. The driver said it is very busy for a three hour gap of time (which is when I guess most people are leaving). Love the hospital it feels cozy and less intimidating then our hospital back home. Staff has been great. I've met with Dr. Kelly and another (female) doctor. I've been attended by two female nurses and one male nurse (and one male aid...he wheeled me to xray). I'm trying not to flash my naked behind too much Dr. Kelly asked if I would be willing to have my sleeve today instead of tomorrow - he had the space and I've fasted. I said, "Sure, why not!" So I am literally an hour away from being sleeved. I was going to go out with SexySlims friend who accompanied her but that got changed with the operation being today. Right now I am trying to stay awake. I am super sleepy from being up very early today and dealing with the three hour time change. Dr. Kelly met me in the room and answered any questions I had. I gave him the cashiers check at that time. I was asked to give a urine sample and I spent longer then I would like to admit trying to figure out how to get the darn hospital gown on! I filled in more paperwork and had blood drawn and an IV put in (I didn't think my veins were that hard to find but apparently so!). I rode in my first ever wheelchair to get my chest xrayed. That went super fast. A nurse came in to take my vitals and put on compression socks (to prevent blood clots during the operation). Dr. Kelly said the operation only takes about an hour (in case anyone is wondering). They gave me slippers when I came in as well so that is what I will be wearing when I final walk the halls. I just had another doctor come in to take an EKG and check my heart and lungs (very nice man). Dr. Kelly just popped his head in and said I am next.

Can't answer yet. I am within an hour of getting sleeved by Dr. Kelly and so far everything is going fine. I am very happy. He has been very response to my emails in the past so I am assuming the same would hold true post op. For day-to-day questions I most likely will rely on the these boards for answers to my questions.

I'm in San Deigo and panicked a bit when I didn't see anyone to greet me but I got a call from Ana within 5 minutes of finding a comfortable waiting spot. My driver got stuck in traffic but is on the way. Whew! Flight was uneventful although I am springing for the baggage fee on the way home. Having to lug that around two airports was not fun early this morning! Only have had 4 glasses of water ALL DAY.

Just landed in San Diego. Driver running a bit late but I got a phone call from Ana letting me know.

I am using Dr. Kelly.

Thanks for posting. I'll be there today. I'll look for you. Sad about the bad tasting broth I'm bringing some Ramen noodle seasoning packets (high salt though!).

I had to be on the preop diet for 7 days with three of them being clear. I started a little further out at 10 days. Luckily I had been trying out protein powders and I like them so that was no problem. The full liquid diet wasn't bad. Very doable for that length of time. I had a tense moment when I went to see The Hunger Games and desperately wanted popcorn but I remained strong. The diet went better when I was at work during the work week (busy) but was a little more trying on the weekend when I didn't have as much to keep me busy. I had to get myself off of Pinterest the other day though because all those recipes were testing my willpower! The three days of clear is not that fun. I am glad I ordered the unflavored protein powder from Unjury. I've added that to my crystal light drinks. It is helping to beef up the protein I am getting and to make myself feel fuller longer. I also ordered their vanilla flavor and the chicken soup mix (although it is extremely annoying to have to use a thermometer to find the water temp). Drinks I have been consuming include Crystal Light, light cranberry, and Mots for Tots Apple Juice (less sugar). I opened up a couple of ramen noodle packets we had in the pantry and used the packets in hot water for lunch (that was an idea I got on one of the boards). I weighed myself this morning and I am 10 lbs down. Woo Hoo!

I forgot to add in my last post that I started taking vitamins. I am taking Biotin fast dissolve for hair growth, a gummi multi vitamin and a fiber gummi vitamin and sublingual B12. According to other posts I should be taking an iron and calcium pill but it is enough for me to remember the others without adding two more!

You look awesome. I have my sugery in two days. I hope to be as successful as you!

I was wondering what the best VSG advice you've gotten from reading all the forums? Here are mine (surgery in a week with Dr. Kelly) Buying smaller utensils (spoons/forks) Buy the smaller bowls (like the ones you make creme brule in...can remember what they are called for the life of me!) You can buy sample packs from powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury. There was a video post on YouTube that someone posted that I thought was very good about the reality of WLS - You can get just order the broth from Qiznos chicken Soup and they will do it You can get the egg drop soup from a chineese restaurant If I think of anything more I will post.

I hope to be where you are soon!

I can't believe that I only have 17 days before my surgery with Dr. Kelly. Time is speeding by. Need to start making that packing list. I am trying to avoid checking my luggage (I think it is ridiculous that it cost $50 to check luggage!). Do I really need a heating pad?