ShannonH

I had surgery on March 2nd, and have been in a 2 week stall. I'm doing everything correctly....it IS frustrating. Will I be THE one that fails the sleeve?

I live in Texas, and flew economy. I booked an isle seat, and wore compression stockings/socks, that helped more than anything. You can grab some at your local pharmacy. Oh, I also booked my seat in the very back of the plane, by the bathrooms, in case I got sick. When I booked my flight, I requested wheelchair assistance to and from all gates.....best decision ever. Good luck :-)

I'm 3 weeks post op, and have been crying every single day for a week. Everything makes me cry, everything makes me grouchy....it's like constant PMS! I haven't lost any weight in about 5 days now, and I'm frustrated as well. However, I'm down 31 lbs, so SOMETHING has got to be working. My poor boyfriend, and my kids don't have a clue what to do with me...they try being supportive, but I'm just SO emotional! What to do? I've been going to the gym to bike about 3 days out of the week, and sometimes it helps, and other times, not so much. Keep your chin up, you're not alone.

I would recommend an additional 2 days off. It may sound like a lot, but everyone heals differently. My "sleeve sister" was planning on going back the day after she got back, and really need the 2 extra days. It was harder for her to call in sick for the extra time, than it would have been just to let them know in advance. From experience, there's no way on Earth I could have gone back so early. Good luck, I'll pray for you guys.

I'm feeling pretty good for the most part, but YES, there are things that I wish I knew to be better prepared with. In Mexico, they only believe in giving you painkillers every 6-8 hours. BRING YOUR OWN. Ask your Dr. here for some liquid narcotics.....not kidding. I was in a lot of pain, and they refused to give me the "toradol" more often...and that's not even a strong medicine. Also see if you can get a sleep aid, or anxiety pill for your trip. The gas-x strips....don't take them, I swear it makes it worse. Take some flavoring for your Water....straight up water hurts SO bad to drink. They will give you a form of liquid Maalox...make sure you use it, or bring your own. I used my own Zantac 150 (tiny pills). For your flight home, be sure and reserve wheel chair assistance. Not only does it get you through the checkpoints a lot faster, but they help with your luggage (and you board before 1st class). Oh, and BRING your own compression socks or stockings for the plane ride....they are a life saver. I hope this helps. if I can think of anything else, I'll let you know.

I paid by Pay Pal....the deposit. and the balance. No extra fees at all. It was super quick and super easy.

Shopping was okay. It's just like any other tourist location, where all the merchants try and lure you into their shops. If you don't like the price, tell them it's too high and walk away. They'll come chasing after you to lower it lol. It's an experience, and you get bored in the recovery house, so I highly suggest going, even if you don't intend to shop. The driver will stay with you the entire time, so don't worry :-)

Cynthia, thank you SO much! I'm doing much better now. I hope this weightloss continues lol. Never in my life, have I seen my scale drop in numbers....what a feeling! I hope all is well with you too.

I literally got crap! Aleve! Really???? Given the type of surgery, I think I should have had something a bit stronger. You need to INSIST you get a good backup pain medication to bring home.

It's a hidden group, so add me to facebook first, so I can add you. Shannon Kee Heaton I'm feeling better, still sore, but able to function. You?

Every day is a little better. Surgery was March 2, and today is March 5th. I want shopping in Tijuana yesterday, and had fun. I'm still in pain, but not quite as bad. Water hurts the worst to drink....I don't know why, but it just does. I will def ask for liquid painkillers when I get home. I'm sitting at the airport right now, waiting on my flight.

The heating pad is the ONLY thing I forgot to pack :-(

It was great meeting you at the recovery house.I hope all goes well! :-)

Well, I made it through surgery! I can't say it's been too easy...I'm in a pretty good deal of pain, but I haven't been walking quite as much as I should....it hurts. Every time I go to do my laps, I get the dry heaves, and boy does that hurt. Some of my new surgery buddies act as though they haven't had surgery at all, and are already out shopping...lucky them. I sure wish they used the really strong pain meds here, like they would in the US, and possibly more frequently. Does anyone have any advise to throw my way? I'm in need of a boost.

Here I am in my San Diego hotel room (Sofia Hotel...beautiful), starving and anxiously awaiting surgery tomorrow with Dr. Almanza. I SO wish I had an anti anxiety to take. That should be included in pre-op....don't you think?

Do you have the nutritional information on this? It sounds amazing!

Thanks for the tips! REALLY helps! Did anyone take a robe? My robe is so comforting....For the recovery center maybe...

Great idea! I think I'll take both, so I have a choice :-)

I have those calorie free/no sugar water enhancers, that you squirt into water. It will it's less than 3oz, so I can take that aboard. I was also considering taking a ziploc baggy with some powdered chicken broth. Perhaps I can ask for hot water... I'll be flying for about 5 hours, then have one layover. I've never had to do liquids only for 3 days. Scared I'm going to starve lol.

I'm supposed to be on clear liquids 3 days prior to surgery, which means I will be flying during that time. How am I supposed to take broth and jello on the plane? What have you done?

How inspiring! Thank you SO much for sharing this. I'm being sleeved on March 2nd, and looking forward to joining you and the others for a healthier life. I have 3 children of my own, my fiance is helping me raise them, and they're all scared for me to take the surgery plunge, but I tell them either I take this risk, or risk gaining more, and cutting more time off my life. Thank you again for sharing.

We're totally close! My surgery is scheduled for March 2nd :-)

I'm leaving for Tijuana on March 1st, and being sleeved with Dr. Almanza on the 2nd. My nerves are getting the best of me the past few days, so I've been spending most of my time in the gym to get my mind off of it all. I'm going solo, and my fiance is scared out of his mind (he's staying behind with the kids). His uneasiness isn't helping me much. HELP!

Great question! Looking forward to reading some responses. Who sleeved you?