katstallyho

it felt like I had done several hundred sit ups for a few days. not really painful more like muscle sore. I haven't had any issues yet. all has gone well, good luck! it is a big step but goes by quickly and easily.

I think our bodies start to panic that we are in starvation mode and they hang onto the fat/weight. I was sleeved 10/3 and had a stall for abt a week. I kept tryn to add more Water and one more Protein Shake. this helped. I've lost 20 pounds total from pre and post surgery!

7 days post op… sharing experience (this is very long)
I traveled 5/27…. (I was on liquids which did include Protein Shakes (so not clear liquids only) per OCC. I packed Atkins shakes in checked bag with no problem. Also took individual packet of Syntrax Nectar in carry on. It was easier to travel on liquids than I expected.
Marriott Hotel was nice and restaurant was very accommodating to OCC patients. Just advise them you are OCC patient and they bring you broth and Popsicle (covered by OCC). The bottled Water IN restaurant is not covered. Your chicken broth can be enhanced w/ pepper and lime for a little more flavor.
The day of surgery, patients met to take shuttle over to OCC together. It was nice getting to meet and greet each of them and educational in learning tidbits they shared. Once @ OCC we were ask for printed copies of our survey. I recommend printing a copy and taking with you. Then I met w/ Dr Miranda to discuss post-op diet. Then Cardiologist. We were asked to put on booties before having blood work done and IV’s put in.
Then I was taken to room where Dr Ortiz introduced himself. While in room I was given sublinquil medication for pain and nausea as well as something in IV. It made me feel so calm and relaxed…. Then off to surgery. I remember being introduced to anesthesiologist and before he finished talking I was “out.” Next thing I remember is being back in room and told to “WAKE UP”. I was a little groggy from the anesthesia but up walking w/in the hour. I did have to go to the bathroom quite a bit so I was up walking the halls back and forth to the bathroom. Visitors have to leave @ 4PM. About 6 I was up and wandering the halls and discovered 2 computers for patient use. I checked FB and sent some messages to friends to let them know how I was doing.
Next day, IV came out and patients gathered for trip back to Hotel. Only one patient (the last surgery of previous day) stayed a little longer. The rest of us were good to go. I slept on and off most of day 2 post op. (but I was able to sleep on left side with no issues)
Day 3 we went back to OCC for drain check… Then walked to Wal-Mart for shopping and had the broth of a Soup @ Chili’s w/ another patient. We stopped at a small convenience store across from Marriott for Popsicle on the way back. They had mango Popsicle which were WONDERFUL. (store has a big donuts on outside of it)
Day 4 was drain removal..(Which pinched a little but nothing bad) and travel back to SD thru customs and check into the hotel we chose. We ate @ Red Lobster and I thinned down some Lobster bisque. Then we walked to a strip center and shopped, had mani-pedi’s and toured the grocery store Von’s where I got Earl Grey Tea. Felt more like vacation than post surgery.
Day 5 was a long day of travel but again, I did GREAT! We left @ 8:30AM in taxi to airport and didn’t arrive home until 12:15 PM that night. I did purchase an extra dose of the pain med and did take one that AM just to be on safe side but probably could have done it w/o it.
I have had little to no pain. Just a little discomfort occasionally from gas (TMI).
Actually felt so well when I got home I might have over done it just a little. I kept popping up to do something else and was using my legs more for the up and down from chair. My knees hurt a little but stomach is still great!
I am having no trouble sipping or consuming full liquids. I actually do seem to know when I get hungry and need more. It is still early so I am only getting about 500-600 calories and 30 grams of Protein right now. But that is what is expecting per diet plan. Pre-diet I never dreamed that would be filling but it totally is.
OCC gave first class care and can’t say enough good things about my experience w/ OCC and Dr Ortiz. Never would have believed it would have gone this smooth. Back @ work 7 days post op.
I'd lost 18.5 lbs prior to surgery, gained 7 during surgery (expected) but by the time I got home day 5, I had lost the 7 plus 5 more for a total wt loss of 23.5 lbs....
Hopefully, this story helps anyone planning to go to Dr Ortiz/OCC to give you some tips and calm any concerns. ( every experience is different but mine was GREAT! )

I can't believe next week I will be having my surgery. I meet with my surgeon and anesthesiologist on Thursday. I start my 2 day clear liquid diet on Sunday. So happy that it's almost time.

Hello my surgery date is set for October 5th in Mexico with Dr. Alvarez. I'm 40 years old , married with two kids and soon to be grandmother. Starting weight 239 . Good luck on your journey