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I'm here! I'm in TJ, actually :-) My flight got in about 2-1/2 hours ago and it took about an hour to get to the hotel because it was rush hour. After checking in, I took a bunch of pictures of the room (it's nice)--can't post them from my iPad, but I will when I get back then called room service for complimentary broth and popsicle. Now that I've eaten (well, sort of), I'm settling in and catching up on VST. I'll try to get a good night's sleep, but I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to sleep. I found out I'm the only surgery with Dr. Ortiz tomorrow, so I'm pretty happy.

Tomorrow is the big day! Wish me luck!

Tomorrow is the big day for me! Wish me luck!

I didn't weigh every day during my pre-op diet, but I think I might have stalled before I got to clears. Clears definitely got the scale moving again.

I use a natural breath spray made with colloidal silver, which kills germs and seems to kill the odor. It also has organic peppermint oil, so it tastes good: http://www.uncleharrys.com/store/product_info.php/breath-freshener-spray-p-1456

Praying that you have an easy surgery and a speedy Recovery!

Thanks very much!

In another thread about medical alert bracelets, someone mentioned that they were told to have the following inscribed:

GASTRIC SLEEVE

NO BLIND NG TUBE

NO NSAIDS

That's what I plan to have on mine.

My surgery is 2 days away, so I am not yet sure how I will respond to meat post-op, but in general I don't necessarily like to eat meat all the time. Do you mind if I ask how you get in enough Protein if you are not eating meat or any animal products?

I am not sure about the Biotin, but the biotin I have is only 1000 mcg. The guidelines I have been given for B12 is only 500 mcg orally daily or a 1000 mcg injection (from your doctor) monthly.

First of all, congrats!!!

My surgery is in 2 days, so I can't speak from experience--yet--but I think that I would focus on making exercise a lifelong habit (finding out which physical activities I enjoy the most and discovering new ones) because I think that regular exercise is a key component to maintaining the weight loss. I also know that when I exercise regularly I tend to eat healthier because for whatever reasons my body craves healthier foods. Plus, there's the added benefit that your body will look even nicer when it's toned. Besides the fitness stuff, I would want to find the right balance in my diet to maintain my weight loss and beyond that, just enjoy life!

It is what they use as a guide to make the size of your new stomach. During surgery, the bougie is put down your esophagus to your stomach. The surgeon is then able to use it as a guide to staple/cut along side of it to form your new sleeve.

The difference between a 36 and a 32 is so small, hardly noticeable really, so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Go with your first choice.

I'm attaching a picture of the equivalent sizes to give you an idea.

I love kombucha and I hope that I can have it again someday, so I'm interested to see what others think.

and can i just say that i am OUT OF THIS WORLD excitd for you! are you going to take lots of pics, to document your trip for us?

I do plan to take lots of pics and to post about the experience as soon as possible after surgery

Thanks for doing this--it's very helpful to see everyone sorted by date. I will definitely post my experience as soon as I'm able to after surgery. Only 3 more days!

It sounds like you're on clear liquids--have you tried the clear Isopure Protein Drinks? I bought the pre-made 20 oz bottle and each one has 40 grams of Protein, which is pretty filling for me. I'm experimenting with flavors, but so far they aren't the greatest tasting, but I'm viewing them as fuel for my body. I know it's not substance like something to chew, but it should help you to not feel starving.

I'm having surgery at Mi Doctor with Dr. Elias Ortiz on Thursday and I'll be sure to post about how it went on the forums as soon afterwards as I can. I was originally going to go with Dr. Lopez, but he's in Cancun this week and I feel equally comfortable with Ortiz after having made friends with someone who had their surgery assisted by him (done by Lopez) 2 months ago and someone who had their surgery done by Ortiz a little over a week ago. I'm told that Ortiz speaks better English than Lopez and is very attentive.

Have you tried the clear Ispoure Protein Drinks? I need Protein to survive the Clear Liquids phase.

So far I've only tried Premier Protein in chocolate and vanilla and Syntrax Matrix in Cookies & cream, strawberry creme, and bananas & cream (although I think maybe the Syntrax Nectars are supposed to be better for you) and those are all pretty good. I recently learned about the About Time brand and I am extremely interested in them because they are sweetened with Stevia, a natural 0-carb sweetener. If you go to http://tryabouttime.com/, you can get a sample pack of 2 flavors of your choice for $3.99 and free shipping (I picked birthday cake and chocolate Peanut Butter as my flavors).

You look fantastic! Thanks for sharing--very inspiring. Wishing you continued success!

What a wonderful feeling! Can't wait to be there also. Congrats and wishing you continued success!

Super excited! Will definitely post updates as I recover

My surgery is in 4 days and I'm completely ready mentally. I do have to go to the store for some skim milk and SF popsicles, but I pretty much have all of my other supplies and am mostly packed for the hospital. I have been doing well on the pre-op diet, but for some reason, yesterday (day 9) was the most difficult--had to have some broth and SF Jello in addition to the Protein Shakes and salad to make it through the day. Today seems better. Best of luck to you!

My surgery is 4 days away--so excited!

I agree to a point. I like what dean says about allowing for some anxiety in newbies. And post opers. I mean this is MAJOR surgery! Scary stuffs.

Now I feel a little bit afraid to post about my concerns post op though.

I've seen some really annoying posts such as "zomg I'm like a week out and I can't eat this buffet! crap I wish I'd never gotten surgery!" On one hand, I want to understand and an be supportive. On the other hand I'm like -----> o.O Really?

I don't think you should feel afraid to post about your post-op concerns or even your pre-op concerns, but you should do a search first to see if there are already other threads about them with useful info. Also, I think that most people in this thread have gotten to the point that they either don't read or won't comment on the particularly annoying threads (I know I have), so even if you do post something that some would rather not deal with answering chances are in your favor that there will be others who will.