HoosierGirl

WOW Krystal - that is fantastic! And Happy Birthday!

As I read this, I am finishing 2 oz of tuna. It is on the approved soft foods list. Although I can drink well (have had 75 oz by 5pm), I know when to stop on the soft foods. I don't feel full as much as I feel "pressure" to know when to stop. I am 3.5 weeks out.

WOW...just....WOW! Kudos to you Holly!

Safe surgery! Let us know how you are doing when you are able. HUGS!

Thanks for the info! I'll be making some changes tomorrow!

Biggest fear is that I will not lose the weight or be able to maintain it if I do.

Time will fly and you will be more than ready when the day arrives! Now is the time to sneak in some of your favorites, before your pre-op diet. I believe they asked me several times about any allergies - so they will help you remember too. Good luck! Any questions, feel free to message me. All the best!

Dr. Ortiz at the OCC doesn't use external stitches. My incisions were closed with dermabond. The drain was not uncomfortable for me and after seeing the volume of fluid it caught, I was so glad I had it! When they removed it, it felt like a pinch, but not a lingering pain. GOOD LUCK!

If you have a drain, you will want something with an elastic waist to hold the bag that the fluids drain into. Otherwise, the drain just hangs there and gross while flopping around while you walk. My suggestion is pajamas. If you have a night shirt, you have to lift your behind up in the hospital for them to check you and that is a big hassle.

I have used Isopure RTD in the glass bottles since surgery on 2/4. I tried several from GNC and I found the Apple Melon, Grape, and Orange were OK. I like that it is clear and has 40g of protein. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing your story. And for being so candid about your complete experience. I know your story will help someone trying to select a surgeon. Mostly, I am glad you had a good outcome, despite the blood clot in your arm! Congratulations on your weight loss! Very impressive!

Prayers to you and your families! Safe surgery.

Noticable energy boost at two weeks....that is when I quit feeling so darn tired and weak. Every day is better and better. Tomorrow is my three week anniversary and this morning, I had enough energy and was able to go for a 15 minute walk! Give in to your body - let yourself sleep, rest and heal. Great things are coming!

Your weight loss is incredible! Way to go! (I'll bet everyone else was eating while you were standing there getting compliments on your weight loss!) Watching others eat and smelling the food kind of makes me sad - a few months ago I would have been over indulging too. I was sleeved 3 weeks ago and am starting soft foods today. While all the food looks and smells good, my friends and family will be the same size this summer and I will have lost weight. That thought keeps me going when I want to eat something I shouldn't.

TommyD - thanks for sharing! Your results are impressive - keep up the good work!

Hi Beth - I was sleeved by Dr. Ortiz at Obesity Control Center 2/4/13. I was very pleased with the level of care, the nurses, follow up suport, and am losing weight! Initially, I was pretty nervous about traveling for the surgery but it was really great. The doctors spoke great english, nurses spoke well enough to communicate, and I specifically liked the Nutrionist, Dr. Miranda. You can read more details on my blog and are welcome to send me a private message if you have questions. Good luck! Do a lot of research, talk to a lot of people, and be sure you feel comfortable about your decision.

Had surgery in Mexico on Feb. 4 - it was great. I selected a different doctor and was very pleased with the treatment and outcome. No issues with travel or language barriers. Just do a LOT of research and talk with the surgeon if you can - be sure what you will get and what to expect.

Kari - good luck! I was self-pay after insurance denial....best money I ever spent on myself! Off all my BP meds and steadily losing weight. All the best!

WOO HOO - today is the day! Safe surgery and safe travel! Be sure to let us know how it when once you are able.

Prayers for safe and uneventful surgery! All the best to you....

While I didn't use Dr. Garcia, the Mexico experience is nothing to be scared of. You will be very well taken care of!

Congratulations! Glad to hear you feeling well and had a good experience.

WOOHOO! Safe surgery and speedy recovery!

Missy Carver - CONGRATULATIONS on getting off your meds too! So excited for you!

Getting off blood pressure medication was my primary goal in having weight loss surgery. I want to be healthy and have a long life. Had surgery 2/4/13 (only 16 days ago). Including the pre-op weight loss, I have lost a total of 25 pounds! My surgeon advised almost immediate follow up with my primary care doctor to manage the medications with the weight loss. This week, I have been able to get off ALL my blood pressure medications! While I am still monitoring my blood pressure, I don't think I will have to go back on meds as I continue to lose weight. When my doctor's office called with the news, I had to shut my office door and cry. This almost feels like a dream. I am humbled beyond words at what a miracle this surgery has been - and I am only starting this process. Can only imagine all the good that will come losing the rest of this weight. Any inconvenience, discomfort, cost or hassle associated with this whole process is MORE than worth it.