HoosierGirl

I had surgery Monday. Feel really good so I would say you could go to something like that.

Hope you continue to feel better and better! Sending prayers your way! We are sleeve sisters for sure - same surgery day!

Let the count-down begin! Congrats!

I just flew Southwest from Indy to San Diego - very nice and very roomie (I'm 5'8" and no issues). Would definately fly them again.

Tami88 and FABby40 - can't say enough good about the OCC. Everyone was nice, professional and attentive. Same at the Marriott. Helpful as can be. The only thing I didn't bring and I wish I would have was a nice long novel. A girl can only sleep so much!! LOL

My doc said G2 or Vitamin Water are fine. Have been drinking both. If you give in to your body, drinking doesn't feel "fantastic" right after surgery or two days post op. But today was better than yesterday! I will have my 64 ounces in before bed. But it does feel a bit funky! If you are pre-op and already worried about dehydration, you will be a good post-op drinker because you are aware of the need.

When I went for my surgical follow up this morning, he said the burping, pressure, hiccups were all normal and would subside. Made me feel a little better. After the barium swallow to see my little tummy, I see why I might feel that way! Pretty skinny in there!

I leave for home tomorrow. THey removed my drain today, so technially, I could have left today. Something about one extra day of rest seemd right to me! NO HUNGER at all. A bit of upset stomach now and then due to acid production, but I have meds to help with that. Everyone from the surgery center was calling me "super woman" because I bounced back so quickly.

Thanks everyone for your well wishes and support! Today, went back to OCC for a checkup. Much to my surprise, they removed my drain! They also did the barium swallow to check for leaks and all is well! I am able to get liquids in just fine. Overall, I would encourage anyone who is considering Mexico for surgery to do good research and talk to others about their experience. I have been impressed not only at the medical care, but the first-rate treatment at the Marriott. Oh - I did gain 4.6 during the surgery period. I guess they say normal is 5-15 lbs. So, that is a good surprise and I will be able to get that gain off quickly. Now, time for a power nap!!!

Yay farts! Agree it makes you feel better!

I also had surgery Monday and am having the same burping/hiccupping too. When I drink too much, it feels like pressure under my sternum. I am going to ask about it today when I have a checkup. I have passed gas as well as burping. My thought is that we are still pretty swollen and raw in there and it probably will feel odd for a few days at least.

OK - I had my surgery on Monday, Feb. 4 and guys - I am feeling really good. Very little soreness, minimal nausea, no vomiting. Drinking is a challenge as you feel "full" and if you drink too fast, a little pressure in your sternum. The only advise I can share is to KICK ASS on your pre-op diet! It is truly worth it and makes for a safer surgery for you. These doctors know what they are doing...we just have to be good patients. Hugs and well wishes to all of you!

So after my mom freaking out for a week, she was fine when I left for TJ on Sunday. Had surgery MOnday and was talking to her on the phone yesterday. She told me how brave I am and how proud she is of me taking control of my weight problem, etc. GO FIGURE!!!!

Surgery went well yesterday. Recovery much smoother than anticipated. I get it that you have to work to keep yourself hydrated. I feel so happy/proud that I did this for myself. It's like I have a new lease on life!

OK a little drugged up when I last posted!! Incoherant! So, once we arrived at the OCC yesterday, we were given our papaers to fill out. Then, a blood draw. Back to waiting. Then, a weight check along with goal weight setting and given post op diet suggestions/timing. Back to waiting. Last, was the EKG. Went back to waiting and they told me I could go back to my room. In my room were a couple chairs and a hospital bed. Bathroom shared down the hall, but was very clean. They had me change into my gown and put on paper underwear - which of course were too small so I had a paper underwear wedgie until surger. (There's always something). Shortly after the IV was in, Dr. Ortiz came in and chatted for a while. What do you do for a living, etc. Super nice. Asked if I had questions and he answered all those. After he left my friend agreed that we were both satisfied all this was on the up and up and surgery was still a good idea! They had me walk to the OR and lay down. My head had only been down for seconds before I was out! So, I woke back up in my room, with my friend sitting there. I've had some nausea, fleeting and nothing big. No vomiting. My abdominal area feels sore, but nothing hurts. This morning, I was discharged. PUrchased my meds to take with me. The Marriott van drove us back to the hotel where the bellmen were there to help with bags. I'm very impressed with the hotel staff here. My friend went with another support person yesterday to costco and got some Gatorade and Smart Water as was suggested. Now, I don't have to go anywhere the rest of the day and can relax and nap as needed. Both my friend and I have traveld a lot for business and we were both impressed with the Marriott and the OCC looks like any other surgery center. Please message me if you would like more details. Thanks for all your support and well wishes!

Hi all! Was third to day for surgeries. I haven up walking several time. The prop blood draw wa no big deal. Then, got EKG., Once done, you go to your room and get the IV. Dr Ortiz cam in and chit chatted before survey. Waiting for a few shot minutes then to suggest. The nurse speak enough English so we could communicate. The staff at the OCC and the Marriott are really professional and have a good system. Efficient

Thank you all! Woke up at 330 local time. Showered. Ready for whatever today will bring!

Tomorrow, I have my VSG surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center. I know there are several others coming to the same doctor/hotel in the next few weeks and months. Since I appreciated the feedback of others, I wanted to share my experience in hopes it will help someone else. When the plane landed in San Diego, I immediately had a text from Joel, the OCC driver. He was outside. The van was parked just outside of baggage claim and had my name in the window. While driving, Joel gave us the details about what to expect this evening and tomorrow. Joel is very polite and professional. We drove to the border, got out, scanned our bags and were not subject to a random search. Joel met us on the other side of the building and we drove on to the Marriott. Check in at the Marriott was smooth. Joel told is to be ready at 6:40 in the morning and that the hotel van takes you to the OCC. So we made sure to schedule the hotel van. The ride from the airport to the hotel really was only 20 minutes or so. We watched the Super Bowl in Spanish while we had dinner. My friend had DELICIOUS smelling mixed fajitas and a Tecate while I had broth and Water. Her meal was 15% off as an OCC companion. Mine was free. Broth was good and service was good. The wireless service is free for OCC folks. I did not need my Passport to get in to Mexico. So far, everyone has taken US currency as tips, etc. That is all I can think of now. More to come tomorrow! So far nothing has seemed odd and Tijuana is much nicer than the other Mexican border towns I have been to. Now I just hope I sleep tonight!

Tweezers....without fail when I am out of town I get a "wild hair" some where!!! Haha! So I don't want to be in pain and hairy!!! Lol

I am on my way to TJ right now, VSG surgery tomorrow with Dr Ariel Ortiz at Obesity Control Center! Will give details as the unfold! But, good for you to research and become educated as you identify the right doctor for you. It is a very personal decision.

All the best!

Surgery on Monday - this is my 3rd week of pre-op dieting. I wanted to be sure I would achieve my pre-surgery weight loss requirement. Only liquids this weekend, but I have lost 12 lbs so far. Hoping for 3 more by Monday to meet the goal! I promised myself I would really try not to be crabby...this is my decision and I want to succeed. So, I am willing to suffer for a little while for a long term gain! This is such a mental game!

Two things: 1) No more blood pressure meds 2) Ability to buy normal sized clothes....I'm over the "WOMAN" sized clothes.

Staying at the Marriott and Dr. Ariel Ortiz is my surgeon.

I am flying on the 3rd - surgery on the 4th. GOOD LUCK TO YOU! :-)