SoCalDixieGal

That's so awesome!

I also travel for work about 50% of the time, but it's all over the country (occasional out of the country) for a few nights at a time. Lots of client dinners, grabbing whatever I can in the airport, cocktail receptions, team happy hours, etc. I found that the frequent travelers tend to order healthier on menus so lots of grilled fish, etc. Which would work during the soft stage. Also, usually can always find soup on the menu. Not sleeved yet, but my strategy for the receptions/happy hours, etc (which my team does a LOT) will be to order juice looking drinks - e.g. virgin bloody mary, OJ with a lime slice, etc. Things that can look like a cocktail but aren't. I'm currently in pre-op diet so I've been packing packaged Protein drinks and a Blender Bottle. And, I plan on telling a few folks that I'm not able to join them for dinner due to some project deadlines I'm on. Most people aren't as observant as we give them credit for.

Fish for me is listed in the soft-food stage. Shrimp would be full-good because of it's texture.

Did the fluids they give you help any of the other symptoms? Some people do experience arrhythmia after any surgery. It just doesn't make any sense why a doctor wouldn't rule out a serious complication by a simple leak test. Even if you don't have a leak, for peace of mind. Geesh, what an idiot! Keep advocating for yourself until you get an answer. Sometimes there might not be one, but at least rule the other things out!

Awesome, thanks everyone. I'm banded so used to having mechanical issues with certain foods.

Thanks! Okay, one more . . . Walmart- did you need to exchange $ or just use your card? Was thinking the same about needing to get the drinkable yogurt there.

I tried searching for this but got buried in NUTS! Once on solid foods do folks do okay with nuts? I know nutritionists often say no, but that's more of a "dieting" and not mechanical issue. I have a hiking trip planned for several months post-op and we usually pack trail mix. Just need to know if I'll need to consider a back-up plan.

Usually the full service Marriott hotels do not have self service laundry. You can send it out, but it's pricey.

One other tip is to take your time between bites to give your stomach a chance to catch up to your mouth. We need to reset our "full" buttons. I'm currently banded and I'd sometimes have those "that last bite was too many" if I ate too quickly.

That is so cool! Thanks for sharing and congrats!

Sipping on hot tea is helping me. Caffeine free like peppermint has been great after "dinner".

I also added extra time to get my official bank check. Since I use an out of state bank that took an extra week. They ask a copy of the check emailed/faxed at least 2 weeks prior to surgery, then you bring the check with you. Read through your insurance policy. Mine covers emergencies arising from non-covered procedures. They give a plastis surgery example. Not really any different if it were cash in the US.

I'm in Southern California which is pricey. Quoted 18,500 from a very highly respected surgeon and then 21,500 for band sleeve conversion (both cash prices). It does include support groups. Mexico seems all over between 4k to 11k depending on facilities and accreditation.

Sounds like it's been great! Thanks for sharing. Are the shuttles Marriott shuttles or OCC? They haven't been overly clear but just stated "take the shuttle."

I know a several folks have had surgery this week (or very recently) with Dr. Ariel Ortiz. Just checking in to see how it's gone or going.

Be sure to tip the wheel chair folks! They make a pittance. They will also arrange for that little cart to zip you to your gate . . .lots of tips! I had to do this when I had to travel with a badly broken ankle.

I'm a bit of a research nut. I've been reading tons of the studies so I can ask my surgeon lots of questions nd be armed with the symptoms of complications. I particularly like this study because of the descriptions of the stages or time periods associated with leaks.

And just research that dehydration can cause a lot of these symptoms as well, including the arrhythmia.

I came across this study researching leaks. Heavy on medical jargon, but good info. http://www.hindawi.com/crim/gm/2012/205979/

If you didn't have the heart issue before surgery, I'd take faster action. From all the complications symptoms I have read about, that and some of the others you have listed s things to watch for with either a leak or bleed. Everything I've read says don't put off going to an ER if things don't seem right. It may be something minor but better safe than sorry.

Oh, and I do find that different herbal teas help fill the void. Caffeine free like peppermint tea is really nice to sip in the evening. I'm becoming a bit of a tea fanatic. Being hot it's almost like fooling myself that it's food.

I just got somewhat reamed out by my nutritionist during our weekly pre-op check in. Botton line is the preop is to shrink your liver and make this a safer surgery. Not following the diet is reason to move the surgery. Losing weight before hand makes it safer. I screwed around food wise for too many years to screw up this relatively short period of time that is going to allow me to get my life back.

Trying to better understand the risks and complications associated with band/sleeve conversions. I understand from one doctor I spoke to that there's a greater risk with revisions. If you've had any complications, no matter how minor - or no complications, I'm looking to learn: how long did you have your band? did you have a lot of complications with your band previously - e.g. that's what would have led to lots of scaring, etc If you didn't have any excessive band complications, did your sleeve surgeon say you had a lot of scaring from the band? I think I"m just trying to get to whether or not there's a great chance of scaring if you've had your band longer (I've had mine for just over 5 years.

I tend to buy a product called "Better than Bouillon" which is a concentrated stock. It tastes better than all those cubes and such. I've always used this if I need stock, broth, etc. It's also very economical. 1 tsp makes 1 cup of liquid so you can make as much or as little as you'd like.

leaks are possible for several weeks after the surgery. however most leaks occur soon after the operation.