sailorbrees

Talked to Ronda last night. He completed his 1,000 surgery and he is assisted by Dr. Lopez. Furthermore, talked to a close friend that is an ex-pat in Mexico. All surgeons have to practice public medicine for several years before they are permitted to be private surgeons like VSG doctors. On top of that, you must have a 98% or higher success rate to stay in private practice. Sold me.... Icon23, how was you experience?!

I found an unflavored protein powder that I add to Special K protein drink and blend with ice. I've been doing this for a week. The guy at GNC swore that it was for weight loss. I'm looking at the label today, and it says not a weight loss supplement. Have I been screwing with my pre-op? Anyone know about this?? Kinda freaking out, as I'd like to lose at least 7lbs between now and 4/8. I'm also walking everyday, so hopefully that helps...

I mix it with another protein drink, but it tastes no different than the Special K by itself. Film? Not in my mouth if that's what you mean. In the blender it clumps a little on the walls and I just shake and blend one more time.

Thank you! I count every bite of everything on MyFitnessPal. I am on a 1200 calorie daily diet and I'm always well within my limits, I was just so worried. It turns a 10g protein drink into a 34g one, so I was hoping it would be ok. Thanks again!!!

My pre-op is two shakes a day, and salad with 2oz. Lean meat with fat free dressing. I don't have to technically start until Wednesday, but I started on march 3. Yesterday my family went to five guys. I ordered a burger, thinking what the hell. Last time, right? Let me tell you. Your tummy will actually get used to the shakes or liquids. I was in so much pain from the burger I could only bend over the counter top and not be in pain. Awful. Woke up looking forward to protein and salad. You cheated? So what. Don't do it again. And they will still sleeve you, just make sure that you are being careful from here on out. My Dr. told me, "plenty of people have emergency surgery without the shakes and such, but they are the ones with complications. If you drink your way to surgery day, you will be great." GOOD LUCK!!

I have EAS advantage carb control, Isopure, and IsaGenix. You buy IsaGenix through a distributor (which thankfully is my neighbor so get them at her cost). I buy the rest at GNC or Walmart. The people at my GNC are super helpful and never try to up sell anything. Bought two isopures on the clearance table tonight. $1 each bottle premixed. I spent more than that daily for coffee at Starbucks and didn't bat an eye, so I'm trying to not judge the money, but it can get expensive.

Nah. I just don't like the fact that you appear to be a know it all ****

I'm done. You just HAVE to be right don't you? Or maybe you were her nurse. She wasn't going to aspirate, her freaking throat was dry. I came to this site for help and support during my surgery process. All I've found is: 1. People who like to complain. A LOT. 2. People who still want to have their cake and eat it too. Good god. If I see one more post about being 5 weeks out and wanting alcohol! 3. Debbie Downers and Negative Nancies. Get over yourself. Everyone has bad days. Your horror stories are not even told to educate, rather scare people. Want sympathy? Look it up in the dictionary. 4. High and mighty 'Veterans' with flippant responses. NurseGrace, no one was attacking you personally on your I'm sure 'fabulous' bedside manner. I'm a teacher. You don't think people attack my profession constantly?! I ignore it and take the constructive criticism to improve my self. One teacher at a time. I cannot stand this bickering and blatant disrespect people have for each other on here just because you sit behind a computer. I will go through this silently or find some other support. Good luck to you that really want to change their lives. Those who wanted a quick fix? Shame on you.

Just had a "last meal" with my whole family. It wasn't really a food funeral, but more of a way to celebrate my decision since family is busy every weekend up until my surgery. That and my birthday is 10 days after surgery this year. Yay chicken broth birthday dinner!!! Lol. It was actually wonderful to celebrate this HUGE life change with my family. My dad told the waiter it was my last meal before I turned myself in to the police for heinous crimes. Nice...

Me too! Which Ortiz?

In terms of scheduling and time, you MUST understand culture. I lived in Costa Rica and it is VERY typical to say 12:00 and have a doctor walk in at 1:15. I would show up late and still be "early". Really screwed with me when I got back to the states. Latin American cultures are typically very laid back and time is not focused on....

I'm April 8th as well! So excited!!! I start my shakes and salads tomorrow. Good luck April sleevers! I'm going to Tijuana, and I know we will all do great things with our new sleeves!!

My coordinator suggested canned pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg. Kind of like pumpkin pie filling, but don't get actual sweetened pumpkin. Full of protein and goes down smooth. Haven't had surgery yet, so I don't know about it personally....

Yay! Congratulations!!!

It can be cheaper to upgrade before departing, but you have to look at your flights. What does the seating look like? If its a full flight, standby might bump on and up to 1st. If first is already 1/2 full when you are booking I'd buy the ticket now. I've been on flights where I was the only person in first because I bumped up at the gate, but also had flights where they were paying people to take a later flight. Good luck!!

I'm starting my pre-op diet now for Surgery April 8th. Talked to my coordinator today and she said its fine but I'm crazy! Lol

April 8th

Amen

It's no skin off my back where you go, but that is such a misinformed statement that I'm not even sure where to begin.... Let me guess. You've watched Taken or Man On Fire.... Wow. Just wow ????

Voltarin is extremely expensive here and should be used carefully. They sell it over the counter in Costa Rica and I told my OBGYN that I used it for cramps and she flipped. It's amazing stuff, but it should be through Rx only and used sparingly.