SuperblyInsane

Today is 10 weeks post-op!
Everything's still going well. Hopped on the scale and -4 lbs this week. (-54 total)
Started getting a little more creative since I have been cleared for most. Adding a new food item daily to see how my sleeve tolerates, and so far everything has been great. chicken breast is still tough, but if i use some BBQ Sauce (1 tbsp) or the like, it goes down easier. Canned chicken breast seems to be better for me.
The pictures are to help visually. (My first post kept saying "error" so I've edited the post) ??

ViSalus shakes are super yummy, they literally taste like cake batter. Plus they can be flavored to what ever you want. The base flavor is a sweet cream. Just don't get caught up in their sales tactic of monthly delivery. You can buy it through Amazon. It has really low carbs and a good amount of Protein. You can use any type of milk or milk-type products to mix with it. I just use Water to keep the calories lower (and I'm not a big fan of milk).

I am officially scheduled for April 20th I wish it was March 20th I'm ready to be thin already!!!!

I am so glad you are continuing to post for us pending sleevers! What doctor released you to life weights? Just wondering if you mean the surgeon from Cancun or a local doctor that is doing follow-up treatment? I have chosen my doctor in Cancun as well and am counting the days until I can have a story like yours!! 2 other questions - did your doctor use compression stockings? Did they give any blood-thinning therapy? I have tried to find as much info from my doctor, but there isn't a whole lot about his post-op out there.

I got into the low 200's a few years ago. I've been on and off diet pills for years (I'm a boxer and I've had to drop weight)... They are horrible and bad for you and are like a bandaid over the problem. I also know this tool isn't "permanent" but I love the idea of hunger not ruling my life. I have PCOD and I'm 35 this year. I met a guy over Christmas. I heard later he referred to me as "that fat chick" .... No one else will be touching my body (besides my wax lady) until post op. I'm not as big as some here but I've felt the same feelings and emotions as you. I've had "your stomach doesn't gross me out as much anymore" from a boyfriend. "You got fat" from an ex, said in front of a group of friends. I said "not fat voluptuous" he said "no fat". A stranger on a plane told me "I'd be more beautiful if I ate less" ... I have more but I won't bore you. This Christmas one was the last straw. I don't feel "fat" inside ... I want to be happy and confident again ... This yo-yoing has gone on sine about 20 yo - enough already! I'd rather die on the operation table trying, then go on like this! Parents are against Mexico but I know I'm in good hands and have all this support on here even if I don't have there's %100
<3

update:
i am now 8 1/2 weeks post op and still going strong.
I continue to lose weight, steadily and each week. I am now up to approximately 700-750 calories per day, pushing for 800. I am able eat more of a variety now. My sleeve loves shrimp.
I do walk 5-7 miles - 4-5 times per week. I go hiking usually once per week, depending on work schedule and kids' activities.
My doctor released me to lift weights and I can now start cycling again. Really excited about this. Dr said if it hurts..STOP. uncomfortable is ok, but not pain.
I do feel like I am eating ALL OF THE TIME, just to get in the calories. I am able to drink Water without the whole sip, sip, thing. It's a small price to pay, but it was absolutely annoying to me.
I do tend to burp. Lol. I've never been one to do it, so it's funny to my kids and husband.
I get the hiccups when I am full.

I am going to give a very detailed experience. It was the one thing I would search for and want to read when I began my search for my options of going to Mexico for my surgery. I am not going to give details of my surgeon, as we have all researched (or will) our Dr.'s and make the decision best for ourselves. I have only seen a couple of posts concerning who he is on these forums, and they were VERY vague and people having questions, no information. I am NOT a paid employee, nor do I work for free.
My surgery was on Friday, January 11.
I chose my surgery to be in Cancun. I opted to not to go to a border town, because I wanted scenery and beaches and a mini-vacation. I researched which physicians performed surgery in Cancun. There are several that practice in Puerta Vallarta, Monterrey, and Cancun. Easy enough.
I arrived Thursday, January 10 and was greeted at the airport with no waiting. Took me to my hotel. When I arrived, the hotel staff was extremely courteous and offered me a free upgrade to a villa. YAY!! (I have pics and should really post them at some time if you guys want to see them.)
Met in lobby on Friday at 8:30 a.m. There was someone else going, they were late and we did not leave until 9:30 because she over-slept.
Straight to the hospital. I arrive and greeted by a wonderful staff. I speak enough spanish to understand and to be understood. The best part? When in doubt...they have flash cards they bring to you to translate for themselves. My doctor comes to greet me (perfect english) and the labs/EKG and other stuff begins. Took about an hour, at the most. I had a room to myself. The floor was empty except for one other WLS patient. The hospital was great! My room had a shower, I sofa thatfolded out into a bed, working Wi-fi, and a tv with a blu-ray player.
Anesthesiologist comes in and she was great. I answered a few questions she had and she answered mine.
I changed into a gown and walked into the operating room and got on the table at 11:25 a.m. I remember singing "Proud Mary" and realized the anesthesiologist put something in my i.v.
Woke up in the recovery room, and I really needed to pee. lol the nurse asked me, in her way, if I felt ok to go. "si, si, si."
After that, I was in and out every for a couple of hours. Anesthesia wearing off. Then I was 'OFF!' I began with the laps. I had read about all kinds of major gas pain on here and to walk, walk, walk and that is what I did. Every hour (I timed by the TV shows: when it ended, I walked. repeat)
At one point I heaved a little and saliva/clear stuff came up. I was afraid because of my new tummy. The nurse came in later and I told her about and she came back and put something in my i.v. and I did NOT experience it again while in the hospital. The nurses knew of my one episode of 'nausea' and kept the anti-nausea meds in the i.v. I was checked on hourly, my drain was checked and/or emptied.
Was I not in pain because of the pain meds? I don't think so...I declined pain meds in my i.v. because I was not hurting. I have not taken NOT one bit of anything for pain since the surgery, nor since I left the hospital. Everyone's recovery is different. Walking helps.
Saturday: this is something I had NEVER read about on these forums, my mouth began to Water and knew I was about to heave something. It came up, but I will say it freaked the poo-poo out of me. It was dark. like something from a horror movie. And it came up 3 times total. LOL. I could taste the 'metallic' taste to it and knew it was blood. I WILL SAY THIS: as soon as I got that up, i swear I felt like I could run a marathon. I literally felt that much better. The nurse made her rounds and came in, I showed her and she assured me it was completely normal. My Doctor came by later that day and told me the same thing. I was given ice chips several times throughout the day and was allowed to take the best feeling shower I have ever had. walked, walked, walked. watched NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order, etc.
Sunday: The inevitable blue dye is brought to me. OMG. It is horrible. Think of liquid Nyquil, the green one, and about 12 oz of it. Dr comes and gets me and we go to look. I get downstairs and I took a drink of some other clear liquid and watch it go down in to my new little bitty tummy. It's BEAUTIFUL!! lol. No leaks appeared. back to the room and he looks at the drain, no leaks or blue dye in there, either. YAY! He tells me he is going to pull it out and "It doesn't hurt. It just feels funny." Is it going to make me laugh? "No, but it just feels like it." He pulls it out and honestly, it did not hurt. just a quick 'zip' and its out. No stitches, he states. It is natures way of laughing at Dr's because it is going to heal and look the best out of all the little one's you have. I laugh. I "can then shower dress and get ready to go, the driver will be here at 11:30 to get you. We will call the hotel and pay for an extra day because check-in time is not until 4 pm." Great! and he tells me to walk and keep walking. We leave, get to the hotel, and we get upgraded again because they couldn't get a room ready quick enough. Leave my things and went walking on the beach for 1 1/2 hours, then went to the mall for 2 hours.
Monday: I am on soft/pureed foods and really can't hold much at all. I buy guacamole, but please put nothing in it. So basically, a smushed up avocado. Can I tell you guys.. I was scared to death. My tummy loved it. the entire baby spoonful I ate. I ate it for lunch and dinner. So, about a tbsp for the entire day. and only got in about 20 oz. of gatorade for the day. i ate a nibble of a piece of watermelon (it's on my approved list - and it came right back up. scared the poo out of me because i kept thinking i sprung a leak) It's just too much sugar for the new guy.
Tuesday: Leaving today. Pack, leave my stuff at the hotel desk, and went shopping. Drank 20 oz. of gatorade, 2 baby spoonfuls of yogurt and get on the plane with my bottle of Water.< /p>
Wednesday-Friday: Every day has got better and better. I don't eat much. 1/2 a boiled egg and 1/2 tbsp of light mayo blended, water, and a couple of Protein drinks, a couple of bites of yogurt, 1/4 c of blended Beans. nothing chunky, just smooth. I am not hungry and I set a timer on my phone to remind me. Right now, by the time it takes me to drink 12-16 ozs. of water, it's usually time for some kind of Protein. I have got more protein today than any other day. So, when everyone says it gets better and better, it really does!!
I have no pain, I have only heaved the once with the watermelon, and I am walking around and doing okay. (don't want to jinx myself!) I love my new sleeved tummy!!
I have lost 18 lbs total. 6 for the 7 day preop and 13.2 since surgery on Friday, 7 days ago. I am sure it will start to slow down very soon.
Good luck on your journeys and I wish every single one of you nothing but success! Thanks to every one who posts here telling their experiences - I knew what to expect, because of those.

Dr Garcia in MX has stockings for my legs too and I got up and started walking right away, then I'd get nausea, a nurse would give me a shot, I'd sleep, then wake up and do it all over again for the first day. There were also doctors and nurses around all the time which I found comforting! I was really worried about blood clots, especially if they travel and cause a pulmonary embolism. That was probably my biggest fear.. and that they'd remove and sell a kidney on the black market!

Oh my word! We have be sailing in the same boat! Im 3 weeks away from surgery. Everyday seems like the Last Supper. Not copious amounts of food, but whatever snack that I think I want to eat. I started to doubt that I wanted the surgery!
Honestly, I think that I had to mourn the loss of my old eating habits. I have given up soda and do not drink with meals to trying to prepare and trying not to eat candy, etc. I was just struggling from knowing I won't be able to snack incessantly. Thankfully this week, I am getting excited once again. I don't want to eat mindlessly anymore. I feel ready!
I think that I had to go through the emotions of giving up a part of me. I'm ready to change! I want this. I know it is a tool and not a magic wand. Maybe you, too, are going through emotions of the huge changes that lie ahead.
The decision is still yours to make!
Linda

I know when I made the decision to get the sleeve I was sick of being obsessed with food and was tired of all the time and guilt I put in thinking about food. I look forward to loosing my hunger and being able to feel full quickly. Time will tell but I'm optimistic for this change. You will be able to eat most of what you want eventually just in smaller portions. Thi tool will hopefully help us make better choices. Good questions to ask yourself good luck.

Before you settle on a surgery, please do your research. Coming from Miami (AKA the land of plastic) Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia are known for their amazing plastic surgery. Mexico is known for Bariatrics. Most of the packages I have seen in Mexico only keep you for a day or two after the surgery. The other countries keep you a minimum of 10 days in a resort. Nothing against Mexico, that's where I'm having my Sleeve done, but a makeover is really a toll on your body with so many things healing at once. Check out makeovertravel, they have 6 different packages. In Miami, the majority of people travel to Colombia for their surgery and the work I've seen is incredible (just check out the Real Housewives of Miami, lol)

My BMI is 30 .. 5'6 190lbs .... If I hear just eat less or workout more ... I might punch them ... I'm looking at Mexico in may ... Fingers crossed

Before you settle on a surgery, please do your research. Coming from Miami (AKA the land of plastic) Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia are known for their amazing plastic surgery. Mexico is known for Bariatrics. Most of the packages I have seen in Mexico only keep you for a day or two after the surgery. The other countries keep you a minimum of 10 days in a resort. Nothing against Mexico, that's where I'm having my Sleeve done, but a makeover is really a toll on your body with so many things healing at once. Check out makeovertravel, they have 6 different packages. In Miami, the majority of people travel to Colombia for their surgery and the work I've seen is incredible (just check out the Real Housewives of Miami, lol)

And duh.... just read the message about PM...lol

Hi Deena. I took a long time after the initial orientation to make a firm decision. After all....this IS major surgery. However I reached the decision that I wanted my life back for myself, my husband and my family. I'm a little nervous about it but am looking forward to the ultimate result. Good luck to you and don't forget to post on here to let everyone know what step you're at and how your weight loss is progressing !

I'm so ready!! I'm ready for the work, ready for change, I'm even ready to stop eating the way I have been. I feel trapped by my body. I feel trapped with my eating. I'm just ready. COME ON APRIL 8TH!!! We're gonna do this ladies!!

My BMI was 35 day I went to doctor, now 16 days later, I have lost 14 pounds, I am short 5'3, and didn't have health problems, but was headed in the wrong direction, I feel like a weight has been lifted, and to say this is the easy way out of dieting, they are wrong, its hard, not easy and painful. But I believe well worth it. Good luck to all you upcoming sleevers. mary

I just got back from being sleeved by Dr. Perez on January 25. My husband went with me. Let me assure you that you have nothing to worry about. Everyone is very kind. Mario & Lupita picked me and my husband up at the airport to take us to the hotel. They didn't speak much English but enough. Abraham (the owner of the car company) took us to the hospital. He was very informative and gave Lee (hubby) suggestions on where to eat or get Snacks. My husband, who doesn't like Mexican food, found the food - especially at 100% Natural - to be delicious (sorry, sleevers, that is for your companions). Also, don't be too shy to ask for a pillow for your companion. The "bed" they have has a square cushion that my husband used the first night and his neck killed him. He asked for a pillow, sheet and blanket for the 2nd night - no problems!
All of the surgical staff speaks English. The operating room (to which you walk yourself) is very modern. The entire hospital is clean but very small. I got dizzy walking the hall. That was probably the only negative of my entire trip.
Feel free to ask if you have specific questions. I am getting ready to post my experience in full so you can read that too, if you want.

I got my date and kinda was upset it was so far away. But I'm realizing I needed the time to get last minute stuff done. I told my hubby I was ready to have surgery yesterday! Now I'm glad I have a month to prepare. What all is left for everyone? I need bloodwork and an EKG. Doing both on 3/14. Pre op class 3/27. I'm a little jealous of all the MX sleevers... I want a vacation/ sleeve too! I'm going to the exotic San Antonio TX.

This happened to me yesterday --- I was taking my 81 year old aunt to multiple medical appointments from different ends of the city and back... by 2:30pm we both needed to eat something but only had 20 minutes until the next appt. I reluctantly pulled into McDonalds, which is something I've almost never done over the last 12 years (only on road trip vacations). I ate about 1/2 of the burger, became uncomfortably full and threw the rest away. And I realized no big deal.... I had a Protein Shake at 7am for Breakfast and 1/2 of small hamburger for lunch --- I'm good! That is what my goal was when I decided to have this surgery. I was tired tired tired of "being on a diet" after 40 years. Yes, I guess in essence I'm "on a diet" because I'm limited on how much I can eat but it doesn't feel like a diet. It just feels like I can eat whatever I want (within reason of course) and I just stop when I'm full. Wonderful!!!
Congrats on being in the 250's!!
~Dana

Omg this is now the second time I've heard of nakedness! I had mine done this last Tuesday, also by Dr. Garcia and one of my sleeve buddies was telling me she saw someone naked! I thought maybe this was a rare occurrence, but maybe not. Well, whoever saw my fat, naked ass --- SORRY!

Thanks for the info but personally not all of it sounds that bad in my opinion. The only part of your post that bothered me was seeing another patient in the OR, that's not cool. everything else I can deal with but glad to hear what some of the non pleasant things might be