Kristen125

Do you seem dehydrated? That could be your kidneys hurting........ This is just a guess on my part, so don't take it too seriously. Maybe increase Water intake and see if that helps.

For the first six weeks or so, shakes are the easiest way to get Protein since you can't eat solid foods.

I'm only five weeks post-op, but so far most of my 23 lb loss has come from my stomach and hips. I do feel a little looser in the bra area as well.

Yep, the Self-Pay Mexico Surgery forum has a ton of information. I went to Mexico and had a wonderful experience.

Skyping was free and easy for my husband and I. It is very expensive to use an American cell in Mexico.

Dr. Garcia was not my surgeon, but I was given the number for my patient advocate, driver and was able to talk to my coordinator via email. I had two questions while I was there and my coordinator answered me almost immediately.

I took a pain pill on the flight home and was fine. The only thing that happened was I an attack of gas. Not fun when you are on a plane. It had to be the gases from surgery since I hadn't had food in two weeks. Take some gas-x strips and you should be fine.

I went alone and was perfectly fine. There were several other patients to talk to and I felt we'll cared for by the doctors and hospital staff.

My husband and I talked via Skype every night through our iPads. It was freehand made me feel like we were together. The little safe in your hospital room will holdan iPad as well as jewelry, passport, etc.

On the way to the hotel, I asked the driver to stop at a convenience store to buy Gatorade, he was very helpful.

Oh, I went through A Lighter Me for my arrangements. No complaints here.

My drain tube was in for four days.

Just got home yesterday from a great experience with Dr. Lopez and A Lighter Me. While I was there and now at home, my stomach sort of feels like it rolls and it hurts a little. Did anyone else feel this? Just curious.

I am at the Marriott, but I traveled alone. I'm from Texas. :-)

Kristen, what exactly was hurting? Your belly? Or pain from the gas?

Are you staying at the Marriott? I may have just seen you in the restaurant...

There was a lot of pressure from the gas, but my belly felt like it had gone ten rounds is prize fight and I was just being let in on that little secret. :-/

Like I said, they are fabulous about keeping up with meds and being a helpful a possible.

What I would like now is to have his damn drain out!

I have just returned to the hotel after two nights at Mi Doctor. Dr. Lopez performed my surgery and the entire staff at Mi Doctor is pleasant, helpful and willing to answer any questions.

When I first awoke from surgery, I wasn't prepared for the way I felt. I won't lie, it was painful. But, they do give you meds as soon as you ask for them, so no worries.

Good luck!

Only my husband and kids know about my surgery. My mom is super critical and would not be supportive at all. My husband is my greatest supporter, he has seen me struggle with my weight for twenty years. I didn't want to talk to my friends about it.

Sounds like you are doing well! Congrats.

Woohoo! It won't be long now!

Like everyone else, I will be seeing my PCP for any blood work and just to make sure I stay on a healthy track. If I develop any problems, I plan on going to the ER. They won't turn me away.

Today is the day. I'm excited to lose the weight and actually be able to keep it off. I'm also a little nervous and I'm starving since I haven't had anything but liquid for three days. Wish me luck and look for my "story." I'll tell all once I feel like sitting down and writing it all out.

May 7th with Lopez

A lot of us have a hard time sticking to the pre-op diet because we have struggled for years with our eating habits. If I could control myself through sheer will power all the time, I wouldn't need to have such a powerful toll as the gastric sleeve to help me succeed in the long term. We are all human. Don't let the comments of one or two get you down.

Ill be traveling to Tijuana alone. If you read about other people's journeys, everyone says that they felt very safe and had excellent medical care.

There should be wifi in both the hospital and hotel to help you keep in touch with your family.

I won't be there at the same time, but I am going to the same doctor and having my surgery done at the same hospital. When I return home ( on the 11th of May) and get settled in, I'll post about my experience in this forum. You'll hear the good, the bad and the ugly. Good luck finding a sleeve buddy.

Lots of luck going your way!

I'm leaving Tuesday and have my surgery on Wednesday. I am majorly stressing out. :/

I'm stressing also, but I keep trying to talk myself out of it. :-)

I am leaving Monday and having same day surgery. Which hospital are you at? and which hotel are you staying at? I am at florence and The Marriott

I will have surgery at Mi Doctor and will be staying at the Marriott. Maybe we can walk around together once we are both at the hotel.

I'm stoked and a little nervous, but excited to be on the road to feeling better physically and looking better!

After I return home and get settled I will post a full account of my experience. Wish me luck!