Francieb

I love that you named it! I want to name mine now... Sleevie nicks or sleeve Martin

There is a thread that has a checklist I looked at that prior to surgery.
I bought a lot and only used a little... My main things were a heating pad (for the random gas pains) I had RTD Protein drinks, you may want things like crystal light or power aide zero or G2 around because I remember I thought Water was disgusting. I had apple sauce to put my morning anti acid pill in. Lots of movies to watch or if you have Netflix. Oh you may want to put out sweats and big T-shirts because you won't want to bend over.
As I've said before the first few days suck but it gets easier and easier as time goes on.
I remember wondering if the soreness would ever go away and today I'm 9 weeks out and as happy as can be. good luck!

MONDAY: 7/29/2013
I just arrived in Tiajuana and am thrilled to be here. I only came from Houston (3 hr flight) and do a lot of traveling so I'm rather adept at traveling on my own, but I did want to share my experiences for those of you who might be wondering what it's like.
Arrival in San Diego was a breeze and I got a phone call from my driver, Eduardo, while I was waiting for my luggage. He spotted me through the crowd and came over, introduced himself, and helped me with my luggage. He was a very pleasant man and willing to answer questions that I asked. We then moved to another terminal to pick up a second passenger from Calgary, Canada. Her surgery is scheduled for today, so she is headed straight to the hospital.
The border crossing was a non-event. We just drove past the border patrol, giving them a little wave, and went about our merry way. I was the first to get dropped off at my hotel, chicken, or anything else). When I headed down to the restaurant for my cup of Soup I was surprised to receive what looked like a steaming bowl of Water. However, desperate as I was, I dug in with fervor and discovered it was actually a very nice cuppa. If I time this right, I'll get one more cup in before I have to stop my intake altogether.
When I got back to my room I got one more phone call from the coordinator here in Mexico. She apologized for not being here upon my arrival and explained that this is a VERY busy week for them. I told her I was doing fine and having no problems at all. She gave me a few instructions about preparing for my surgery tomorrow, answered a couple of questions I had, and promised to call back in the morning to let me know what time to head to the lobby for my trip (it must be very close) to the hospital.
So far, everything seems to be going to plan and I am very pleased with the entire process. Just thought I might share in case anyone is wondering about the "details" of doing the Mexico thing. :-)

Good luck everybody! Dr. Garcia did my sleeve on July 2nd. I live in western Oklahoma.

This is a very weighty (for lack of a better word) decision. You need to be honest with yourself from the get-go. Your daughter at 5'3" and 246 lbs is not overweight. She is morbidly obese. If she doesn't make serious diet and exercise changes, she is at great risk of developing serious illnesses at a younger age (heart disease, diabetes, to name a few). A drastic change is needed but at her age and development, surgery may not be it right now. There are diet plans run by clinics especially for children and teenagers. I think it will be easier for her to implement these changes once you've had your surgery. You can be her motivator.
If you're strongly leaning toward surgery and after extensive trial and effort dieting doesn't work then ask yourself:
First off - does her primary care doctor have any thoughts as to whether she has finished her bone growth? What is his or her opinion on obesity surgery on a teenager? It is very important to get at least one or two medical opinions from doctors and not just your surgeon. He has financial incentive to approve her.
Second - do you think she is mature enough to handle surgery and the life altering changes she'd have to make and stick to? I know I couldn't have done it at 14, though I wish I hadn't gone through high school and college obese. People can be cruel and they certainly were to me in high school, less so in college.
Bottom line is both regular diet and exercise and surgery diet and exercise are difficult and require ongoing compliance and dedication. It's a lifelong change. We can never eat what most people normally eat. We always need to take our Vitamins. We can't be lazy. Both avenues require emotional stability. At 14, I just don't think most teenagers are mentally up to the challenge. There is no rush, you and your daughter should take more time to consider all the options. Teenagers love to make impulsive decisions, and this choice would be a bad one to make impulsively.
I wish you and your daughter all the best.

Good luck everybody! Dr. Garcia did my sleeve on July 2nd. I live in western Oklahoma.

Good luck everybody! Dr. Garcia did my sleeve on July 2nd. I live in western Oklahoma.

One of my favorites when I was on puree's was from theworldaccordingtoeggface.com (I did it both in one pan and in 4oz. individual ramekins)
Shelly's Baked Ricotta
8 oz of Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 large Egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly. I usually made it first in the oven and heated the leftovers in the microwave.

I made spaghetti squash and meatballs around that time . I love meatballs. Or you could go with the ricotta bake if you just want the cheesy gooey yumminess

Just did a tuna salad tonight for the first time. Instead of mayo I used a wedge of Laughing Cow French Onion, plus a dollop of spicy brown mustard to go with the albacore tuna and of course relish (mine was dill relish, because that's just how I like it )

Has anyone tried some pimento cheese on the pureed/soft food stage? I always put my homemade pimento cheese in the food processor so it's soft and smooth!!

I am going to Tijuana July 2nd and bring sleeved by dr Ariel Ortiz. Total without airfare I'd 6,500 and his center is a bariatic center of excellence. I can't wait!

I just tried the Special K banana strawberry Protein Drink. Best tasting drink so far. Just an FYI. Btw, four days til surgery! Woot!!!

Welcome! There are several of us with surgeries on Tuesday. I know I'm having some nerves, too, and it led to some odd dreams last night!
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Hi all. New here. Just found out last week that my surgery is THIS Tuesday. Woke up nervous and anxious this morning.

Good luck to all us July sleevers!!!!

Thanks for sharing all this valuable information! I'm scheduled with Dr. Garcia July 2nd, and I'm so grateful that people who have gone ahead of me are wiling to let us know the ins and outs.

I just tried the Special K banana strawberry Protein Drink. Best tasting drink so far. Just an FYI. Btw, four days til surgery! Woot!!!

July 2nd in Tj.

Thanks Kelly! I feel much better knowing I won't have to have anything shoved up my ****! That just seems SOOOO wrong! What exactly is the drain? Where does it come from? Where does it go? What's in it? When does it come out? (sounds kinda like the song "cotton eyed joe" - where did ya come from, where did ya go, where did ya come from cotton eyed joe) sorry...late night silly moment

Thanks guys I can't wait till this is over I hope they give me Something for this anxiety

Man tomorrow is the day I'm scared and nervous.... Surgery is tomorrow please keep me in your prayers.... Thanks

Ill be at the Marriott on the 1st and 3-4. Leaving the 5th.