Canary Diamond

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. People who've never been seriously overweight (or underweight, or paraplegic, or victims of 3rd degree burns, or sufferers of a host of physical aberrations that make one hyper-sensitive about one's appearance) often have no tact in such matters. I would NEVER make a comment about another person's body. I might say, "That color is great on you!" or, "You seem tired today," (not you LOOK tired today) or "You have something green stuck in your teeth," but never a comment that insinuates I presume to understand or mirror another's self-image.

Have any of you heard if there is anything a patient can do pre-surgery to lessen post-surgery pas pain?

My surgery is July 13th in TJ. I'll be there until the 17th. Will our times there overlap at all?

Please do, Amy! You can PM me too if you'd like. Do you know what time you're scheduled for surgery?

Thinking good thoughts for you, Amy! Have you met up with Wednesdayzchild? Sounds like you two are there together.

Best of luck to you, Wednesdayzchild!

I'm having mine on the 13th in TJ and will be in the hospital for two nights with nothing to do but my Genetics homework. Please give me a reason to avoid doing it. Where are you having surgery?

I want to learn how to cook sleeves! Then I can sell them on the black market...

WOOO_HOOOO! I wish I knew how to add one of those animated characters - it would be a #1 dressed up as a cheerleader, jumping and waving its pompoms. YaaaaaaaaAAAY, YOU!

I did TONS of research too and had it down to Dr. Kelly and Dr. Illan (Illan was Kelly's assistant surgeon for years and a highly respected surgeon in his own right). I also knew I wanted to have the procedure at Florence rather than Mi Doctor and stay at the Lucerna. Then the folks here started the summer special with Illan and that sealed it for me. My surgery is July 13th and I'd be happy to share my experience with you when I get back. What date range are you looking at? You may also try searching "Dr. Fraijo" (same person - Mexicans have many surnames) here and on obesityhelp.com

LOL!!! Vixynne, I think I love you.

I imagine Freddie Kruger would make an excellent surgeon, much like Edward Scissorhands was a natural hairstylist.

My surgery date is Saturday, July 13 with Dr. Illan Fraijo at Florence Hospital in TJ.

Welcome! And congratulations on creating your own Independence Day.

Which hotel are you staying at? Maybe we can meet up!

I thought it might be nice to have all our dates, surgeons, and locations in one place to facilitate meeting other VST posters in MX! Surgery: Tijuana, Dr. Illan - July 13 Locations: July 13-15: florence Hospital July 15-17: Lucerna Hotel Hope this helps!

It's a joke from another thread. I am not required to eat insects pre-op.

Me too! Dr. Illan in TJ!

Only teasing. Perhaps if you reread your second post you'll get the joke.

Anyone else going to be in TJ?

Who is Miss Understanding? I don't believe we've been introduced. And what has she done to make you feel the need to apologize for her? (Can anyone tell yet I'm an English teacher?)

Yes, I hear bug meat can be quite addictive.

Thank you all for your thoughts. Cheri ~ This is an extremely valid point. I spent four months in treatment last year for an eating disorder and having the sleeve fail because I revert back to those behaviors is my biggest concern. I feel like the emotional work was beneficial; learned a lot about myself and why I eat, but the food and exercise pieces were designed for anorexics (i.e., they take away all exercise and encourage you to eat junk food as a strategy for overcoming food fears). I had been working with a personal trainer and had JUST gotten into a healthy cardio/resistance routine, and as far as food fears go - my only fear was not having enough! Needless to say, I gained 20 pounds while I was there. What's worse is that I was told I hadn't gained (you're not allowed to know your weight or blood pressure). Um, then why can't I fit into the pants I wore when I checked in? I've put on more since, but I've also made a lot of healthy changes (I quit my high-stress job, don't drink anymore, got a dog) and I'm much happier. My blood pressure, which has always been high, is 112/64! It doesn't bother me that the number on the scale and inside my jeans has gone up, but I'm starting to have knee and back problems and it's really slowing me down. I don't binge AT ALL like I used to, I just think my body only knows how to gain now. So I'm throwing a wrench in its plans!

Those of you who've already had surgery, what period of time do you think has been the most difficult so far and why? Was it the pre-op diet? The gas pains after surgery? The fourth week post-op? Thanks!

Your husband reached out to me last week and we spoke on the phone - very nice man!!! Didn't want anything from me, was just offering to answer questions and give advice. From they way I understood it, he acts as a sort of "medical tourism companion". He is NOT a coordinator and will steer you away from certain doctors and hospitals. It sounded to me like his years of experience and many trips to Mexico with WLS patients have given him a valuable perspective. He was certainly helpful to me!