AmyInOrlando

Mine is August 1st also.... Leaving for San Antonio tomorrow at 0700, then it's "South of the Border" to meet Dr. Alvarez and his staff. I'm already mostly packed. Saved today to clean my house... but I don't want to spoil my new manicure. (actually, I'd rather just sit here and read and post) Seriously, I've got to get this place dusted and Swifted, and the dog bathed today, cuz I know I'm not going to want to do it next week.

" My fatness......well my fatness goes back to one of my first memories going to the doctor for shots and the doctor saying I was overweight, no more apple juice or graham crackers, my mom was a health nut there was never anything unhealthy around. My mom pushed me hard and before you knew it I was sneaking food and hiding to eat. I could think of nothing else but food. I stayed overweight till college when waitressing for 12 hrs and aerobics class took over. Oh yeah and that stuff called ephedrine that was miracle for me. I prob at that point got to my lowest in years around 170-180 and was never aware that I was thinner. I still had the monkey on my back, and I am worried that will be my biggest thing to overcome as the weight comes off. The Fat girl mentality., I must admit, I have the whole self loathing problem, can't make eye contact with people in certain settings, avoid having pics taken. My poor husband, has dealt with me withdrawing from the bedroom due to this as well. I am done hiding!!!!" Adargie..... most of that paragraph could have been my story too. 7 years ago I lost 150 pounds, but when I looked in the mirror I still saw 272. The only thing that confirmed my weight loss was that I was wearing a petite size 4. Well... obviously that's no longer the case, as I'm having the surgery on Thursday after regaining half of that 150. Good luck with your surgery... you're right behind me.

I tried the orange pineapple banana and the grape. The first sip was OK, then yuck..... horrible. I've got 10 more assorted bottles. I guess post op I'll convince myself it's medicine to help heal my sleeve.

So far I've tried the Orange pineapple banana and the Grape. The first sip of each was OK, it was downhill from there. I almost gagged getting it down. I finally added ice and it was a bit better. I tell ya... the week of post op clear liquids are going to be rough. I've got 10 more assorted bottles and they're too expensive to toss. The unjury unflavored powder with crystal light, Mio or Dasani drops is much better.

Amazing... you're awake and alert and feel well enough to post less then 10 hours after surgery. I hope it goes as smoothly for me on Thursday.

My vote's for the lobster, although I love grits with cheese. For the first year (or until I reach goal) my plan is Protein and Produce.

It would behoove anyone having this surgery to review the signs and symptoms of PE, Pulmonary embolism and especially DVT, Deep vein thrombosis. Be alert and aware of the symptoms and if you have any of them alert your Nurse, or Dr. immediately. Don't think you're being a bother. Better it be treated immediately, then go home in a box. Also..... if you're flying, make sure you get up and walk as often as you can, and when you're seated be sure to stretch your legs, bend and flex your feet frequently to keep the circulation going. We have to be well informed health care recipients wherever we go. Let's stay safe and healthy. Google DVT and PE and read all about it. I just did (and I'm a Nurse).

I take Celebrex which is an NSAID, but I was told I can still take it post-op. But NOT Ibuprofen, Mobic or Naproxyn

I'll be 61 in September, but once I reach goal I'll be looking for a cosmetic surgeon for a full body lift. I'll probably have to get a home equity loan, but to me it will be worth it. Right now I've put my kitchen and bath remodel on hold since I'm paying cash for my surgery and expenses.

I got one of those powdered baby formula containers with 3 compartments. I've filled it with Unjury protein powder. I've only taking a carry-on back pack. Is Airport security going to give me a hard time? I took a picture of the container and the nutritional info and have it on my I-Phone if they question me.

I can honestly say I have had no problems with the liquid diet. I'm sure it's because many years ago I did the Optifast program for 6 months. That's right, 6 months on nothing but shakes and chicken soup 5 times a day. So, 7 days sounded like a piece of cake (pardon the pun). Since I had been bingeing like a bear getting ready for hibernation I decided to do 14, with the last three days clear liquids only. I'm on day one of the clear liquids, and I'm using the Isopure RTD bottles and tonight I'll probably have some Unjury chicken soup. During the time I was on full liquids, I was drinking mostly EAS Advantedge shakes, sugar-free popsicles, SF Jello, and once a day I would either have a can of Progresso Southwestern Vegetable soup liquefied, or a can of Campbell's 98%FF Broccoli cheese soup made with a cup of skim milk. There are so many choices out there..... SF flavored syrups, extracts, etc. You don't have to make this boring. Be creative with it and drink things you find satisfying. The unflavored Unjury is great mixed with water and Mio, Crystal Light, or Dasani drops. For Vitamins.. I got the Vitafusion gummy MultiVites.

I don't think this would be public information. I'm sure Mexico has laws similar to HIPPA. A close friend or family member would be the only one that could confirm or deny this. Whether true or false, there could be multiple reasons other then neglect or malpractice if that's the implication. JMHO

Take a giant deep breath..... hold it..... let it out...... RELAX !! Repeat as needed.

Slice of cake? Am I the only one here who's eaten a whole Sara Lee cheesecake right out of the freezer? Gamergirl..... looking forward to meeting you in Mexico later this week. We can exchange war stories....

I'm right behind you... Surgery on Thursday. I can't believe next week at this time I'll be post-op and on my way home from Mexico. Wishing you an uneventful surgery, and a smooth and comfortable recovery. ((((Hugs))))

I'm having surgery on Thursday too !!!! Next week this time I'll be post-op and on my way home from Mexico. Wishing you a uneventful surgery and a smooth and comfortable recovery. HIGH FIVE

I really like the EAS Advantedge shakes. They're 100-110 calories and have 17 grams of protein. The Café Caramel is amazing. The French Vanilla and Dark Chocolate are also delicious. The best part is..... no blender

Susan..... We have Pluots in Florida... sometimes they're called Dinosaur eggs. They look like a plum, and I think they taste more like a plum then anything else. They're shiny, not fuzzy like an apricot. You can find them at Publix or any good produce market.

Barbie... I've been a Nurse for 38 years and I've always heard the saying "old Nurses eat their young". I've lived my career with the philosophy that if we don't take care of each other, we can't take care of our Patients. I guess for some it's the same here. All I can say is take what you like and leave the rest. For the most part, I've seen a lot of support and compassion here. Those that are insensitive have their own issues. Just remember.... you can always scroll past a post. Don't feel bad..... we love you..... ((((hugs)))))

I'm on day 10 of a 14 day liquid diet, and my Surgery is Thursday. I'm going to do clear liquids Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I've heard the Isopure is horrible. I can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I bought a case of assorted flavors so hopefully I'll be able to tolerate them. I've been using mostly the EAS Advantedge RTD's and they're great... especially the Café Caramel. Actually my Dr. only instructed me to do a week of liquids and did not require a bowel prep or clear liquids, but I'm doing both to prevent any problems. I'm a Nurse, and it just seemed like a good idea. I also ordered the Unjury unflavored and the chicken soup, so I do have some options. I think the last 3 days will be the toughest, but I want a great outcome and a smooth recovery. I'll be on clear liquids for a week post-op, so I might as well have an idea of what it will be like. Full liquids were easy pre-op... I just hope they will post op as well. I wasn't at all nervous until tonight. I think it's finally hitting me. I'm 61 years old and going to Mexico for my very first major surgery. YIKES

I'm on day 10 of liquids. I have a very stressful job and I also have degenerative disc disease in my cervical vertebrae. I fell a few days ago backing out of an elevator with a shopping cart. I fell on my well cushioned butt, but since then the area right below my neck has been killing me. I have been in a lot of pain the last few days. I can't take any NSAIDS because I'm 5 days pre-op. I still have to work today and tomorrow. At night I've been taking a Flexeril and a Xanax to help me sleep, but I can't function at work on either of those. I'm a Nurse on an Acute Psych Unit. I guess I just have to put on my big girl panties and tough it out. The liquid diet has been a breeze, but this pain is killing me.

What a loser........ LOL, YOU ROCK !!!!!

As long as you stay hydrated, you should be fine. Just stop if you feel weak or dizzy.

I read "Successful Weight Loss with THE GASTRIC SLEEVE" by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. You can order it on his site, Endobariatrics.com or Amazon. It's written simply, and gives you all the before and after information you need. I also purchased the book EAT IT UP, The Complete Mind / Body / Spirit Guide to a Full Life After Weight Loss Surgery, by Connie Stapleton, PHD. I haven't read it yet, I'm saving it to have something to read on my flights to and from Mexido. Dr. Alvarez's book deals with the neck down, and Stapleton's book deals with the neck up. Both equally important.

It's all just as well...... Stay out of N'Awlins. I lived there for 8 years. It has the best food in the world. I don't know how I could live there post-op. Seriously though... they'll come around once they see you're healthy and happy. My surgery is one week from today also. Best wishes for an uneventful surgery, and a smooth and speedy recovery. PS... I really miss N.O. It's the most fun and friendliest place I've ever lived.