AmyInOrlando

I keep my calories to 600 because I'm short (5') and I will be 61 years old in a few weeks. I'm hypothyroid, so my metabolism is already compromised. I'm only 5 weeks out. Once I can increase my exercise significantly, I'll up my calories to 800. I'm still a slow loser. On my day of surgery I weighed 195. The more you have to lose, the quicker it comes off I've noticed. A "full fat slice of cheese" in my opinion isn't cheating, as long as it fits in with your overall nutritional goals. Always follow your Surgeon's instructions (or your Nutritionist's)... JMHO

7 years ago I had lost 150 pounds with diet and exercise. It was not the first time I had lost and regained 100 pounds. This time, over the course of 7 years, and for many reasons I gained back 75 pounds. When I saw the scale quickly approaching the 200 pound mark, I knew it was time to do something drastic. That's when I decided to have the surgery. When I scheduled my surgery, I was 198 pounds. I then binged my way up to 204.8. I started the pre-op liquid diet a week early, just to stop the bingeing. The day of surgery I weighed 195. I was able to lose weight.... I'd done it all my life, only to regain some or all. I didn't want to do it again. I needed a new tool In my toolbox to lose the weight for the LAST time.

Ooookay...so this is my rant for the day! I am getting so freaking frustrated with family members and friends hearing that im going to TJ Mexico and them responding with "oh my god!" " seriously! Your crazy!" And.. "why would you put yourself at risk like that"? My favorite: "your going to a border town for surgery?" "People will steal your organs and sell them on the black market!!"
Seriously people!! Really??? Give me a flippin break! And while your at it..how about you educate yourself a little and read up about the hospital and Drs and procedures. Any surgery is risky..There is no difference in risk between habing surgery in Canada or the States and having surgery in Mx. Doesnt matter where you fly post op! Its all the same. You are flying and at risk for DVT. Lets also keep in mind that just like TJ Mexico...anyone can open fire at a hospital or experience a sudden natural disaster. Being in the US or Canada does not make you any more safe or free from natural disasters, criminals or shootings.
Point is: educate yoursel!!

I'll be 61 next month. I was sleeved on August 1st. I go back to work this afternoon. (I'm a Nurse) I sure hope I'm ready. I'm still on full liquids. Have no problem getting my 64 oz. of fluids on or 70 gms. of Protein. I had a hiatal hernia repair done along with my VSG. I've had some difficulty with shortness of breath with exertion. My Doc says it's because of the hiatal hernia repair. I'm looking forward to starting soft foods on Saturday. The first 10 days were really difficult for me, but I'm getting my strength back slowly. I used to be able to do the elliptical machine for an hour. I haven't exercised on a regular basis for more then a year. This morning I started with 5 minutes. My plan is to increase by 1 minute everyday. I'm also planning on swimming once my incisions are totally healed. Some of my steri-strips are still intact.

Holy Guacamole..... Phantompouch, I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Alvarez on August 1st. I thought I had researched him thoroughly, but after reading your post, I'm concerned. Hopefully, his experience in the VSG will make up for his lack of Post-Graduate Fellowship Training in Bariatric Surgery. I'm a Certified Psych RN with 38 years experience. I've got the ANCC Certification, but not a BSN. My experience more then makes up for the degree, and I'm an excellent Nurse. Dr. A has done over 3000 surgeries, and I've yet to find a Patient that's given him a bad review. At this point, there's no turning back for me. All I can do is hope and pray that I made the right decision, and hopefully I'll be back to post my own positive review.

I keep my calories to 600 because I'm short (5') and I will be 61 years old in a few weeks. I'm hypothyroid, so my metabolism is already compromised. I'm only 5 weeks out. Once I can increase my exercise significantly, I'll up my calories to 800. I'm still a slow loser. On my day of surgery I weighed 195. The more you have to lose, the quicker it comes off I've noticed. A "full fat slice of cheese" in my opinion isn't cheating, as long as it fits in with your overall nutritional goals. Always follow your Surgeon's instructions (or your Nutritionist's)... JMHO

My Doc. required an EKG (done within 30 days) in addition to the completed medical history form to be faxed to him before I was approved for surgery. No one can hold a Physician responsible if the Pt. was dishonest about disclosing a significant medical history. Does everyone read every line in the surgery and anesthesia consent? I know I didn't, but I'm a Nurse and was well aware of the risks. Some Physicians do more of a work up in the US, and some things may or may not get picked up. I had a hiatal hernia. I was asymptomatic, so it was never diagnosed. Dr. Alvarez found it and repaired it during my surgery. It's sad when we hear about deaths occurring, but it's noted as a risk on the consent form. The truth is, you have more of a chance of dying driving to your Dr's office, then you do having surgery. The risks increase based on your co-morbidities. After surgery, it's up to you to follow your post op instructions to lessen your chance of complications. Having 3/4 of your stomach removed is major surgery.... not a bandaid procedure. I chose to have my surgery in a full service hospital in Mexico with an ICU and other specialties to deal with any complication that might have occurred. I chose not to go to a surgical center with an off-site recovery house.

I still weigh myself every day. My first stop after the bathroom is the scale. If the scale moves, I'm a happy girl. If it stays the same, I'm disappointed. If it's up, I'm bummed. Now I know weight loss is not linear. There are going to be ups and downs depending on many different variables. I wish it didn't have so much power over me. The anxiety would be overwhelming if I put the scale away and only took it out once a week. The positive thing is it keeps me focused.
I spent this weekend at my Boyfriend's house. At home on Saturday AM I weighed 179. At his house Sunday AM I was 177.2, Monday AM I was 176.8. I was thrilled... (even though I knew I was weighing on a different scale). Tuesday morning, back home on my own scale I was 178. I was really disappointed. Not only because my scale read differently than Ed's., but because I was so careful all weekend, tracked everything and met all my nutritional goals, and was only down 1 pound. Oh well.... we'll see what it tells me in the morning. Peace out....

I know how you feel; I have had a bad habit at times correcting my wife about her food choices. My wife is no silent woman she tells me to shut my trap and mind my own sleeve, lol. Your right we didn’t have the surgery to be someone we are not . We had the surgery to enhance and respect our relationship with food. I admit the fact that I cannot eat much does not make me want more food. It would be impossible for me to sit and try to pig out like I used to. Now when I have a bad day I can no longer turn to food for help, and now I can no longer drink my heart out in diet sodas either. The improvements we have made with Portion Control and the ability to properly understand how we need to take care of ourselves are improved. We should not judge anyone for the choices they make, only offer opinions or facts when asked to do so. Never talk down on anyone. Moderation and respect is key to anything.

I'm glad we think alike!! I'm the same way I don't want my life revolving around packing a lunch for myself at 33 yrs old just to go to a friends house!
Amanda

So true, the funny thing is my surgeon doesn't say no alcohol, they say its not gonna hurt you any... just moderation. Get a shot and sip on it over a few hours and drink it with Water if you want. Do what makes you feel comfortable. I am not a big drinker. I gave up soda, do I miss it yeah.. if my dr says i can drink it again I don't know if I would. I do want to be able to go to a friends house and not have to bring my own food, I want to be normal and just eat a small portion. If that means I have to drink a Protein drink or 2 because I can't get it all in then I will.
Guess I am different than a lot of people. Do I plan on eating better and healthier, of course. But my problem was portion control.. Now that I have my tool, I can control my Portion Control.< /p>

This is pretty much how I feel, I don't mind giving up soda or alcohol forever, but I'm not giving up my pizza!! I basically wanted to try to re-learn how to eat and not be a pig! Have 1 slice and be satisfied instead of thinking I need to eat a whole large by myself. If I want a few chips I'm going to eat them! I really just hope this is a lifestyle change in regards to making me realize that a small portion is just as good!
Amanda

Ok, so I see on here all these people that totally change their eating habits, which is great! But I see people on here who come on asking about pizza or sliders or anything else and people get mad.
When I decided on this surgery, I choose it for a few reasons. No dumping was one, not as much of a chance for malnutrition. and the main one was because I wanted to live a NORMAL life. I didn't want my life to revolve around food, I didn't want to have to worry about what I ate because I could only eat a little bit of it. My dr thinks that is pretty normal for a girl my age.
I have a family and I follow the rules. I will eat Protein first, but if I choose to have a snack and it doesn't happen to have all Protein then I don't see whats wrong with that.
I am glad to see there are some people who feel the same as me but when I come on here all I see is don't eat this, don't do that, eat this first, don't ever touch this...
I am 5 weeks out and I am hungry, I have had 3 pretzels with my cheese and I have had a roast beef sandwich, but no bread. I had potato skins but not the skin, I eat full fat sour cream, and butter and I haven't had a problem yet.
Anyone out there like me, who has decided that they had this surgery to help with portions and not just never have certain things again... Would just like people who believe how I do to talk to..

I went to Mexico myself. I chose Dr. Alvarez, in Piedras Negras. His Coordinator, Susan hooked me up with my "Sleeve Sisters", Nancy (from CA), and Linda (from KY) a few weeks before my surgery. It gave us enough time to get to know each other via email and phone calls. We each traveled alone and were scheduled for surgery the same day. We had gotten to know each other, so when we arrived at the Hotel, it was like meeting "new" old friends. We still stay in touch regularly, and have a weekly "3 way phone call meet-up" every Thursday evening.
Pack light. Arrange for the airline to have a wheelchair escort take you to the gate. They will help you board and put your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. Ask for a pre-boarding pass and sit in the bulkhead if you can. (the first seat). That will give you room to stretch your legs and exercise them during your flight. (helps to avoid blood clots).
Don't take jewelry. I wore my watch and earrings only. I brought my I-phone, one credit card, and $50 cash. I only spent about $15, for a bowl of Soup, a few bottles of Water and tipped the driver. Wear something comfortable to fly home in. Sandals or flip flops so you're not messing with tying laces, etc. Something to sleep in at the hotel and a few toiletries. Don't worry about a hairdryer, Shampoo, etc (the hotels provide it). Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush. Get some gas-ex strips and a chap stick. You probably won't feel like putting on make-up, so don't bother packing it. Bring a hoodie or light jacket in case you get cold on the plane. I had a private room and never worried about my belongings.
Hook up with your "sleeve sister (s)", and you'll never be alone. We walked together, had dinner (egg drop soup) the night before surgery together, and were always in each other's rooms once we were awake and walking around (the night of surgery). It was a great experience. I'm glad I didn't bring a friend or family member.... they wouldn't have been able to relate to the experience as my "sleeve sisters" did.

I went to Mexico myself. I chose Dr. Alvarez, in Piedras Negras. His Coordinator, Susan hooked me up with my "Sleeve Sisters", Nancy (from CA), and Linda (from KY) a few weeks before my surgery. It gave us enough time to get to know each other via email and phone calls. We each traveled alone and were scheduled for surgery the same day. We had gotten to know each other, so when we arrived at the Hotel, it was like meeting "new" old friends. We still stay in touch regularly, and have a weekly "3 way phone call meet-up" every Thursday evening.
Pack light. Arrange for the airline to have a wheelchair escort take you to the gate. They will help you board and put your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. Ask for a pre-boarding pass and sit in the bulkhead if you can. (the first seat). That will give you room to stretch your legs and exercise them during your flight. (helps to avoid blood clots).
Don't take jewelry. I wore my watch and earrings only. I brought my I-phone, one credit card, and $50 cash. I only spent about $15, for a bowl of Soup, a few bottles of Water and tipped the driver. Wear something comfortable to fly home in. Sandals or flip flops so you're not messing with tying laces, etc. Something to sleep in at the hotel and a few toiletries. Don't worry about a hairdryer, Shampoo, etc (the hotels provide it). Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush. Get some gas-ex strips and a chap stick. You probably won't feel like putting on make-up, so don't bother packing it. Bring a hoodie or light jacket in case you get cold on the plane. I had a private room and never worried about my belongings.
Hook up with your "sleeve sister (s)", and you'll never be alone. We walked together, had dinner (egg drop soup) the night before surgery together, and were always in each other's rooms once we were awake and walking around (the night of surgery). It was a great experience. I'm glad I didn't bring a friend or family member.... they wouldn't have been able to relate to the experience as my "sleeve sisters" did.

I went to Mexico myself. I chose Dr. Alvarez, in Piedras Negras. His Coordinator, Susan hooked me up with my "Sleeve Sisters", Nancy (from CA), and Linda (from KY) a few weeks before my surgery. It gave us enough time to get to know each other via email and phone calls. We each traveled alone and were scheduled for surgery the same day. We had gotten to know each other, so when we arrived at the Hotel, it was like meeting "new" old friends. We still stay in touch regularly, and have a weekly "3 way phone call meet-up" every Thursday evening.
Pack light. Arrange for the airline to have a wheelchair escort take you to the gate. They will help you board and put your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. Ask for a pre-boarding pass and sit in the bulkhead if you can. (the first seat). That will give you room to stretch your legs and exercise them during your flight. (helps to avoid blood clots).
Don't take jewelry. I wore my watch and earrings only. I brought my I-phone, one credit card, and $50 cash. I only spent about $15, for a bowl of Soup, a few bottles of Water and tipped the driver. Wear something comfortable to fly home in. Sandals or flip flops so you're not messing with tying laces, etc. Something to sleep in at the hotel and a few toiletries. Don't worry about a hairdryer, Shampoo, etc (the hotels provide it). Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush. Get some gas-ex strips and a chap stick. You probably won't feel like putting on make-up, so don't bother packing it. Bring a hoodie or light jacket in case you get cold on the plane. I had a private room and never worried about my belongings.
Hook up with your "sleeve sister (s)", and you'll never be alone. We walked together, had dinner (egg drop soup) the night before surgery together, and were always in each other's rooms once we were awake and walking around (the night of surgery). It was a great experience. I'm glad I didn't bring a friend or family member.... they wouldn't have been able to relate to the experience as my "sleeve sisters" did.

I went to Mexico myself. I chose Dr. Alvarez, in Piedras Negras. His Coordinator, Susan hooked me up with my "Sleeve Sisters", Nancy (from CA), and Linda (from KY) a few weeks before my surgery. It gave us enough time to get to know each other via email and phone calls. We each traveled alone and were scheduled for surgery the same day. We had gotten to know each other, so when we arrived at the Hotel, it was like meeting "new" old friends. We still stay in touch regularly, and have a weekly "3 way phone call meet-up" every Thursday evening.
Pack light. Arrange for the airline to have a wheelchair escort take you to the gate. They will help you board and put your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. Ask for a pre-boarding pass and sit in the bulkhead if you can. (the first seat). That will give you room to stretch your legs and exercise them during your flight. (helps to avoid blood clots).
Don't take jewelry. I wore my watch and earrings only. I brought my I-phone, one credit card, and $50 cash. I only spent about $15, for a bowl of Soup, a few bottles of Water and tipped the driver. Wear something comfortable to fly home in. Sandals or flip flops so you're not messing with tying laces, etc. Something to sleep in at the hotel and a few toiletries. Don't worry about a hairdryer, Shampoo, etc (the hotels provide it). Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush. Get some gas-ex strips and a chap stick. You probably won't feel like putting on make-up, so don't bother packing it. Bring a hoodie or light jacket in case you get cold on the plane. I had a private room and never worried about my belongings.
Hook up with your "sleeve sister (s)", and you'll never be alone. We walked together, had dinner (egg drop soup) the night before surgery together, and were always in each other's rooms once we were awake and walking around (the night of surgery). It was a great experience. I'm glad I didn't bring a friend or family member.... they wouldn't have been able to relate to the experience as my "sleeve sisters" did.

I went to Mexico myself. I chose Dr. Alvarez, in Piedras Negras. His Coordinator, Susan hooked me up with my "Sleeve Sisters", Nancy (from CA), and Linda (from KY) a few weeks before my surgery. It gave us enough time to get to know each other via email and phone calls. We each traveled alone and were scheduled for surgery the same day. We had gotten to know each other, so when we arrived at the Hotel, it was like meeting "new" old friends. We still stay in touch regularly, and have a weekly "3 way phone call meet-up" every Thursday evening.
Pack light. Arrange for the airline to have a wheelchair escort take you to the gate. They will help you board and put your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. Ask for a pre-boarding pass and sit in the bulkhead if you can. (the first seat). That will give you room to stretch your legs and exercise them during your flight. (helps to avoid blood clots).
Don't take jewelry. I wore my watch and earrings only. I brought my I-phone, one credit card, and $50 cash. I only spent about $15, for a bowl of Soup, a few bottles of Water and tipped the driver. Wear something comfortable to fly home in. Sandals or flip flops so you're not messing with tying laces, etc. Something to sleep in at the hotel and a few toiletries. Don't worry about a hairdryer, Shampoo, etc (the hotels provide it). Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush. Get some gas-ex strips and a chap stick. You probably won't feel like putting on make-up, so don't bother packing it. Bring a hoodie or light jacket in case you get cold on the plane. I had a private room and never worried about my belongings.
Hook up with your "sleeve sister (s)", and you'll never be alone. We walked together, had dinner (egg drop soup) the night before surgery together, and were always in each other's rooms once we were awake and walking around (the night of surgery). It was a great experience. I'm glad I didn't bring a friend or family member.... they wouldn't have been able to relate to the experience as my "sleeve sisters" did.

Today is my "one month surgiversary". On the day of Surgery in Dr. Alvarez's office I weighed 195 (fully clothed). Today on my Boyfriend's scale (naked) I weighed 177.2. Of course those are different scales. My "official" weigh day is Thursday. I started my pre-op diet on July 18th at 204.8. Yesterday on my scale I was 179. Of course I'd like to wake up tomorrow morning weighing 125... but that's not going to happen. You look wonderful !!! Congratulations!!

Today is my "one month surgiversary". On the day of Surgery in Dr. Alvarez's office I weighed 195 (fully clothed). Today on my Boyfriend's scale (naked) I weighed 177.2. Of course those are different scales. My "official" weigh day is Thursday. I started my pre-op diet on July 18th at 204.8. Yesterday on my scale I was 179. Of course I'd like to wake up tomorrow morning weighing 125... but that's not going to happen. You look wonderful !!! Congratulations!!

mashed roasted cauliflower with low fat Laughing Cow Chipotle cheese.... my favorite
I had it the other night with Blackened Talapia. Yum

I started bingeing soon after I scheduled my surgery. My Dr. only required me to do a one week liquid diet, but just to stop the crazy eating, I decided to start my liquid diet a week early, so I did 2 weeks instead of one. It was the best decision I could have made. Quitting "food" cold turkey, was easier then trying to control my bingeing. It worked, I lost 9.8 pounds in those 2 weeks on liquids. Had I not done it, I probably would have gained an additional 7-10 pounds.

My "Bible" is Successful Weight Loss with THE GASTRIC SLEEVE, by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez.

Hey everyone! I am 1 year and 5 days post op! I am sitting here wearing a size 4 Calvin Klein jeans!! Hope everyones doing well and kicking obesity's ass!

Times 3,
Go ahead, get it out. Frustration will do that. It's not what I expected, it hurts, why me, I don't want to do this anymore........ Life doesn't always work out like we plan. When you've been around as long as I have you go thru all those experiences and emotions many many times. And you will have many many more to come. However, it's not as hopeless as it seems right now. Come to terms with where you are and what lies ahead and let go of the past. You can't and won't get it back. Once you realize that, you can put more effort into striving for a more positive and hopeful outlook. It can and most likely will get better. But it starts and ends with you right now. I know you can't see months down the road or even want to think it will take months. The leak and the healing and the meds doing their job,won't happen immediately. Give it time. Get on board and help yourself heal and you will make it those months and reach your goal. Think about why you started this. You gonna be there looking back on this and realize you beat those obstacles.
What lies ahead is finding out how strong you can be. So don't give up now. You have alot of life to live yet, and you're gonna need that strength to live it. Good Luck.