PrincessSleeve

Oh, I forgot to say. After surgery, I weighed myself and I was 3 lbs heavier. By the time I got back to the Hotel, I was 1 lb less that my per surgery weight and now that I'm home, I'm 4 lbs, lighter! So 23lbs lost preop and 4lbs post op! Total lost 29lbs! My doctor said he expects I should lose 30-40 lbs the 1st month! and at LEAST 50 within 2!!!!

Hi Everyone! I just made it back from tonight from San Diego after having surgery in Tijuana, Mexico on Monday, August 19th! My experience was wonderful!! Thank you Lord!! My sister (support) and I arrived in San Diego on Sunday, 8/19 and was immediately picked up at the airport by Raoul with A Lighter Me. He took us to our hotel in Tijuana after a brief stop at Mi Doctor Hospital to pick up a patient that had been released that day. She looked great and said she was feeling fine. We got to the hotel, Marriott Tijuana and it is beautiful!!The rooms are big, clean and had a bathroom scale. Everyone went over and beyond, the staff was so friendly. As a part of my package with A Lighter Me, the hotel provides 3 cups of broth a day and 2 waters per day (free) to the patient and a 15% discount to their companion at the restaurant. Since we got there on Sunday, there was a Sunday Brunch going on and it was fantastic!! My sister loved loved loved the food, and I loved loved loved smelling, looking and watching her eat and describe the taste to me. LOL!! It did not tempt me at all. I stuck to my 3 week preop and was not hungry. By the way, I lost 23 lbs during preop! Okay, so we get the hospital on Monday and got all of my preop test taken care of and was the first patient to have the surgery. There were several, but the others scheduled were coming in the same day. Everyone that was going to be assisting in my care came into my room to introduce themselves to me (my room nurse, the surgery nurse, the anesthesiologist, my surgeons Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Sanchez at some point before my surgery. Oh, my room had two beds, one for me and the other for my sister! Dr. Lopez also assisted in the surgery, but I met him after I left recovery. My surgery went well, I did have to my hernia repaired, which I suspected my happen because i was taking Nsaids up to 3 weeks before and on an empty stomach. Something you should never do! Anyway, I had NO PAIN, NO NASEAU, NO PROBLEM DRINKING OR ANYTHING!!! Of course, that did not stop me from taking whatever medication they offered, but I didn't think I needed it. The coordinator from A Lighter Me, Janese was there and boy did I see a lot of her and the drivers, Abraham and Eduardo for A Lighter ME! They were constantly in the hospital checking on everyone that was there and making sure we had all we needed. Not once did I have to look for them or contact them for anything because they were always around, even late into the night! So, I'm feeling good. I did not walk for a few hours after surgery because I was just to sleepy. The hospital is small, so don't expect any long hallways to walk in! Tijuana was nice and the weather perfect! I left the hospital and went back to the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday and within an hour my sister, I and another patient we met, went walking to buy a few souvenirs. We walked about a 1/2 mile from the hotel and came back and did not feel in any danger. There were lots of traffic and people walking, especially school kids. There are a lot of food trucks about and my sister purchased some tacos! She says that everything she purchased was absolutely delicious and she travels A LOT all over! Oh, I forgot, even the food in the hospital at the diner on the first was the best for her! On Thursday, our coordinators took us shopping near the border. Now, the storekeepers will converge on you like crazy!!! But we did manage to get some items. There is a Walmart near the Hotel within walking distance. The rest of my stay was uneventful, I felt fine the entire time, I walked and managed to eat some broth and drink Water and gatorade. I've not be hungry at all, but try to get in as I could while there. We check out on Friday and was taken back to San Deigo and our driver, Raoul took my sister and I to the car rental agency because we stayed an extra day in San Deigo. We went shopping and was out and I felt fine the entire time, no problems. My plane ride home was long, I had to switch flights, but flew a total of 6.5 hours home. I held a pillow to my belly most of the way, but otherwise, I was good. I'm home now, having a Isopure (it is so delicious) and I just wanted you all to know that all is well and you should feel safe to go to Tijuana. Now I just pray that my healing journey continues to be blessed. Thanks for reading this long post!!

I knew when I signed up for a discounted surgery in Mexico I would be giving up some things that the $10K US patients would get. For me, choosing Mexico was the difference between having and not having the surgery as I have no insurance and it was 100% out-of-pocket. The entire cost of my trip was less than $4,400 (air fare included) and I went there on my own. My preparation involved a lot of research, a lot of planning (especially prepping for meals when I got home), and a lot of discussions about the pros and cons of the surgery with my hubby before I went.
I'm only a few weeks out now but am very pleased with everything so far. The hotel I was booked in was very nice and very close to the hospital. My stay in the hospital was fine although in retrospect I would advise taking someone along just for the "little things" (dropping my hairbrush on the floor, having a leak in my drain bag, etc.). The doctors took time to introduce themselves to me and tell me what part they were playing in the surgery and/or recovery process, the nursing staff was available at all times, and the entire process went off without a hitch. But I do have to say that Mexico surgery might not be right for someone that needs a lot of hand-holding and reassurances.
Do I wish I was rich and could afford the surgery on this side of the border? Maybe, but I don't think so. Although I occasionally wish I had someone I could check in with, someone that I could ask questions of, I've been on this forum long enough to understand that different doctors and different NUTs often give different [sometimes VERY different] answers to the same questions. I am overly independent, however, and probably would have done just what I do now...look it up online, compare notes, and make decisions. I, for one, don't know how the "end game" is going to turn out, but I feel comfortable recommending the procedure, the location, the medical team, and the hospital to others.
Good luck with your decision and follow-up!

Hi everyone,
My education class was last week and I learned a couple of interesting tidbits that I thought would share.
Now, of course, everyone's program requirements are slightly different, so please follow your doctors guidelines first! That being said:
1. To help with nausea -- every morning, drink warm Water with lemon juice in it. It clears any mucus buildup and helps clear your stomach for new food.
2. FOR HAIR: take the following to help with hair growth:
50 mg of Co-enzyme Q10 3 times daily. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps aid healing and energy levels. It also helps to promote Hair growth.< /p>
Biotin 5000 mcg daily - helps promote hair growth.
200 mg of zinc sulfate OR 50 mg of zinc gluconate - this is important for immune functions and to help promote hair growth.
3. For healing and to assist your digestive track in processing food through the intestines - take a probiotic daily for at least the first 2 weeks once you ate cleared for full liquids. You can break it open and put it in your Protein shake.
Hope this is of benefit to the group.

I went alone and it was heaven!!!! I didn't find communicating difficult at all. The people at the Marriott speak English and the staff at my doctor's spoke English too! You will be fine!

I would like to wear something I love. And that is designed well. And is made out of decent fabric. Not, out of crappy, expandable material which if you're too close to any form of heat source, could burst into flames at any moment. I would also like to buy those clothes in the very high-end shop I recently walked into who, with a sneering look, informed me; 'No, we don't stock any sizes like that. The absolute highest we go is an 18 and I only think that's available in one top in the MaxMara range'...(I walked out stifling tears)
I would like to feel 'slinky'.
I would like not to sweat when I stop walking, breath, think, etc.
I would like not to feel 'lesser' as a human being, in comparison to other women, for not being able to conquer my food/PCOS demons.
I would like any compliments I receive to not to be 'back-handed'. So if I'm allegedly 'beautiful', for it not to be prefixed with 'You're a big girl, but... <insert 'beautiful' here>
I would like not to be lying in my bed right now, hearing the people in the flat above me having conjugal relations. I KID YOU NOT!!! Arrrgh, I gotta go get ear plugs!!!

I was discharged yesterday and am now at Marriott. I can not say enough great things about about the staff at Mi Doctor Hospital and Dr. Valenzuela and Dr. A ( for short) I can honestly say that besides the language barrier( which is not that bad) that was the best hospital experience I have ever had.. And sadly I work at a hospital that is ranked one of the top 50 hospitals in this United States.... I am so excited to start my new life. I am feeling great and I owe it all to my friends who took such wonderful care of me:-) gonna go out and do more shopping today, then home tomorrow .

So I went to the Vitamin Shoppe looking for this glorious Syntrax Nectar mix I've been reading about. Walked in and two clerks (neither looking particularly healthy themselves) asked what I was looking for. Asked, " do you have Syntrax nectar? "
Silence.
"Oh no, we don't have that."
Silence.
Now, I'm sure I read someone saying they had it so I decided to look around. There, in the Protein Powder section a huge ceiling to floor section of guess what? Syntrax Nectar. In every flavor you can imagine.
I grab lemon tea flavor (great by the way), walk up to the counter and say " uh, yeah you do."
Silence.
Come people, this isn't a big store. Know your stock. And don't counsel me at the checkout that Isopure is "better for me" either when you are missing several teeth.
Uggh. Idiots, I tell you!

Before u started my liquid diet, on Fathers Day and new outfit this past week. Skirt is 16 reg (but its too big) and sweater is a large. I was a 24/22w before.

I just talked to my insurance company; I GOT APPROVED!

Enough! What is wrong with you people? This is the second absolutely ridiculous and uncalled for thread I am having to close tonight. Take a break, enjoy your long weekend and get back to supporting one another. I have already banned one person tonight, I have no limitations on how many more I can do!
THREAD CLOSED!!

Uhmmm.... Perhaps you need to reread your original (grammatically incorrect) post about speaking with kindness.

Anyone want to share a cup of broth over here on my nice comfy couch?

Hello Everyone!!!! Today is my Big Day !! This time last year I changed my life. I had VSG. If you followed me in the beginning you would know that i had a lot of problems. I was sick for about 4-5 months after having the surgery and I had a lot of regret because people were having more success than me... After a while and some tweeks in Vitamins things started to turn around... By my 6 months I had lost 100lbs.. this was revealed on Christmas Day.. Then I met my weight loss goal of 160lbs on Feb 27th.. I have been maintaining since then between 153-160.. Today I weighed in at 152lbs. I am not going to say that my journey has been easy because it hasn't .. It took me a long time to come around.. I had a love hate relationship with food for a long time... There are still foods that i cant or don't eat and I don't push it.. I just let it be.. I so not do Pasta, rice or breads.. I will so sliced bread every now and then. I work out 5-7 days a week. I workout with a personal trainer 2 days a week, I walk, I'm running now.. The longest was 3.5 miles this pass weekend. I have done 3 5k's and i have one scheduled for next Sat which ill be my 4th and my 2nd obstacle run... I box, lift weights, hula hoop and I can walk up hills and stairs like its nothing. I eat 3 meals a day with 1-2 snacks.. I still measure my food. I don't drink with my food, nor do I drink alcohol. I do use a straw and i have been using one since 3-4 weeks after surgery per my docs approval. I pretty much follow the rules 85-90% of the time.. but I will say I love dark chocolate and I do partake, lol. No cakes or Cookies and no other candies, just chocolate.. I love my new life now... I learning to love the new me everyday!!! I have let go of a lot of pain that got me to my point of unhappiness and over weight.. I have forgiving a lot of people and I have told a lot of folks where can go to... I surround my self with positive folks and My Husband has been my Number 1 Supporter. In this last year, I have been to multiple concerts, 4 weddings, zip-lined indoor sky dived.. danced the night away in 4 inch heels and I have even been in a size 2... My beginning wt was 273.6, I am now in small tops and dress. size 4-6 pants, my feet even got smaller I went from a 10 to a 8.5. I have had my wedding ring re-sized twice and it needs it again. Links have been taking out of my watch.. I just have so much energy.. and my favorite thing to do is to cross my legs... I am off all meds, cpap, and pain management. I have gone from seeing my docks every other week to once a year now!!! There are so many NVS I cant count but I'm sure you get the just of it... and along the way I have meet some awesome people in the weight loss community!! I'm super excited about today!!!

Hi all.. Everything went real well. I am still a bit groggy, but I guess that's to b expected. I have some shoulder pain from all the gas, but i can manage. the staff and physicians have been great. Thank you for all of your kind words.
I used Dr. Valenzuela, she has been great!!

Prayers sent!

Thank you everyone... I can't believe the day is here already, things just became very real. I will update as soon as I can. :-)

Just an update. I should a refund in a week or so. When I am better, I will reschedule with Cindy and MBC. Thank you for all the comments and help.

Hi Esmeralda. I think you and your friend met me and my mom and sis!! I was going to call or text, but I was a little ill. I am going to contact you soon.

I take it back-1complaint- the Popsicles at the Marriott are terrible!! But seriously, that is our only complaint! Lol, and the broth is excellent!

Dr. Garcia and team are highly recommended by me. I opted for same day surgery flew in on a Friday afternoon and had surgery around 3 p.m. I was to leave on Monday, but I had some issues going on with my lungs that were pre-existing. My PCP thought I had pneumonia before going to Mexico and was blaming all the shortage of breath on my weight gain. I will tell you this, "Dr. Luna, After Care Doctor, did not leave my side until I was back on US soil and followed up with me for many weeks. I guarantee that we would not get the same treatment in the states. Dr. Garcia is always available for his patients. He has a Facebook page; if you send him an email, he will respond in a timely manner. I had surgery on May 10 weight at 230; I weighed today (07.21.13) at 188; I am so happy that I pick Dr. Garcia. I added some pictures. The picture of my stomach is my incision. I had the single-incision and the incision showing is from the drainage tube.

Had surgery 7/31 work up with some nausea and vomiting but it went away later that night, the following day I felt like I never had surgery I am three days out and feel great, people commented in the hospital and hotel that I looked like I didn't have anything done. Now ready to help take this weight off.

Okay, this thread has run its course. I am locking it. Nobody is interested in hearing any more of the name calling, accusations or anything else. That is not what we are here for. Feel free to take your ridiculous arguments to pm.
And, just one additional word of warning, don't even think about starting another thread just so you can continue the arguing. Anyone who does so will be banned.

I think Alex and Susan may need a cocktail 'bout now.