California Kelly

Constantly feeling self conscious...constantly. I have a very handsome husband who females flock to like flies and I want to match him in attractiveness like I used to. Felt like people were wondering " why is he with that fat girl?" Tired of ugly concealing clothes when I know I have a good fashion sense and could dress better. The weight made me more of a negative person, and I hate that, want to feel good about myself so I can project that outwardly.

I had an old lady come up to me randomly and tell me how beautiful I am and how I remind her of her daughter. Sweet right? Yeah, then she goes on to say how her daughter has a weight problem too and did these special shakes and lost over 40 pounds! I laughed because I didn't know how else to react to that. Pretty face club member all the way. Should we get jackets? Members only?

Hi Everyone. I am home and rested and ready to share my experience with Gastric Sleeve Surgery....



Stats: Height 5 ft 1 weight on surgery day 248 (higher than my scale stated)

Age 36

Doctor: Dr. Ramos Kelly

Hospital Nova Tijuana Mexico

32 Boogie ( She is small) I call her Moaning Myrtle



Background: Genetically inclined to be fat. Managed to stay within normal weight in high school and pieces/ parts of adult hood. 135- 140 in high school 150 adulthood. Married at 30 y.o was 175 and climbing.... Not a big sweets eater but I overeat and I fancy myself a good cook. Prepare healthy meals, but Portion Control is a problem. Yo-Yo dieter tried: Weight watchers, Optifast, Medi fast, Jenny craig, Paleo, Atkins, Ketone diet and SouthBeach. Will lose a little and gain a lot the minute I go off plan. I even tried the Cabbage Soup diet, gross and ineffective. I lost 2 pounds, pretty sure it was because I pooped that day



Journey started December 25th, arrived at Hotel Marriott in San Diego. Arrived a day early because it just worked out better for my trip. I had been fasting and it was hard, the menu at this hotel was amazing, and the cooking smells were killing me. They had ONE Soup of the day...butter-squash bisque. I ordered that and fought the urge to order the lava cake. Walked, enjoyed the view from my room,thought about life and SLEPT. Had a cup of Decaf coffee.



December 26. The day has arrived. Dr, Kelly's wife CiCi picked me up from the Hotel and we began our journey into Mexico. I was nervous and my hospital paperwork was in Spanish. Receptionist was efficient but not very friendly. Didn't know what I was signing. I ended up having to pay 500 dollars more for a high BMI (48) which annoyed me since I had conflicting messages about it from Lora, my original coordinator who was on vacation at this time. Cici was now my coordinator and go-to person. I was asked to pay it when I was in a precarious position, getting hooked up to ekg and prepped for surgery. Nurse aids pulled my gown down, exposing bare breasts to the room and started sticking those electrode things on, one pulled my panties off and threw my undies in a bedside drawer. Two of them began putting compression hose on my legs. Bed side manner was abrupt. I cried and they did nothing to put me at ease. Did all preliminary tests and then was wheeled into surgery. Dr. Kelly's anesthesiologist was on vacation and I had in his place a very beautiful young model- looking woman who was texting while I was laid out like Jesus Christ on the OR table awaiting surgery and to be knocked out! I thought it was unprofessional but I was terrified and as soon as the mask went on I was out. Did not see Dr. Kelly in the OR before I passed out. Would have liked to.



Woke up with a lot of nausea and pain. Worst pain of my whole life which continued for the whole night. I walked and walked and moaned and rocked myself. Couldn't communicate effectively with nurses who seemed baffled at my pain.



December 27- Felt better and EXHAUSTED. Cici said someone would call my husband to tell him I came out of surgery ok, no one actually did and he was beside himself with worry. I called him to let him know I was ok, but didn't want to talk long since I was so tired and hoarse. Dr. Kelly came in and apologized, admitted the new anesthesiologist made a mistake and gave me no pain meds before or after, so I was healing “RAW” at that point. Threw up some blood a few times and finally got some pain relief. Slept the rest of the day. Pain was minimal and I could sleep on my side and eat ice chips. LOTS of noise loud talking outside of room, motorcycle racing on street below, and a crying baby. I live in a rural quiet environment and I could not relax. I was cold and had one blanket, asked for another pillow and blanket and was given two sheets folded up over me and a pillow with no pillow case that was so shabby, the stuffing was showing lol. No one knocks, they barge in and flip the lights on full blast when you are trying to sleep and then walk out and leave them on. I didn't have a call button at first, then they went to get one hooked into the wall. Kept getting up to turn lights off so I could rest. Finally told on -call doctor (not Dr. Kelly) “Please shut off the light!!” He seemed oblivious.



December 28- Not sleeping well and IV line was hurting. Nurse wouldn't take it out and I asked her to call Dr. Kelly. She did and couldn't get a hold of him. I had thrown up so violently I peed myself the night before and needed a shower. Cant handle being dirty. Used translator on ipad to finally convey message to nurse who took out IV. YAY!! Showered and washed myself and my hair. brushed my teeth and changed into scrubs which amused the nurses. Scrubs are comfy and don't pinch the middle. Love them. GAS X was my savor through it all. I cant stress this enough, BRING GAS X. Sat on my bed and read a book on my ipad. Five people piled into my room and I was stared at and informed they would be talking about my case with the interns IN SPANISH of course. I heard them talk about my weight and one of the pretty interns made a gasping noise upon hearing my weight. It was awkward and upsetting. I wanted to go home.



Now.



I texted cici and asked if I could get a ride to the airport. I asked to take my leak test and Dr. Kelly did this at another hospital. I could tell they were confused by my attitude change and due to my lack of sleep among other things I just wanted to be back state side. I still had two days left, but felt like I would heal better at home. Husband helped change my flight and I was home by midnight the 28th.



December 29th- Took a low Water level bath in my own claw-foot tub AHHHHHH heaven. Fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow (my own pillow) Draped myself over my sweet husband and two fluffy pomeranians. Healing up really well and Im impressed with Dr. Kelly and his wife, but not so much the staff at NOVA.



Husband ordered a bunch of cool shakes, purees and puddings and stocked a cupboard with bariatric goodies. He is so awesome. Got a massage today and some lymphatic drainage from husband also ( He is a massage therapist) This helped with my swelling and puffy face and feet.



Over all I think Dr. Kelly is a great surgeon I just think the cultural barrier was hard to overcome for me. I would do it again to get the result. I've attached a photo of my belly which of course is still swollen but i wanted you to see what to expect. My incisions do not hurt at all and I forget they are there.

My sleeve surgery was performed Monday, 12/30/2013 at 4:00 pm. Because it was such a late surgery time, I had all afternoon to think about how hungry and anxious I was. My doctor prescribed a medicine for before surgery, Emend (it's a little pricey.. $45) and the pro-op nurses had put a nausea patch behind my ear. Surgery was a piece of cake, once the anesthesia hit I was long gone. About an hour and a half later, I was 1 hiatal hernia and 75% of my stomach less. I had no idea I had a hiatal hernia but was thankful the doc was able to give me a 2-for-1!! I remember being in post-op and itching like crazy due to the anesthesia and pain meds. I stayed the night in the hospital. As soon as I got to my room from post-op I was able to get up, pee and walk a few laps around the nurses station. Remember WALKING is KEY and I was a walking machine throughout my stay. While I was in the hospital I managed to eat a few sugar free Popsicles and ice chips. Nausea was never once an issue. While waiting for discharge purchased Zantac 75 from pharmacy for potential heartburn.
Tuesday morning I got home, and after very little sleep at the hospital I crashed in my bed. I managed to get in 2 nectar Protein shakes and a little Water in. No nausea, passing urine well with diarrhea. Heartburn noticeable, def the worst side effect experienced so far. I walked from my house to the corner 3 times.
Slept semi decent, Wednesday (day 3) was a pretty decent day. No nausea, passing urine and still diarrhea. Drank 3 nectar Protein Shakes mixed with 1% milk. Incorporated as much Water as possible, prob no more than 20 ozs. Heartburn more prominent, called doc and was told to purchase Prevacid. I managed a few walks down the street but had Low energy level, so it was early to bed.
Thursday morning started out well. Had a Protein shake and my morning Vitamins (2 Calcium chewies and a multi-vitamin). Sometime mid afternoon I started feeling extremely weak and sore to touch. Managed to get my 3 Protein Shakes and Vitamins in, but felt like absolute poop heading into Thursday evening. It was also a cold rainy day, I did manage to take one walk but overall Thursday was a lazy miserable day. Weak and lethargic, went to bed pretty early.
I suffered a horrible case of night sweats and woke up drenched Friday morning. Thursday night was the absolute worst I had felt to date. Friday morning sucked as well. Breathing was difficult, it literally hurt to breath. I was SO HOT!! I spent the majority of Friday morning sweating and feeling weak. I managed a Protein Shake and my vitamins. Luckily I work in the medical field so I had a friend start an IV and give me a liter bolts of fluids. The fluids were an instant boost. I managed to make it to Target in search for a new warm pair of sweatpants (it's January, brrr). I managed a little bit of walking throughout the day and gradually started to feel better. Heartburn still was bothersome.
Saturday morning I woke up feeling 100% better. Decided to weigh myself, I had waited long enough... 9 lbs gone!! After updating my friends on the improvement and good news I had my FIRST AND ONLY nauseated episode with vomiting. It wasn't too bad, I hadn't eaten yet that morning so it was mostly bile. It hurt like a bitch though, wrenching my abdomen like that! I took a Zofran ODT, my doc had prescribed and went about the day. I managed to get my 3 Protein shakes in as well as a mile walk on the greenway in the cold weather. I'm going to bed tonight's good spirits, hoping Sunday will be every good as Saturday was!!
Goodnight.

Constantly feeling self conscious...constantly. I have a very handsome husband who females flock to like flies and I want to match him in attractiveness like I used to. Felt like people were wondering " why is he with that fat girl?" Tired of ugly concealing clothes when I know I have a good fashion sense and could dress better. The weight made me more of a negative person, and I hate that, want to feel good about myself so I can project that outwardly.

Hello finally!
36 years old, cheyenne wy, sleeved on 12/26 doing great. 17 pounds gone already.

Constantly feeling self conscious...constantly. I have a very handsome husband who females flock to like flies and I want to match him in attractiveness like I used to. Felt like people were wondering " why is he with that fat girl?" Tired of ugly concealing clothes when I know I have a good fashion sense and could dress better. The weight made me more of a negative person, and I hate that, want to feel good about myself so I can project that outwardly.

I was a due right on on surgery day. Was getting the cramps and all that fun pre period fun. Went under anesthesia and boom, it went away. Came back two days later. It let me have recovery time and then came back, how sweet. Was normal after that.

This is California Kelly's husband Adam & I am a Massage Therapist, Aromatherapist & Instructor & I can't begin to tell you the amazing ranges at which massage will help you through your journey. So much so you really do not have to reach for any justification for getting bodywork done!
First off, the simple yet scientifically proven benefit of reduced cortisol levels (a primary stress hormone) is enough for anybody in modern society to justify massage on a regular basis. Cortisol in long term exposures causes a whole slew of medical problems including weight management challenges.
Second, positive touch. It is amazing the benefits of having a healthy, sympathetically applied touch and what it can do for ones physical, emotional & dare I say spiritual well being.
Third, increased blood & lymph circulation, scar tissue adhesion release, lower blood pressure, increased self awareness & energy are all a part in the reasons massage should be a comprehensive part of your healing regimen which can continue on to be a part of your wellness plan post recovery. Aromatherapy & utilization of oils are amazing for the skin, the body & the mind!
On a personal note, the day after I got Kelly home we did a lymph drainage of her clavicles, armpits (axillla) & inguinal (hip/thigh crease) then proceeded to drain her four abdominal quadrants to their respective end points & Kelly slept great, felt less post surgical swollen/full & had increased range of motion & energy.
*Hello ladies, this is CK, & I asked my husband to respond to this as I thought it would be helpful. He is available if you have other questions, just know he is not a Dr. & he can not diagnose or prescribe.

I think it is just a precaution. I went home two days early and I'm healing so well I cannot believe it. I do better on my own turf. Go for it if you feel up to it. Wear your compression hose on the flight and keep that body moving.

Wow.... I mean WOW! Number 1.... a friend would never.... ever....ever.... say something so hurtful, I hope you deleted and blocked that person from your FB, lose her phone number and run if you ever see her in public. GOOD for you for calling her out, when I "came out" on Facebook about my surgery I stated "I don't want the negative talk, if you don't agree keep it to yourself, I am an adult and I made this decision after much soul searching" thankfully if someone doesn't agree with me.... They haven't shared. I am so incredibly sorry that you are going through this, it really is uncalled for, no one has a right to cause you pain. You have done this for you... and no one else, if there is jealousy, a difference of opinion, concern, or an outright personality disorder she didn't have the right to become that person. Chin up.... You got this!

Lets see here.....I have been married for 35 years to the same man..Ups and downs we have had plenty..just like every one else. 2012 and 2013 have been the years from hell for us...This surgery changed my life completely....My husband was there the entire time for me as I have cried, screamed, pouted, threw up, had emotional outbursts, and the times that I really hated his guts because he like your husband can eat anything and does....
These things that you are going through are not just about you! You are deciding to act on the temporary change in emotions, hormones and fear of the now and the future. It is a change for both of you. He has to get used to the ever changing wife that he has had for 15 years too. All that you are experiencing is normal with such a huge change in your life forever. Nothing is going to ever be the same again.
Ask yourself; What was the reason you had this surgery in the first place...I see your forum name is time4me and I understand that but in reality it is about your entire family. When times get tough and they do and are and will as you know, nothing is perfect. You need to draw close and hang on tight to the man and family you love.
Your children are watching how you are dealing with this situation and believe me they are scared as well, maybe as much as you are over all the changes....Hubby is more likely confused..why? Because no matter how ready for this change everyone thinks they are it is never a clear cut situation...
I know myself...I had the idea it would be a hop, skip and a jump for me but it was not. It tested every aspect of my life and my families. Instead of pulling apart we clung together as it we were freezing to death on a frigid winters night, and rode the worst of it out. My family surprised me at how well they supported me and no matter what happened they were there.
I love my husband more now then I did before because of how he stood up to the crisis. He was totally bewildered by my circumstances and I could have treated him like he did not matter but I could see the concern in his face and I fell in love with him all over again because I looked at him instead of myself and worried about what he was going through as well as me. Giving and thinking of others instead of ourselves is the best treatment for this kind of depression...
I will not lie to you, what is happening to you is normal. The ups and downs of body changes, emotions and fears are enough to make anyone want to scream and run away. Is that what you want to do, alienate your family over something that is just going to make your life and theirs better if you let it happen.
I certainly am not implying that what you are feeling is not real because it is real. But like everything else in life you have to temper it and deal. My husband and I have a code now. I just say I am not feeling well and he knows not to push anything. I am learning to let that be the answer instead of me losing it and feeling horrible about it later like you are now..
I know you still love your husband and family and this bad time is going to pass as all the others do... The benefits will really outweigh everything that is happening now.
Thank you for being so honest and reaching out for help. I am sad for your struggle but encourage you to keep your goal in mind and why you decided to have WLS and start dealing with your issues...
Pull your family together and work as one to get where you all need to be....Give and take all the love you can...K

Pre-diet and 3 weeks post sleeve I am down 42 pounds. I cannot get enough of my husband. The past few years sex has not been as pleasurable for me because of the weight i carried in my midsection. Now that the weight is falling off I am finding that I achieve orgasm more than I have in years and I love it. I hope more women will have this experience. It has brought my husband and I closer and I feel so beautiful when he looks at me.

Great List!! Mine would be....
Wear shorts and tank tops
Wear a bikini
Play soccer tennis and field hockey again
Run and play with my daughter
Wear a dress and heels to the bar
Go on rollercoasters and feel safe!
Wear a sexy halloween costume
Let people take pictures of me
Get more tattoos on my side of my stomach
Look good naked!

Some of mine are:
- Horseback Riding: I used to do this, want to get back to it as an adult.
- kayaking: I've been too afraid I wouldn't fit in the hole.
- learn to dance (swing, polka, two step, whatever)
- wear boots that come up to my knee! I plan to buy a few pairs when I get to non-wide calf size
- run a 5K
- learn the silks (like P!nk does)
- learn to hoop dance
- go caving/ spelunking
- wear strapless dresses
- shop for pants in regular size stores
- share clothes with my sisters
- have a baby

I leave behind the 69plus weight that I lost. The pain I endured from being mosleted when I was 7 yrs., old. I blamed my self amd punished myself, with food, if a man noticed me when I wad on a diet I would immediately start stuffing my mouthuntil I would regain everything I'd lost plus more. I now know and belive I was a innecent child who was violated in one of the worst ways possible by a family member . It was not my fault, I was not to blame so I go into this new year with a lighter heart and a new life and continued weight loss. Happy Year Everyone !!

Oh, my! What a year 2013 was! My Mom passed away on New Years Day, I found out I was adopted by the Dad that raised me all of my life, I met my biological Dad and have since been shut out of his life.
I'll leave behind the negative feelings of being rejected.
I'll leave behind the feelings of not being able to be myself because of the way I look.
I'll leave behind the thoughts that I can't do this or that because of my weight.
I'll leave behind the shame I felt for being overweight.
On the other hand:
I will remember that I have a big beautiful family full of love that my husband and I have made together.
I'll remember to treasure them and always put them first.
I'll remember that I'm very blessed to have wonderful people in my life and to show them how much they mean to me.

i will leave behind those neg nellies who do nothing but make me have self doubt
way tooo much control over me, but no more...i am in control of my happiness, my health.. i am heading to where i want to be...

I will let go of all the physical pain that I have endured so far over my choice to have WLS
I will deal with the new onsets of complications with fortitude and hopefully grace through 2014.
I will handle those who are not supporting me in a way that brings positive results to me.
I will leave behind the 182 lbs. that I lost mostly in 2013.
I will not let myself believe that nothing has changed for me in a positive way.
I will let go of those that made me feel that I was not worth their time..( so called friends )
I will not let food rule me, I worked on that in 2013 but I will conquer it in 2014.
I will not fear the smaller sizes anymore...
I will finish to goal and beyond.

I had an old lady come up to me randomly and tell me how beautiful I am and how I remind her of her daughter. Sweet right? Yeah, then she goes on to say how her daughter has a weight problem too and did these special shakes and lost over 40 pounds! I laughed because I didn't know how else to react to that. Pretty face club member all the way. Should we get jackets? Members only?

I had an old lady come up to me randomly and tell me how beautiful I am and how I remind her of her daughter. Sweet right? Yeah, then she goes on to say how her daughter has a weight problem too and did these special shakes and lost over 40 pounds! I laughed because I didn't know how else to react to that. Pretty face club member all the way. Should we get jackets? Members only?

Wow. I'm so happy for you. I can't wait to post this someday soon myself. Awesome job bombs.

Hi Everyone. I am home and rested and ready to share my experience with Gastric Sleeve Surgery....



Stats: Height 5 ft 1 weight on surgery day 248 (higher than my scale stated)

Age 36

Doctor: Dr. Ramos Kelly

Hospital Nova Tijuana Mexico

32 Boogie ( She is small) I call her Moaning Myrtle



Background: Genetically inclined to be fat. Managed to stay within normal weight in high school and pieces/ parts of adult hood. 135- 140 in high school 150 adulthood. Married at 30 y.o was 175 and climbing.... Not a big sweets eater but I overeat and I fancy myself a good cook. Prepare healthy meals, but Portion Control is a problem. Yo-Yo dieter tried: Weight watchers, Optifast, Medi fast, Jenny craig, Paleo, Atkins, Ketone diet and SouthBeach. Will lose a little and gain a lot the minute I go off plan. I even tried the Cabbage Soup diet, gross and ineffective. I lost 2 pounds, pretty sure it was because I pooped that day



Journey started December 25th, arrived at Hotel Marriott in San Diego. Arrived a day early because it just worked out better for my trip. I had been fasting and it was hard, the menu at this hotel was amazing, and the cooking smells were killing me. They had ONE Soup of the day...butter-squash bisque. I ordered that and fought the urge to order the lava cake. Walked, enjoyed the view from my room,thought about life and SLEPT. Had a cup of Decaf coffee.



December 26. The day has arrived. Dr, Kelly's wife CiCi picked me up from the Hotel and we began our journey into Mexico. I was nervous and my hospital paperwork was in Spanish. Receptionist was efficient but not very friendly. Didn't know what I was signing. I ended up having to pay 500 dollars more for a high BMI (48) which annoyed me since I had conflicting messages about it from Lora, my original coordinator who was on vacation at this time. Cici was now my coordinator and go-to person. I was asked to pay it when I was in a precarious position, getting hooked up to ekg and prepped for surgery. Nurse aids pulled my gown down, exposing bare breasts to the room and started sticking those electrode things on, one pulled my panties off and threw my undies in a bedside drawer. Two of them began putting compression hose on my legs. Bed side manner was abrupt. I cried and they did nothing to put me at ease. Did all preliminary tests and then was wheeled into surgery. Dr. Kelly's anesthesiologist was on vacation and I had in his place a very beautiful young model- looking woman who was texting while I was laid out like Jesus Christ on the OR table awaiting surgery and to be knocked out! I thought it was unprofessional but I was terrified and as soon as the mask went on I was out. Did not see Dr. Kelly in the OR before I passed out. Would have liked to.



Woke up with a lot of nausea and pain. Worst pain of my whole life which continued for the whole night. I walked and walked and moaned and rocked myself. Couldn't communicate effectively with nurses who seemed baffled at my pain.



December 27- Felt better and EXHAUSTED. Cici said someone would call my husband to tell him I came out of surgery ok, no one actually did and he was beside himself with worry. I called him to let him know I was ok, but didn't want to talk long since I was so tired and hoarse. Dr. Kelly came in and apologized, admitted the new anesthesiologist made a mistake and gave me no pain meds before or after, so I was healing “RAW” at that point. Threw up some blood a few times and finally got some pain relief. Slept the rest of the day. Pain was minimal and I could sleep on my side and eat ice chips. LOTS of noise loud talking outside of room, motorcycle racing on street below, and a crying baby. I live in a rural quiet environment and I could not relax. I was cold and had one blanket, asked for another pillow and blanket and was given two sheets folded up over me and a pillow with no pillow case that was so shabby, the stuffing was showing lol. No one knocks, they barge in and flip the lights on full blast when you are trying to sleep and then walk out and leave them on. I didn't have a call button at first, then they went to get one hooked into the wall. Kept getting up to turn lights off so I could rest. Finally told on -call doctor (not Dr. Kelly) “Please shut off the light!!” He seemed oblivious.



December 28- Not sleeping well and IV line was hurting. Nurse wouldn't take it out and I asked her to call Dr. Kelly. She did and couldn't get a hold of him. I had thrown up so violently I peed myself the night before and needed a shower. Cant handle being dirty. Used translator on ipad to finally convey message to nurse who took out IV. YAY!! Showered and washed myself and my hair. brushed my teeth and changed into scrubs which amused the nurses. Scrubs are comfy and don't pinch the middle. Love them. GAS X was my savor through it all. I cant stress this enough, BRING GAS X. Sat on my bed and read a book on my ipad. Five people piled into my room and I was stared at and informed they would be talking about my case with the interns IN SPANISH of course. I heard them talk about my weight and one of the pretty interns made a gasping noise upon hearing my weight. It was awkward and upsetting. I wanted to go home.



Now.



I texted cici and asked if I could get a ride to the airport. I asked to take my leak test and Dr. Kelly did this at another hospital. I could tell they were confused by my attitude change and due to my lack of sleep among other things I just wanted to be back state side. I still had two days left, but felt like I would heal better at home. Husband helped change my flight and I was home by midnight the 28th.



December 29th- Took a low Water level bath in my own claw-foot tub AHHHHHH heaven. Fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow (my own pillow) Draped myself over my sweet husband and two fluffy pomeranians. Healing up really well and Im impressed with Dr. Kelly and his wife, but not so much the staff at NOVA.



Husband ordered a bunch of cool shakes, purees and puddings and stocked a cupboard with bariatric goodies. He is so awesome. Got a massage today and some lymphatic drainage from husband also ( He is a massage therapist) This helped with my swelling and puffy face and feet.



Over all I think Dr. Kelly is a great surgeon I just think the cultural barrier was hard to overcome for me. I would do it again to get the result. I've attached a photo of my belly which of course is still swollen but i wanted you to see what to expect. My incisions do not hurt at all and I forget they are there.

Keeping you in my thoughts. Hope it is just a muscle strain and nothing more. I had one when I had bronchitis a few years ago. Felt like a broken rib.

I'm sorry for your bad experience.. I've read this several times here, about Kelly charging an extra five hundred at the last minute..
I can't remember if it is always due to BMI though.
I wonder why he doesn't just charge it up front?
I'm glad you are home and safe though