Sweetums

Sweetums....I had the gastric sleeve surgery at OCC in December and I agree about Dr. Martinez being underrated. He was great. And Dr. So has been remarkable with followup. I've had more conversations with him than anyone else at OCC. And I can't help but mention Dr. Jimenez. I had a Packers sweatshirt on and he is a Vikings fan, so we had an interesting conversation. At least we both think Brett Favre is a douche bag
Glad you are doing well

There was one person in my group who required a hernia repair, and the repair was free. There were NO extra fees except for our prescription medications, which we were told about before hand.

Hi Texas Jess, Things are going well, I am day 5 post op and I am so pleased with my choice in physician's. Dr Martinez is a ma zing! So is Dr. Ortiz, but I think we dont hear nearly enough about his counterpart!
The flight home was tough, by the time I arrived home I was up 12 pounds and my legs and feet were so swollen they were deformed. But minimal pain, taking plain Tylenol, and am excited to see what my new body is going to look like. The best part is I do not feel hungry,
Hope your doing better!!!

Hands down Dr. Ariel Ortiz. On of the few Centers of Excellent in the world. Google him. He's been in Newsweek, Oprah and many other publications. He is nicer than ca be nod gives the best service. Had him for my sleeve in April 2014 . Maybe a li more but if you have a hernia he will repair no extra charge, there is a doctor MD on the floor 24-7, if you have any issues at night he will be at the center within 30 minutes and have you picked up at the hotel right away, he has done the most bariatric procedures earning him the center of excellence accreditation . He works with Dr. Martinez who is wonderful as well. If any complication or concern arises once you get home he will talk to you over the phone and have you come back ASAP and handle it right away.
Seriously, I heard people talk at the Marriott and Dr. Ortiz patients were all very happy and treated better with more information and follow up once you get home. Google him. You can read about him yourself. Loved him an Dr. Martinez.

The nut tells me to load up on veggies and to keep doing what I am doing. Not to worry about it. Its hard not to worry, but I think I DO need to stay off the scales for a few days. I wont be driving myself so crazy if I do.

Towards the end of my pre-op diet I was kind of in the same boat. I wasn't gaining, but I didn't lose. I didn't lose very much on my pre-op diet at all, in fact, and I wasn't even allowed to eat any food, just Protein Shakes. Like others mentioned it is probably just a mix of Water retention and bloating from the diet adjustment. What actually helped me was increasing my water intake and going for long walks. The water helps flush your system out and the walking aides in getting your insides moving better so the bloating goes down. Best of luck to you! Hang in there

That is not a REAL weight gain. To gain two pounds, you would have had to consume 7000 calories more than you burned. That two pounds is a temporary fluctuation in your weight due to Water retention or not having had bowel elimination. Thus, the reason many of us do not weigh daily. Those temporary gains are just that...... temporary. Just keep to your plan, and you will succeed.

Hmmmmm
that is a great list. Different from the ones I've seen here but still outstanding. Could you be burning lean muscle and not fat?

Actually there isn't a scientific basis for the starvation mode theory. Its just one of the things I read not that long ago and pointed out on another thread.
What type of mix in terms of Protein, fat, and carbs, are you drinking?

That's totally crazy! I was somewhat in the same boat, still am. I believe that at 600 calories a day, our bodies go into starvation mode, and hold on to the fat
I'm post op one month, and taking in 600/800 cals a day, and was up a half pound today, I feel your pain. But inevitably it will come off.

http://asmbs.org/resources/access-to-care-for-obesity-treatment
ASMBS Statement for Access to Care for Obesity Treatment Obesity is a medical condition that meets all criteria as a disease, including a genetic predisposition and personal, societal and environmental factors that contribute to expression of the disease. Obesity is an independent risk factor for heart disease and is predominant in patients with hypertension, high cholesterol, and Type 2 Diabetes. People who suffer from the disease of obesity should be free from prejudice and discrimination in accessing care for obesity. People who suffer from the chronic disease of obesity should have access to evidence-based medical, pharmaceutical, behavioral, and surgical care similar to the access provided for the evaluation and management of other chronic disease. Prevention of obesity through new strategies of healthy lifestyles should complement the commitment to treat those currently suffering from the metabolic consequences of the disease. Weight Loss Surgery is effective, durable and increases quality and quantity of life. Obesity should be treated. I am loving these six bullet points, hopefully someday we can have stigma reduction and access for all to the treatment we require. My friend and I were having a discussion yesterday, and she feels the BMI scale needs to be revamped to reflect what we are as a population. I disagree. I feel that the BMI is based on an IDEAL for the human body, and maybe we should reduce our body weight to match the BMI chart. I mean, the children being born today will have a shorter lifespan then us as their parents do, because of the comorbidities associated with obesity.
I am happily receiving treatment for my disease in Mexico next Friday. I will be getting the tools I need to manage my disease for the rest of my life. I am grateful that I can pay out of pocket, but I deeply feel for those in my situation that do not have the financial means to access the treatment they require. My province is focused on the super morbid obese who are costing the health care system the most. Do they not realize that in a few short years that will be me, and 1000's of more like me? It just makes me sad.

My shakes have to follow a certain nutritional guideline, so
Alternative Protein shakes should meet the following criteria per serving: Minimum of 20 grams of Protein per serving Minimum of 3 grams of Fiber No more than 2 grams of sugar No more than 8 grams of carbs No more than 3 grams of fat Not over 200 calories per serving Add a probiotic whey protein is preferable I am taking about one and a half of these a day.

I am going to let someone with experience answer this but I just wanted to say Good luck on your surgery!

Good Luck Sweetums! Hope you have an easy journey to Mexico, a safe and easy surgery, and an uneventful recovery

http://asmbs.org/resources/access-to-care-for-obesity-treatment
ASMBS Statement for Access to Care for Obesity Treatment Obesity is a medical condition that meets all criteria as a disease, including a genetic predisposition and personal, societal and environmental factors that contribute to expression of the disease. Obesity is an independent risk factor for heart disease and is predominant in patients with hypertension, high cholesterol, and Type 2 Diabetes. People who suffer from the disease of obesity should be free from prejudice and discrimination in accessing care for obesity. People who suffer from the chronic disease of obesity should have access to evidence-based medical, pharmaceutical, behavioral, and surgical care similar to the access provided for the evaluation and management of other chronic disease. Prevention of obesity through new strategies of healthy lifestyles should complement the commitment to treat those currently suffering from the metabolic consequences of the disease. Weight Loss Surgery is effective, durable and increases quality and quantity of life. Obesity should be treated. I am loving these six bullet points, hopefully someday we can have stigma reduction and access for all to the treatment we require. My friend and I were having a discussion yesterday, and she feels the BMI scale needs to be revamped to reflect what we are as a population. I disagree. I feel that the BMI is based on an IDEAL for the human body, and maybe we should reduce our body weight to match the BMI chart. I mean, the children being born today will have a shorter lifespan then us as their parents do, because of the comorbidities associated with obesity.
I am happily receiving treatment for my disease in Mexico next Friday. I will be getting the tools I need to manage my disease for the rest of my life. I am grateful that I can pay out of pocket, but I deeply feel for those in my situation that do not have the financial means to access the treatment they require. My province is focused on the super morbid obese who are costing the health care system the most. Do they not realize that in a few short years that will be me, and 1000's of more like me? It just makes me sad.

You might want to try freezing a Protein Shake.< /p>

I am using several different Protein powders. I took the alternative diet sheet to the store and bought some that fit in their nutritional guidelines. A lot of them don't meet the requirements for Fiber, but you can add bene fiber or something like that.
I didn't buy their shakes because when I got to the online checkout there was a problem with their verification or something that stopped me and asked me if I was sure I wanted to proceed. I did not. I am not sure what the post op diet is, but from what I gather from online forums and the such, it looks like a week of clear fluids, a week of full fluids and then a week of softer foods. That may not be right, but I will be stocking my pantry with apple juice, broth, Soups, SF Popsicle and SF Jello before I go.I am also trying to find a Protein Powder that I can sprinkle in clear fluids to ensure I get enough protein for optimal healing.

I am from Alberta. My family physician steered me away from the lap band, which I was going to pay 18 000$ for in Ontario. She is supportive of the surgery I have chosen to have in Mexico. I have my follow up appointment booked with her for when I return.
I also work in health care. I see patients return from surgery in other countries ALL. THE. TIME. we never refuse service. Never. Even if the surgery was elective. My friend jokes with me that its a good thing I am having lap surgery, so the surgeon in Mexico cant steal my kidney and sell it on the black market. We think its hilarious. I will get an x ray when I get back to be sure... lmao.
Canada has a public non discriminatory health care system. You CANNOT be refused care. If a physician does not feel well enough equipped to deal with post op complications, another one will, and think yourself lucky you got the best (wo)man for the job.
I would be interested to hear if there has actually been a case of a patient being refused care in Canada. In Edmonton, capital of Alberta, there is a specialized bariatric team to deal with post bariatric surgical complications.
Best of luck to you!!

Does no one get it. He lied about removing her lap band. He did not inform her of the hernia procedure ( When she had the test ) She was not informed about the fact that she had one or not.
The staff was horrendous to her. And there are flags going up all over the place. This doctor lied to her about her lap band. I think it is all about money. Now that so many are going elsewhere to have their sleeve done they are getting desperate for clients.
I would question everything he did and my care if all of this happened to me. Thank god you have had no complications..Some surgeon in the states would have to take that on. Even though you had the surgery by this guy....Personally folks I would rethink about my surgery with this doctor. I think he is now in it for the money and to hell with the patients comfort. I would go back and get more info about having the lap band removed earlier. If it was..Then what else did he lie about.....Fishy if you ask me...He would be scratched from my list as a potential surgeon if what she says is true.......

Howdy Sleevers! This is my 1st post as a lady with a surgery date on liquids... I'm on Day 5, and I am having a HARD time! I'm pretty sure I could be described as "hangry" (something another poster created as hungry+angry). Yesterday, we had skills competencies at work, and I'm lucky I got out with my dignity intact! I was SO hungry, shaky, dizzy, and FRUSTRATED that I wanted to punch innocent people in the throat. Like Godzilla terrorizing the city, I was lumbering through the delicate art of nursing, growling and sniping, while trying not to land in jail for accosting innocent bystanders who were drinking my beloved Dr Pepper. It has NOT gotten easier day by day for me. I know this is supposed to be a "lifestyle change" for us continuing after surgery, and I know it a mindset we are supposed to be learning. Therefore, am I a failure? Is this not something I can do?? IS THERE ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE THAT ARE HAVING GODZILLA-LIKE HANGRY ISSUES???

I have enjoyed reading all the information on this site. I am also going down to see Dr. Ortiz in July for a gastric plication. Maybe I will see you there. Would like to compare notes with you.

she is a very disturbed woman. you need to stop reading things she writes. you need to make a promise to yourself that you are letting her go 100%. that you will not look up things she writes online, you will not think about her, that you will move on so you can start a new life that is positive and healthy. walk away, move on, let her go. pursuing her will only bring you pain. you deserve better. cut her loose in your head and give yourself a loving break.

I plan to be smart about my carbs after surgery. I want to eat real food instead of the carb laden chemical mixtures I had previously been subjecting my body too. There is nothing real or natural about white bread or pastas or Cookies and chips, and dont even get me started on pop. However, carbs in delicious berries, fruits and vegatables? Yes I will enjoy those. Spark People (a tool I have used) recommends the lower end of my carbs be at 135 per day, so the drop to 80 isnt that big of a deal, its the equivelent of a cup of grapes and a banana, or one english muffin. (If I were so inclined to eat bread). I figure thats an easy swap for some veggies.

In general there is nothing in a carb your body needs other than energy. Simple energy. Protein and fat how ever have amino acids and essential fatty acids. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin. Tryptophan is an amino acid, a less common one. Ingesting carbs allows tryptophan to be taken up in the body faster but you could get a similar effect from ingesting more tryptophan.

Carbs are seductive I'll give you that. I used to feel awesome when I used to eat about 20g a day.
​Very complication explanation of the above if your into biochem
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201105/sunlight-sugar-and-serotonin
"Having obscene amounts of sugar and carbohydrate over long periods of time can max out our serotonin machinery, leaving us unhappy, carb-craving, and depressed."

I plan to be smart about my carbs after surgery. I want to eat real food instead of the carb laden chemical mixtures I had previously been subjecting my body too. There is nothing real or natural about white bread or pastas or Cookies and chips, and dont even get me started on pop. However, carbs in delicious berries, fruits and vegatables? Yes I will enjoy those. Spark People (a tool I have used) recommends the lower end of my carbs be at 135 per day, so the drop to 80 isnt that big of a deal, its the equivelent of a cup of grapes and a banana, or one english muffin. (If I were so inclined to eat bread). I figure thats an easy swap for some veggies.