Becca R.

Hi guys! I'm one month out today, and would love to hear from any of you that are going to Mexico for your surgery. I read these boards and all the amazing resources that stateside sleevers get and it makes me jealous. And nervous. I would love to chat about how everyone is getting ready, what surgeons and hospitals everyone is using, if you've found a nutritionist to work with at home, etc. Anyone?? ((((echo)))) Becca

I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one!!! It makes me feel so much better. I hear other sleevers who sound like teenagers with raging hormones and I'm all "I'll just be over here, shivering and trying to get warm and wishing for an electric blanket." I'm also having periods since my sleeve, and I hadn't had them since I got my Mirena. WEIRD. @ -- Let me know how it goes, will you??? I get mostly complex carbohydrates (garbanzo Beans, black beans, fruits and veggies). Sometimes I feel like I'm not supposed to have any carbs at all, but that's simply not feasible. What are you guys all eating these days? My current favorites are a fried egg on one slice of Canadian bacon for Breakfast, a few ounces of garbanzo beans with a small drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for lunch, and the Progresso light Soups for dinner. YUMMMMM. I would love to hear what you guys are doing and get inspired. (My food is so boring. lol.)

@ -- How many carbs does your PCP want you at?

Hi girls!! So glad that I checked a random folder in my e-mail, so I saw the new posts. So glad to hear that everyone is doing very, very well. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!! And I think all of us deserve extra credit for losing a lot of weight over the holidays and in the dead of winter. High five for that. @@wantingabetterlife CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I did a happy dance for you when I read about the goals you've met. So, so proud and happy of you, friend. I'm at 200 and STUCK. It is totally one of my sticking points, so I kind of *knew* it was going to be tricky, but I'm trying not to get too impatient and frustrated. I'll be honest though, it sure would be nice to see that "199" on the scale. Heck, 197 would be even better. I weigh in on Fridays, so maybe this will be my week. *crossing all my fingers and toes* @ Thank you for mentioning the depression. I think it's one of the things that nobody really talks about. I haven't felt depressed necessarily, although there are times that I've definitely wondered if I was headed in that direction, but my libido is through. the. floor. I thought that, as I lost weight, it would pick up, but it seems to be doing the opposite. I am attributing it to the same thing as the hair loss: a major shift in hormones and metabolism. I am proud of you for all your progress. ***hug*** @@Revgirl I love it. I love your words. I think words are powerful, and something that really create our reality. Fantastic. Now I'm thinking about what *my* words might be.... So. Me. I am down 50 pounds and just hangin' out at 200. Yup. Juuuuuuuust waiting. And I'm so jealous of all of you that are down so many sizes!!! I'm still wearing the same clothes. They're looser, but not loose enough that I need to go shopping, you know? I signed up for 2 5K runs this week--one in April and one in July. Going to train for the Tinkerbell 10K at Disneyland in 2016. Loving exercising, but my knees are still shot from running when I was so heavy. Hoping that gets better. Just starting to lose hair, but I'm taking 5,000 mg biotin, using Nioxin, and taking another supplement called "Super Silica" that I think is helping a bunch. Libido leaves much to be desired (SNORT. "desired"...) But, really? I'm great! My energy is up! I love feeling like I'm just chubby and not completely huge. I love that my Sleeve can tolerate all kinds of foods, and that I can be totally satisfied with just a little bit of something. I would do it again in a second. Loves! Becca

@@emmuje875 Dr. Jaime Ramos Kelly was my surgeon. He was born in Michigan and was a United States Marine, is American Board of Bariatric Surgeons Certified, and was just phenomenal. When people say that they can't believe I went to Mexico for surgery, I now have a hard time not laughing at them and saying "Who wouldn't?!"

@@shizwiz -- I feel amazing. I really do. I haven't had much pain at all. My incisions look great, and two of the 5 are already healed. It's hard to get enough protein and liquid in, but I do 2 ounces of protein shake, then 15 minutes later, 2 ounces of water. And repeat, alternating. It is tricky to cook for my family without being able to taste anything, but other than that? No regrets. And I'm down 12 pounds since surgery a week ago. I'm thrilled!

@@emmuje875 -- So bacteria have started to become resistant to neosporin. My doctor and dermatologist here told me that studies are starting to find that perisporin actually offers better protection from infection than Neosporin. I'm now officially 8 days out and my experience was *flawless*. Not only did my surgery go perfectly, but I got to recover next to a pool, under brilliant blue skies, in 75 degree weather. Let's hear it for surgery in Mexico!!! Good luck, everyone!

@@Revgirl, how's your throat today?? @MSbling -- good luck tomorrow!!!! Are you excited? Nervous? @@wantingabetterlife -- Welcome Home!! I've been thinking about you. How are you feeling after your trip? Question of the Day for all of us: How are you planning to eat on Thanksgiving? Answer: So, I will be in the two week full liquids phase. I am planning to have some butternut squash soup and then a pumpkin pie protein shake. I actually feel really good about it. Your turn!!

@@MS Bling -- I went with a bit of a sore throat. It really wasn't a thing. I think the only "cold symptom" contraindication that would stop you from having surgery is a fever over 101 degrees. I ended up having a U.T.I. (had no idea) and they just gave me antibiotics. Did your doctor call you back yet? @@wantingabetterlife How are you feeling today??

Heading home today!! Soooooo excited to see my littles. But I am definitely going to miss this sunshine and 70 degrees...

@tootiesmiles-- my husband has been all over, eating from yummy food trucks and exploring the markets.

@@Tootie Smiles -- if you want to use credit cards, just make sure you let the companies know you will be in Mexico or they'll block them. I brought Propel packets, but my doctor prefers Vitamin Water "Restore". I got it here at a convenience store. Our TV at the hotel has ESPN in Spanish.

@ -- oh my word, I'll bet you're exhausted! I heard that at weeks 3-5 your body actually kinds tries to hibernate, but that it gets much, much better after that. I love that you aren't weighing in this month. Maybe I won't either.

@-- I agree with Lisa--you are in SUCH good hands!! Soon you will be done, too!! @ -- can you give us an update on you? I'm wondering what the next week looks like for me. @@wantingabetterlife -- isn't the "no hunger" aspect awesome?!?! I feel like I don't want to eat at all. Sooooo nice. Drinking broth and Vitamin Water. It's fun for me to know that you're only a couple kilometers away!

@@wantingabetterlife -- I'm so glad you're doing well! Thank you for checking in. What time did you have your surgery? Aren't the doctors and nurses here amazing?? Like you, I have been so impressed. This morning we went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast and then laid out in the sunshine by the pool. I found myself feeling really bad for bariatric patients who have to recover in the dreary winter climates. Having these couple days, outside the hospital but not home chasing all my busy kiddos, feels like such a blessing. Have we heard from @@Revgirl, at all??? Worried about her!

Leak test passed and checked into our hotel. Kind of sore, but mostly I feel really good!! Sipping my first food: freesia flavored Gatorade. Only in Mexico.

@@wantingabetterlife I know exactly what you mean. I got less and less nervous and more just ready to have it over with. See you on the other side!!!

@@sprocket -- I've had all my meds by IV so far. I assume that I will start sipping today, and I'm nervous about that. I had nausea and vomiting yesterday, which was not fun, but it wasn't as painful as I'd assumed it would be. Did they give you some anti-nausea medication? @@wantingabetterlife -- how are you feeling about today??

@@wantingabetterlife -- thinking of you and praying for you! Check in when your world stops spinning, ok?? ***hug***

@ -- hi! How're you doing? Wanna give me some hope that the world will stop spinning soon? I have to say that it's been really helpful for me to remember your experience and know that everything is normal. Thanks! @@sprocket -- I'm not allowed to drink yet, but sucking on ice chips. And yes, better than yesterday, but still really dizzy. We are surgery twins! So, PS, at least 50% of my nurses have been young dudes. I feel like I'm receiving medical care from Spain's soccer team!

@@wantingabetterlife -- (Lisa) saying a prayer for you today!!

Wowie! Ok, those first hours post-op were ROUGH. I am so impressed by my doctors and nurses, though. Considerate, kind, and very gentle. Wondering how Sprocket is doing in these wee hours. I'm up working out the gas. Hurts, but getting better.

Excited for you, Sprocket! Here and hooked up. Come on over, Wanting a Better Life!! You're next!

@@sprocket -- me too! What time are you flying in? I'm most nervous about anesthesia. Blech. Nasty stuff. I really, really hope they don't break or chip any of my teeth. :/

@@shizwiz -- I went back and forth on the pain relief, too. I finally e-mailed my surgeon to ask how they dealt with both pain and nausea, and that helped me to know that I would want to have my own for back-up. Some sleevers seem to do just great with the medication provided in Mexico, but others said that they really needed something stronger, so I decided to be err on the side of having my own meds. I started posting on here about the same time out from surgery as you, and the time has just flown. It will be here before you know it! --Becca