newbiesleever

They don't put you in a hotel right after surgery. You stay the night at the OCC after your surgery (nurses check on you throughout the night) then the next day, if you're doing well then you go to the hotel.

Congratulations! My stats match almost exactly to yours. I had my surgery on October 6th too and I've lost 40 pounds! That was my personal goal to hit before the New Year and I hit it a week early. I'm loving my sleeve. I know there's no way I would have been able to do this without my sleeve. Eating is good, no problems with food at all. I can't wait to reach my ultimate goal and for the first time in my life, I know that I will actually get there! Wishing you continued success in your journey!

Congratulations! My stats match almost exactly to yours. I had my surgery on October 6th too and I've lost 40 pounds! That was my personal goal to hit before the New Year and I hit it a week early. I'm loving my sleeve. I know there's no way I would have been able to do this without my sleeve. Eating is good, no problems with food at all. I can't wait to reach my ultimate goal and for the first time in my life, I know that I will actually get there! Wishing you continued success in your journey!

If you pick a new doctor, I wouldn't tell them about going to Mexico. You can ask to get blood work done and ask for a nutrition panel. Just say you want to make sure your Vitamin levels are all normal. Any doctor should be willing to do that. I usually only go to my doctor once a year for a physical so when that time comes, she usually gives me a full blood work order anyways and I just plan on asking for the nutrition panel as well... I did talk to her about weight loss surgery the last time I saw her, just to get thoughts on it, but that was before I decided to go to Mexico. She's a really laid back doctor but I still wouldn't tell her about going to Mexico.

I can't believe people are suggesting you to get counseling, that is hilarious. Real quick to diagnose someone. Sheesh.... I think the girl was craving pizza and did the right thing instead of SWALLOWING it, just chewed it and spit it out. I remember when I was 10 days post op, I wanted anything and everything. When I was not eating food during the first few weeks, all I could think about was food. I was miserable. You will be so happy when you can have soft food. Try the Ricotta Bake. It is amazing and satisfies my pizza cravings and i LOVE pizza! Just try to fight off those urges and take each day at a time. That's what I kept telling myself, one day at a time. Now, if you really like to torture yourself like I did, I would go on pinterest and different blogs looking for recipes to try when I got to solids. It was like food porn for me. Lol But now I have lots of recipes bookmarked and excited to try! The time will fly by and before you know it, you'll be at Solid Foods! Hang in there!

Well, I survived my first Thanksgiving being sleeved and it was a success! I was able to eat a little bit of everything. My mom makes this killer spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer and I had a few chips with that. For dinner, I had a yummy salad (haven't had a salad in a looonnggg time- so good!), some bites of turkey and ham, and half a roll. I felt comfortable, definitely not too full as everyone else was. I did feel a little weird that my plate looked like I didn't eat anything but that's okay! No one is staring at your plate anyway. I'm loving my sleeve, it's been very good to me and I haven't had any complications with food! I love that part. It was my first time trying chips and bread and they went down well. I brought some leftover turkey and ham home with me so I can enjoy the leftovers for the rest of the weekend.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Well, I survived my first Thanksgiving being sleeved and it was a success! I was able to eat a little bit of everything. My mom makes this killer spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer and I had a few chips with that. For dinner, I had a yummy salad (haven't had a salad in a looonnggg time- so good!), some bites of turkey and ham, and half a roll. I felt comfortable, definitely not too full as everyone else was. I did feel a little weird that my plate looked like I didn't eat anything but that's okay! No one is staring at your plate anyway. I'm loving my sleeve, it's been very good to me and I haven't had any complications with food! I love that part. It was my first time trying chips and bread and they went down well. I brought some leftover turkey and ham home with me so I can enjoy the leftovers for the rest of the weekend.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Well, I survived my first Thanksgiving being sleeved and it was a success! I was able to eat a little bit of everything. My mom makes this killer spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer and I had a few chips with that. For dinner, I had a yummy salad (haven't had a salad in a looonnggg time- so good!), some bites of turkey and ham, and half a roll. I felt comfortable, definitely not too full as everyone else was. I did feel a little weird that my plate looked like I didn't eat anything but that's okay! No one is staring at your plate anyway. I'm loving my sleeve, it's been very good to me and I haven't had any complications with food! I love that part. It was my first time trying chips and bread and they went down well. I brought some leftover turkey and ham home with me so I can enjoy the leftovers for the rest of the weekend.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Well, I survived my first Thanksgiving being sleeved and it was a success! I was able to eat a little bit of everything. My mom makes this killer spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer and I had a few chips with that. For dinner, I had a yummy salad (haven't had a salad in a looonnggg time- so good!), some bites of turkey and ham, and half a roll. I felt comfortable, definitely not too full as everyone else was. I did feel a little weird that my plate looked like I didn't eat anything but that's okay! No one is staring at your plate anyway. I'm loving my sleeve, it's been very good to me and I haven't had any complications with food! I love that part. It was my first time trying chips and bread and they went down well. I brought some leftover turkey and ham home with me so I can enjoy the leftovers for the rest of the weekend.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Well, I survived my first Thanksgiving being sleeved and it was a success! I was able to eat a little bit of everything. My mom makes this killer spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer and I had a few chips with that. For dinner, I had a yummy salad (haven't had a salad in a looonnggg time- so good!), some bites of turkey and ham, and half a roll. I felt comfortable, definitely not too full as everyone else was. I did feel a little weird that my plate looked like I didn't eat anything but that's okay! No one is staring at your plate anyway. I'm loving my sleeve, it's been very good to me and I haven't had any complications with food! I love that part. It was my first time trying chips and bread and they went down well. I brought some leftover turkey and ham home with me so I can enjoy the leftovers for the rest of the weekend.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

I can't believe people are suggesting you to get counseling, that is hilarious. Real quick to diagnose someone. Sheesh.... I think the girl was craving pizza and did the right thing instead of SWALLOWING it, just chewed it and spit it out. I remember when I was 10 days post op, I wanted anything and everything. When I was not eating food during the first few weeks, all I could think about was food. I was miserable. You will be so happy when you can have soft food. Try the Ricotta Bake. It is amazing and satisfies my pizza cravings and i LOVE pizza! Just try to fight off those urges and take each day at a time. That's what I kept telling myself, one day at a time. Now, if you really like to torture yourself like I did, I would go on pinterest and different blogs looking for recipes to try when I got to solids. It was like food porn for me. Lol But now I have lots of recipes bookmarked and excited to try! The time will fly by and before you know it, you'll be at Solid Foods! Hang in there!

I can't believe people are suggesting you to get counseling, that is hilarious. Real quick to diagnose someone. Sheesh.... I think the girl was craving pizza and did the right thing instead of SWALLOWING it, just chewed it and spit it out. I remember when I was 10 days post op, I wanted anything and everything. When I was not eating food during the first few weeks, all I could think about was food. I was miserable. You will be so happy when you can have soft food. Try the Ricotta Bake. It is amazing and satisfies my pizza cravings and i LOVE pizza! Just try to fight off those urges and take each day at a time. That's what I kept telling myself, one day at a time. Now, if you really like to torture yourself like I did, I would go on pinterest and different blogs looking for recipes to try when I got to solids. It was like food porn for me. Lol But now I have lots of recipes bookmarked and excited to try! The time will fly by and before you know it, you'll be at Solid Foods! Hang in there!

I can't believe people are suggesting you to get counseling, that is hilarious. Real quick to diagnose someone. Sheesh.... I think the girl was craving pizza and did the right thing instead of SWALLOWING it, just chewed it and spit it out. I remember when I was 10 days post op, I wanted anything and everything. When I was not eating food during the first few weeks, all I could think about was food. I was miserable. You will be so happy when you can have soft food. Try the Ricotta Bake. It is amazing and satisfies my pizza cravings and i LOVE pizza! Just try to fight off those urges and take each day at a time. That's what I kept telling myself, one day at a time. Now, if you really like to torture yourself like I did, I would go on pinterest and different blogs looking for recipes to try when I got to solids. It was like food porn for me. Lol But now I have lots of recipes bookmarked and excited to try! The time will fly by and before you know it, you'll be at Solid Foods! Hang in there!

I can't believe people are suggesting you to get counseling, that is hilarious. Real quick to diagnose someone. Sheesh.... I think the girl was craving pizza and did the right thing instead of SWALLOWING it, just chewed it and spit it out. I remember when I was 10 days post op, I wanted anything and everything. When I was not eating food during the first few weeks, all I could think about was food. I was miserable. You will be so happy when you can have soft food. Try the Ricotta Bake. It is amazing and satisfies my pizza cravings and i LOVE pizza! Just try to fight off those urges and take each day at a time. That's what I kept telling myself, one day at a time. Now, if you really like to torture yourself like I did, I would go on pinterest and different blogs looking for recipes to try when I got to solids. It was like food porn for me. Lol But now I have lots of recipes bookmarked and excited to try! The time will fly by and before you know it, you'll be at Solid Foods! Hang in there!

ive been making a chocolate Peanut Butter smoothie in the mornings and add a half banana... I'm going on my 7th week and would like to try a strawberry banana smoothie with vanilla Protein Powder but I need to buy vanilla Protein powder! Sounds yummy though!

OK, I tried the Protein powder pancakes today and it was good!
1 scoop flavored Protein Powder (I used Syntrax Matrix Milk Chocolate)
2 eggs
1/4 cup blueberries
Blend until smooth. Cook on medium heat. I made two cakes (two servings). It fills you up. They were a little thin but they puff up with cooking. Be careful not to burn them. The second one I filled with 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese and 2 tablespoons of my berry Syrup (recipe below) and rolled it up.
One pancake per MFP:
Calories: 141 Protein: 18 Carbs: 4 Fat: 6 Fiber: 1 Sugar: 3 Berry Syrup
1 cup frozen mixed berries (or any single berry is fine)
1 cup Water
Sweetener to taste (I use liquid stevia drops).
In a saucepan, bring the berries and Water to a boil until reduced. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Add the sweeteneer (start with 1 tsp sugar equivalent) a little at a time until it is sweet enough to your liking. Store in the refrigerator up to a week. Makes 8 servings.
Per serving per MFP:
Calories: 9 Protein: 0 Carbs: 2 Fat: 0 Fiber: 0 Sugar: 1

ive been making a chocolate Peanut Butter smoothie in the mornings and add a half banana... I'm going on my 7th week and would like to try a strawberry banana smoothie with vanilla Protein Powder but I need to buy vanilla Protein powder! Sounds yummy though!

I know exactly what you guys are going through.. This past weekend, I felt super weak and dizzy, I would black out after I get out of bed or from the couch. I got so fed up with the Protein Shakes so I gave myself a break from them. I know I know, NOT good! This weekend, I got a "AH-HA" moment.. A couple years ago, I went to the Biggest Loser Resort and they had this really good chocolate Peanut Butter banana smoothie. I thought to myself, that's what I need to do! I need to make a smoothie. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Lol..I've been drinking the Chocolate Premier Protein shakes and got so sick of them so I went out and bought a blender, got it on sale (yay!!) and made my smoothie.

Here is what I used:
-Chocolate Premier Protein Shake (30g Protein)
-2 Tbsp of PB2 (This is a dry mix of Peanut Butter, the healthiest form of Peanut Butter, has 5 grams of Protein for 2 Tbsp)
-1 Tbsp Cocoa powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)
Total Protein: 35g

It was pretty good. I think I will adjust the PB2 to only 1 Tbsp.. I bought a Protein Powder online from Amazon so until that arrives, I will just keep using the Premier Protein.

Here is the Recipe I Found w/ Protein Powder:
-1 or 2 Scoops Protein Powder (Depending on the amount of protein)
-1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (Almond Breeze only has 30 calories in it)
-2 Tbsp of PB2
-1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)

Search Pinterest and online for different protein smoothies. I think this is the ONLY way I will be able to get in all my protein. You will feel a difference in getting all the protein you need in. I worked out today and I feel full of energy! I'm going on my 4th week today. I just made Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey and I'm super excited to eat them! Only 2 weeks away from Solid Foods! I'm almost there and the worst part is over... You guys can do this!!!

Yes, that's what I use, the unsweetened one.. 1 Cup is only 30 calories!

I know exactly what you guys are going through.. This past weekend, I felt super weak and dizzy, I would black out after I get out of bed or from the couch. I got so fed up with the Protein Shakes so I gave myself a break from them. I know I know, NOT good! This weekend, I got a "AH-HA" moment.. A couple years ago, I went to the Biggest Loser Resort and they had this really good chocolate Peanut Butter banana smoothie. I thought to myself, that's what I need to do! I need to make a smoothie. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Lol..I've been drinking the Chocolate Premier Protein shakes and got so sick of them so I went out and bought a blender, got it on sale (yay!!) and made my smoothie.

Here is what I used:
-Chocolate Premier Protein Shake (30g Protein)
-2 Tbsp of PB2 (This is a dry mix of Peanut Butter, the healthiest form of Peanut Butter, has 5 grams of Protein for 2 Tbsp)
-1 Tbsp Cocoa powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)
Total Protein: 35g

It was pretty good. I think I will adjust the PB2 to only 1 Tbsp.. I bought a Protein Powder online from Amazon so until that arrives, I will just keep using the Premier Protein.

Here is the Recipe I Found w/ Protein Powder:
-1 or 2 Scoops Protein Powder (Depending on the amount of protein)
-1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (Almond Breeze only has 30 calories in it)
-2 Tbsp of PB2
-1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)

Search Pinterest and online for different protein smoothies. I think this is the ONLY way I will be able to get in all my protein. You will feel a difference in getting all the protein you need in. I worked out today and I feel full of energy! I'm going on my 4th week today. I just made Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey and I'm super excited to eat them! Only 2 weeks away from Solid Foods! I'm almost there and the worst part is over... You guys can do this!!!

I know exactly what you guys are going through.. This past weekend, I felt super weak and dizzy, I would black out after I get out of bed or from the couch. I got so fed up with the Protein Shakes so I gave myself a break from them. I know I know, NOT good! This weekend, I got a "AH-HA" moment.. A couple years ago, I went to the Biggest Loser Resort and they had this really good chocolate Peanut Butter banana smoothie. I thought to myself, that's what I need to do! I need to make a smoothie. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Lol..I've been drinking the Chocolate Premier Protein shakes and got so sick of them so I went out and bought a blender, got it on sale (yay!!) and made my smoothie.

Here is what I used:
-Chocolate Premier Protein Shake (30g Protein)
-2 Tbsp of PB2 (This is a dry mix of Peanut Butter, the healthiest form of Peanut Butter, has 5 grams of Protein for 2 Tbsp)
-1 Tbsp Cocoa powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)
Total Protein: 35g

It was pretty good. I think I will adjust the PB2 to only 1 Tbsp.. I bought a Protein Powder online from Amazon so until that arrives, I will just keep using the Premier Protein.

Here is the Recipe I Found w/ Protein Powder:
-1 or 2 Scoops Protein Powder (Depending on the amount of protein)
-1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (Almond Breeze only has 30 calories in it)
-2 Tbsp of PB2
-1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)

Search Pinterest and online for different protein smoothies. I think this is the ONLY way I will be able to get in all my protein. You will feel a difference in getting all the protein you need in. I worked out today and I feel full of energy! I'm going on my 4th week today. I just made Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey and I'm super excited to eat them! Only 2 weeks away from Solid Foods! I'm almost there and the worst part is over... You guys can do this!!!

I know exactly what you guys are going through.. This past weekend, I felt super weak and dizzy, I would black out after I get out of bed or from the couch. I got so fed up with the Protein Shakes so I gave myself a break from them. I know I know, NOT good! This weekend, I got a "AH-HA" moment.. A couple years ago, I went to the Biggest Loser Resort and they had this really good chocolate Peanut Butter banana smoothie. I thought to myself, that's what I need to do! I need to make a smoothie. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Lol..I've been drinking the Chocolate Premier Protein shakes and got so sick of them so I went out and bought a blender, got it on sale (yay!!) and made my smoothie.

Here is what I used:
-Chocolate Premier Protein Shake (30g Protein)
-2 Tbsp of PB2 (This is a dry mix of Peanut Butter, the healthiest form of Peanut Butter, has 5 grams of Protein for 2 Tbsp)
-1 Tbsp Cocoa powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)
Total Protein: 35g

It was pretty good. I think I will adjust the PB2 to only 1 Tbsp.. I bought a Protein Powder online from Amazon so until that arrives, I will just keep using the Premier Protein.

Here is the Recipe I Found w/ Protein Powder:
-1 or 2 Scoops Protein Powder (Depending on the amount of protein)
-1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (Almond Breeze only has 30 calories in it)
-2 Tbsp of PB2
-1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder Unsweetened
-1/2 Banana
-6 Ice Cubes (give or take)

Search Pinterest and online for different protein smoothies. I think this is the ONLY way I will be able to get in all my protein. You will feel a difference in getting all the protein you need in. I worked out today and I feel full of energy! I'm going on my 4th week today. I just made Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey and I'm super excited to eat them! Only 2 weeks away from Solid Foods! I'm almost there and the worst part is over... You guys can do this!!!

I feel you...When I got home from surgery, I was feeling great, like I didn't even have surgery. Then a couple weeks went by and it hit me. After work, I'm just too tired to do anything. On the weekends, it's even worse. I sleep like 10-12 hours a night. Since I wake up late, I can't get in all the Protein I need to get in. I think part of the problem is I need to force myself to wake up earlier so I can start eating earlier in order to get all the food and Water I need to get in. When you start your day at 10-11am, it's hard to do that. My goal this week; to wake up earlier, to walk, and start an exercise routine. I did do some squats and resistance band exercises last Sunday. I felt the burn. I was sore all week from that exercise! I just need to keep it consistent and do something active every day!

You guys will not regret going with Dr. Ortiz.. I'm 2 weeks out tomorrow and feeling great. No incision pain. No real pain after my surgery. Energy levels have been great since coming home. Went to work the following Monday (1 week after surgery). No real complaints other than I want food! Lol I get to start the pureed stage on Thursday and I can't wait to have a scrambled egg. I'm getting over these Protein Shakes fast but I'm almost to the next stage so I i know I can do it.
My experience with Dr. Ortiz at the OCC was great, what everyone on this board has said. It's all true. Make the appointment, get it done and you will be so happy you did!

My experience so far:
Since my mom and I are from Southern CA, we drove to the San Diego airport and parked there and went over to Terminal 1 where we were to meet the driver. We got there early like at 545 and the pickup time was 7. Our driver ended up being late so we were waiting 2 hours. Not a super big deal, was actually entertained by people watching. The driver picked us up and 2 other patients. When you cross through the Mexican border, since we are in a van, all of us had to get out and get our luggage, go through a building where they X-Ray our luggage and then hit a button, green means you're good and if it's red, then they'll search your bags. All of us were green. We left the building and waited for van to get the go ahead. This whole process didn't take too long, maybe 15 minutes.
Off to the Marriott to check in. It is a very nice hotel, lots of staff and felt secure. Our room was pretty decent but the beds were hard as rocks. I'm sure I won't mind the next couple nights cause I will probably be out of it but I got no sleep last night, just kept tossing and turning, either from the bed or the looming of the surgery.
Got picked up by the Marriott shuttle at 6:20 am to go the OCC, filled out paperwork, met with the nutritionist who was very informative. She weighed me, measured me, gave me my goal weight and went through the different phases of eating. Then met with cardiologist. Did good, was the first surgery patient of the day. Went to my room which is very nice and changed. The nurse gave me medicine, started my IV, met and talking with Dr. Martinez who is super nice! Off the OR! And Just like that I was out and waking up! The waking up part always sucks, cause you're thinking what's going on?! My mouth was super dry and I had a really bad taste in my mouth. I was coughing pretty bad so they put something over my nose and mouth to help.
I haven't been in pain, just sore. If anything my chest and throat hurt. Pretty much all day, I've just wanted to burp. I wish I could let out a big burp and I feel like I would feel better. Lol Got up to walk a couple times. Mostly, I'm just tired and I'm sure not sleeping last night has something to do with that.
So far the care has been great, I saw Dr. Ortiz briefly out of the corner of my eye when I was being taken back to my room. Said I did great. I didn't have my glasses on and I'm blind so I couldn't see him very well. lol
Everyone's post on this board helped my make decision to come here and I just want to say thank you for that! I hope my post encourages others to do the same. You don't need to worry about the Mexico thing, you're in great hands and meeting other patients and being with them, makes you feel more comfortable.