gtmikki

I was sleeved December 2014. To date, I have only told 2 people. I told my sister prior to surgery because I needed to advise someone that I was going to Mexico. Just in the past few months, I told my boyfriend. Both of these people have been very supportive of my weight loss.

I don't feel the need to tell a lot of people because the surgery was just a tool. You have to make that lifestyle change of a healthy diet including plenty of Protein and exercise.

Yes, I flew to Mexico alone. I told my sister about by decision a few days prior to leaving, that was almost a year ago. To date she is the only one that I have told. For me, I did not feel alone, I had my sleeve sister with me. There are a lot more people that do this alone that what you would think, but there are always someone around giving you the needed support.

I know this sounds weird...but do you have to have someone there at the hospital while you're having surgery? I don't have any family members near me and I have only shared this with a couple of people who are unable to take off work. They can insure I get there and am picked up. I'm praying all goes well and they can be on standby if a situation arises. Has anyone done this "alone"?

_{I have the Garmin Vivofit2. I hardly ever take it off. I do Water aerobics and aqua zumba. The Vivofit2 is good to a depth of 50 ft.}

_{I had surgery in Mexico right before Christmas last year. I told my sister - only because I was going out of the country and wanted somewhere to know where I was. She is the only one that I have told.}

_{As far as work and folks asking about the weight loss, it hasn't been a problem. I think mainly because I had made some significant changes in my diet beginning last September. I lost 30lbs in the 3 1/2 months prior to surgery.}

_{I am like several of the people on this post, WLS is my personal story and I don't necessary feel that I should be required to tell anyone.}

As I applied for a loan for the sleeve yesterday, I got a call of approval for the surgery from my insurance company. So good luck to the June and July sleevers!

Try prosper.com.  It is peer to peer lending and the rates are good.  I got a loan with them in December and the interest rate was 6.79%. 

@@gtmikki Congratulations!!! Your loss seems pretty fast and consistent. I was only losing an average of 6 pounds per in my first 7 months or so.

Thanks.  I guess it is a mental thing thinking that the weight is coming off slow.  It seemed as if it took forever to get under 200. I am hoping the trainer can help me tone up in some places. 

Saw your pics you posted, you look wonderful.  

I made it to Onederland.  I haven't been this size since college.  My weight loss has been slow and steady but I am ready to switch that all up.  I have a personal trainer now and will be starting a 6-week body transformation program Saturday.  I am a little scared but I am up for the challenge.

Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014

Surgery: 254.0

Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)

Month 5: 203 (-7)

It has been a while since I have posted. I have been doing great since surgery. My sleeve is still very noisy and it will surely let me know not to put anything else in my mouth. But I must say, I experienced my first dumping syndrome today. I know that sleevers don't dump like bypassers but I surely did. So today for Employees Appreciation, they were handing out Outshine fruit Bars. I looked at the nutrition facts and said 80 calories and 19g sugar is not so bad. I believe my WLS is no one's business and have not told anyone at work. So against that voice in my head saying do not eat the fruit bar, I did anyway. I ate maybe 3/4 of the bar. I talked with several co-workers that I had not seen in awhile for maybe 10 minutes and I went back to my office. About 15 minutes later a feeling came over me that I really can't explain. I felt faint but then I got hot as hell. I was sweating profusely and my breathing was fast. I got up and closed the door to the office. If I thought no one would knock on the door, I would have stripped down to my undies. The sweating went on for about 30 minutes and afterwards, I literally had to take a nap.

This was the first time I cheated and you can believe, I will not do it again. That fruit bar was definitely not worth it.

Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014

Surgery: 254.0

Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)

Hello All!

 

I am having my procedure done on March 20th at the OCC! I am so excited however I had to start the pre pre-op diet a little early since I gained about 15 pounds since I decided to go through with the surgery. I literally went on a food funeral frenzy-I was eating everything in sight! It wasn't until I saw the new number on the scale that I realized I had to stop...now I need to lose 27 pounds before the surgery....I am not nervous just ready for this new chapter of my life. I wish I hadn't binged out on food, but I did and it is no reason to cry over spilled milk. I am ready for this change and I am determined to succeed.

You definitely can do.  Lucia wanted me to lose a minimum of 14 but stated 30 would be better.  I ended up losing 27 lbs. I purchased the 30-Day Vitaleph supplements including the lypo-solve. I was pretty consistent about taking them.  I had a Premier Protein shake for Breakfast, and meat (3 oz) and green veggies for lunch and dinner.  I walked a couple of miles about 3 days a week and the weight came off.   

Don't worry about what you did in the past.  Today is a new day.  Best wishes on this journey to a new life.

Tomorrow is the day!!!!! Sooooo many thoughts running through my head!! Ugh!! Sooooo nervous and scared! I have never had surgery before!

I had never had any type of surgery either. And I said those same words to Dr. Ortiz on December 19th about being scared and nervous. He totally put me at ease with his bedside manner. You are in very capable hands. Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take very good care of you.

I am 3 weeks post-op today and have lost 12 pounds since weigh-in (actually gained about 3 pounds during surgery or at least that's what my scales stated when I returned home).

I returned to work on Monday, Jan 5th and I have felt great all week. I was on purees and that definitely helped with my energy level. I have to work on getting more liquids and Proteins in. Right now I am getting about 50 oz of liquids and about 50 grams of Protein. I think with me, it is really a timing issue. I get busy at work and don't always eat or drink at the right times.

I also joined a bariatric support group at Emory Hospital Midtown. The group is led by doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and health fitness experts. My first meeting is Monday evening. This is good timing because I am suppose to start exercising today. But I am afraid that I will do the wrong type exercise and do harm to me and my sleeve. So getting that expert advice is what I need now.

@@jjinWA & @@naan - six surgeries total today. Dr Ortiz just spent 45 minutes in my room with me and my husband answering questions and making us feel cared about! He's great.

Good luck.  Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take wonderful care of you.  See you on the sleeved side.

Funny you should mention the bathroom.  I guess when I came to, I had to use the bathroom really bad.  I remember them telling me that I had to wait.  Like you, I insisted - got the bedpan LOL.

I have to agree with everyone, Dr. Ortiz and his staff are wonderful. When Dr Ortiz came into the room before surgery and talked to me, immediately all of the fear left. The first thing I see after surgery is Dr. Ortiz's beautiful smile telling me surgery is done.

Last night I had no pain or gas. I was released this morning and is back at the hotel resting. I can truly say the only regret I have is not having the surgery sooner.

I brought sweatpants, a couple short sleeve shirts and a couple long sleeve shirts and a light jacket for evenings. The pockets in my sweats worked great to hold the bulb of my drain, but I guess they're not doing drains anymore so any comfie elastic waisted pants would do. My belly was very swollen and stuck out like I was pregnant so regular pants would not have worked. I actually didn't fit in my jeans for 2 weeks. Several other ladies wore loose dresses. Slip on shoes that are also comfie to walk in (I walked to Walmart/Starbuck's like 5 times plus all over the avenude Revolucion area.). My Crocs were perfect. That's about it. Everything easily fit in my carryon. You should check the weather online to see what to expect. It rained the day before I got there but was nice while I was there....I think mid 60s during the day.

We just got back from there, having surgery the 8th of Dec. the weather was gorgeous! Ave of 75 degrees each day. The girls wore very lose exercise pants and t shirts. That with a light jacket and they were comfy for the 3 days they were there. It was fine for plane travel too. You certainly do not want anything tight around the tummy. A neck pillow for the plane trip was nice too!

Thanks Kindle and jjinWA.  I guess I am getting nervous and had started packing to many clothes.  My flight leaves Atlanta in the morning around 11 and surgery is Friday.  I pray everything goes well.  

Everyone please send up a prayer for me.

Kindle, what type clothing did you take to TJ in December? Not sure what the weather is like My surgery is Friday and I am trying to pack.

Again, thanks for the post.

Question for the awesome post-ops that had to travel long distance. I live in Atlanta and due to some work issues I'll have to fly home the day I'm released. I'm concerned about flying so soon after surgery especially such a long distance. I'm looking at flights with a stop/layover just so I can walk around if i need to. Has anyone flown home so soon after surgery and how did you feel?

 

The flight time including layover is around 6-7hours.

 

Thanks everyone!!! I don't know what I'd do without this group!!

My surgery is the 19th and I am returning to Atlanta on the 24th.  I have a non-stop flight from San Diego to Atlanta. Like you, I was worried about time/distance so I went ahead and upgraded to first class. The price difference was about $280. I get more leg room and plus I have a wider aisle to get up and walk.

Dec 19!!?? Did you have the three week prep op? Love to hear what you have done with 18lbs loss!! So great! Congrats!

Because I had a higher BMI, the nutritionist had me start on a low carb diet when I signed up at the end of September.  I lost a few pounds in a month.  

I was diagnosed with diabetes (fasting glucose 94 but A1c 6.5) in October.  That scared me, so I really got serious. About 2-3 weeks ago, I began drinking 2 Protein Shakes, eating unlimited green vegetables or salad, and eating a low calorie meal for either lunch or dinner.  I also started taking the Vitaleph Vitamins around that time.  I believe the Lipo-Solve helps burn the fat.

Last Friday I started on the 2 week pre-op diet. I am still only doing 2 Premier Protein shakes a day.  Instead of drinking a 3rd shake, I substitute it for Unjury chicken broth with green vegetables (generally I add broccoli, baby spinach and/or mushrooms).  

I'd say I lost the bulk of the weight in the last 3 weeks - I still need to lose 10lbs before surgery.  I think my weight loss would be better if I could drink 8 glasses of Water a day.  Currently I am up to about 5 or 6 glasses from 2 to 3.  I will get there.  I have been incorporating small changes each week and that has helped me.  And I read this forum for motivation.

I am officially scheduled for vertical sleeve surgery on the 19th. I sent a copy of the certified check yesterday. I have lost 18lbs so far. The minimum was 14 but Lucia said it would be better if I lost 28-30lbs. I know I will lose more but not sure if I will be the 10. Hope it will not have an adverse affect on the duration or outcome of the surgery.

Like others on this forum, I would truly like to thank Kindle, Back2barb, Hoosier, and others for documenting the process. This forum is my support and it definitely help me make the decision to have surgery and to choose Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I will be going to Mexico alone. I have read the posts several times and I am not afraid of traveling alone. I have never had any type of surgery so I am a nervous, make that afraid, when it comes to IVs and being put under.

I just hope my surgery goes as well as it did for the folks on this forum (folks - yes I am a Georgia girl). Thank you all for your candidness.

Thanks!!

Waitirng to go in..

Good luck.

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.

 I am glad your surgery went well.  I definitely agree with you about this post.  And your account of everything makes me feel so much better about my decision to have surgery at the OCC.

Today is my one year anniversary. I'm 65 lbs down. Add that to the 60 lbs I lost and kept off years before the surgery and I'm pretty happy with myself. Best thing I ever did.

Congrats

I have another question.. Lol... What does Dr. Ortiz use for the incisions? I had my gallbladder removed a few years ago and the stitches were dissolvable but I heard Dr. Ortiz doesn't use stitches. Do you have a wait a certain amount of time in order to take a shower?

Only 6 more days!

Have a safe flight. I know your surgery will go off without a hitch. As my surgery is December 19th, if you would not mind, will you please like a best practice guide. What works best 3 months prior to surgery, pre-operation, and the flight.

Thanks gtmikki

Thanks for the responses regarding the flight. I am staying an extra day in Mexico and an additional day in San Diego. I also upgraded to comfort seating to give me more leg room. I got an aisle seat in order to do some walking.

@@newbiesleever, I am excited for you. I know your surgery will go well.

@@JamieLogical, how has your post-op been so far? How quick were you able to get back to your regular routines?

Thanks Kindle. I went ahead and ordered the Vitaleph supplements. I will use them at least until surgery. I have never had any type of surgery, and according to the NUT, Vitaleph will improve chances of recovering quicker, I will bite the bullet for the next few months.

I also made a few changes as you suggested and have been drinking more Water. I actually lost 2.8 pounds this week.

My flight time is about 4.5 hours. I am going to stay an extra day in Mexico for this reason. I am nervous about sitting so long after surgery. Should I stay longer in Mexico or San Diego and also should I fork out the extra money for first class? The seats in coach are small with virtually no leg room.  Any info or guidance on this issue you all can provide will greatly help.

Again, thank you all for posting. As I am going at this alone, this site has brought me much comfort.

[/url]