Shustar

I just received my sleeve on June 8th in TJ, Mexico. My Dr. was Elias Ortiz and I could not have had a better experience! I also went by myself although I was not shy about telling those close to me where I went! I drove from Phoenix to the Mexico border at San Diego.My organization is A Lighter Me and every aspect of the trip was amazing. I stayed the first, and fourth and fifth nights at the Grand Hotel which was stunningly beautiful and has a floor dedicated to medical patients with an on-call nurse. The hospital was clean and modern and the staff all spoke wonderful English. Relax, this will be a combination life saving miracle, adventure and vacation all in one! Good luck and enjoy! By the way, I had no problems driving 6 hours home on the fouth day after surgery!

So sorry to hear your "niece" couldn't take your extra weight! I am sure both she and you knees are going to feel much better soon! I also had it done for my knees and back. I am 8 days out and already feeling better although i am ready to get rid of the swelling and bloat! Best wishes!

Do you take Prolisec? My Dr started all of us on 2 pills a day becausse he says we will all get acid reflux. Check with your Dr. Good luck!

Don't worry, it gets much better and quickly! I found mixing 20 oz of water with 2 packets of indiviual serve Crystal Lite or other flavorings and then throwing in a scoop of natural or vanilla protein powder in a water bottle tastes like lemon mirangue pie. This gives you 20 oz water, 20 grams protein and 60 cals.

I decided to be very open about my decision. I expected people to tell me that I really don't nee that extreme of a solution as my BMI is around 34 at the start. I was amazed that no one said that. Guess I look fatter than I thought! LOL I know many had doubts about having it done in Mexico. I does sound kind of sketchy. My experience could not have been any better and I only wish I had known about this years ago.

I received my sleeve last Monday (June 8)at the tender age of 62. I still own and run a shoe store and play tennis 3 times a week. My back and knees are starting to try and slow me down. I have been on every diet imaginable since 2nd grade. My husband is on disability due to chronic pain and I am the bread winner. I wish this was an option when I was in my 20's but I will look forwards not backwards and am grateful for this rebirth opportunity!

So awesome! Can you even believe you are saying "8 pounds to goal"?! Do you think you will be satisfied with your goal or will you go a bit below to give yourself a bit of cushion? Bravo to you!

Simply amazing! You look awesome at your Dream Goal wieght! the funniest part is that your hubby has turned up his game with the little hottie on his arm! LOL Congrats! I am 5 days sleeved so feeling bloated and extra fat. Know things will start changing soon.

My doctor said to only weight once a week but when do you take your first weigh in post surgery?! Thanks for your replies. Feeling better, even if not thinner yet!

I got sleeved on Monday of this week in TJ, Mexico. I have been a diet failure since my parents staryed taking me to doctors in second grade. I am 62 and have done every diet known to man and then some! Do any of you remember the "liquid protein" diets of the mid 70's. You were only allowed 2 oz of protein made from boiled cow hooves. I am just a giant yo yo. I have one knee replacement and the other is giving me problems. My cholesterol is over 400 and matching tryglicerides. I have a buldging disk in my low back and I still want to enjoy my life. I did not lose much during the 2 week protein shake plus salad w/chicken. Since I received my sleeve, I have not lost anything on the scale but know I am hugely retaining water. I know what is going in and I know what is going out! At 62, I am a successful business woman with a good life. I have fought and won over Ovarian Cancer and chemo. I buried my 10 year old daughter who died in bed with me. We all have out histories but I am not going out letting FOOD whip my ass! This one I am winning!

Thanks so much! I read all the posts of amazing losses right after surgery and although my head says something like "it is probably Water retention", that little girl inside says "I'm not even good enough for the sleeve and nothing is ever going to work for me!" Just when you think you have made friends with that little girl, she kicks you in the shin!

How did your op go? Hope you are feeling good and making progress. The first couple of days are the worst - it gets better from then on. All the best. I look forward to your updates. Bobbi. :-) Thanks Bobbi! My surgery was Monday and went very smoothly. I had it done in Mexico and would never consider having it done anywhere else if I had to do it again! I feel remarkably well. I drove 6 hours to get home to Arizona yesterday with no problems. I have been able to get the fluids as well as the Protein in with no problems. My only concern is that when I stepped on the scale this morning I was the exact same weight I was before I left last Sunday. I am feeling pretty bummed about that. thanks so much for asking!

Thanks Bobbie. I am about your BMI ( starting). I get my sleeve tomorrow. Our stories are remarkably alike. I look forward to getting to know you and watch your progress.

Five years ago I lost over 65 pounds using HCG which is supposed to preserve muscle, trick the body into burning fat and accelerating weight loss. I gained most of the weight I lost due to poor habits, yea, go figure. I am sure I am not the only one who has tried HCG so just wondered if the combo of the Gastric Sleeve and HCG might work. Thoughts?

I kept most of the weight off until I quit smoking and had a very stressful legal situation at work. After I get stabilized after surgery, 2 months or so, I might give it a try since I still have a good supply.

I am on the 8th also. I am driving 6 hours to the Mexico border tomorrow. I am really excited.

I am on my second day of clear liquids, My doctor calls for 3. Many different protocols out there!

I am also getting sleeved this Monday in TJ. I have spent alot of time staring at your before and after pics. Just a remarkable transformation. You have none of that "I used to be fat" look. Your arms and hands are so willowy and slender. Like the gal ahead of me, you are a real inspiration to me!

I live in Scottsdale. I am getting sleeved in TJ on Monday. Ready to get the show on the road!

Can't believe it is almost here. Clear liquids start tomorrow! So very excited! We are going to have a blast!

So very thrilled for you and for all of us! Where did you go for all you plastic surgery? Did you have any of you procedures at the same time? Thanks and a huge Woo Hoo to you Sweetie!

Were you a coffee or caffeinated sodas prior to surgery? Could it be wwithdrawals?

Hi all! Just found this topic. I am getting sleeved by Dr Ortiz in TJ on June 8. I just requested to join both FB pages. I live in Scottsdale, AZ.

Thanks! This is such a cool little visual. Getting my sleeve June 8 and can't wait!

I have been trying to discourage my husband from coming, We live in Arizona so I think I will just drive down. I think Larry will not have enough to do to keep him out of my hair!