biginjapan

So it looks like I'll be having my surgery at the end of December in Tijuana, but I'd also like to make the most of my time while I'm in the States as well. As I live in Japan, my options are so much more limited here in terms of just about everything, and I'd like to stock up on supplies in either Los Angeles or San Diego. I'll be flying in and out of L.A., but I don't know how easy it will be to get around and to do some shopping using public transportation, so if San Diego seems more appropriate, then I'll spend some time there.
My basic plan is to have an extra 3-4 days on either side of my surgery window (pre-op, op, immediate post-op) to get things done. I'm assuming that post-op I'll be sore, possibly in pain, and will have limited energy and a limited ability to carry light to moderately heavy bags. Therefore I'd probably do the shopping pre-op, although that means dealing with the extra suitcase full of stuff afterwards (I'll be taking the train from SD to LA). Post-op I don't really have any plans, but I would like to do some light sightseeing (just walking around stuff, no activities, think: museums and such) if I have the energy and as long as I know there will be places to sit/rest if need be.
My shopping needs will be:
clothes/shoes (yes, I know I'll be losing weight and I do have some smaller sizes, but the reality of living in Japan is that I can't do any shopping here at all, everything is done when I travel overseas). I mostly want to look for things that are harder for me to find or size in Asia/online, like underwear/bras, shaping garments, leggings, workout clothes, and shoes. It would be nice if I could buy a few descending sizes of things that I like to help me out as I progress through weight loss. Protein powders/vitamins/anti-hair loss products/other meds. I'm still searching for acceptable Protein powders and shakes here in Japan, I've found quite a few online but most don't ship internationally. That goes for Hair loss products as well. Other meds, like milk of magnesia might be good too, plus other useful supplements, like chewable Vitamins, that sort of thing. I know this sounds incredibly basic, and it is, but these kinds of products (especially ones useful for bariatric patients) are really not available here at all. other useful items - I'm not sure yet as I'll try to source some things here in Japan, and this is kind of a fuzzy area as it's not anything specific, but it could be anything from small containers for food portions to kitchen gadgets to whatever. I'd like to minimise the amount of time spent shopping/rushing around, so I'd appreciate any suggestions for a single shopping centre/area that would meet all those needs (good clothing stores with plus to normal sizes, good shoe stores (nothing fancy, but good quality is a must, as are wide sizes), health store/pharmacy) that is easy to get to using public transportation in LA or SD.
Finally, I'll most likely spend my post-op days in LA, which will likely include New Years Eve and the 4-5 days following it. I'd feel better having a little more recovery time between the surgery and getting on a long-distance flight back to Japan, plus it gives me a buffer in case of any complications (knock on wood). Of course I will definitely be staying in some sort of apartment rental with a kitchen so I can control what I consume (I know it'll be liquids only), maybe in the Venice Beach area (easy enough to go down to the beach for a walk hopefully). That said, if I'm feeling up to it, I'd like to do a few things while in LA and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for interesting things to see and do in the first week of the New Year that would be an acceptable for a post-op VSG patient like myself (and yes, I'll be doing all of this alone).
If people have any concerns about any parts of this plan, that would be good to know too, so I can either find ways around it, or not do (some of) it at all. I want to plan early so I can be prepared for as much as I can, within reason. I know it's still over five months away, but before I finalise my surgery and flight dates I want to make sure that what I'm doing seems reasonable.
Cheers if you made it this far! (sorry for the long post)

Thanks for the advice guys!
@@ojibway, you are right, it does ship internationally, and I have found some other sources. That said, other than Protein supplements, a lot of other things on my list may be problematic. The problem with shipping clothes or shoes is the duty I have to pay, which never happens when I bring stuff back in my suitcase.
@@James Marusek, I enjoyed reading your write-up. Your chili looks very similar to what my mom makes. While in Tijuana I will be in recovery all the time and will not go out at night, so whatever perceived dangers are there are not even a worry for me. As for the shopping and everything else, I may see if I can come earlier and do everything I want to do before the surgery, and just relax in a place with hopefully a nice view and a good place to go for short walks for the post-op period afterwards and not worry about anything else. Of course I know that SD and LA have shopping malls, but does every single mall have good shops for plus-sized women (clothes and shoes)? I don't want to waste my time in places that have limited options (this is based on years of experience of chasing down shops in multiple cities around the world. What seems promising online may not be so in real life). I realise you might not be the best person to answer this, so I'm hoping someone local from either one of those cities will suggest some favourite places that they like to shop - the kind of advice I'm looking for is not necessarily easily found in guidebooks or on the internet.

So it looks like I'll be having my surgery at the end of December in Tijuana, but I'd also like to make the most of my time while I'm in the States as well. As I live in Japan, my options are so much more limited here in terms of just about everything, and I'd like to stock up on supplies in either Los Angeles or San Diego. I'll be flying in and out of L.A., but I don't know how easy it will be to get around and to do some shopping using public transportation, so if San Diego seems more appropriate, then I'll spend some time there.
My basic plan is to have an extra 3-4 days on either side of my surgery window (pre-op, op, immediate post-op) to get things done. I'm assuming that post-op I'll be sore, possibly in pain, and will have limited energy and a limited ability to carry light to moderately heavy bags. Therefore I'd probably do the shopping pre-op, although that means dealing with the extra suitcase full of stuff afterwards (I'll be taking the train from SD to LA). Post-op I don't really have any plans, but I would like to do some light sightseeing (just walking around stuff, no activities, think: museums and such) if I have the energy and as long as I know there will be places to sit/rest if need be.
My shopping needs will be:
clothes/shoes (yes, I know I'll be losing weight and I do have some smaller sizes, but the reality of living in Japan is that I can't do any shopping here at all, everything is done when I travel overseas). I mostly want to look for things that are harder for me to find or size in Asia/online, like underwear/bras, shaping garments, leggings, workout clothes, and shoes. It would be nice if I could buy a few descending sizes of things that I like to help me out as I progress through weight loss. Protein powders/vitamins/anti-hair loss products/other meds. I'm still searching for acceptable Protein powders and shakes here in Japan, I've found quite a few online but most don't ship internationally. That goes for Hair loss products as well. Other meds, like milk of magnesia might be good too, plus other useful supplements, like chewable Vitamins, that sort of thing. I know this sounds incredibly basic, and it is, but these kinds of products (especially ones useful for bariatric patients) are really not available here at all. other useful items - I'm not sure yet as I'll try to source some things here in Japan, and this is kind of a fuzzy area as it's not anything specific, but it could be anything from small containers for food portions to kitchen gadgets to whatever. I'd like to minimise the amount of time spent shopping/rushing around, so I'd appreciate any suggestions for a single shopping centre/area that would meet all those needs (good clothing stores with plus to normal sizes, good shoe stores (nothing fancy, but good quality is a must, as are wide sizes), health store/pharmacy) that is easy to get to using public transportation in LA or SD.
Finally, I'll most likely spend my post-op days in LA, which will likely include New Years Eve and the 4-5 days following it. I'd feel better having a little more recovery time between the surgery and getting on a long-distance flight back to Japan, plus it gives me a buffer in case of any complications (knock on wood). Of course I will definitely be staying in some sort of apartment rental with a kitchen so I can control what I consume (I know it'll be liquids only), maybe in the Venice Beach area (easy enough to go down to the beach for a walk hopefully). That said, if I'm feeling up to it, I'd like to do a few things while in LA and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for interesting things to see and do in the first week of the New Year that would be an acceptable for a post-op VSG patient like myself (and yes, I'll be doing all of this alone).
If people have any concerns about any parts of this plan, that would be good to know too, so I can either find ways around it, or not do (some of) it at all. I want to plan early so I can be prepared for as much as I can, within reason. I know it's still over five months away, but before I finalise my surgery and flight dates I want to make sure that what I'm doing seems reasonable.
Cheers if you made it this far! (sorry for the long post)

I am also a newbie. I am also older and don't tolerate much foolishness. I've read the posts from newbies that start a few days pre-op to a few weeks post op about whether they can eat bacon, or had a slice of pizza or say I am going on vacation and can I drink alcohol. I read those posts, shake my head and think, "Why the hell did you have surgery, especially when you are making bad decision so soon after surgery?!!!"
I followed the rules post op because I had major surgery and wanted to change my life for the better. Many think of this as a quick fix and it is obvious from their posts. Others haven't addressed their food addiction or food behaviors prior to surgery. Have I been perfect since my surgery, No, but I have been able to stay on the right path based on the guidance given by vets to other members.
I appreciate ALL the vets input, responses and tips. I would hate for the vets to leave because your successes, experiences and suggestions have made my journey successful so far. Like others, even though I might not post often, I do read the forum EVERYDAY.
I think a FAQ for newbies is a good idea and when somebody asks some of these "stupid" questions, the vet can just post a link to a section of the FAQ that explains what to eat and what not to eat post op and keep on going.
Kindle, I would love for you to reconsider your decision to leave. Your postings, along with the other vets, are appreciated by many of us newbies.
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No one on this site would be here if we all couldn't have used some tough and candid feedback with our issues of which got us all here. AC Jordan is on point and her direct feedback is on point. We have all drank and eaten beyond the norm. This is your chance to make better decisions outside of what you'd like to put into your body with what you need to. Breaking any rules this early is a slippery slope and indicative of things to come. Stick to what you know needs to be done so you develop sustainable habits for the rest of your life.
I'm 9 weeks out and down 42 pounds. Listening to these responses and writing this Message is a great reminder for me too to not deviate as my old self would have, but to just yield to the new me.
Don't take anything personally, it's all to help. If you ended up never having that soda, it worked...
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As a newbie I hope you all stay engaged. It is very important to get your perspective, learn from your experience, and hear people say it is going to be rough, it is a fundamental life change, and we can succeed if committed.

This is something I look forward to too. Living abroad means I fly internationally at least twice a year, although luckily most times travelling in Asia means I'll be next to some tiny person, so even when I "spill" over, they still have room. I love to travel, but the anxiety over whether I'll fit in the seats (seats that have hard dividers between them are a nightmare and I can no longer fit into them) is really starting to get to me and I too look very hard at seat sizes to choose my airlines, and possibly buying two seats on trains to stay comfortable.
Similarly, I have come to realise that I am postponing long-awaited trips and activities because of my weight. Even though I've always been overweight (and more recently obese), I've always, until recently, been able to do things like go on multi-day kayaking trips and hike up mountains. But now even a simple to moderate day hike worries me due to back, knee, and feet issues.
So I'm looking forward to:
Being able to fly comfortably and not be a nuisance to others
Being able to plan travel the way I want, with the only limitations being time and/or money, not my body or health issues
Crossing my legs
Going back to my regular shoe size
Wearing heels with a dress
Being able to buy off the rack in a normal store
Not having to worry about "chub rub" ruining a pair of pants within weeks, if not days, of wearing them
Not having to wear leggings, stockings, or other body-hugging items, also to deal with chub rub
Being able to walk around my students' desks without them always have to "tuck in" so I can pass by without squishing them
Being able to sit on the floor for somewhat extended periods of time (unfortunately something I can't do in Japan, which limits some places I can go to/experience)
I'd like to say I'd like to be able to experience an onsen again (hot spring bath) but I imagine that if and when I do lose the weight, the loose skin will be even more embarrassing for me, and if I get plastic surgery to deal with that, the scars would also keep me out, and if I got tattoos to cover the scars, well, they just won't let me in anyway. To be fair, I prefer bathing in the privacy of my own home, but it's such a part of Japanese culture it's awkward being the only one not participating at times.
I'm also looking forward to the day when men don't look at me in horror (or go out of their way to ignore me, or run from me) when I smile at them or just say hi to them (just being friendly, but they seem to think that if they show the slightest courtesy to me I'll be stalking them forever).

Packing for a trip and not having to use my huge suitcase to fit my clothes! Everyone who sees my suitcase for a business trip is always like, "we're only going for 5 days, why'd you pack for a month?!" Uh, I didn't... my clothes are just much bigger than yours and take up more room. And obviously I need at least 2 extra outfits because when you're fat, sometimes your clothes look ok on you one day and make you look like a big fat monster the next day. I look forward to traveling with all my smaller clothes in a suitcase that can fit in the overhead compartment!
While we're on the topic of travel - I can fit in a JetBlue or Virgin seat, though it's not completely comfortable I definitely fit so I plan all my travel around those airlines. I have never gotten an extender because I've always preferred 6 hours of cutting off my circulation over the embarrassment of having to ask for one. I refuse to fly United or the other airlines with the smaller seats and belts. I hate the look you get from everyone when you're getting on the plane, like "please don't sit next to me, oh my god I hope she's not sitting next to me!" I hate the feeling like you can't even rest your arms down because then they take up someone else's space, you have to kind of hold them in this weird position over your stomach so you stay in your own bubble and don't bother the person next to you.
I travel for work a decent amount, and once or twice a year for fun, and I really can't wait for the first time I fly after losing weight. I've been fat for so long, I forget what it's like to go on vacation or a business trip without a serious level of anxiety and self-hate hanging over you because of the flight!

Tiffany, I'm so sad to hear about your news. Of course you will need time to grieve for your loss. However, as you have already said, you should also try to focus on the positive things in your life. You've lost an amazing amount of weight, are much healthier than you were before, and you still have other options available to you.
I haven't gone through what you are currently experiencing, but I've already had to come to grips that I would never have children - being morbidly obese doesn't stack the odds in my favour of finding somebody to share a life with (especially in Japan where most women are stick thin), and even if I did have someone, getting pregnant at this weight, and now age (I'm a bit older than you), would be very difficult and problematic. But that's okay. It's not what I thought my life would be like, but then again, being obese is not something I dreamed of either when I was younger. :-)
I suffer from clinical depression and when I go through tough times my mantra is "think of the solution, not the problem." I think sometimes we (or at least I) get upset and depressed when I feel I lost control of a situation. Maybe you feel the same way too? If so, doing something, anything, might help you feel better.
Are you really meant to be a mother? If so, even if surrogacy is not option, adoption and fostering are. So is spending more time with your nieces and nephews. It may not be your first choice, but you still have choices out there.
Is your biggest fear re-gaining weight after the surgery? Do some research, talk to your doctor about finding tools (including support groups) and strategies to help you deal with what's ahead.
I don't know if any of this helps, but I hope you can get through this.

Tiffany, I'm so sad to hear about your news. Of course you will need time to grieve for your loss. However, as you have already said, you should also try to focus on the positive things in your life. You've lost an amazing amount of weight, are much healthier than you were before, and you still have other options available to you.
I haven't gone through what you are currently experiencing, but I've already had to come to grips that I would never have children - being morbidly obese doesn't stack the odds in my favour of finding somebody to share a life with (especially in Japan where most women are stick thin), and even if I did have someone, getting pregnant at this weight, and now age (I'm a bit older than you), would be very difficult and problematic. But that's okay. It's not what I thought my life would be like, but then again, being obese is not something I dreamed of either when I was younger. :-)
I suffer from clinical depression and when I go through tough times my mantra is "think of the solution, not the problem." I think sometimes we (or at least I) get upset and depressed when I feel I lost control of a situation. Maybe you feel the same way too? If so, doing something, anything, might help you feel better.
Are you really meant to be a mother? If so, even if surrogacy is not option, adoption and fostering are. So is spending more time with your nieces and nephews. It may not be your first choice, but you still have choices out there.
Is your biggest fear re-gaining weight after the surgery? Do some research, talk to your doctor about finding tools (including support groups) and strategies to help you deal with what's ahead.
I don't know if any of this helps, but I hope you can get through this.

Agreed. I haven't had WLS yet but I've had other surgeries and medical procedures done, and being single in cities where I have no family and few friends means I've had to deal with everything by myself. Of course, you should talk to the hospital about their regulations, but I imagine if you take a taxi (or public transportation) home you'll be fine. Often the big issue is not the fact that you are alone, but that you will be behind the wheel post-surgery.

Check with your hospital and their regulations. The only thing you may have trouble with is driving home from the hospital. Sadly not everyone who needs surgery has family or friends to help them. There has to be something planned for those situations.
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Thanks Alex, for clarifying.

Just curious as how staples "expire" - it's not something I ever thought about.

Just curious as how staples "expire" - it's not something I ever thought about.

I haven't had surgery yet (in fact, am looking for a surgeon now), but as someone who suffers from ulcerative colitis, none of these things are new for me (including the "never trust a fart" gem).
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and I imagine any other cruciferous vegetables will definitely make me fart.
Beans, Beans, the magical fruit, the more I eat, the more I toot.
Chickpeas, onions, asparagus always give me gas.
Carbonated drinks (including beer) are problematic, but I've given up all carbonation and alcohol so that's one less thing to worry about.
eggs can be an issue, but it depends on the way that I eat them. Hard-boiled is usually best.
Sometimes the gas is controllable, that is, I can hold it until I can get in the "clear" - as a teacher this means leaving the classroom briefly. Sometimes it comes out in rapid, tiny bursts, and there's nothing I can do about it except hope that I'm sitting down and that there's no sound or smell.
Can you take something like Beano after surgery? If I know I'm going to eat something particularly problematic, I'll take Beano beforehand (3 pills are better than 2), and Gas-X after I eat, before the gas starts. That seems to help the best.