MissAimee

When you find your bellow button and elbow bones again!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went to Oasis Hospital in TJ with Dr. Illan 11/17/16 (mini bypass). Two thumbs up The valets through Bariatric Pal MX are awesome, constant companions. I felt very safe the entire time (and yes, I wondered about the same things before surgery, too). I'd highly recommend it- quality, affordable, efficient. Good luck! Aimee from UT Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I HIGHLY recommend Bariatric Pal MX and Dr. Illan. Had a mini bypass with them two months ago. Awesome facilities, medical care, and customer service! A++ from this teacher from Utah!!

I had a mini bypass in Mexico in Nov. (Bariatric Pal MX and Dr. Illan were amazing!) I was shocked how smooth everything went- very efficient. The hospital and hotel were very nice, the medical care exceeded 95% of my medical care in the states (and I've had a LOT of medical care due to MS the last 15 years). Jitters are completely normal, but you've got this! For me, the pre-op diet (and giving up sugar, carbs, and Diet Coke) was a lot harder for me than surgery and recovery. Distract yourself as much as possible until you go. Let us know how it goes!!

I feel your pain! The pre-op diet has been the worst part so far for me! I am 6 wks out from surgery now, but I vividly recall the 2 wks of liquids I had to do as a pre-op! Ugh! I was very hungry, irritable, and emotional (even more than usual- ha ha) After surgery, without the hunger, was a relief. If you are missing the crunch, like I did, chewing little ice pellets may help. (Celery if you can have it?? I couldn't.) I had to distract myself a lot, and avoid watching ppl eat whenever I could. (That also got better for me after surgery). I kept telling myself, 'I will chew again someday!' I wish I had magical answers for you. Hang in there! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had a mini bypass Nov 17, but I still related to your post! I was super nauseous and tired for the first 3-4 weeks, but nausea and exhaustion has been better since then. (I'm 6 wks out now) Nausea and exhaustion were an issue for me before surgery, too, so you may feel better a lot sooner than I did. Everyone heals so differently. Hang in there!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sending you lots of positive vibes from Utah!! congrats on making it through the pre-op (during finals, no less)! Let us know how it goes! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I went through Bariatric Pal MX and Dr. Illan about 3 wks ago. A++! Would highly recommend the company, valet, hospital, and surgeon! Super impressed with quality, price, and treatment. PM me with questions Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You are brave and strong! We're all rooting for you!! Speaking of noisy sandwich guy (lmao), as I sat in the airport before flying to Mexico, I realized that my gate was between Krispy Kreme donuts and Rocky Mtn chocolate . Really, universe?? I actually laughed and took a picture. No way was I going to be wheeled into surgery for them to find a frickin' donut in my gut!! Plus, I worked too hard on the 3 wk pre-op! I still found it ironic, though! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am not a dr... and don't even play one on TV ... but I had a mini bypass (same concept as RNY, but different connection point with your stomach, basically) 2 wks ago. By the 3rd day, my dr approved me swallowing pills (after the leak test of course). I have to do one pill at a time- and I usually take a few minute break in between, but I'd much rather do that than crush and taste them. It depends on what your surgeon says and the size of the pill, but might be an option for you?? My primary care dr was able to get one of my medicines in liquid form (not tasty, but prob better than a crushed pill). So maybe you could look into that as well? Hang in there! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

You're so welcome- glad I could help by sharing! I usually read on these boards and stay quiet, but when I saw your post, I knew I had to reply! I, like you, had considered surgery for years, but insurance excluded it and I couldn't pay the out of pocket costs in the US. Just because it seems sudden to others doesn't mean it's actually impulsive! It takes courage to take this step (and to stick to the pre-op diet, too!) I am proud of you!! With my parents and sister, I showed them a lot of research, testimonials, etc before booking- and had their support. With the rest of my immediate family (and 2 bosses, too), I first told them I was having surgery (and why) so they could process it. Then, I told them (a few days or week later) that it would be in Mexico. Both announcements were big and I wanted them to process separately. By the time I told them about Mexico, I already had plane tickets and had paid the deposit, so they knew they couldn't change my mind. Please make sure you have the support you need: family or friends or message boards or wherever else. I felt very supported by my doctors, valets, nurses, Bill/Stacey, etc while in Mexico, which was a huge blessing. I am here, too- you can message me with questions or just vent. I am still a newbie, for sure, but that also means I am close to where you are in your journey, which can be helpful. It also helps to know that hormones are stored in fat, which basically gave me permission (in my mind) to be emotional as long as I need to be (and it's been an emotional roller coaster, for sure!) when I feel emotional, I tell myself that I must be losing fat! (They don't call it a journey for nothing- and that includes the decision to do it, what surgery/when/where, and the pre-op diet- so you've already begun!) You may want to keep the Dec plans you have already made. But, if you decide to postpone, cancel, or ask for more help, that's okay, too. Even an annual event pales in comparison to something that can change the rest of your life. Put yourself first for now. You deserve it! (And, if you're like me and feel guilty for doing that, remind yourself that you'll be able to do even more for others later on by doing this for yourself now!) You may feel up to all of it after surgery (I was surprised how I felt a wk later), but don't force yourself to do more than your body wants to, esp the first few wks. Not trying to lecture or tell you what to do, just want you to be able to recover without a ton of pressure to be '100% back to normal' the second you get home. Go a little easy on yourself and see how you feel. (After having MS for years, I am finally learning to do that, but it's a lot harder than it sounds!) You are welcome to PM me if you want. I am so excited for you!! Aimee Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had the mini bypass with Dr. Illan on Nov. 17 (almost 2 wks ago) He is a fantastic surgeon with a fabulous team. I only wish I had done it sooner!! You will do great! The valets are also amazing- tell them that 'Aimee from Utah' said hi! I told almost no one before surgery (only my boss and immediate family) bc I didn't want to hear other ppl's horror stories. Now that I'm back, I don't care who knows or talks about it. That choice is completely up to you!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I got a copy of my actual surgery on a USB Drive, but haven't watched it yet. Anyone else get a copy of their surgery and watch it? If so, were you glad you did? Mini bypass on 11/17/16 On a different note, I give the mini except for the name . Any ideas for a better name? Roux-en-U? Rerouted? Seriously, though, the name has gotta change! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App