puppyloverls3

We can all totally relate to everything you're saying, Beth!!! I had my surgery on the 17th and 9 days out feels amazing. Losing weight every day! This is sooooo worth it!! I went to the grocery store to get some things and you really notice how they have all the junk at eye level!!! Kind of torturous but I just looked away and strutted my little self right on by! Glad you're doing well!

I just had my sleeve done in Mexico for half of what you will be paying by an outstanding Dr. who has practiced in the US as well and could not be happier. It is NOT an easy fix like everyone thinks and that's where the ignorance comes in. Maybe helping your family become educated would help them realize that it will still be a lot of work and the sleeve is a "tool" to help you. Good luck with your decision.

On 2/14/2017 at 0:51 PM, TXTiredofStruggle said:

Hello, this is my first post. I have a date of April 11th. I am excited and scared. I will be traveling about 6 hours to have my procedure with Dr. Borland (Louisiana). I have struggled my entire life to have a healthy weight and to be happy with my image. It started when I was 18 and just graduated high school. I was 60 pounds overweight and was told about a Dr. That prescribed diet pills (phentetmine). I received the diet pills for years and lost the weight and felt wonderful! I incorporated exercise and had never felt better. Fast forward 20 years and it has been a yo yo of 50 pounds up 40 pounds down and even more throughout the birth of my 3 children. I have made the decision to schedule my surgery and saved the money as I will be cash pay. I am very excited, but scared. Could I really be headed towards my goal weight by my 40th birthday? (July). Have others started with 50 pounds to lose and been successful? Also, has anyone had the surgery a few hours from home where you stay in a hotel? What do you pack? Thank you in advance and I am excited to hear back from anyone!!

Hi Texas,

I just returned yesterday from Mexico to PA so yes I traveled to get there AND I have a lower BMI--actually I was 188 at 5'7 so almost exactly where you are. So I can't talk about the "successful" part other than to say I am soooo excited to get there. I feel like I've started a whole new life. This is what I packed and it turned out great: toiletries, yoga style pants (loose around your tummy), a sweatshirt which came in handy because I was cold in the hospital, sports bra (no underwire because there is an incision up high), slip on shoes or slippers, tea bags that I liked (hotel usually provides but I liked the mint tea I was drinking pre-op), gas ex strips, chap stick, cash, a heating pad which came in handy, loose tops, and nice comfy pajamas. I was there from Thursday night until Monday (Friday morning I went to the hospital but was back at the hotel Saturday morning). I also took my kindle for something to do. I'll be anxious to hear how you do. Don't be scared--it's the best thing I've done for myself in 20 years (I'm 56)

1 minute ago, Karazona said:

I tried making this chicken crust pizza: http://www.bariatriceating.com/2015/08/more-bariatric-chicken-crust-pizza/ I left out the pepper and basil. It wasn't too bad. Definitely bake until the "crust" has been browned or it'll have a weird rubbery consistency. The rubbery consistency doesn't taste bad, but it's not pizza crust. If it's truly baked long enough and browned, you absolutely WILL NOT know the difference!!!!!!!!!!!!! The recipe I linked makes a very large pizza, so it's perfect for freezing slices! Below are my personal nutritional stats for a plain cheese pizza using Hunts No Sugar Added Sauce and Part Skim Mozzarella as 2 of the ingredients that may be different person-to-person. Of course you could add all kinds of toppings, but the values may change. Anyway, here are mine.

For 1 pizza cut into 6 even slices

One slice= 171 calories, 2 carbs, 22 Protein

*Again, bake that crust until it lightly browns and "crusts". You can also toast leftovers in a toaster oven.*

So freaking good!

If somebody starts a recipe post, please let me know!!!!!! I'd love to share and receive some awesome recipes!

ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!

On 2/10/2017 at 3:20 PM, mylighthouse said:

Speaking of pizza (and I do love it), I was checking my local bariatric online support group on Facebook this morning, and this lady had posted a picture of this pizza that she found at a local nutritional supply place. The pizzas are personal size, and she said she could eat half of one for a meal and she said that it was delicious, but a little pricey at $7.00 each.

I was thrilled with the nutritional information of the pizza. One pizza has 270 calories, 25 grams of Protein, 16 grams of fat and get this... only 4 carbs!

So I looked up the pizza on Google, the name of it is Real Good Pizza Company. They have a website and a bunch of 5-star reviews for the product. If you buy them from the company, you can get them for $5.80 each, with a minimum order of 12 pizzas.

I can hardly wait to try it... going to place an order next week with them.

How do I get hooked up with the facebook page?? Thank you.

I had two, three hour plane rides from Mexico 3 days after surgery and although there was some discomfort at times, it wasn't unmanageable and WELL WORTH the trip. I'd say driving is much better because first of all you can stretch out A LOT more than on a plane AND you can stop whenever you need to get out and walk! I say go for it--the mental health part of it is irreplacable! Good Luck!

Whoops sorry for the double post. I must be excited!?

So I had my surgery yesterday in Mexico with Dr Ortiz and it was an amazing experience. The nurses and doctors were fabulous and the facility is immaculate. One of the coolest parts is while you're in the hospital they are not in your room 20 times/night and if they do they tiptoe in, change your IV bag and leave! And it's soooo quiet and peaceful. I woke up with very minimal gas pain ready to take this challenge head on. So good luck and prayers for all of you who will soon have a smaller tummy and a beautiful healthy life ahead of you.

So I had my surgery yesterday in Mexico with Dr Ortiz and it was an amazing experience. The nurses and doctors were fabulous and the facility is immaculate. One of the coolest parts is while you're in the hospital they are not in your room 20 times/night and if they do they tiptoe in, change your IV bag and leave! And it's soooo quiet and peaceful. I woke up with very minimal gas pain ready to take this challenge head on. So good luck and prayers for all of you who will soon have a smaller tummy and a beautiful healthy life ahead of you.

Heading to the hospital in 30 minutes. I'm in Mexico and have Dr Ortiz as my surgeon. Wish me luck. ??

19 hours ago, entrophykitten said:

Hey there!! Back with an update!

Yay!!

I just got back to my hotel and my surgery was done yesterday (2/10/17).

I was a little surprised by how quickly everything went. I mean super duper quickly! But I did have a few complications as I have been cursed with hard to locate and even harder to hit veins. The anesthesiologist had to put my iv lines in.

The shuttle take you in at 6:15am and you're in the waiting room with final paperwork stuff and final payment.

They call you in to finalize your dietary plan and also do the EKG...then you wait until your room is ready.

When you go to your suite, you quickly change in your gown and then the phlebotomist comes in to give you a little Xanax and does your IV.

The surgeon comes in and chats with you for a moment and then it's show time.

The procedure took less than 45 minutes and he not only staples but he also does a reenforced suture over the staple line to prevent additional complications.

Past that, walking around after surgery went pretty smoothly and I still have "rolling" gas bubbles which are annoying beyond belief!

Before they release you from the hospital, they have you do a tiny barium swallow to make sure your tract is completely clear and then you're released to go back to the hotel!!

You have to keep walking...the more you walk, the faster the rolling bubbles will be relieved.

I've got a final follow up on Monday and head back over the border by about noon that same day.

Feeling pretty good (past those bubbles) and have no regrets whatsoever.

The only major things I will also add:

If you buy your meds that are prescribed there at [/url] OCC , it's about $190 with a credit card. If you ask the hotel shuttle driver, he can take you to a local pharmacy that will sell you all the drugs for about $70 bucks.

Bring or buy a pill crusher. (There's a Walmart near the hotel or if you go to an offsite pharmacy...or pack one with you.

I have the vitaleph  shakes , but I also bought unjury  Protein   powder  (online only) the  chicken   broth  and the unflavored variety...to break up the chocolate/vanilla shakes...you will get tired of those flavors quick. The unflavored powder can be mixed with juices or just water!

That's it!!

Sorry for the novel!! But you're going to do great!!

Thank you so much for all of that awesome information!! How did you find out about the pharmacy?? That's the first I've heard that. Also, how did you do with your pre-op diet? I was away this weekend with friends and was starving, especially watching them eat all their junk so I put some chicken on my salad. I know there's nothing in the pre op that says you can do that but i was desperate. How are you feeling today?

Sorry I reposted so

Many times. Trying to figure out how to respond. It went wonderfully. Bloodwork Friday, surgery Saturday,

Up walking within hours of surgery. Discharged from the hospital this morning and back at the amazing hotel. This hotel is beautiful state of the art. City express suites. The Drs, nurses, staff,

Shuttle drivers, everyone has been fabulous. Highly recommend!!!

Who was your surgeon?

Heading to Mexico Friday, surgery on Saturday. Nervous as well! Worried about how long recovery will take.

How did your surgery go?

Feb 17th!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am also February 17th as well, in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. Where will your surgery be?

Mine is feb 10 with Dr Ortiz at OCC in Tijuana...nervous beyond belief!

Keep us posted! I'll be there one week later. Good luck on your journey!

I am the 17th in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz--OCC. Where are you going?

Anyone scheduled for Mexico on 2/18?


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am on the 17th in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz--OCC. Who is your surgeon?

Is anyone here having surgery in February? I'm having it on the 17th in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz at OCC, with a BMI of 29.5 and just starting my preop diet and getting very nervous. Obesity runs in my family and I absolutely know I'm doing the right thing but still scared.

Very sweet gesture!! I am also flying AA on February 20th from San Diego to Baltimore if the offer is still available.

The anxious anticipation is over and hopefully you're resting peacefully. Prayers for a great recovery coming your way.

legooose--where in PA?

Are any of you on the 17th going to Dr. Ortiz?

I am a bit below that. But I haven't had the surgery yet. Has anyone used Dr. Cabrera or Dr. Ortiz?

Is the FB page private??

I have a February 17th surgery date, with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. Super nervous and still have to make flight arrangements.

I have a February 17th surgery date in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. Super nervous. I still have to make my flight arrangements.