shannybananny71

I joined the gym at my hubby's work. It is a small gym and there aren't a lot of people there at any given time. With that said, I went once and haven't been back. I have hang ups about it and will need to get over it. However, I am going to get over it in my own time. We only pay $15 a month so it's not a financial burden. I would probably feel more comfortable if my hubby went with me. He works rotating shifts and I work M-F so our schedules don't always jive. He is always more than willing to walk with me though. Do you have a friend to go with you? Several years ago, I went to a "meathead" gym with a co-worker. We did our cardio together and neighboring machines together. When we had to go into the free weight room, we went together like two young school girls. It made us both feel more comfortable and I was in the best shape I had been in a long time. Fitness is an important part but I agree with what others have said about walking. You can start out at a more leisurely pace but you also need to challenge yourself as you continue. Good luck! Maybe we will both find the courage to conquer the gym.

I am three months post op and have had salad a couple times. The problem is that it really has no nutritional value. My hubby and I will sometimes go to a local pizza place and get pizza and one trip through the salad bar. I will make the salad, eat a couple bites and he finishes it. Sometimes you just need a couple bites of something you have been craving. Then I will eat the toppings off of one slice of pizza. Yum!

Dr. Illan has a nutritionist/wellness coach who can be reached via email and telephone. She is great. The instructions you are given when you are discharged are very clear but if you don't understand something, just call.

I hear you! When we go out to dinner, I really miss having a salad before the dinner comes. It is such a waste of stomach space. I will usually have a bite or two of my hubby's salad but don't get my own anymore. We still eat when we socialize but I know how uncomfortable it is to have one bite too many and I don't want to go there. Sometimes I have a chicken strip, sometimes I have grilled salmon, but most of the time I make the healthiest choice. I'm fortunate that my hubby couldn't care less about movie theater popcorn. It was my love. We just get drinks at the theater now. Sometimes he sneaks in a candy bar and I'll have half an Atkins bar as my treat.

I use multifocal contacts and you are right, they don't work very well. For me, I will suffer so I don't have to wear glasses. I'm going to check out the multifocal lens implants.

Babybel cheese, yogurt, water with Crystal Light. I bring stuff into the theater all the time. If it fits in my purse, I will bring it. Another option might be to eat before you go and forego the snacks. Disassociate movies with snacking. If not, there are healthy options.

I'm not sure how long I was under but I was up and walking the halls that night. The gas made me nauseous so I had dry heaves the first few times I walked. I was awake enough after the surgery to use the bathroom when I needed to.

Dr. Illan in Tijuana. He loves what he does and cares about his patients. You will stay two nights in the hospital and one night in a local hotel before you are "discharged". Once you get home, he is always available by email, phone or Skype. I am three months post-op and have had ZERO complications. Going back next month as my sister's companion.

I would imagine it would be difficult to give up. That would be like me having to give up iced tea. No way.

Can you not have coffee after surgery? I don't like it but I don't remember it being on the list.

Breakfast - Hard boiled egg and some raspberries Snack - 1/2 serving of pecans Lunch - 1/2 chicken flauta (I know, not the healthiest but I only have it once a week) Snack - 1/2 serving of pecans Dinner - 1/2 burger (no bun) with sauteed mushrooms and pepperjack cheese

No extras except tips, food for companion and spending money. I was never really in any pain (except for a few dry heaving episodes). There is no pain med pump but the nurses monitor your meds closely. I can't believe they would charge extra for that. Craziness. You will be in excellent hands with Dr. Illan and the staff at Oasis of Hope. Not to mention the BariatricPal team who are amazing.

That could be. Are you listening, Bill? My sister and I need a quiet room when we come in July. Lol!

I had issues with fish and other meats when I was first able to have meats. They taste normal to me now though. I had to keep trying them because of the need for protein. Thankfully, you don't need Halo Top. Haha!

Sorry. That's all I thought of when I read your post. It seems like every low/no calorie drink has artificial sweeteners.

I think it depends who you go through. Going with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal will ensure that you get wonderful care, not only from Dr. Illan and the hospital staff, but from the BP employees also. You are only as alone as you want to be. You can join their FB page and find someone having surgery on the same day as you and the valets are awesome. My hubby and I got to spend time with another patient and her sister after we were released from the hospital and we really enjoyed their company. I think going alone is very do-able and it is my understanding that Dr. Illan will call your loved one after surgery to let them know you are out of surgery and recuperating.

I had surgery on 3/6/17 with Dr. Illan through BP. Going back next month for my sister to have surgery. It was a great experience with wonderful people. I can't say enough about the care I received. I am glad that I was in the hospital for two nights. Had surgery on Monday and was released on Wednesday. Then the lovely Juanito made us walk all over TJ. Haha! He reminded me that walking is good for you. We went to a farmers market that was really cool and then a beautiful restaurant. We got to take a taxi there -- yay! We ate on the veranda and couldn't have asked for better company. I was there with my hubby and another patient and her sister were with us. Juanito was so patient with my millions of questions about TJ and MX. And TJ far exceeded my hubby's expectations. He went from not wanting to leave the hospital to going to Walmart with one of the valets and then we walked around the block by ourselves when we got to the hotel. The hotel is nice and has a casino and restaurant. However, the noise from the casino could be heard in our room while we tried to sleep. It wasn't that big of a deal for my hubby who sleeps like the dead but it was an issue for me. We only stayed one night and BP was very accommodating and understanding. My understanding is that patients only stay one night in the hotel now. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask away!

I think you need to take Zantac or Omeprazole and Gax X strips. Acid reflux disguises itself in odd ways post-op.

Water. That's the only thing I can think of. I like to drink iced tea sweetened with Stevia. Always looking for a healthier sweetener though.

If I knew then what I know now, yes I would have done it in my 20's. But when I was in my 20's, I was raising two little boys and husband and thought I would eventually be able to lose it on my own. I also thought that if I couldn't lose it on my own, how would I ever be able to modify my eating habits that having surgery would require. I had surgery at the beginning of March and have lost 40 lbs. It has been the best thing for me. Good luck making the decision that is best for you.

You can also try sugar free pudding made with Fairlife skim milk or greek yogurt. Not sure if you're allowed that yet though.

I can't do protein shakes so I drink Protein2o or Atkins Lift protein water.

Pork rinds Pepperoni and cheese Pepperoni chips (you can microwave pepperoni between pieces of paper towel and they come out crispy and delicious) Nuts in the shell (it takes longer to eat them if you have to open them)

My insurance wouldn't cover WLS so I went with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal Team MX. I had surgery 3/6/17 and am down 40 lbs total. It was a great experience and I will be going back in July for my sister to have surgery.

Amazing! You are doing great!