Atslady

Awesome and glad things are better, I am preparing mental self for a little emotional rollercoaster but I
know why i'm doing. Thank you for sharing
surgery date 12/20

@Taylor5 Thank you for the information , the more i think about it the more i'm convinced Dr. Ortiz may be
the right choice. He has been around a long time, I am going to call them in the morning and
chat with them. The other facility is in a hospital and you stay there your entire stay ( which i like) but the doctor is more important than any other factor to me.


Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question , it was very helpful
What day do you have your surgery?

Atlanta

Hi ,

My surgery date is 12/20/17 and i have researched for over a year. I am having my surgery at Trinity Medical in Mexico.
I am nervous and thinking about changing to OCC because of all the information available about Dr. Ortiz.
Maybe i'm just having a lil anxiety because the date is getting closer.
Any Sleever's with information about either facility?

Thanks ( Nervous in Ga )

@Taylor5 Thank you for the information , the more i think about it the more i'm convinced Dr. Ortiz may be
the right choice. He has been around a long time, I am going to call them in the morning and
chat with them. The other facility is in a hospital and you stay there your entire stay ( which i like) but the doctor is more important than any other factor to me.


Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question , it was very helpful
What day do you have your surgery?

Awesome and glad things are better, I am preparing mental self for a little emotional rollercoaster but I
know why i'm doing. Thank you for sharing
surgery date 12/20

Hello, I am a AA Sleever. My surgery date was 6-2-2015. When I started this journey, I weighed 289 and now I am at 215. My goal is to get down to 150 pounds.This surgery has been the best decision of my life. Now that I have had it, I don't see how I could have got to this point any other way. Best of luck to all of you!

I wouldn't be nervous about not getting a response. You can research DR on healthgrades.com, vitals.com, obesityhelp.com to name a few. You can also google to get the physician look up web address for TN, you can search any doctor check their education, experience, any complaints, etc. I don't live in TN but my state has a website for that so I'm sure other states do too.

Hi All! Thought I check in.... well I am about 14 weeks out and only down 53 pounds. I am happy with that though I thought it would be more. But I was having a talk with my girlfriend who said that a slower weightloss is what I need not to bring any sideeyes from my job (I work in public health in the obesity and physical activity field), to get my husband use to my changes (he has not complained that I am "too thin" yet.) She think the slow weightloss allows him to get use to my body in phases. He likes big women. He maaried me at my highest of 331. My hair is holding up. I have been keeping it braided up with either tree braids or a sew-in. When I do take it out, I deep condition and let it stay ot for about a week to see how or if it shedding. My skin look okay (my breast area is the worst). I told my hubby that I will propably get a breast job at the end of my journey
I just came off a 9 day stall, so yes stalling does keep happing for me at least once a month. I haven' t worked out in about 23 days by doctors orders. I have a seperate condition that is demanding no physical activity until after my second round of meds are completed and I have another chest X-ray.
So overall I am pleased. I know this is a marathon and not a race. My next overly ambitious goal is to be at 200 pounds by my daughter's 1st birthday July 6. I have 28 pounds to go. I don't think I will make it but shooting for it gives me motivation. I go back for my medical check up in 7 days, so I hope to get approval to workout. If I do, then I have a chance.
hope you ladies are doing well and feeling great. Have a blessed day.

I was sleeved on Sept 2, 2011 and i lost about 40 pounds in 3 weeks and then I stalled for almost a month. I think most people have a stall around this time, its probably because our bodies have to catch up with what's going on. Don't stress about it, keep doing what you're doing and the scale will move. Congratulations on your weight lost so far and keep up the good work.

Hi ATLGirl,
Please forgive any errors as I am writing this message from my phone. I was quite excited to see this post after lurking on this discussion board for weeks. I have acquired so much useful info and courage from this board. I am just ending the beginning stage of getting approval for the vsg. My insurance company required a psych eval, documentation of prior weightloss attempts, a letter of medical necessity from my pcp, 3 sessions with a nutritionist, as well as clearance from a pulmonary dr and cardiologist. I have completed everything and have my 3rd this Friday. YAY!!!! So after Friday I will be playing the waiting game. I hope this process goes quickly. I teach and was hoping to be sleeved on my spring break (early April) but now if I get an earlier approval I might decide to do it sooner than April.
I see that you will be sleeved this weekend. I wish you lots of luck with your surgery. Are you required to do a two week pre op liquid diet? How has your pre op journey been going?
Nikki

I had the same issue after surgery for 3 weeks nothing. I went and got ducolax, i took 3 mini pills. Omg within 1 hr i was ready.. It definitely works and cleans you out.

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I'll chime in in case someone cares.
Research shows that bariatric patients' blood alcohol levels increase two to four times as high as typical folk after consuming the same amount of alcohol.
2-4 times! So 1 beer for us postop is equal to 2 to 4 beers preop.

Well.
I did not wait long. I resumed drinking about 6 months out I think. And that was a big mistake, at least for me.
Alcohol effects me differently now. If I haven’t eaten enough I get DRUNK FAST and I’ll blackout. It’s bad. I had to learn that the hard way.
It’s also takes the place of food calories because I struggle to drink and eat together so it becomes a choice between drinking or eating. And I need the food more. And you do too!! Especially early on.
I do love wine but even three years out I try and limit my alcohol intake. I’m careful about it.
I can see why you want to drink and I wouldn’t think in moderation it’s a problem. But it could possibly slow your weightloss. For me, it did not slow my weightloss but I oddly tend to lose weight when I drink. Most people gain from it.
But if you are feeling healthy I don’t see a problem with having a little in moderation here and there, maybe a Glass now and then. I’d say in the first year you can just be very cautious. and don’t let people on here bully you. There is a nice way to give advice and trollish ways. Just remember the people on here, they are all hungry and sober AF.

I would have done the surgery here. I found a well qualified surgeon in my area. It came down to $. ~~$18,000.00 VS $5,500.00. I am blonde, but, I can do math.
I would have done it here for $10,000.00. Just so you know my price.lol
Yes I took a chance. I came out fine. lucky me.
I have nothing bad to say about US surgeons. It was just a matter of cost as I am self pay.
I have made this comment before but, I am going to post it again. When obesity in a KNOWN cause of so much additional health care costs, WHy won't the insurance companies get on board with VSG? It would substantially reduce costs in the future.
(Leaving out the personal future benefits) I do not get it. There are so many cost benefits to covering this surgery, that far out weigh the down side. (initial cost) Where are the number crunchers? They need to wake up. Obesity is a National epidemic. It is not going to go away on its own.
OKay I am sorry for the rant. But, I do feel better, thanks for letting me vent. again.

I had my sleeve surgery with Dr. Umbach in Las Vegas on 11/11/09. I had a terrific experience. He is an excellent, caring surgeon with a ton of experience. Although he is new to Las Vegas, he has experience in other areas of the country.
I am a registered nurse and always do my research. Desert Springs is the hospital he operates at and I had a terrific experience there as well. Dr. Umbach has a very well planned out pre-op regimen and great follow-up. I highly recommend him.
My only other comment is that people on this board are VERY pro Mexico and seem extremely harsh on US surgeons. Do your own research and make your own judgement. This is actually my first post here on this board as I have been turned off by the negativity about US surgeons. There is some very good information here and it has helped me tremendously. I felt strongly that I should reply to your post as I have personal experience with Dr. Umbach.

Okay this is the sleeve procedure in which they just staple the stomach from the inside and they do not remove that portion routinely taken in the surgical sleeve surgery. The pros for this less invasive and less recovery time but the cons to this, the staples are inside your stomach and there is little research on the long term outcomes.
Hmmm? If so, it's very new and you should be careful. The VSG is the newest most chosen procedure now and some surgeons are still suggesting the full gastric bypass....
Please contact other bariatric centers for factual information on the procedure before opting to do something so life changing. Best of luck to you. I just got sleeved and I'm feeling really good about my choice. This is not easy no matter what you decide.

This is why they say "Call the office with questions or concerns"
I absolutely understand being hesitant to do this and risk having your surgery delayed...but you have to put your safety first. You want the best outcome possible....so you need to come clean with your team. Give them a call first thing Monday morning.
What you're describing might not be a problem. A cold without a fever usually won't disqualify you from surgery, and getting your period typically won't, either. BUT! Your team needs to weigh in on these things, and they might want to run a little last minute complete blood count to make sure your cold isn't something more serious, and gauge the severity of your anemia.
They cannot do their job properly without complete information. Please call them. And good luck with your surgery...so sorry you've got these complications. Bad luck! Wishing you the best.

I must admit that I don’t wait until hunger hits to eat. In the past, this normally meant just grabbing something that probably wouldn’t be the best or most healthy choice for me at the time. I tend to plan out my days in advance so that I know exactly what I am going to eat each day. I also meal prep so that my meals at work are take care of. Because I meal prep, I have lots of different foods to choose from for each dinner. Leftovers save me in the evenings for sure.
11/8 Meal Schedule…
Morning Coffee: 16 oz. Half Caff coffee w/2 Tbsp sugar free Italian Cream Creamer (50 cals, 1g Protein, 2g fat, 0g fiber, 2g net carbs)
Breakfast: Quaker Weight Control Cinnamon oatmeal - 1 packet (160 cals, 7g protein, 3g fat, 4g fiber, 23g net carbs)
AM Snack: 11 oz. Bananas and Cream Premier Protein shake (160 cals, 30g protein, 3g fat, 2g fiber, 3g net carbs)
Lunch: 6 oz. Spinach salad w/roasted zucchini squash, 2Tbsp parmesan cheese, and 1Tbsp Caesar Dressing (152 cals, 6g protein, 12g fat, 2g fiber, 5 net carbs)
Afternoon Snack: 4 oz. Trident Alaskan Salmon Patty wrapped in 2 romaine lettuce leaves (180 cals, 21g protein, 9g fat, 1g fiber, 3g net carbs)
Dinner: 6 oz. Veggie Taco Salad (spinach, Tomato, black Beans, cilantro, red onion, cheddar cheese, seasoned veggie crumbles, Mexican hot sauce) (230 cals, 17g protein, 12g fat, 7g fiber, 10g net carbs)
PM Snack: 1 oz. Raw Almonds (160 cals, 6g protein, 14g fat, 3g fiber, 3g net carbs)
Totals ( 1,092 cals, 88g protein, 55g fat, 19g fiber, 49g net carbs)

Surgeons say that cause u won't be losing weight anymore due to the surgery the next weight will come off from dieting and exercise. Remember to be gentle with your body it has been through a lot and it needs healthy food and lotsa Water and it eventually Will let go of excess weight. It's a journey and sometimes the last few pounds don't come off as quickly as we want them but if you make a healthy lifestyle with a couple of cheat meals and good daily exercise - nothing crazy your body does change. Try not to be hung up on a weight just live healthy and see where u end up. You might end up weighing more but being a smaller size cause of muscle. Remember to take your Vitamins and Protein Shakes .

I am at day 2 at my hospital (surgery 9/25/17). Off of IVs, no port during surgery, no nausea at all. Well, to be honest for 2 seconds I thought I was going to throw up, but it was simply my first post op burp. I have not been hungry, and wasn’t thirsty at all post op. I have no problems getting my fluids in. I have had pain meds each night, because of pain, but, that really is the only time I take them.
So far, this as been easy. I have been making my walks, and they were surprised how well I have been taking it. I am so glad I didn’t have any complications.

So 18 days post op. Weighed 410 when I began pre-op diet and 389 when I went for surgery. This morning, 354 for a total weight loss of 56 lbs (35lbs post operative)!
Into the pureed foods phase of the post op diet. Really grooving on mushy chicken and blasted broccoli!
Went to a party at a friend's house this weekend. Taco party. Didn't miss the drinking too much (but left as the crew began to get sloppy) and I ate like 2 oz of ground turkey chili with a tiny knob of guac and a splash of hot sauce. After that I was fine and didn't feel deprived. Drank my Vitamin Water and was okay with it.
Really enjoying making homemade pureed Soup. I buy a rotisserie chicken and use it to make a rich, golden, flavorful stock (the meat is eaten by others in the household, although now I can puree 3 oz of it and enjoy it at dinner). But I have been making mushroom marsala soup, sweet potato soup with a dash of Chinese hoisin sauce for flavor, french onion (without the swiss cheese, but a teaspoon of parmesan for the flavor of cheese), broccoli soup and these have been excellent.
Walking a mile, four days a week. I find that the days I walk, i have better weight loss the next morning. Also, my wife is thrilled that I am now able to keep up with her when we walk together (which I hadn't been able to do for a long time).
Pulling all kinds of old clothing from the back of the closet. Favorite duds I grew out of long ago are fitting nicely now. ALL MY 4X clothes are too damn big and have been removed from the closet to be donated or chucked. So that's a gas!
Now that I am ingesting things other than pure liquids, it is interesting to see how small the capacity is of my new stomach. I am eating slowly so that I can tell when it is full up. Sat down to 3 oz of soft chicken at dinner and could only eat 2 oz before i was totally full. Couple bites of mooshat broccoli too. So about 3 oz capacity altogether. Very weird!
Anyhow, no pain, no nausea, mental clarity returned tuesday last week and I am back to work. My ankles and knees don't hurt any more. Really feeling great. I guess the emergency second surgery was the worst of it and I life is making up for my almost dying by making easy the rest of the journey (so far).

For all you September Sleevers just like me on FB look for September Sleevers 2017... it's a place you can share your thoughts, concerns, and be supportive with each other.

I was sleeved on 9/15 everything was smooth for me no meds after the hospital for me. I am able to write my elliptical and on purée foods I started 218 and at 203 right now. The only problem I had was I couldn't stand my shakes so I ended up buying GENEPRO from GNC it literally has no taste and 30 grams on Protein per scoop. You can add it to your Water, Soup, broth basically anything... Good Luck Sleevers! We got this!!

Miso soup!!! Minus the onion and mushroom is sooo flavorful and good, omg!!! Can't eat it all the time but it was a good break from chicken broth!!

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Hi All!
Seems almost like a normal Sunday. Sleeved on 9/18. One night in the hospital and then home. No exceptional pain. Took two doses in first 2 days then no more issues. Only one dose of nausea meds after having broth and then meds in Vitamin Water. It was no big thing. Slept in a chair two nights. Then back to kind of normal on 3rd night home. Walking twice a day. Seems like I am constantly eating/drinking now that I am in Phase 2. Going back to work next week, I think! Have post op Dr. appointment on Wednesday. Can honestly say hunger hasn't been an issue. Hope all September VSG's do well!