Dointhis4me

I was going to call this Break On Through To The Other Side (thank you Doors). But I figured I'd get sick of it after a while. I'm going to use this space to keep track on the 2 week march toward surgery and then to keep track of the recovery and progress. That way I can keep it all together and if I just do one thread, it's all in one place without clogging up the Blog Area. I'm sure it's gonna be excruciatingly boring to everyone--me included! I'm a list and minutia kinda gal. I like tracking and counting--although I can be equally lax about crap. So I stop just short of OCD town (not that there's anything wrong with that).
My official 2 week liquid diet starts tomorrow. I decided to jump on it today because Sunday feels like a great place to start and because it's hard to do better than yesterday as my last food day before surgery. I'm a Texan, born and raised, and yesterday we had a fairwell to my ass and thighs via a Texas BBQ tour through Houston and Tomball. I ate so much brisket, sausage and ribs, I can honestly claim to be over it. Growing up in a BBQ family, slow smoked meats is almost in my blood. So it was only natural that I would choose that as the last rights.
I'm having RNY on February 20th and as I understand it, moist (fatty) brisket might not be my friend post surgery. Supposedly high fat foods (which moist brisket is) might cause a sort of "dumping" in the poop department. So I figure my future, once healed, might only include lean cuts of brisket and smoked meats. It's a choice I will readily make to lose weight and get my health back.
So the morning Day 1 hasn't been very difficult--a little hunger and growly tummy, but nothing that makes me feel anxiety. Protein Drinks on board and this afternoon will shop for SF popsicles, SF Jello and Bone Broth. I think I'll stick to packaged bone broth so I can get the actual nutritional information from a certified source. There's no real way for me to tell how many calories and carbs are in the bone broth I make here at home.
My Pre-Op Plan includes: 80-100g of protein; low fat; 60g carbs and somewhere around 1000cals per day.
4-5 Protein drinks containing a minimum of 15g of protein per serving. They must be low fat and low sugar and can't contain over 4g of sugar per serving. I can have clear low sodium broths, sugar free drinks, sugar free jello and sugar free clear popsicles (no fudgsicles or ice cream based pops).
I will do this from now until February 20th.
I'm pretty sure I will be doing plenty of the following:

I weighed 232lbs 6 months ago now down to 160lbs. Feel like a whole new person
highest weight: 274lbs
surgery weight: 232lbs
current weight: 160 lbs
goal weight: 150lbs
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I'm starting to feel like I've told to many friends, some are supportive others don't know what to say as a lot of them like me have struggled with trying to lose weight all of our lives. For me it's been a year process so not easy breezy i have had many other medical surgeries for some other health issues in my life, so not my first one. I tried again in January another diet lose alittle but once again struggled with keeping up the diet. In the end it is for a persons over all wellbeing and getting healthier that's my goal . you want people to support you , but some just can't , as it brings up all their issues around their own weight struggles. I'm set for May 7th! And ready to move forward with a healthier and fresh new start heading into my 50s. Also ,I had the lap band over 15 years ago in Mexico so I'm used to the plan after surgery , I did not like the band and it slipped so it was removed 6 years ago. I'm happy that finally i can have the sleeve now and grateful for the chance to a new beginning. Good Luck to all! Theres a lot of very informative info from other members so thats great as I and others go through the process.

Just starting this journey but will be keeping it a secret. Only my 2 closest friends will know. It's not anyone else's business and I've heard others speak so unkindly of our mutual friends who've elected to have WLS. I don't need that kind of negativity in my life.

Sure happy you are feeling better. Leg pain is no fun to have, glad it turned out okay[emoji13]

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As soon as the doctor tells me I am all good next week, I am pulling the trigger and joining my local LA Fitness. It will feel good to put both feet back in the game of life.

Finally after two weeks of abstaining from any heavy cardio workout after surgery I got back to the gym today. Much to my surprise I was able to push just as hard on the treadmill and elliptical as I did before. Now I just have to manage to wait another couple of weeks before I'm allowed to do strength training.

I'm still considering having my sleeve in Mexico but now I'm leaning towards the states partly because Mexico doesn't use narcotic pain relievers. I'm a baby and I don't do pain. The surgeon in the US said he gives you a pain pump right after surgery and sends you home with liquid lortab. All the Mexican Drs I've talked to say they send you home with trammadol type stuff for pain. To me a major surgery needs major pain relief!

nope, not in the usa. you could go to india. affordable. lots of great doctors. dr. kular is one of the THE most experienced MGB doctors in the world, trained by USA dr. rutledge, (the inventor of the MGB), and with probably thousands of MGB operations under his belt. or choose any other foreign countries and research. maybe canada. let us know. I've done a good 8 years of research.
choose your USA doctor first, based on experience and others' reviews and lack of morbidities (deaths), then phone him and ask for total cost. including other doctors involved. including use of hospital. including use of operating room. those hidden costs.
Experience wise, mexico and other physicians in foreign countries have us beat.
In fact, you should start a whole new topic, SELF PAY USA DOCTORS and do a chart listing doctor and cost and operation. Seriously, you should do that. I once did a whole chart on mexican docs, operation and costs. You could do USA docs. Its way helpful. I would sure read it and consider USA docs in a new way if they were comparable on a chart.

My story is similar to the numerous stories I read on this site. I’m 35 years old, 5’5 highest weight, 280, lowest adult weight 180, pre-op weight 278, current weight unknown (I’ll find out in a few hours).I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. Biggest one in my immediate family, biggest one in class, etc. As far as diets, you name it I’ve tried it from weight watchers, nutrisystem, phentermine , Atkins, 1200 calorie, etc. With the diets I loss and gained, loss and gained back more. The fat girl struggle is real.At this point I’m absolutely tired of being fat and yo-yo dieting. I allowed myself to get this heavy, I’m beyond disgusted and refuse to let myself get into the 3’s….
I’ve been seriously looking into gastric sleeve for almost a year now, the thought of Mexico never crossed my mind until finding out that my insurance company does not cover these type of procedures.
I canceled my surgery almost 2 weeks ago at the fear of potentially having an open surgery due to scar tissue from a previous abdominal surgery and had already completed 1 week of my pre-op. I ate normally after canceling and the 7lbs I lost that week weightreturned within a few days.
I went to see my pcp last Monday 3/26th and I weighed in at 278. He, addressed my scar tissue and open surgery concerns and his reassurance is what led me to reschedule. I called immediately after leaving his office and was able to keep my initial date.
I’m a bit nervous about is the amount of weight that I have lost and post op pain.
I’m in the airport starting to feel a bit nervous but nevertheless confident in my decision and I’m feeling even more excited for what’s to come .
“Dointhis4me”

Congrats ! You’ll love the journey and relearning! Travel safe


HW 242, SW 236- (Bypass 12/20/17)
GW#1- 199 [emoji736] (2/11/18)
GW#2- 180 [emoji736] (4/2/18)
GW#3- 160
CW 178
5’6”

Thank you

Hey there,
I had 2 abdominal surgeries approximately 15 years ago. Scar tissue and the fear of having open surgery scared the crap out of me. Needless to say, I was sleeved on Monday 4/2/18 without complications. I’m 2 days post op and currently recovering in my hotel room

I arrived at San Diego airport at 9:30am, had a text from the driver soon as I stepped off the plane informing me that he was outside& in less than 10 mins I was in the vehicle heading for the border. We arrived at the hospital by 10am, I met with the coordinator, made payment, completed paperwork, underwent EKG & bloodwork(they got my vein on the 1st try:). I met with a doctor who reviewed my health history. Shortly thereafter I was told that they were ready for me. I was escorted to preop, given a gown to change they put on circulation stockings.A little after 12p, a nurse took my belongings for safe keeping. I then met with the anesthesiologist, she went over my health history, explained what was going to happen and answered my questions. I was given an IV with relaxation meds then was escorted to the operation room.
I got up on the table & started to feel loopy, the anesthesiologist was there making small talk & before I knew it I woke up in the recovery area.

The surgery was performed laparoscopically without complications per Dr. Lopez-Ortega . He said that there was scar tissue present, he removed some of the tissue/adhesions in the area and said everything went well.
The nurses were absolutely amazing & I never used my call button because they were so attentive. I must say that I have NEVER experienced or witnessed this type of phenomenal, high quality, compassionate care. If I made noise readjusting or sitting up in my bed the nurse was at my door asking if I was ok or needed anything. I had no issues with pain & never had to ask for meds because they were given routinely on schedule.

Tuesday,
I was given a blue concoction to drink to test for leaks. Later that evening, I was given apple juice & bottled Water.< br>
Yesterday, my drain was removed, I was given post op meds, & was discharged from the hospital. The driver took me to a clinic for my 2nd leak test. I was given another gross concoction to drink & X-ray images were taken to ensure the liquid was flowing properly. The tech gave me a copy of my test on a CD & informed me that there were no leaks. Afterwards, I was taken to the hotel to check in for additional recovery. I was informed that I was allowed 3 bowls of broth, 2 bottled waters and 2 popsicles per day.

Today, I am feeling no pain or discomfort. This is my last night in the hotel & tomorrow morning I’ll be heading home.
I am so happy that this part is over & I’m looking forward to getting healthy, losing weight, and getting back to the gym
“Dointhis4me”

Oh wow thank you so much for finding the times to share your journey. This is very encouraging. I pray for a speedy recovery. Congratulations...

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Congratulations!

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Please keep us updated!

You don't believe this, but you can "enjoy" everything post surgery that you can pre-surgery. Swearsies. The CHALLENGE is in not eating it. Post-surgery, something magical happens to many of us--don't know how long it lasts...but I ACTIVELY want to make better choices. It isn't the nailbiter making better choices once was. It's like my mind and tummy are finally on board with the master plan.

So look, I'm not gonna lie to you. I worked my ass off pre-op to lose weight and lost somewhere around 50+ lbs if I remember correctly? But along the way, I also had a few food funerals. But for the most part, my diet was very clean. I did this mainly cuz I was terrified that my liver would be as big as a foie gras goose liver! I wanted to reduce it over those 6 months. I truly was so scared I'd be the girl they'd open and close telling me, "Your liver was so damn big, I've never seen anything like it," and close me up without the surgery.
So I had surgery about 5weeks ago. The doc told me my liver was small and pink and did just what it was supposed to do--stayed silent and out of the way during my RNY. So the angst is worth it.
It's also worth it to decarb, dealcohol, desmoke, and decaffeinate. It's much easier to go through Keto flu without the operation to deal with too. My recovery was obscenely easy. The surgery was obscenely easy. Cuz I prepared like hell up front.
IF you are truly having eating issues and it sounds like you are, I'd look up a therapist--someone who specializes in bariatrics. I'd ask your surgeon. I would level with your team about what's going on with you and ask for help. My RD was all I needed, but some need more help. Don't be ashamed to do what you need to start your new life out on the right footing!!!

It's a valid concern! I ended up being self pay because I had only a 2 lb buffer to work with and decided it was too risky. I was drinking sweat tea every day in an effort to maintain, but felt awful. So I decided to pay cash, switched Dr's and said to heck with insurance. Much less stressful. I feel your pain, I wasn't cut out for that level of stress

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I had the same issue. I went from a BMI of 40 at the start of the process to a BMI of like 35.5 on my last pre-op visit. I wouldn't worry too much about it, if you need to put some rolls of pennies in you pockets or chug a big bottle of Water right before your last pre-op weigh in.

Adding to this - not trying to steal anyone's thunder - I'm about 20 months out, down about 110. Sometimes, I'm losing, sometimes not, because my concentration right now is on building muscle mass and reducing my overall body fat before plastics.
I'm answering because I'm not vegetarian in the hopes that I can provide other answers -
1- On an average day, I eat about 100-120 grams of Protein. I start most mornings with a shake because it is easy for me time wise to get out the door to work. I use Fairlife skim milk, a scoop of Protein Powder, a handful of frozen fruit and two tablespoons of Oikos triple zero vanilla yogurt. That accounts for 39 grams of protein and makes it pretty easy to get the rest in.
For a morning snack, I'll have a container of Oikos Triple Zero (another 15 grams). lunch is usually salad greens with chicken (usually left over from one I've roasted) about 4 ounces of chicken for another 30 grams of protein. So at this point in the day, I'm at 85 grams without too much trouble.
In the afternoon, I'll have some cheese or some nuts - but I'll get in a 10-15 gram of protein snack.
dinner - is usually whatever I cook for the family - but again - I'll make sure I have another 20-30 grams of protein.
Usually my calorie count is under 1500. I eat what I want. Some foods, my tummy doesn't like. I can only eat a little bit of Pasta or I will feel ill - same with very sweet stuff. A few bites and I'm done with it. I have a cocktail or glass of wine when I want to. I always stay under 1500 calories - so if I dont' have extra calories for a glass of vino it doesn't happen. I drink at least 64 ounces of Water a day - closer to 100 on days I fence because I will drink a quart of water while fencing.
Exercise - I fence (as in en garde) - started doing that a year ago. I burn on average 900 calories doing 2 hours of fencing. I fence roughly 5 hours a week (Monday and Wednesday - 6:30-9 pm). I work with a personal trainer once a month to keep my routine in the gym fresh and I lift weights/do strength training at least 2 hours a week. I do Pilates for another 1 or 2 hours. I make the time because getting in shape is important - and like I said - I''m trying to drop my body fat in the range of 28% before I have plastics. (I"m at 31% right now, with is pretty good for a 56 year old menopausal woman!)
Excess skin - for me - I couldn't. I have bat wings that make noise and I'm going to have to have a Tummy Tuck done. If not for the excess skin on my abdomen, I'd be wearing a size 6 or 4 pants rather than the 8 I'm wearing. (I really shouldn't complain - that's down from a 24). I'll probably have the abdominoplasty next year. I'm fortunate - my insurance will cover it.
How do I feel - Like a new person. People don't recognize me sometimes. My knees don't really hurt any more. My only regret was waiting this long to do this.

Hey there,
I had 2 abdominal surgeries approximately 15 years ago. Scar tissue and the fear of having open surgery scared the crap out of me. Needless to say, I was sleeved on Monday 4/2/18 without complications. I’m 2 days post op and currently recovering in my hotel room

My story is similar to the numerous stories I read on this site. I’m 35 years old, 5’5 highest weight, 280, lowest adult weight 180, pre-op weight 278, current weight unknown (I’ll find out in a few hours).I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. Biggest one in my immediate family, biggest one in class, etc. As far as diets, you name it I’ve tried it from weight watchers, nutrisystem, phentermine , Atkins, 1200 calorie, etc. With the diets I loss and gained, loss and gained back more. The fat girl struggle is real.At this point I’m absolutely tired of being fat and yo-yo dieting. I allowed myself to get this heavy, I’m beyond disgusted and refuse to let myself get into the 3’s….
I’ve been seriously looking into gastric sleeve for almost a year now, the thought of Mexico never crossed my mind until finding out that my insurance company does not cover these type of procedures.
I canceled my surgery almost 2 weeks ago at the fear of potentially having an open surgery due to scar tissue from a previous abdominal surgery and had already completed 1 week of my pre-op. I ate normally after canceling and the 7lbs I lost that week weightreturned within a few days.
I went to see my pcp last Monday 3/26th and I weighed in at 278. He, addressed my scar tissue and open surgery concerns and his reassurance is what led me to reschedule. I called immediately after leaving his office and was able to keep my initial date.
I’m a bit nervous about is the amount of weight that I have lost and post op pain.
I’m in the airport starting to feel a bit nervous but nevertheless confident in my decision and I’m feeling even more excited for what’s to come .
“Dointhis4me”

I felt the same way. RNY is great for people who have certain health concerns, but for me it felt too complex, too scary. The sleeve felt simpler, and came with slightly less long term risks. I know that RNY typically has faster weight loss, but my nutritionist said the balance out around the second year.