Darktowerdream

I went with Hospital BC in Tijuana Mexico, they are affiliated with BariatricPal and the only U.S, owned Hospital there. I had belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, medial thigh lift and breast augmentation. Everything was included, transportation to and from the airport, 7 night hospital stay, meals 24, hour care, pre op testing, Faja (x2) compression stockings, etc. $14,350 this also included my companion. I paid $366.40 for two people to fly round trip via Delta airlines. I did have one unexpected expense around $700 but that was all. My surgery was very long. I’m in the process of recovery since I had it June 15th. My surgeon is awesome 👏 I highly recommend them. They have 24 hour valet, nurse and doctor. Even when a nurse could not speak much English I felt they communicated well, and when they needed it the valet translates. I felt safe and knew my Dr. did a good surgery and the staff took care of me despite it being a challenging time due to COVID-19. https://hospitalbc.com

Keep it clean and dry, try using a blow dryer on cool to dry it after you shower, put on something that allows air flow. Allow some time exposed to air to monitor it, moist humid air of a bandit can make it worse. If it doesn’t improve check with your surgeon. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Thanks @ChubRub, still adapting the best I can. Things are going alright just a kink in things and I had to stop wearing Faja a few days to work through. Most of my incisions from my belt lipectomy look good though as with the augmentation are ok. Doc told me to take the medical tape off from the Belt lipectomy, ouch my hairy monkey backside 🤣 I cannot seem to get rid of the tape residue. The kink is with my medial thigh lift but I don’t think I can discuss it here. Though my surgeon is awesome and helping me even if from a distance. It’s just exhausting self care but story of my life. pm if anyone wants to know. but I’m taking good vitamins, extra collagen, turmeric for inflammation, antioxidants, and my usual vitamins also. Swelling in my legs went down a lot and I’m glad for that at least. I think I have got at least one health benefit from this so far. But will find out with time ... dealing with this current issue has me a tad exhausted. Aren’t I always? But I know my surgeon is there to help. I’m actually angry with my primary care doctor and the doctor that did the double balloon enteroscopy before I left for Mexico. But I’m not comfortable discussing it publicly. anyway. Because of my lifelong chronic illness and disability whenever I have surgery I need to get a feel for what my new normal is and adapt to that. Edit: it’s crazy that the Covid hot spot started where I was born NY and actually hit Hard close to where I used to live. (Not in the city though) now Florida seeing a massive spike. I don’t care for a lot about Florida , the only thing I love is the birds and wildlife here.

I meant to ask. I still can. I think on my own scale my weight before I left was 102.2 and yes there’s the Faja, drain, stockings to account for. I’m so exhausted from just small things I can’t think. I had a lot of swelling in my knees and feet in particular that thankfully has finally gotten better. Some issues with a stress point incision. I have one drain on my right hip. I don’t have the pictures, my surgeon does. But he is going to share them as part of the BariatricPal Hospital BC. I will find out when and where they share the photos. They edit them to maintain privacy. Most people don’t give permission but I chose to do so to support the Hospital which was founded by the same person that created these forums and the BariatricPal store. I find it interesting that some surgeons put patients in a binder immediately after surgery, or even Faja. I was wrapped in gauze, surgical tape etc. two days after surgery the outer bandaging was removed and everything checked and I got showered before the Faja was put on. (My brain is fuzzy on details) the thigh lift is the hardest so far to manage but I desperately needed it. I see some people’s before pictures and I think .... are you serious that’s normal compared to what mine was. the drain doesn’t bother me I know how to manage it. I’ve basically been doing the nursing doctoring whatever myself which I’ve done in my many surgeries in the past. (The difference though is my Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has grown worse over time. Life takes its toll as do all the other medical conditions.) Any questions and I will answer if I can. Not much else for me to do. Between Covid-19 and the heat/high humidity in Florida I have to avoid ... and my M.E. I’m fully homebound. I’m trying to remember to walk around but can’t do it outside. I want to even do laundry myself. Even if I could the machines are outside down a catwalk in a shared laundry room.

I like mixing oikos triple zero yogurt with PEScience protein powder and putting it in the freezer 30 minutes, mix it again (freeze more if you want it more ice cream like) and this gets you a nice amount of protein for low calories. I use half scoop but you could use one scoop and thin it with a little milk (I like using unsweetened ripple milk some use fair life) I like using either peanut butter banana yogurt or banana yogurt an peanut butter cookie protein powder. I use a little sola low carb granola. Skinny girl jelly and sugar free land o lakes whipped cream. The way I make it it’s 35 grams protein. 1oikos triple zero + 1 scoop would = 220 calories, 39 grams protein also Remember calculate your base protein 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight. Minimum. Unless you are exercising heavily that’s fine. I had gotten this interesting article about drinking water https://www.realsimple.com/health/drinking-too-much-water Also I’ve read fair life skim milk helps you stay hydrated with the added benefit of protein ... Link for PEScience http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e

@Starflower i am the same. I fought my carb and sugar addiction for so long and even that didn’t prove enough until I had gastric bypass surgery. So I am terrified of falling backwards. I was in hospital for surgery and they kept wanting to serve me carbs laden foods! I had a small bowl of oatmeal when I had no choice and it was the only soft food I could stomach. But for me I feel carbs fuel my metabolic disorders and the addiction as well. You need to listen to yourself. Nutrition doesn’t need to come from traditional carbs. ive allowed myself a little low carb granola on my yogurt, a manzano banana, sometimes a pear. There’s ways to get nutrition and not lose more weight without adding carbs. I can’t add much you got great answers but I do understand how you feel.

I’m new to the lingo but I assumed phase two Faja meant something to help with swelling but easier to get off and on and wear under clothes normally, not a bigger size. I know you tighten the Faja to waist train as comfortable to help fluid placement. If the swelling continues to be a problem Know it can take a year but try to avoid salty foods that’s going to be an issue for me because the salt helps orthostatic intolerance. At some point have a discussion with your surgeon. this is an example of a phase two Faja https://www.amazon.com/Sonryse-Compression-Garment-Stage-Surgery/dp/B07RY3Q2LM let’s see ... I just did a quick measuring with my Faja on when I read your message so probably not exact. But my underbust area has been small for years. I lost bone density over the past years. Even prior to wls. underbust should = exact bra band size or rounded up to what’s available or for comfort but fits snug at the loosest hook. Yes I’m 5’ and I think the hospital scale said 101.2 lb before surgery. Although I stepped on the scale this morning at 107.6. I wear size 8 sneaker size 8 Chaco sandal but size 6-6.5 in Birkenstock’s (Not the suede ones the washable cheaper ones) Florida I mostly can’t wear pants ... Thank you💛 I’ve never seen myself cute or pretty a lot of this surgery was about function and having horrid 90 year old lady thighs and butt flaps and ok yes the boobs is partly cosmetic but who wants mostly empty skin? I had never reached this weight in my adult life. I’d always been the mildly obese short kid. Then the obese adult when I lost on my own my body fought me ... sorry 😐 I had a rough night I can’t get the sleeping position right. And need to try to change positions. Gotta try to shower today.

@ms.sss sizing is key, sounds like you need a phase 2 Faja. I like that they chose is high quality medical grade brand. I only know Spanx bras but I would say this would be thicker and much higher quality and better for reducing swelling. I want to start out saying that I have serious sensory issues but I actually don’t mind the Faja. The material is excellent. im Not sure exact measurements but in the Faja (my doctor has me on the loosest hook to start) I measure 25” waist and I think 34” hip. I actually have waist definition I’d lost. I am wearing a size XS. Right now the fit is just right. Some people wear Faja for longer than might be prescribed. Also some people might wear a size looser Faja to bed if they continue wearing them. So if you move to a step two Faja (sizing down ... which hopefully I’m remembering correctly) then you keep the hold Faja and try wearing it to bed. now my only issue with my Faja is I have a single drain coming from my hip and I don’t know where to run the drain tube, it’s so awkward to have it run down through the crotch area but I’m not sure though the middle In between hooks would impede flow. i havent navigated clothes beyond what I wore on the plane home which was loose cargo pants and a light sweatshirt. It was awkward. I’m thinking if I should just wear dresses? Or compression leggings ... (exercise bottoms) I wore my nightgown all day which I never do .... just because it was convenient. i better get some sleep now. If I forgot to answer anything let me know and I’m glad I could answer questions 🙃 side note. my post surgery bra is the same brand. i can attach pictures. I think they measured my bust as 33” but my underbust is 26” I’m not sure what size I will be though.

I’m here. Tad crazy. Left Tijuana 2:30am to cross the border to the San Diego airport and had a layover in Atlanta when we arrived in Florida the sun was setting. Got home is was so late ... I didn’t sleep at all before we departed aside from passing out briefly from my last massage at 1pm and a shower. ❤️ Thank you. The flight was a challenge. I’m resting a bit so I’ll try to make this quick. Thank goodness the bathroom stalls had doors with no gaps. It was a challenge to pee and empty my drain and record output for the doctor. I had a light shopping bag with a few necessities and borrowed my mom’s walker to get around the airport if I needed to walk a little. Honestly my knees were already crazy swollen. And my piggy feet. But the flight wasn’t helping so I tried to move when I could. In Atlanta I made the mistake of walking a little too far. Had a bathroom Issue but made sure to keep my incisions dry. had help with a wheelchair For most of it except waiting for the plane if I needed the restroom or wanted to look at a shop. There is no real food traveling because of Covid so much is closed. well not to post tmi but we got home and all of a sudden I had to rush (Which I can’t) into my bedroom shut the door (my bathroom is in there) and figure out how to get the Faja off at least down fast enough 🤣 lets just say ten days worth of something finally said ok I’m gettin outa here ... Ready or not. I could see the difference right away. What a relief. My right leg is still more swollen than my left but that’s always been a size difference. My left leg incision was dripping fluids last night so I changed the gauze. Made sure everything was dry and pulled up the Faja the best I could, threw on my nightgown and accidentally went to bed without emptying the drain first. Kind of fell into a weird sleep where I’m thinking things that make no sense so I’m asleep but not enough. Woke up and 1:30am maybe and realized the thing was full and I was in a weird position on the bed and got up to fix things ... its hard trying to get into routine at home and not clash with my mom over things. I set up my bed with prop up pillows the best I could. Oh fudge I’m probably writing tmi. I have my own challenges with my chronic illness and disability. I try to set simple routine. I planned my meals for the week and will add basic medical notes. I ordered some things from amazon a shower seat, gauze, paper tape, wound care spray, some pads to protect the bed in case any incision leaks ... gauze wash cloths for the shower for the sensitive areas. ordered protein bars I buy Built Bars I love them a lot of flavors are 110 calories (mint brownie is soooo good) but right now they have 50% off everything and then even more of limited flavors. Use my link you get $10 extra off. http://i.refs.cc/cz4s4C3c?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo0MTA4MjMzMDd9 of course now I’m totally broke, literally. ah well. where was I havent weighed myself yet ... Not brave enough and still swollen. edit: I think my incisions are doing surprisingly well. My surgeon thought so too at my last visit before leaving. Of course is main concern is that 2-3 week mark. I think I’m standing a little straighter. Albeit now I’m trying to sort out my new normal. Separating my chronic issues from my recovery. And trying not to push too hard.

If anyone is interested, this is the Faja I got Two . I wish the legs were a tad longer and had way to open separate from the top ... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SZ23JJ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=AMAE8K0LRQPCN&psc=1 It’s only just over Sox hours away from leaving for the airport at 2:45am. Time to get ready. Take a walk. Sleep early if I can. I had my last lymphatic massage at 1pm and a shower and passed out exhausted for a bit. I’m sorry for posting updates on your thread @ChubRub i tried to think what I needed and ordered a few things with Amazon prime shipping. I probably will need to figure things out as I go once I’m back home. wishing I could afford a zero gravity recliner for my bedroom ... that isn’t even remotely possible. I drained my resources dry financially and physically. Be well everyone 💜

I want to check in on a few posts. The massage therapist might be here any moment. But I met with my surgeon Dr.Ampudia and he did say that although 3-6 months is usually the amount of time for swelling to go down it can be as much as a year. I’m having a tough time personally with the leakage from the left leg incision, which is normal but tiring to monitor and keep dry, and messy. I’ll have to work on energy management as best I can. The self care is going to likely eat up every ounce I have (or don’t) but if you see my before and after especially my thighs you’d likely feel the same and pay the same price. Not even the monetary price, the physical price. Of course I know it’s hard to understand the energy costs since most people can rest when they are tired and then they are ok. (I hope that doesn’t sound bad? I’m terrible with words) what was I saying? he took the Faja off in his office, the paper tape and Gauzes checked the incisions and replaced everything except on my thighs because he wants to monitor them. Just particular circumstances which I can explain in private message if anyone wants to know he is extra cautious. But so far everything looks good it’s two to three weeks down the line and keep vigilant. he actually recommended kinetic tape vs paper tape to get tensions off the incisions. I am going to look into that before I start the silicone tape. im researching lumphatic massage equipment which is confusing massage gun or manual? I know I can’t afford a massage therapist at home and I’m researching special oils I saw geranium oil. But also on amazon ginger and Ylang Ylang massage oil for lymphatic massage. I guess you can also use pure ginger oil. Lymphatic Massage oil https://www.amazon.com/M3-Naturals-Therapeutic-Essential-Relaxation/dp/B07SG5H8KF/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3JTVTM3ANCCQG&dchild=1&keywords=lymphatic+drainage+ginger+oil&qid=1592518861&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=Lymphatic+%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNkNPQVlSTThBUUYxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc1Njk2MkIwWkxFVEtWUFBMWSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDE4NjgwM1JaTElFUzRaRk9DWCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= I’m going to need to be very careful living in hot sunny humid Florida. But since tbh I’m homebound much of the time I will avoid the sun. I just miss the birds so much, as to how to deal with things while I’m on the mend and hating giving up what little control of my life. Sigh. Anyway I had some incision from surgery I didn’t pay attention when we moved to Florida but I think it did fade some or maybe I’m not really that overly concerned over a few scars since I’ve already got some. I’m not big on tan, my feet have the shape of my thong sandal imprinted permanent 🤣 my mom she got dark tan from swimming so much. I don’t think she understands the need to be careful. I have a hard time with sun protection creams and allergies. They need a scar tape for sun protection ... @ChubRub lucky I never was young and hot. @GreenTealael so glad to hear that 💕💜 sorry I’m doing one post, my brain is exhausted. I live with my mom in a Boca but am so opposite to everyone that lives there. I live on $803 month disability l think some 90 year olds have more rich active lifestyles 🤣 for some reason my chronic illness and disability aged my body beyond its actual age ... ok I’m done ✅ utterly wiped. Ttys. Tomorrow is my last full day here then the torture of probably leaving somewhere like 2-3am Sunday to get to San Diego airport, into Atlanta Georgia for a layover then palm beach airport. And lost three hours time along the way ... 💤 and I can never sleep on a plane. And will I be leaky ... sigh ... but I still would recommend highly Hospital BC here in Tijuana to anyone seeking sleeve, bypass or plastics ...

@GreenTealael I was trying to find your post that you had update surgeries and couldn’t find it. I wanted to say you look absolutely fabulous. How have you been doing these days? it’s a pain but I’ve sorted out the #1 squat and aim situation. I can sit just take a funny position. I suppose it came to my temporary benefit I have a bit of a weird issue in that things don’t go the right direction. The other has always been a bit ummm ... complicated for me. Need to get a squatty potty type stool but taller than the norm. im drained just from a “run” to the toilet to “pish” 🤣 referencing Outlander... Sorry that I will ever off on a tangent ... one benefit we have Netflix on the tv and have been binge watching Outlander. When I’m able. I had read the first book a long time ago. Only stopped because I developed a weird allergy to my favorite of things. Books and paper ... people think I’m nuts when I mention things I’m allergic to. At least there were audio books. I jut never got around to finish reading the series. It’s good but the End of the first season is Brutal. I love Scotland and have always wanted to visit and also now see the Scottish Osprey. @ms.sss I did mean to ask how you are these days on your journey of healing up from surgery. I’m wiped I better stop tiring myself before there’s something I need to do. I’m a bit upset there’s some leaking in a incision, They say it’s normal but soiled the Faja. I will worry every moment if I’m doing things wrong.

I think we mentally need to let go of the hardest moments. Which is probably why my memory of majorly of my life tends to be like Swiss cheese, more holes than cheese. I had hysterectomy and did have the hunched walk awhile but you forget details. For the life of me I couldn’t remember if I used a walker. Also it was an smaller open incision at the front and a lot of internal stitches. I need to learn to navigate the use of Faja. That will be the hardest part with my daily energy limits, I usually figure it out. Sort of. hardest was having foot and tendon surgeries and being non weight bearing for months. For each side. hop a long 😂 it can be hard not to push when you want your independence. For me it will be simple things. Thank you @ms.sss for the advice. I made mistakes too and sometimes it’s not our fault or in our control. I hope I can manage the bm issue. Especially wearing Faja I don’t want to soil it, they should make them with a removable flap or bigger opening ... for that sort of thing. I probably am still a little out of it. And probably will be until I am home. Then again I’m ever normal 🤣 I made the mistake thinking I could open the Faja from the legs down, wishful thinking. The leg portion pulls UP. They should have had a way to open from the legs down for bathroom issues. yes my surgeon Dr.Ampudia is very proud of his work. He is an excellent surgeon. And also took excellent care knowing my health challenges during the entire processing. I don’t know what I would have done had I not found BariatricPal and through this site the Hospital BC. I will admit part of me doesn’t feel deserving of it. And I haven’t totally wrapped my head around the changes or the comments from staff how good it looks. I don’t have a lifestyle that I flaunt myself. But this was for me personally. I can’t remember what I’ve said or not. But I only have one drain in place. I guess time will tell if I get to have it out before I go home. I should be used to tiring quickly but I think it’s something you can never truly adapt to even a lifetime of. BBS. And thank you.

I couldn’t manage much Tuesday. Today was exhausting. I think I feel slightly more human. And now that I can take my own medication and am maneuvering myself a little better, hopefully that helps me sleep tonight. I need some sleep. I think the jet lag got to me. The time difference. I had three procedures together, it’s quite a lot. But the only way I could do this. Keep an eye on Hospital BC. Part of me is nervous. You won’t see my face of course. But I think my before and after pictures will bee there. When I’m home I will have to post on a new post. Thank you @ChubRub though, it meant a lot knowing you and @ms.sss asked about me. https://hospitalbc.com

Thank you so much for all the information! I had a feeling the #2 issue might entail undoing at least the bottom portion of the Faja. I’m not sure how I’ll manage except I need to be regular. I’ve planned ahead to get to get a wheelchair at the airport. Since I have a layover in between. It’s a very long flight and I think our ride takes us very early morning to the airport for 8:45am departure. I guess I won’t think that far ahead yet.

I’ve not updated but just got around to checking my tablet and emails. I’m here for eight days. But I trust if the doctor didn’t think I was ready he would postpone. He is going to follow up via video to monitor my incisions. But he he a stickler for perfection and I trust him with my life. I live closer to Miami but costs were a challenge. I chose the Hospital BC in Mexico. From surgery in Miami? Seems strange to me. I had my issues due to my medical circumstances. But the doctor has been nothing short of excellent. I know it’s naviating something i have never done. But Hospital BC has a certificate of excellence, is the only American own hospital in Tijuana Mexico. The nurses and staff have worked hard. As has the doctor. Dr.Ampulia went above and beyond to ensure things went well. Despite my physical challenges. my surgery was Monday after 3pm he wanted to ensure I was ready and well for the procedures.mit was a very long surgery. I only remember getting into my room after midnight. I was a bit sick from anesthesia but I’m very susceptible to that. The next day I didn’t follow the normal process. So I was bedbound until this morning. Which my doctor knew my issues and what a struggle this was for me to come this far.and and to be this trusting. I gave permission to share my before and after photos. Which I never thought I’d do. But it felt important. They do bariatric surgery as well as plastics for bariatric patients. I had a exhausting day but the staff work so hard. I got on my feet which is hard doing the hunch walk. Got showered and into Faja. I get a daily lymphatic massage post op until I leave. As for navigating certain things while wearing Faja if anyone has tips please feel free to share 🤣 sorry if it’s TMI but how do you poop with this on? Iive got a body suit type garment short legs, bottom up to under bust with shoulder straps. I felt bad for the lady struggling to get it on me. It’s got a kind of cutout but it doesn’t seem sanitary and isn’t open enough, maybe needs readjustment? I didn’t think of everything ... you can’t really. You just know that you pick a place you trust. I do worry about traveling home but they say I’ll adjust as time goes on. i do wonder what the time frame is. From people that have had it for standing more upright, I’m a little worried navigating the airport and trip home. But still have until Sunday but it’s a very early morning flight. and yes I’m alive. Just need to keep changing positions and try to get up to walk when I can.

@ChubRub, @ms.sss thank you both. I saw the surgeon yesterday and the process of having to see myself in a mirror and see how bad the excess sagging skin really is. We went over the procedures. And Took photos. And he showed me on the photos the incision sites. He is an awesome doctor. He explained any difference in procedures due to how my skin hangs and how much excess skin there is. The thigh lift requires extra incision due to the excessive laxity of my skin. My current breast volume is 120cc and we discussed 320cc implant. And all details involved. I had blood drawn this morning. I’ve been on iv fluids since last night. My surgery is scheduled for 3pm. I see the surgeon prior to mark the surgical areas. I figured I would come here while I am waiting. I’m more nervous about having things all go as planned. Just worried about my bloodwork being ok for surgery to go forward. I think there might be more pre-op tests otherwise it’s all going to happen 3pm. And I won’t be around awhile.

I’m At Hospital BC now, I filled a lot of paperwork, showered, got in a hospital gown, a preliminary checkup and EKG as well as lunch. The staff here is very friendly and caring, I know they have a discussion area for Hospital BC which is a BariatricPal Hospital. I haven’t posted there yet. I see the surgeon later. More tests before surgery tomorrow. I’m exhausted and hoping all goes as planned. I wanted to check in on other posts but probably can’t do much.

I’m in Tijuana at the hotel exhausted on the bed typing on my tablet with one finger eating a protein bar. Got in last night it was after 7pm here but my body clock it was after 10pm ... couldn’t sleep. Woke too early. Going to the hospital soon, about an hour. I don’t know what to expect because I don’t know when I see the surgeon, how meals will be arranged, what the room will be like, being in a strange place without normal routine. Having the awkward scrutiny of the surgeon that I know he will see my every flaw to prepare to do the surgery. Coping with it all being on the autism spectrum and not having a meltdown in the process. Because it’s something important. And hoping my tired exhausted body cooperates. As well as wishing I spoke Spanish but my learning disability got in the way when it came to language and math in school ... Had a bad experience with my double balloon enteroscopy and got no answers either. Hoping to this going smoothly.

@Bastian I hope that things get better for you. That they figure out what is wrong. my life has been endless battles. But we do what we can to get by and sometimes it’s still worth the price we paid. I paid hefty price physically to battle with my weight but I wouldn’t change it. I hope this leaves you no regrets where the path takes you. I find it hard when answers aren’t clear or even there. I didn’t get them myself. I wanted to answer though I’m a tad exhausted. I will say, Not all whey protein is the same, you can have allergic reaction to some not others. Depending how pure they are. The quality I’d say. I had the best results with PEScience select protein powder, although they do make a vegan select. Have you tried mixing protein powder in yogurt, like Ripple brand yogurt that’s non dairy. I don’t do well with dairy but have a little Greek yogurt since it’s protein rich. To get dense protein BariatricPal has excellent protein shots. It very well could be vitamin deficiency and more an overall ill feeling you need higher absorption nutrition until they figure out if it’s mechanical. I highly recommend taking Whole Foods based multivitamin in gummy or liquid form. Because your body utilizes it better than traditional vitamins. most vitamins shoot right through your system especially after bypass. And you went through a lot with yours. I kind of wish they had taken my remnant stomach. I wonder if I feel pain from it but they didn’t see ulcers there. sorry I go off on tangents. I had my gallbladder removed also. I take chewable digestive enzymes that helps. I also read bike salts are beneficial. all the best to you in getting the care you need

The last time I was called tiny was when I had my hysterectomy before I regained weight. I never considered myself tiny. Short yes. My face has always been round. I’m not sure how well the Hair style suits me but I like it this way. I took one picture of myself to compare to the only photo I have prior to my gastric bypass surgery which was at the zoo. The most unflattering bent over feeding a flamingo taken by the zoo. It was my birthday and it was nice to be around the birds but I was miserable. I haven’t Had the guts to share them. I don’t consider myself very nice looking. I don’t think about it much. I don’t know how much fun time we can have with many Covid restrictions in place. We will do our best. Tomorrow morning we head off to the airport for a very long day of travel. We have over a 3.5 hour layover in Georgia ... we get to California 7pm which accounts for 3 hour time difference, our bodies will be in 10pm mode ... we get to the airport, cross into Mexico and spend the night in the hotel. Then I think go to Hospital BC the next day. Where I’ll be for the full length of my stay ... Safe travels tomorrow, @Darktowerdream...and will be sending you good vibes Monday! ❤️ Thank you @ms.sss I really need it 🧡

Lifelong chronic illness and disability as well as metabolic disorders and inability to exercise, I’m grateful to have been able to have the tool of gastric bypass surgery to finally truly be able to manage my weight and reach a goal I never could with it. It was a challenge with my long list of medical conditions but I don’t regret the decision since there is 106lbs less burden for me to carry around every day. And a tool to hopefully help keep it that way. Since I don’t plan to change away from my new way of eating. Besides making adjustments to maintenance. For me it’s immunodeficiency but similar as i develop many medical conditions over time and my health gets worse. But this was necessary to ease the burdens on my body.

I was in severe neck pain after my surgery but I’m prone to muscle spasms and tension headaches as well as migraines. So the only relief for me is a muscle relaxer. Which I didn’t get while in hospital. It took so long to even get slight relief. It’s hard to keep under control. For me it’s chronic. Given my experience the position you were In during surgery pulled some muscles the wrong way. I’ve heard good things about Tiger balm. Definitely heat not ice. You need something to ease the muscles. Probably a lot of tension and soreness still. A neck massage tool would be beneficial. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/VOYOR-Massager-Ergonomic-Lightweight-MS110/dp/B07F6ZNHD9/ref=sr_1_9?crid=QMU37WDZY09M&dchild=1&keywords=neck+massager+pressure+points+for+deep+tissue+massage&qid=1591931722&sprefix=neck+massager+pre%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-9

Took me longer than most people to get to the normal food phase. And I’m still not really normal. But I did find when I tried my first protein bar One benefit is they tend to melt in your mouth easier to fully chew and swallow. People seem to give them a bad reputation and assume they are all caloric, carb.oaded, sugary or that all processed food is automatically bad. Every food we eat is processed in some manner. Just check ingredients and look for any hidden sugars and check that they are benefiting you. There are quite a few protein bars that have lower calorie options that are low carb, and low sugar as well. A lot of times the sugar if any is from natural sources ie. Nuts. A protein bar is my go to breakfast every morning with a mug of tea. It’s not hurting me. That’s just what works for me. I plan as best I can my daily meals and decide what bar I will have that day. Sometimes I try to plan a few days ahead. Depending what I’ve got in the house for food. I started with a half bar at first and didn’t make it a regular thing until I got closer to my goal weight or at least felt more comfortable doing so. I Like built bars and either Buy when it’s sales, a coupon or when you can redeem rewards. I wish you could combine them though. They have plenty of 110 calories options. But even the 140 calories or 170 calories are decent for meal replacement. So many good flavor options. I don’t care for Maltodextrin but the company explained that its non digestible and somehow different. It seems ok. The erythritol usually doesn’t cause digestive issues. soMe other bars I’ve had and liked Which are a little more calories (but breakfast not snack for me) are one plant bars (churro is good) quest hero bars, depends on the flavors. The new chocolate peanut butter is higher calorie but oh sooolo goooood .... and a good go to when I might not eat enough that day ... ie doctors appointment ... errands ... just check labels .... always look for low carb low sugar and reasonable calories they do exist. Just make sure there’s no maltitol or test it out to make sure it won’t cause you gastric distress. Allulose is usually ok, as is erythritol. I hate that a lot of companies started using corn fiber ... But I don’t have resources for fresh prepared breakfast. Physically, I just don’t have the energy. And my stomach doesn’t tolerate anything but that in the morning.

Thank you @ChubRub just the one more day before we fly out the 13th and then my surgery is the 15th. Ended up having to fly out a day early due to some itinerary changes I couldn’t control. But I slowly packed my bag a little early just a small carry on since I won’t need much I’ll be stuck in hospital gowns for most of my stay due to Covid precautions. Can’t say it bothers me that much. I’ll be focused on recovery. I packed some disposable undies I bought on amazon, a bunch of variety of wipes. My medication and vitamins. My clothes to wear for the return trip. Basics like soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. I did manage to finally get a haircut. I like it the way it is but do get a tad annoyed when people either confuse me for a boy or a kid ... it’s very short ... and I mean buzz cut pixie style short. I normally tend to be rather plain. Of course at the moment I’m quite flat chested. I never considered myself feminine nor cared. I find it “funny” that ... I don’t know how to put it, doctors will be like your weight is fine when obviously you are obese ie. When I was fighting for gastric bypass surgery. But skinny and it’s suddenly a bad thing or they make comments and that’s ok. Not just doctors ... like oh lose any more and you’ll disappear type comments. anyway. I rambled. I’m trying to be in that frame of mind that this will go well and this is for a good reason. I won’t say positivity. Because that’s not a word I like to use. It’s difficult when your body is a constant struggle for physical and mental energy. It’s not that it’s negative energy it’s just sheer exhaustion that can be overwhelming. And I’m up against that every day of my life. But for me this is important to do this while I still can. Before my health declines too much. im trying to forget yesterday. I’m upset because my surgeon (A doctor that works with him that is) a few months back insisted I have a double balloon enteroscopy because He thought it might explain the pain and spasms under my ribs on the left side given my history of ulcers. I’ve high pain tolerance but yesterday was torture. And I barely saw the gastroenterologist who did the procedure, a few seconds at most. And no answer as to the cause. I don’t even know what they looked at in there. And it left me with a very painful throat. So I’m frustrated. I had a feeling it might be mire likely something else. The fact I have dysphasia. Maybe something else going on as well. And also my primary care doctor said I needed to bring some bloodwork to the attention of the gastroenterologist and I brought a copy, gave it to the nurse and said he needed to look at it please. Did he. Of course not. sorry I should not have posted this all here. I might have a post somewhere on here I started myself but who knows where that is. im trying to maintain the mindset this is a good thing Coming matter how challenging it is, at least something good will result from it. Right?