Tiffykins

I hate it as well, but trying to discredit my opinion isn't going to fly either. I have not once said anything negative about any of the surgeons. Nothing I've posted has been found to be not fact. Again, I simply posted what was important to me, and my needs. I never implied that I know everything about everything. But, I what have shared has not been argued, nor proven incorrect information. I did my own research just as I always urge patients to do for themselves as well. I'm not trying to fight, and I assure you my credibility nor reputation will be damaged by this post. If the information I have shared, or the opinions I've expressed were offensive or incorrect, that might cause some issues. But, since nothing I've posted can be misconstrued, or twisted into something other than facts, I really don't know why my research, or opinions matter so much to you. Your post implied that I was bandwagoning with "friends" and only spreading hearsay. How can it be hearsay when others share the same exact information except they have different standards than I do. It's simply a difference in what I want/need as to what they are happy experiencing. Once again, not once have I bashed a surgeon, or facility. And, my independent research is being questioned. Never did I assume I am the end all be all to everyone. I have done a lot of research, and share the information I've been able to find. I've shared all the links, and told people how to use the search feature here. So, what else am I supposed to do? I guess I could once again contact all of the surgeons and get it in writing again about their procedures and facilities that I based my opinion on. But, even then, it's not firsthand experience since I didn't have to use any of them. It doesn't really matter what I say at this point because you are choosing to make it personal, and twist everything I say into something that couldn't be further from the truth. Still confused how me stating simple facts are getting turned into me being narcissistic and egotistical. Once again, if anything I've posted can be proven incorrect, feel free to let me know. At this point, I'm done unless you can prove that any information I've shared is incorrect.

Maybe ebay.com or amazon.com the Crystal Lite? ? ?

Thank you both. Luckily, I did talk to my younger brother, and myself and Caysen are going to stay with them for the week. I am tired of us hurting each other too. I want us to have a good relationship, I don't want to end up like what has happened to her family. She estranged from all of her family, and had a deplorable relationship with her own mom. I just want to move passed all of this. Thank you all for your support.

YAY YAY so glad to hear you are doing well, and recovering.

sugar free popsicles are considered icey pops, I'm not sure about icy poles, but that could be what they are called in Aussie. Crystal Lite is a non-caffeinated, sugar free, sweetened with Aspartame, non-carbonated drink. Huge varieties of flavors Hope that helps ! ! !

As for my research, between the surgeons. My criteria was a full service hospital with an ICU and blood bank on premise. There's no debating that some surgeons operate out of little day clinics and others use full hospitals. I wanted to be in a hospital setting during my recovery with licensed nurses and doctors providing my care. I didn't want to be in a secondary location if a complication popped up, and have to be transported to another clinic or hospital for care. For sleeve surgeries, the complications including infections, leaks, perforated bowels, and general aftercare, were all factored into my decision process. So, I'm not sure why my opinion, or preference should be discredited just because I happen to have insurance coverage come through with my revision. Just because I didn't have to go the same venue as you or any other patients that went abroad, doesn't mean that my opinion doesn't matter. I have made the same exact statements about India, Turkey, Costa Rica, and other surgeons that are outside of the U.S. so I'm not exactly sure why there's such a twist in the mere fact that I have different standards than you do. You're happy with your experience, and so are many others. But, there are plenty out there that are not happy, and have been ran off for voicing their opinions, and experiences. So, if I put out what I found out during my research, and it saves one person from picking a surgeon strictly based on cost, then so be it. None of the information that I've shared has been incorrect or discredited by any patients. If you or any other patients can state that what I have shared is incorrect, please point me in the right direction. Because, I even had 2 coordinators verify what I had read about the facility and aftercare procedures of your surgeon. I considered a long list of surgeons, and because of my own personal standards, and health issues, I wasn't going to settle to save a mere 3grand to go somewhere that was not up to my standards. So, while I understand your point that I have zero personal experience with any of the surgeons, it's not difficult to realize that the information I've shared about Mexico surgeons is correct, and hasn't been verified even by your own accounts of your experience. It really has nothing to do with the cost. I had other US surgeons on my list for consideration, that cost more than Dr. Aceves, and would have traveled to one of them as well based on research, not just what my "internet friends" have to say about their experience. It's not difficult to form an opinion or share information when it's out there on a surgeon or facility. I realize paying more doesn't guarantee better, but the facts are that what I want, and need out of a surgeon and facility is NOT going to match what others want or need. Risks are risks, and someone else may have the same expectations and standards that I do. While I respect anyone's surgeons choice, I don't have to sit back and shoot rainbows and daisies up everyone's a$$ that wants information. It's been facts I've offered. I've never posted any leak stats, or complications for any surgeon. I've never bashed any surgeon. I've been there to listen to the ones that shared negative experiences and were chastised for it by other lovers of their surgeon. I Celebrate with all of the successes and try to be supportive of anyone struggling regardless of their surgeon choice. So I'm not really sure why it's turning into an all out war when it comes to the information I've shared.

I agree that you have to find something you absolutely love. I hate walking, jogging, hitting the treadmill, elliptical etc etc. I need something that is not monotonous. I enjoy the dancing classes. I've quit the gym since we have a mini-gym in our garage. I'm strictly lifting weights, but haven't done anything in a couple of weeks. I pulled cardio out of my routine, and am focusing on core/ab/butt/thigh routines. Lifting weights get monotonous for me as well so I dance while I lift. If I could find a good hip hop class, I would join it in a heartbeat. But, I just hang out with my dumb bells and my Hip Hop mixed CD in my bedroom for an hour a day. That's the only thing I can do to motivate myself. Well, and occasionally, I take a peek at my before pics, and that gets my butt out of the recliner.

Even though you have different parts than us crazy girls, it's probably hormonal. I've talked in depth with a few male patients on OH, and they thought they were going through PMS. I agree sunshine will definitely help. I know sometimes when I'm having a down day, I'll just stand on my porch in the sun with my eyes closed and absorb it. If you don't have a hobby, or time filler, get one. I've picked up doing "word searches" again. I forgot how much fun the really difficult ones can be, and I get wrapped up in them and lose track of time. It keeps my mind off the other crap going on in my life, and gets me off the internet for a couple of hours. If you have a local bowling alley near you, I seriously love bowling every week. You may want to give it a try, or hitting up some thrift/consignment stores for new-to-you clothes that will get you through the next size. It'll get better, and if you need to talk, I'll always be an ear for you.

food funerals happen. I had a few of them before my revision, and it's a common occurrence. List of liquids that I enjoyed: Celestial Seasons Herbal decaf tea chicken bouillion cubes Gatorade (the low calories, Splenda sweetened called G2) sugar free Jello (Orange flavor only) Sugar Free popsicles You'll be able to do this, and you'll be successful.

I've shared this article on here before, but I think it's an interesting read that has probably gotten lost in the numerous threads about hair loss. It's not always a nutritional issue such as lack of Protein, or Vitamins. It can happen with any surgery or trauma, not just WLS. Also hormonal changes can also cause the hair loss, and we all know it's an emotional rollercoaster post-op. Iron deficiency8,9,10 Heavy metals such as selenium, Vitamin A), propylthiouracil (induces hypothyroidism), carbamazepine, and immunizations11,12,13 Allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp14

From that link: here is the quoted portion from youknowit's post regarding 2 Aceves deaths. Daisy, see if you can email Nina, and get specifics on this one such as when the deaths occurred, and what surgery the patients in question were having performed. In all of my research for my revision, and Dr. Aceves being my only choice for Mexican surgeons, not once was I informed of any deaths, and believe me I asked. I'll be interested to find out. I don't necessarily think you need firsthand experience to express an opinion, or give information. I know when I was considering heading to Mexico, I had certain standards that had to be met before I would even consider a surgeon. I took testimonials with a grain of salt, and contacted a few of the highly promoted surgeons. However, I hate the idea of coordinators (they remind me of used car salesmen), I hate the idea of having surgery in a clinic, I refuse to settle and I think it's important to get the full details out there on not only the doctor, but the facility, and full after care. Unfortunately, on this forum, certain posts, threads, and replies have been deleted to prevent people from hearing/reading about other people's negative experiences. I am grateful our insurance covered my revision, but I did do research on several of the Mexico surgeons, and believe that when I give information, it's just that, information that can be confirmed.

OTC, I got mine at Wal-Mart. I never took it on a regular basis. I also used Folicure extra care shampoo that I read about on OH. I picked up a bottle at Sally's beauty supply for about $6-$7. I started getting new growth even when my hair was falling out by the handfuls. I had super thick, coarse hair, and I lost half of it. I only used the Folicure every other day because it can dry your hair out. I also used Nexxus Dualiste Anti-Breakage shampoo and conditioner on the opposite days of the Folicure. I had a lot of dead hair at the ends, and didn't color, highlight, or use my flat-iron during the losing stage. I rarely used my blow dryer, and was extremely gentle when washing, brushing, or doing anything with my hair. I wore a ballcap A LOT when the occasion permitted.

Don't get discouraged. Give me a little more info and we'll see if we can't get the scale moving again. 1) How many calories are consuming per day? Are you tracking your calories, carbs, protein? 2) Are you lifting weights, doing cardio, what does your exercise regimen consist of at this point? 3) Are you getting in a minimum of 64ounces of clear fluids a day? 4) How much do you have to lose? 5) Do you have access to a nutritionist/dietician? 6) Did you take measurements pre-op, or before you started working? Are your clothes filling differently? You could be losing inches, and your body may just be holding onto the weight. 6) Are you waiting 30-45 minutes after eating to drink anything? Get back with me, and we'll see what we can do. Sometimes, we have shake things up to get the scale moving. Don't give up, I know stalls are frustrating, but you can do this, and we'll help you through it.

I think all the emotions and thought processes you are having are normal for a lot of pre-ops. For so many years, we diet, we lose, sh*t happens, then we gain and feel like a failure. The one thing to keep in mind during this times is that you have to wrap your mind around your success. Positive breeds positive. Don't dwell on the negatives right now. Remember, the post-op diet is only temporary. In a few weeks to a couple of months, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite foods again. Grant it, the portions will be smaller, but you will be satisfied eating what ever your little heart desires. If you eat something, just count it in your daily intake, and enjoy it once you are off the post-op diet. I indulge in some very naughty foods that most people would never allow themselves to enjoy. It's a slippery slope, but at the same time, I know what happens when I deprive myself too long of something I want. I end up binging on it, and then all my hard work goes out the window. In my opinion, I never felt like I had control of my eating. I could diet, and lose then I would gain it all back plus a few more pounds. I never thought I stay on plan until the sleeve took away the hunger, and I changed my relationship with food. I never have the strange desire to just go to the fridge and gorge myself like I did pre-op. I still love food, I still love being able to have a few bites of white-chocolate raspberry swirl cheesecake, the very best part of all of it is, that I know when to stop. I can't remember a time when I split a dessert with anyone. A couple of weeks ago, I split a dessert with 2 other friends. It was great to feel like for the first time that I could push the plate away, and not want one last bite or huge slice of dessert. On the hair loss, getting 100 grams of Protein a day isn't going to stop the hair loss. There's members on here that got their protein in the first weeks after surgery, and they lost just as much if not more hair than I did, and I didn't start getting even close to 60 grams of protein a day until I was nearly 2 months out. Start taking Biotin now, that will help with new growth. But, the hair loss is temporary, and guess what, it grows back. I promise :001_tongue: I don't eat Breakfast either. So, I have to eat a little bit later than other patients. I hate most traditional breakfast foods. I hated them pre-op, and it just didn't change for me. You may have to eat every 3-4 hours like I did to get in your calories, and protein. I set a reminder alarm on my cell phone to help me remember to eat. By November, you should be in a routine, and living life fairly normally. I honestly don't feel like I had surgery most days because I just order what I want, and bring the leftovers home then eat a little more a couple hours later. This will work if you want it to work. The sleeve itself is only part of the equation. Remember, you always have us to lean on. When you have a bad day, blog about it. When you aren't sure what to do next, post a thread for us to help you through it. You aren't alone, and we'll do our best to be your biggest cheerleaders.

Robin, I'm so happy to see an update from you. Congrats on your surgery, and I'm so happy your husband is being supportive. Can you try some of the Celestial Seasons herbal decaf teas? They really helped early on for me, and I still enjoy them now.

From what I've read on OH, it seems men's recommended protein is 70-100grams a day. Women are between 60-70. I'm not sure why the difference, but 70 is the norm. I couldn't get in protein until I got to soft solids. I got in 30-40 grams with yogurt and cheese. Protein supplements didn't work well for me. During the first couple of weeks, my surgeon was more concerned with me getting in my fluids. Protein came later. Don't stock up on too much quantities pre-op. A lot of us dealt with changes in tastebuds. So, if you can get samples and figure out which brand and flavors you like it will definitely help. I'm so excited for you ! ! !

YAY how absolutely fabulous ! ! ! Many congrats and well wishes to you and your hubby for many years of happiness, health, and love.

I'll be in chat for a bit

You fricken rock chickee ! ! ! I wish you could come to the Dallas meet up.

In some of the research articles out there, it statistically shows that complications decrease after that many sleeves are performed, and technique is about practice makes perfect. No one should be a surgeon's guinea pig. My revision surgeon only had about 200 sleeves, but over 500 staple lines between VSG and RNY. I felt confident with his abilities and technique. I can try to dig through some of the research articles I have, also Cajun has the info so I'll message her and she she has it bookmarked. We had to get a new laptop, and I lost a lot of my old research links but I'll find the articles at some point. The surgeon may only have 36 sleeves, but you can also find out how many RNY staple lines, and/or DS procedures have been performed. Technique is a big part of the equation for the sleeve. A surgeon can use a 32fr bougie, but not dissect the fundus completely, or leave the sleeve too big which can affect your overall success. I hope that makes sense.

Your determination, and optimistic attitude will serve you well during this journey. Congrats on getting a surgery date, and please keep us posted on your progress ! ! !