Malaika

Verizon will work; however, you'll be charged roaming if you don't get an international plan before you go -- also, if you go up to the top floor of the hospital, you can sometimes get a US signal and there's no charge - just be sure your phone doesn't say "roaming" -- also you can walk over to the fence between the borders (it's not far from the hospital - you can see it) and sometimes get a US signal there, too. It's very iffy -- if you know for a fact you want to use your phone and send/receive texts, then you're better off to call verizon and get an international plan -- you can cancel it as soon as you get home and you'll only be charged for the days you used it. I think if you do a search for verizon, you'll find posts with the exact information.

So you're a year out and still lactose intolerant Mac? I guess that means it doesn't go away. I was already that way before surgery; however Bearded wasn't, but now is. Good thing I never liked milk to begin with!:tongue_smilie:

The Atkins RTD shakes were great (before my surgery, now they're too sweet) and the bars are really good too. There is a pure Protein RTD called Cookies & Cream which is really good too (have only found them at Target). Also, I ate a lot of roasted chicken and cheese. I love salads and would make a big salad and put cut up chicken on it for dinner. There's also eggs - I'd make an omelet in the morning with 2% cheese -- it really filled me up. You'll survive the diet, and when you're on nothing but liquids for 20 days, you'll yearn for the high protein/low carb pre-op diet! LOL:biggrin0:

I talked to Dr. Campos about the BM issue as I would go so infrequently, that I'd forget when the last time I did was -- he said that is quite normal in that we are not putting that much into our system to "push" it on out -- if that makes sense -- I do know if I eat prunes or eat a salad, I will go that evening or the next day ... I know that now that I am on more solid food, I do go more often than when on liquids and mushies; however, if I don't eat a salad or prunes, then I don't go everyday -- I don't stress about it because I don't feel bloated or constipated - there's no "urge" to go -- and I was never one to go on a daily basis before WLS surgery, so I don't worry too much about it -- I certainly don't want to take any supplements to help things along as they seem to adversely affect me. Before WLS, I was taking Magnesium and that really seemed to keep me regular. Keep in mind, too, when you're on liquids, it's going to be liquids in, liquids out -- not much changes when you move to mushies ... you should notice more changes when you move to solid foods.

Same outlets - no converters needed. Congrats on your surgery date and you'll LOVE LOVE LOVE Dr. Aceves and his entire staff ... I was a virgin sleever, so can't answer your other questions.

Sounds like Dr. Aceves' wing will be full with VSTers ... I think there are 8 rooms on that wing -- be sure to take pics and post them -- you'll be a larger group than Ruthi, Eyfura, CYates, and I (in June), and Bearded, SoontobeSkinny and Roseyandher music (in July) ... don't worry - the staff already knows we Gringos are crazy!

Welcome to the forum Kikiphiasmom and to our family. I had my surgery on 6/12 (Friday) - came home on Monday and went back to work on Friday -- I could have gone back sooner except for the diarrhea issues, so thought it better to stay closer to home. Down time is very minimal - however, you can't lift anything over 15 lbs. for six weeks. You'll be really tired for a while, too until you can get in all your protein. Any other questions - ask away, someone (lots of someones usually) will answer you :001_unsure:

Thanks for sharing Shanda - sounds like everything went smoothly just like it should. I didn't know I had a hiatal hernia either -- I think that is pretty common and it's nice that some doctors go ahead and fix it while they are in there and don't charge extra for it. Keep on walking and sipping girl -- it will be awhile before you can sleep on your stomach; so hopefully you have another position (or you'll soon develop one) in which to sleep. Kepp us posted on your progress - welcome Sleeve Sista to the losing side :cursing:

Welcome to our family Road Queen - there are several members here who have revised from band to sleeve and all seem totally thrilled to have done so - me I was a "virgin" sleever and I am (now) thrilled with the sleeve. Don't hesitate to ask anything - someone will always have a response for you.

This is the list I received from Nina prior to my surgery: Some items you may want to consider taking to the hospital with you: Pajamas, the nurses and doctors will be checking your incisions so you might be more comfortable in your own pajamas than the hospital gowns, however, hospital gowns are provided if you prefer. Non skid slippers, thongs, or slip on shoes of some sort. The hospital floors are very clean and waxed, so you'll want non-skid. It will be sore to bend over so you won't want to tie shoe laces so slip on shoes are easier. A favorite robe, many times it is comforting to have a favorite robe. Computer - if you have a laptop you are welcome to bring it. The hospital and hotel are set up with wireless internet connection. Any of Dr. Aceves' staff can give you the password at the hospital. You do not need a password in the hotel. Cell phone - Most cell phones work well in the hospital, if your phone does not work most of the staff will loan you their phone. The electrical system is the same in Mexico as the US so you do not need a converter for your hair dryer, computer, or cell phone charger. Shampoo - this is provided by the hospital but many prefer their own brands so they prefer to bring their own. Book or other reading material. You will not likely feel like reading the day of surgery but you might the day after surgery. Loose fitting clothing to wear coming home. You will likely feel a bit bloated after surgery so bring a sweat suit or something very loose fitting and comfortable for your ride home from the hospital. I do not suggest bringing much cash with you. You will want to purchase dinner the night before surgery and $25.00 per person will cover that easily, less for most restaurants. If you want to have access to cash then credit cards are a safer alternative. You will not need to convert US dollars to pesos, you can use US dollars for your companion in the hospital cafeteria and all businesses around Mexicali if you choose to do a little shopping. The 3 most important things for me were my own pillow, a heating pad and my laptop. Also, besides the Pharmacy across the street from the hospital, there is another pharmacy right around the corner from the parking lot of the hospital. The price on the Nexium is apparently a set price as it was the same price at 3 difference pharmacies we purchased them from - the 40 mg. was something like $388.00 pesos (or about $31/box) It's less expensive to buy the 40 mg and break them in half (that will give you 28 days) than to buy a box of 20 mg (14 days).

I was totally exhausted after my surgery for about 6 weeks - the more protein I got in the less exhausted I felt - also started taking vitamins and that helped, too.

Nope, I have you beat - my oldest son turned 30 in May ... where'd I leave that walker? :drool5:

I can wait :-) Have a busy weekend this weekend, so better try me on my cell as opposed to the home number - more like to catch me ... I'll IM you my work number and you can try that, too.

It's great you'll all be there together - it was so nice to have others from the forum there when I had my surgery and when Bearded had his, too -- so Dr. Aceves won't be the least bit surprised when another group of VSTers all converge on Mexicali at the same time -- I believe it really does get you up and moving quicker and more when you have someone to "walk" with and is going through the same thing as you are - it's a special bond. Congrats to all of you!:drool5:

Congrats on the weight loss, the refund, and the fact that you're now addicted to exercise ... keep up the good work - you'll be at goal before you know it.

OMG Tiff - you look AWESOME ... John is not going to believe his eyes when he gets off that plane - you look SO different than when he deployed. The outfit is so cute - and I agree - ditch the bracelet. Can't wait to see the pics when he firsts see you ... it's going to take him awhile to adjust to the new you - but he's gonna love every minute of it!

Who did he choose? The Blonde or the Brunette? I watched Biggest Loser; however, generally I don't watch it beginning to end, just flip back and forth between it and whatever else is on that is interesting. It is amazing to see how they change over the show and I agree they are spending a bit more time showing them how to eat healthier. Also, they are at the camp 24/7 and we only see a portion of the time so it's hard to really know what else they do aside from working out all day long.

Welcome to the family Suzy - you are like so many of us here - we can lose the weight, but can't keep it off...I imagine I've lost "myself" more times than I care to count and never been able to keep it off. You've got the right attitude in that the sleeve is not the miracle pill but only a TOOL to help you get the weight off and keep it off - you'll do great with that thought. I hope you don't have to wait the 6 months either - that would just be wrong!

Hi Tania - Welcome to our family. Sounds like you have a very busy life - and that you're loving it - that is GREAT ... congrats on your sleeve and keep us posted on your progress.

I think CST is only 1 hour ahead of PST Daisy - I'm hoping to be able to get into chat one of these nights if things ever calm down (and I can get through all of the posts that accumulated while I was on vacation)

So, Bearded and I just got back from a 7 day Carribbean Cruise - Left from San Juan, then on to St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antiqua and St. Kitts, then back to San Juan. Because we'd both lost weight, we were able to do things that pre-WLS we wouldn't have been able to do -- in Dominica we went river tubing (WHAT A BLAST!!!); in St. Lucia - we went horseback riding, and in Antiqua we rode Segways (you know, mall cop?) ... and we weren't even close to the maximum weight -- what a great feeling it was not to have to worry about stepping on a scale and being told we were too heavy for the horses. (They didn't actually weigh us, but we were told they could if they wanted.) We did a lot of walking and both held up with no problems -- I have to admit the walk back up from the Emerald Falls in Dominica was a bit rough on me, but more for the fact that I'm not used to 87% humidity -- my legs and knees held up fine though! It was an awesome trip and we can't wait to do it again - something to be said about white sand and blue Water so clear you can see your toes even when you're in water up to your neck! And ... a scale victory -- 7 days on a cruise ship - and I lost 1 lb. and Bearded lost 2! And we ate what we wanted - appetizers, entree and dessert --- the best night was the lobster tail and shrimp - Had to share!! :party4::party4::party4:

Actually you can eat 24/7 if you want - they have pizza and ice cream available on the Lido Deck 24/7; plus all day long on the Lido deck you can eat and to top it off, you can get room service (FREE) 24/7 ... so the only really "planned" meal is dinner. We just avoided the dining room and Lido Deck as much as possible. No pizza and only 1 small frozen yogurt cone.

The excess mucus will go away with time -- if it's too bad, try some liquid benadryl for a couple days -- it really helped me my first week following surgery. Glad to hear you're feeling better.

I agree with you Tiff. They are served with everything, it seems, in the south (i.e., Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama). They are definitely not something I've ever learned to like that's for sure!

Have you talked to your doctor? I know I had a hard time drinking anything after surgery, too, and it turned out my esophogus was spasming with every drink I took; it sucked. It's been 3 months now and it has gotten easier to work around. Knowing what was causing it helped, too. I would contact your doctor, nurse, nutritionist, whoever and talk to them about it. You definitely don't want to get dehydrated and end up back in the hospital on IVs. Keep us posted okay?