Malaika

I think the nerves are normal and if you are sure as sure can be then you just have to bite the bullet and "do it"! As for so many going to Mexico, in my situation, my insurance has an exemption and will not pay for ANY WLS, so I was self-pay if I wanted to get this surgery done. And I did. The only surgeon here in Las Vegas that I would have considered going to charges about $25,000 for the sleeve and that does not include any of the pre-op testing, the anesthesiologist, the hospital stay or any post-op testing. My price of $9500 with Dr. Alberto Aceves, who is more qualified than the LV surgeon, included absolutely EVERYTHING except the cost of getting to Mexicali and home (which was minimal considering we live close enough to drive.) It included pre-op testing, one night in a lovely resort, the surgery, anesthesia, 3 days in the hospital, and post-op testing. The only real "follow-up" is in 3 months when they recommend you have an upper GI and a full panel of blood work. I will probably go back down to Mexicali to have this performed, because I have such a high opinion and tremendous respect for Dr. Aceves and his staff. I discussed this surgery with my PCP before havingt it performed and he recommended that I proceed. He also said that he would be more than happy to take care of me following the surgery. So, if I don't go to Mexicali for the follow-up in 3 months, I can always go to see him. Although it does have something to do with the money, for me it had more to do with the experience of my surgeon. Money did play a factor, but it wasn't the main reason for traveling to Mexicali. I value my health much more than getting a bargain. Hope this helps.

They had really awesome guacomole and chips in the bar too ... probably could have made my entire meal on those alone!

That and the fact that the restroom was close to your office ... right? That is why I stayed home an extra day -- was afraid I might not make it in time at the office.:001_tt2:

I truly hope mine doesn't fall out -- I haven't noticed any more hair in my brush than before the surgery. My hair, as I get older, has gotten curlier ... the last time I got it styled, my gal said "Where is all this curl coming from?" I like a bit of curl as my hair is very straight and very thick. She has to texturize it everytime she cuts it so I don't look like I stuck my finger in a light socket. I would take advantage of the curl -- just put a bit of moose in your hair, scrunch it with your fingers and let it air dry ... later if you want, you can pic it out a bit. I HATE messing with my hair so for me, the easier the better. The style I have now is pretty much wash and wear which suits me to a T!

Yes, I remember you said he was going to be there, so figured you were spending time with him. It appeared I missed Steve. Oh well, there's always tonight. Although I don't know when I'll be online - my daughter-in-law and grandson are coming over for dinner.

I wondered the same thing when I was ready all the posts before my surgery. I wouldn't say that I really crave it, it is more a matter of it tasting so good -- actual flavor you know. I didn't know about the ricotta or cottage cheese - I have some cottage cheese, so maybe I'll try that ... of course, I have to buy more soup now ...thanks for the head's up! Do you add it before you heat the soup or afterwards?

I think I will order this kit for me and for my DF -- he craves (and eats) sweets like crazy ... I told him I recently heard he may have a Vitamin D deficiency. He's considering have the sleeve -- does Dr. Aceves blood tests include a rating on Vitamin D? Any idea of that Wasa?

Thanks for this tip -- I am sitting here drinking my coffee with my Atkins shake in it (not all of it mind you) and it's just the right "sweet" Dang, Daisy, just the thought of adding stevia to my Protein Drink wants to make me gag! Do you use the entire package or the suggested serving size of 1/2 package? I like stevia better than splenda or sweet-n-low, but 1/2 pkg is definitely enought for me.

Those are great idea! I know she lived on SF Popsicles at least her first 5 days home ... that was the only thing she could get down. I want everything to be super cold too and before surgery didn't care - if it was wet, I'd drink it. Now, the colder the better. Only problem is, I'm so tight in the morning, that I can't get anything cold down -- have to stick with hot until about 10 am.

Questions? You'll have questions? Ask away -- everyone here has questions and if you can't get an answer here, I don't know where else you possible could.

I'll give it a try -- I know I am not getting in anywhere near the protein ... I can't stand anything that is even the least bit sweet -- fruit seems to be okay -- well at least the watermelon - it hasn't been too sweet the tiny bit I have had.

Well, hadn't thought of that -- how much do you use cause it doesn't take much to be over sweet for me.

You need to have a GI and bloodwork done in 3 months -- you can go back to Dr. Aceves, or you can have your PCP take care of it. I may go back; however my PCP has agreed to any follow-up that might be needed.

LOL ... I love watermelon ... I used a potato masher to sort of get mine into small pieces ... I'm too full now and it's too late so I'll try and remember to eat it tomorrow at lunch.

Where is everyone -- I'm in the chat room and no one is there!!!

Well today I actually felt real hunger for the first time since surgery -- does that mean my sleeve is healing? I'm still having a very difficult time getting in all my protein; however, am not doing too bad on my fluids. Last night I made low sodium tomato Soup with the Hemp milk I got at Whole Foods. It was okay but sure didn't taste like the tomato soup I was hoping for. So tonight at Sam's I picked up some fat free milk and made another can ... and yuuummmmmy ... it tastes SO GOOD! I know there's not much Protein there, but it was still good nonetheless. I think that once I get to mushies, I'll do better with the protein ... at least then I can have eggs and cheese ... RIGHT?

WOO HOO -- all the tape is off and the incisions look pretty good -- bit of bruising around some of them but that's not unusual for me -- I bruise easily because I'm so fair skinned. Now once my tummy clears up from where the bandaid I had over my drain incision -- I'm allergic to the adhesive, I may not look so much like I got in a knife fight! Once the scabs are gone, I'm going to get some of that prefer-on and see if it helps the scars like so many claim.

Finally, something that tastes good and went down easily -- tomato Soup made with milk ( low sodium variety). I tried an Atkins shake this morning and between 8 and 11:30 I was able to get down about 1/3 of it ... then just looking at it made me want to puke. Tried to take my pills tonight (I forgot this morning) and mixed the powder in with some SF pudding ...about 3 bites was all I could tolerate -- to sweet. Maybe this surgery has cured me of my desire for sweets - just like OregonDaisy's craving of ice cream. That would be okie dokie for me. How are you doing Eyfura???

Too funny -- I thought that was the pic you were saying was a good pic because it gave people an idea of what the unit looked like ... HA I think the ones Size7 or DebKing posted REALLY give you a good look at the room and the unit. Glad you finally figured out why he looked so familiar! :shocked4:

I've heard that Prefer-on, which you can get at Walgreens, works as well if not better than Mederma I LOVE LOVE LOVE bareminerals. Did you know you can order it from Ulta.com too? It's the same price as QVC and a lot of times they offer free shipping. Our USPS isn't much better -- Bob had a change of adress in when we separated -- he put in another one just last week -- his mail is going from my the sender to (our) address to his (old) address and then back to our address again ... he finally went to the PO -- the problem was the first change of address was still in effect and the second one didn't cancel out the first one ... duh!

Did you email Gaby and ask her? Lemon in the Water does work btw - at least for me -- plus gives it a little bit of flavor and change from plain water.

I know it would DEFINITELY be a concern for me.

Walmart didn't have any SF ones -- I looked. Either did Albertsons or Smith's - at least not in those flavors ... I'll check Von's -- I think it's a Safeway ... Thanks

A watched pot never boils ... our USPS at it's finest

You'd better be careful -- she's liable to reach out and smack you! LOL