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Research done by Dr Cirangle in LapSF showed no need for them in his practice, which has probably done more VSGs than anyone in the world. Others may be following suit. But some surgeons who want to be extra careful, or who find that the test reassures the patient, continue to do them. I was glad to have them done, myself. There are various "right" ways to do things, and I suppose this is one example.

Way to go ML! You are doing great! I still have nausea some days and even the thought of sweets makes me feel kinda yucky. That helps prevent indulging in them so I am fine with it. Just remember that eating carbs or sweets can make some people crave it even more so it can be a vicious cycle! Stick with the good stuff!

annearctica: A heating pad on the tummy helped me immensely when I was there. If you did not bring one, there are a bunch at the nurses station, just ask. Of course walking helped too. Isn't the hospital beautiful? Hey, are you from the South Pole, or how did you get your "name"? :001_smile:

5.8 earthquake 20 miles from Mexicali this morning. Read more: 5.8-Magnitude Quake Rocks Mexico's Border With U.S. - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

That thought crossed my mind...what would they do if surgery was in progress? Did they evacuate the hospital? The news report on Fox News said 5 hospitals in Mexicali were evacuated temporarily. I think there are many more hospitals than that in Mexicali so maybe Almater did not have to evacuate. Scarey! How are you feeling?

Did you all feel the earthquake this morning? I've been thinking about you all day.

OK. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? If you don't want a leak that could cost you dearly, stick with the program! We all love ya anyway. Just be good now!

I believe that he uses Toradol, which is an excellent post-op pain killer...worked better than demerol for me, and no nausea/vomiting like I had with the demerol after a hysterectomy. Toradol took away my pain 100% but demerol did not. Dr Aceves also uses Toradol. It's an awesome, non-narcotic medication.

Thanks Stoongal...verrrryyy interesting. makes good sense.

Tiffany, how exciting this day is...I hope you celebrated BIG TIME! The determination that you have shown, and patience, has paid off. You are one beautiful woman. It's great to know you!

Welcome to the loser's bench! Hope you had a goodnight rest. The hardest day is the third day I think...but everyone is different. Tomorrow you will be able to sip and walk a lot...have a good day working your sleeve!

Here's a funny post listing the top ten things they never told you about VSG: Top ten things they don't tell you about WLS - Shrinking Pamelalala

I think you should call your doctor's office again and insist that they see you TODAY. At least some lab work could show if you have an electrolyte imbalance, or dehydration. It disturbs me when I hear that you have received a diagnosis of "flu", and then "too big sips" (who knows how big your sips are but you?...this lays the blame on you for the problem and that may not be the cause). It's time they help you, see you in the office, and get to the bottom of this before things get really bad. Have your bowels been moving ok? Are you having abdominal pain? There are lots of questions and not enough answers. You've paid them and it's their job to help you.

That's what I've heard too.

The crazy man story does sound a bit....well....crazy.

The good news is that all of my 3 month labs are NORMAL. I was very surprised and thrilled. It surprised me because although I do eat some fruit 2-3 times a week, I'm not really getting in any veggies...no room for them after getting in the required protein! I think that the Vitamin Water I'm sipping on all day helps a lot. The bad news is, the upper GI xray showed that I now have a small traction epiphrenic diverticulum. Bummed. I never knew that the esophagus could have a diverticulum so have been reading research online to learn about it. Luckily I'm not having any symptoms so it's probably going to be just "watch it" scenario. I'll see my gastroenterologist after the holidays to see what he recommends. Dr Aceves thinks it's from "overeating". He's recommended I go back on mushies and liquids for now and reduce the volume I ingest at any one time, to prevent pressure on the diverticulum. I'm going to see a local gastroenterologist after the holidays. Wish I lived closer to Mexicali so I could get to Dr Aceves' office but it's not in the cards for me. At three months out, how much of a Protein shake can other folks drink over a 30 minute period? I've been doing one cup, which is one shake. Now I'll have to cut it back to 1/2 cup. It's going to take me longer to get in everything, but I guess no one every promised that this would be easy. No solids means no Christmas dinner with my family! Double Bummer for Christmas! Today will be the first time some of them see the new me, 68 lbs lighter! I've not told them so they will be very surprised! Does anyone have experience with this, or know someone who had it? I'm looking for all the information I can get. Apparently it's rare.

Thanks Tiff. So far, answers are reassuring.

Daisy: See PM. I read a lot of research this weekend, on epiphrenic diverticuli. Small and asymptomatic diverticuli often do not progress and can be "watched". Since mine's small and asymptomatic, it seems it is not necessary to operate...that's a relief. It will need watching though. Dr Aceves thinks another UGI may be needed in the near future...will know more about the plan soon. I'm relieved to know that no knife will be involved. WHEW!

I flew alone and am glad I did. Driving that far is a set-up for a blood clot, even if you stop every hour and walk. It would have been exhausting, even if someone else drove. If you decide to fly, travel light because you should not be lifting anything after surgery. Ernesto will take you to the airport and put your bag on the curb for you. I checked mine right there on the curb, and only carried my pillow. (now with the recent problems, you probably can't keep a pillow on your lap though). Good luck!

I tried white meat chicken pureed and chewed well, but it always gave me back pain. Then I switched to dark meat chicken, which is more moist and not so grainy. It was great. No more back pain. Dark meat turkey worked well too. Pureed if you are on mushies. Chewed well otherwise.

Yes, I agree with you about the protein deficit and fatigue. As soon as you can tolerate it, start getting in the protein. I did not really reach 70 grams a day until after 2 weeks. I tried Isopure early on but it was really isopuke. So I added a little to my Vitamin Water that I was sipping, and could tolerate that, to get in a little protein at least. Once you are getting in 70 gms daily your energy level will go way up. ...Also gotta get the fluids...very, very essential. Keep on working at it, you are doing great!

Way to go Chandra! Isn't it amazing how the pounds magically disappear. Then you may go through a month when you hardly lose anything, only to see it start falling off again. Don't be dismayed if this happens...the body needs an adjustment time now and then. Just keep on doing what you are doing and you will be at target before you know it! YOU GO GIRL!

What an incredible job you are doing with your sleeve! Congratulations! You will be at target in no time!

It's just caused by the skin rubbing together in that area.

I'm cold all the time too, since I started losing weight. Wearing a sweater all the time. Keeping your fluid intake up is going to be very important, especially since you are out in the heat a lot. I get nauseated and dizzy if I don't drink enough, and I don't work under the kind of temperature stress that you do. Ya don't want to get dizzy and go overboard!