cajun

It is hard to break out of old habits...I alsol sometimes eat without thinking about what I am doing, and that is not a good thing. I found that after about 1 week of pre op clears, I was no longer wanting solid foods and was not really hungry. The ketones seem to help with that. I also liked the mushy stage, but I am a big Soup lover. Unfortunately, Dr Aceves cautioned us to avoid Soups once we are out of mushies stage,, so we can get in all the Protein we need in dense protein foods, with no fluids at mealtime. I miss soups. Occasionally I will still splurge and have a bowl of soup instead of a dense protein meal. I add some okios plain yogurt to the soup to add protein, and it also makes it nice and creamy. Love it! You will be past the surgery stage before you know it, and meeting the post-op challenges. Keep in touch...we all help each other!

That is AWESOME. I can't wait to join you in the women's dept!

Does anyone else have back pain after eating solid foods? I am on day six of solids, and if I stick to mushies or liquids, I am fine. But when I eat small portions (even just one ounce) of meat, and some other solid foods, I get an aching pain between my shoulder blades that lasts for several hours. Then it goes away. Liquids or mushies don't seem to cause this. What's the deal? I hope some one can shed some light on this. Thanks y'all.

Miguel, Congratulations on your successful surgery! I am interested in exactly what kinds of foods you eat that make it possible to not rely on protein drinks? Who was your surgeon?

"Thank you very much! I was having trouble all day yesterday and today getting my doctor's office to fax my monthly weigh-in office visits and my thyroid test results to the bariactric center." That is outrageous! If I were you, I would find a new doctor, and I would send a official to the old doctor telling him/her why I changed doctors. No one deserves to be treated like that. Kudos to you for sticking it out, and standing up for yourself! You Rock!

Also, be careful to not be swayed by a surgeon who wants to influence your decision because he is more familiar with doing one type surgery over the other. Decide what YOU want, then find a surgeon who has performed at least 300 of them, and has low complication statistics.

I would do it again too. Just think of all the risk you take with your life if you allow it to go on as it has been going...cardiovascular disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, inability to do the ordinary things that make life worthliving... To me, the risk of surgery is vastly less than the risk of severe illness untold misery, and early death, which is where I was headed as an obese person. My motto: VSG or BUST! I got the VSG.

Just to clarify, only the nasal version, which is given to some children, is a live virus. The other versions are all killed, just like the regular flu shot. There are some companies that are making a version that lacks the thimerosol (mercury) but I doubt there will be much of that available. I'm one month out from my VSG and am not taking either flu vaccine yet...with the lack of balanced nutrients and shock of surgery, I just don't think I have an optimal immune system yet to take it. Maybe in a month. Still thinking on it. At work when I am with any patients who has a respiratory complaint, I wear an N95 mask, as recommended by my employer, wash wash wash hands, keep them away from my face, etc etc..

Norma You are smart to pack light. I took just one small rolling bag, had a cpap in it and just a few items. I just wore my crocks...took no other shoes because they work for the shower, slip on easily, great for the whole trip. I did carry my pillow and was glad I had it. Also packed a heating pad which I used (and shared with another sleever)...was glad to have it the first two days as it helped with the gas pain. Wore one set of clothes, took one other set only.Took one PJ set. A couple pair of undies...can wash them by hand. No makeup, just like you. Took deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, flossers. They supply shampoo, and soap for bathing. I took some warm socks and used them. Took my small email computer, but it would noto pick up a signal but another sleever shared so I could read my email. I wore a money belt to carry my passport and a little cash. Safer than a purse and easier too. Be sure to bring about $75.00 so you can buy two packages of nexium before you leave the hospital. There are several pharmacies right by the hospital. Get a prescription from Dr Aceves for it, so if inspected at the border you can show your prescription with the pills (doubt you will be inspected). Nexium costs 100 bucks for a month supply in the US.but half that in Mexico. I wish I had bought a three month supply. Dr Aceves will give you a two week supply, but you will need more. I'd take 100.00 if you have a companion so you both can eat supper the night before surgery, and your companion will need a little to eat while you are dining on apple juice and broth post op. Ha Ha. Credit cards work too. They did not supply washcloths so if you want any, take them. They do supply towels. Sanitize your shower before leaving home. I made sure to give my house a good cleaning too. so I would not have to worry about it for a good while after surgery. I don't usually check my cpap baggage but since I was traveling alone, I did check it at the curb in San Diego, when Ernesto dropped me off. That way I did not have to worry about lifting it and getting hernias at my incision sites. Be sure to have Nina's phone number with you. My flight got delayed and I had to call her to make alternative arrangements for my lab testing and first night stay, because I could not get a connecting flight until late in the day. Just call her ASAP if you have any delays. They are used to handling this kind of thing. I also wore an N95 mask on the plane going and coming, to keep from getting the flu (which is even more prevalent now so I highly recommend it). In the airports I moved when a person who was coughing sat next to me, and I tried to stay out of crowded areas as much as possible. Sounds kind of paranoid, but I did not want to have the flu post operatively...that would have been miserable. I hope this helps. Am excited for you! Keep in touch!

Norma, What a great way to prepare! You will be SO ready for this! Let us know how you are doing after surgery. I loved Dr Aceves and Dr Campos...they are awesome surgeons and will make you feel so relaxed and confident. You could not be in better hands!

Friday was my one month surgiversary. I have now lost 40 lbs since starting a "modified" preop diet on August 16. The day I left home for surgery in Mexicali, my weight was 264 so I've lost 22 lbs since the surgery. I am thrilled and feeling so great. This weekend I "attacked" the weeds in my garden, and it was the first time in two years that I've been able to work all day at it without becoming fatigued after ten minutes. My garden is SO happy and I am absolutely THRILLED! Now I am on solid foods, and am able to eat almost 2 ounces of meat before feeling full. Am getting in the required fluids and Protein almost every day. Several days I have been "over" on the carb limit and some days way under so I guess it evens out. I add some well blended blueberries or papaya to my Protein shake in the morning, and am hoping to be able to add some nutritious veggies to my meals soon. But for now, all I seem to be able to eat at meals is a tiny piece of meat...then I am full. I will soon be reducing my BP medication to 1/2 dose as my pressure is down to 110/60. It used to run 140/80's most of the time. My internist and I are both really happy about that. For Vitamins I am taking liquid Vit D3, sublingual B12, and crushing/breaking up my multiple Vitamin and Calcium pill. I did not resume the glucosamine that I took pre-surgery, because MY KNEES DON'T HURT ANY MORE YIPPE. Yesterday I started taking a probiotic because I have had some diarrhea. This happens about once a week. Not much residue in, not much out. I sleep more soundly, but wake up after 7 hours of good sleep, feeling so much more energetic than prior to the weight loss. I used to sleep 9 hours and woke up groggy every morning. What a difference! Less than 100 lbs left to lose...I plan to have it off my bones in 6-7 months! I am so thrilled with my new life. Many thanks to so many of you who shared information and support that helped me get to this point.

That's exactly what I did...my insurance does not cover VSG and rather than spend 6-12 months sending in petitions for them to reconsider, I just researched surgeons and facilities extensively, scheduled the surgery, and had it done in Mexicali by Dr Aceves a month ago. I have lost 40 lbs since starting a "pre surgery" diet and I feel great. My knees don't hurt any more. My BP is down to normal. I was able to work all day in my yard without getting fatigued this weekend. I have a new lease on life. Best money I ever spent! 99 lbs to go, and If my guess is right, it will be "outta here" in 6-7 months! Once I set a goal...I go for it with gusto!

I agree, the same goes for rice and bread. I avoid all of these. A swollen sleeve could cause a leak, and if not a leak, a few hours of miserable pain and vomiting.

Dr Aceves recommends "avoid rice, potatoes and bread". These are high glycemic index foods, in other words, they are similar to eating sugar. Corn is another one that fits in this category. I'm avoiding them, because my goal is to LOSE weight. Also, rice may swell in your sleeve, which could cause a leak. Even if no leak occurs, a swollen sleeve is VERY painful. A lot of healthier veggies have complex carbohydrates that are better, in moderation. Squash is one example. I'm looking forward to when I can add a little veggies to my diet, but for now, all I can eat is a tiny piece of meat, and I am FULL. Lovin that sleeve!

I add a few drops of banana extract to the Jay Robb whey Protein shake (chocolate flavor) and I love them. No aftertaste. I would not use a banana because they are very calorie/sugar dense, can cause constipation, and give me a migraine. Mashed potatoes is a big no-no according to Dr Aceves, because they have a high glycemic index...same goes for rice and bread. I don't eat baby food. If I need something mushy, I put it in my blender with some milk or some chicken broth...I think that's more nutritious. I don't care much for tofu, and have hypothyroidism so soy is not recommended for me anyway because it can make thyroid problems worse. If I did not have thryoid problems I would probably be drinking soy milk because of its' many benefits.

4 days to go....I am so glad for you, Norma. You will be amazed at how awesome the medical care is in Mexicali. The program really works for those who are truly committed to following it. I'm rooting for you!

Great post. I bought a body pillow at Target too, before the surgery. I love it...it is as tall as I am long so it really helps me get comfy.

I love to see the variety of different eating patterns. And recipes! Keep them coming!

I agree with the above experts. Just don't worry about it, focus instead on getting in all your fluids and Proteins, and be sure you are getting 600-800 calories. If your calorie intake is too low you may get weak, and your metabolism will slow way down so you burn less calories. At two weeks 3 days out, it is hard to get in the required Protein unless you are using a liquid Protein of some kind. Have you found one you like?

I doubt that you will "have to push" because diarrhea is common for a week or two after the surgery. :001_huh:

Me too, experience is my number one criteria.

I can't figure that one out, Tiff. Cabbage from lunch coming up after supper....did you have some cabbage for supper too? Seems like lunch should be gone after 2 hours. ???

I had some discomfort unless I burped between each small sip ...still get that sometimes if I take too large a sip now at one month out.

Congrats and welcome to the loser's bench! Rest up! Sip sip sip. Walk walk walk to get rid of the gas and prevent blood clots! Looking forward to hearing your story once you feel up to it.

Steve, I am sorry to hear about your brother. If you don't mind saying, did he have "fatty liver", or liver cancer?