cajun

I put about 1/2 cup of fresh papaya in my Protein shake each morning. Papaya acts like an enzyme, in fact I think it is the main ingredient in meat tenderizer...try it. Might work. Lots of Vitamins too! I don't like the way it tastes by itself, but in a shake, it just adds sweetness.

It's been a long time since I've been on the site and the chat room is not working like it used to. I can't figure out how to use it. I log into it, it looks like I am listed with two other folks but I can't type anything. Anyone got advice? Thanks. Cathryn

The spinal block is actually the recommended standard of care for obese patients in this country, and one of the main reasons is it allows the anesthesiologist to use less general anesthesia. Obese persons need a lot more general anesthesia to be put to sleep, because of our weight. Getting less general anesthesia is a lot safer, you wake up quicker, and have less possible anesthesia side effects, less chance of pneumonia, less time being immobile. The spinal also does a great job of pain control. I had the spinal by Dr Aceves' anesthesiologist, and they left it in until the day I was discharged, so I could get meds through the tube during my hospital stay. It was great.

Just a few thoughts for you, Oub... You mentioned falling short on fluids sometimes. I've found that if I don't get in at least 60 ounces, I crash...no energy. And I stop losing. Be sure you keep your fluids up! Re: nutritionist. I saw one for a while, shortly after surgery. She was adamant that my surgeon's recommendation of 600-800 calories was STARVATION and not healthy/balanced at all, She advised I go up to 1200-1400 and eat more carbs... (I was eating 30-60 gms per day.) She works for my Internist and has never had a VSG. I did not follow her advice, but stuck to my surgeon's advice and I've lost 110 lbs over 9 months. About 30 more to go. This is just to say that all nutritionists are not experts in WLS. When I eat carbs, I stop losing and/or gain weight. So... give things a try and see what happens...you will find out what works for you. You did not become obese in a week, so stop rushing yourself to lose it instantly! I weighed daily for 8 months, but now...about twice a month, ...less stressful.

Tiff, Congratulations girl! You look amazing! You are the poster child for VSG!

I lost 20 lbs the first month, then 10 lbs a month after that until the 7th month, when it dropped to 5 lbs per month. The less you weigh, the slower you lose, and I am just fine with that. I find that my loose skin is shrinking a little and a gradual loss is probably a good idea at this point. I expect at 1 year I will be close to my goal, but whatever it takes is fine with me. It's working and I am just very grateful. I don't weigh every day now, just about once a week and that keeps me from getting upset that the loss has slowed down...Lower your expectations, and just enjoy the ride!

Dr Aceves is highly qualified, with over 700 sleeves and NO leaks. He's board certified, teaches other surgeons how to perform the procedure, is highly respected by his peers, and on top of that is just a very kind and caring human being. He will give you the best advice about which surgery is most appropriate for your personal condition, and he is not "in it for the money", so you can be sure it will be a recommendation based on what's best for YOU. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with him, and I am VERY picky, did months of research before selecting him, and am very happy with the outcome. His staff still keeps in touch, and I get prompt answers to any questions via email. The downside to going to Mexico in my opinion is that some physicians here in the US can be biased, and when you mention that you went to Mexico their eyebrows go up. My internist seems to be fine with the idea, but my gastroenterologist who does my follow-up visits seems to have a negative view about it. His notes always say "...had VSG surgery in Mexico". Like that's a problem? If I had it done in California, I doubt that he'd write "had VSG surgery in California". It irks me. But there's nothing I can do about it. There's a popular travel show on TV where the host ends each program with the quote "travel is lethal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness". Maybe US physicians need to travel more...:001_rolleyes:

I stayed on mushies a bit longer than required, too. My tummy just was not ready for regular food when the schedule said I could have it. It'salso not unusual to have to "back up" occasionally. Even at 9 months, if I have a day when my tummy feels upset I go back to Protein shakes for a day, and it settles down fine. Listen to your tummy and treat it right...it will reciprocate!

Research that has been done on the sleeve shows that once the surgeon has performed over 300 sleeves, their complication rate goes way down. I looked for a surgeon who met that criteria, and was self-pay so I did not have to go where insurance required me to go. I went to Mexico and Dr Aceves was my surgeon. He's done over 700 with no leaks to date. I was very pleased with his care. I work in health care myself, and did a lot of research before choosing a surgeon, so I'd have the very best chance of a good outcome. The information I found on this forum helped me make my decision and I am forever grateful.

Welcome to Onderland! Isn't it great? I still don't believe I'm there either...so amazing!

I've been cold since I started the pre-op diet, and I used to be hot all the time. I think that the body's metabolism slows down drastically when we consume such low caloric diets, as a way to protect itself. Also, a lot of the high carbohydrate foods we used to eat cause an inflammatory process, which I believe elevates body temperature. I am much happier being cold that I was being hot all the time. Many sleevers report this chilling effect so you are not alone.

Brittu: I flew first class going home too...good idea. More room in the seat, just over all more comfortable. If you can find a driver, I would let someone else drive. Others may not agree. I went alone and was glad in a way, to feel free to sleep or what ever without feeling like I had to visit. But I wished I'd had someone with me a couple of times. Your call. I did use my computer for emails. Took only one pr of shoes which I wore, and rubber-soled footsies for post-op comfort. One pr of pj's. One outfit to come home in. No need for hairdryer. They supply soap/shampoo. Bring washrag though, and toothbrush.... Towels are provided. I had IVs until the day I left, for pain control. It varies with each person, based on need. Ask and you shall receive! They prefer to supply you with intake, so no need to bring anything. You're only allowed Clear liquids, and only after the leak test. Their broth is yummy. Applejuice is....well, applejuice. I had taken koolaid and tried it one time (did not like it...everything tastes different after VSG), but it seemed to upset the nurses that I had it. I think they prefer that you drink what they have there. Good luck! You'll be amazed at the awesome service.

Just go with the anxiety...we all have it. Fighting it does not help. Before you know it, you will be on the loser's bench...we are sliding over to make room for you. Your life is about to change forever, and for the better. You'll be so glad you did this.

That sounds like a good idea. What vitamin levels did your doctor check?

Awesome, you go girl!