annak4

Her liver cracked during surgery and she was out of work for 8 weeks recovering! I have never heard of a liver cracking? What does that mean exactly? I know the preop diet is to reduce the fat in the liver and make it more firm and less slippery so it's easier to deal with in surgery. Can you tell us more?:blushing:

It can cause the issues. Something about losing weight quickly. I know someone on here can answer your question in more detail than that, but that's what I've heard.

I used Dr. Nicholson and he was great! Very informative and spends time answering your questions. Has been voted a top Dallas doctor the last three years by his fellow doctors from the Dallas area.

I had a friend (non wls person) years ago who kept putting off having her gall bladder removed. It got really bad and inflamed that she ended up having to have emergency gall bladder surgery which was an open procedure and said it was the worst surgery she ever had. She said that they couldn't do it laproscopically because it had gotten so bad. She then regretted that she didn't take care of it sooner. I've also had 2 other friends have it done laproscopically and they said it was no biggie.

I have not had an endoscopy and so far have gotten nothing stuck in the sleeve. But when is was stuck in the band I had chest pain or pain between my shoulder blades. Once the pain is gone, the stuck food is gone. I don't think people usually have an endoscope procedure for stuck food, but I could be wrong.

You will need a passport. It's not hard. Takes 6-8 weeks to process. You can google on how to do it. I don't know anything about the Tijuana doctors, sorry I'm no help. Good luck!

Here's luck to you and Brenda and wishes for a speedy recovery!

Krystl- I used Dr. Zapata in Monterrey, Mexico for my band surgery and loved him. You can check out his pricing, etc. at www.ready4achange.com. I used Dr. Nicholson for my band removal and sleeve surgery. I had planned to go back to Mexico but decided I needed 2 surgeries to correct what was wrong and just couldn't go to Mexico twice so I researched and chose Dr. Nick. He's great, too. I think he charges 12,200 for sleeve. I noticed you are from Grand Saline. I livein Commerce. Feel free to PM me if you need to. Good luck!

I am a band to sleeve revision. I had success with the band until my pouch stretched out and I developed reflux and other problems. My surgeon said at the seminar that you should not go into the band surgery planning on it being reversible. It needs to be a lifetime commitment. I was very lucky that my band did not cause damage to my stomach. I never know how much damage the band could do until I joined this board and read other people's stories. Band may be the lowest risk but it can do a lot of damage. I wish you the best in making the decision that is right for you.

The body is such an amazing thing! After a good night's sleep, my pain is 100 times better this morning. Hard to believe after the pain I was in last night! I can move again without it hurting. Plan to take it easy today and do nothing more strenuous than cheering on the Cowboys!!

I suffered headaches that first week, too. I think it was withdrawal from all the bad things we love so much - sugar and caffeine- and from such reduced calories. It did finally subside and I have not had one headache since then!

I have hypothyroidism and lost 70 pounds with the band. I've since gained some back and now the sleeve is going to help me get it back off. Anyway, my endo's only concern is that I not be taking too much syntnhroid and told me to watch out for symptoms like feeling jittery, that could be a sign of too much medicine.

We were at a wedding reception tonight and I coughed. Not a big or violent cough and I felt something pop on my left side. MAN IT HURT! Now I have to be careful how I move. Can't do anything that stretches my left side. It's right under/next to my ribs. What should I do? I took some tylenol and put some heat on it. Any suggestions? (No swelling or anything sticking out - thank goodness.)

Sorry to hear that. Eating too fast is not a fun lesson to learn, but now it's done! Hope you had a good time, the group meeting was good. Talk to you soon.

How exciting! Everything will go great and will be over before you know it! Congratualtions.

Coopersmama- What a brave step you are taking! I am so glad you are taking charge of your life and breaking the cycle of the females in your family. Good luck and remember - we are all here to support you and cheer you on!

WOW! I wish I had your restraint. It would help not owning a scale, maybe I'll just put mine away in a closet. Congratulations on your loss and keep up the good work!

Glad things went well and you are feeling better. I had my sleeve done at Forest Park as well, and I agree, they are amazing! The pain management was very good. Take it easy and don't overdo!

I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm more than willing to be the one that happens to! Good luck!

When I was on the liquid phases I got my protein mainly from shakes, 24 g each and the protein bullets or isopure. The good part is that they count for your protein total and your liquid total!

I like the Protein bullets. I usually dilute them with Water - 1/2 protein and 1/2 water. I drank them sometimes when I was banded. The hospital actually gave me a protein bullet on my meal tray after my sleeve surgery, so they consider it a clear liquid. 45 g of protein is a lot for one sitting, so I usually do half at a time. I also work at school and did my surgery during the Christmas break so I went back to work on day 14. I probably could have gone back to work 9-10 days after surgery. Good luck!

Dr. Zapata did my band surgery in June of 2007 and would have done my sleeve surgery but I had some issues and needed to remove the band a few weeks before the sleeve and just couldn't go to Mexico twice. Dr. Zapata is wonderful! He is so kind and patient and tells you the truth about what is going on. The hospital feels is wonderful and they give you a list of phrases in English/Spanish so you can just point and let the nurses know what you need. Judy and Janet are great, too. And then Alma there in Monterrey is fantastic. I would trust Dr. Zapata and all of his staff with any kind of surgery he does.

Go to the Food & Nutrition forum here on VST. Click on the Sub-Forum: Protein Drinks/Powders There is a thread there: Places to get liquid protein samples by Oregon Daisy. I'm pretty sure the Nectar info is there.

I started drinking Advocare shakes when I had my band. They were recommended by my fill doctor. They come in 3 flavors, vanilla, mixed berry and chocolate. Chocolate is my favorite. You have to order online at www.advocare.com. When I tried these and liked them, I quit looking. They have 220 cal. and 24 g of protein.

Congrats! That is fantastic!