2b4me

Thanks very much for this.

I will never regret trying to control my weight with VSG. I'm down 30 pounds -- from this angle, what's not to like. Yet, there is more than one perspective. It can be difficult to socialize with people who do not know about the surgery. For instance on Thursday, I went out with my friend to a teahouse. She bought me a Chai latte that tasted just great! But it had whole milk vs. skim and was very rich for me. I drank it as slowly as I could but still could not finish it. My friend thought I didn't like the drink and kept apologizing. And, not long after, I was invited to a prime rib dinner and I had to decline whereas before VSG, I would have gone and had a great time pairing wines with the food. And I will never be able to do what they do again -- match volumes of food. This also means I won't be able to eat 'with' them (keep pace with them) as I will be full much faster than they. Right now, I'm single. So all the Protein mixes, etc., have simply replaced my previous groceries, in the main. My grocery bill has decreased substantially. But, all of that protein etc., is expensive and especially if adding it to a family's budget. For me, it is fantastic to be full on 8 oz of skim milk with chocolate protein. The only way I can let the little person out of me is to eat like a little person. I've never been able to do that for a long period of time, before the VSG. Do I regret it -- nope, not at all.

Hi, It sounds like you are up to full liquids, yes? Well, liquids go right through the pouch -- even the Protein. You feel hungry because your pouch is not full. You're also feeling hungry because at 10 days out, you are on a very restricted diet and your body is still saying, "WTF?, You expect me to work on these few calories"? Now put both the liquid issue together with the low calorie issue and it all makes sense -- you are hungry! Another poster, Tiffykins, found this article that is great! Here is the link: http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/Media/Forms/SleeveDietGuide.pdf Until I read this, I couldn't figure out why I was so very hungry as well. But, I can't get past mushies/purees. So, I bought some unflavoured protein at GNC and started mixing it with full liquid items such as sf/ff yoghurt. It thickens the yogurt, which makes it 'stick' more to the pouch and decreases hunger. A thicker shake worked for me too (1 chocolate protein serving + 1 unflavoured with 8oz. skim milk. I hope you're feeling better soonest!

Hi, There are many bariatric surgeons in Canada. Do you mean doctors who complete VSG's for self-pay patients? According to my research, there are none. This is why so many of us go to other countries to have the VSG surgery done. Otherwise the wait would be 3-5 years. On the other hand, there are a few that take self-pay patients but for lap-band surgery. Cheers.

Hi Kai, This is supposed to be my 4th day on mushies. But, I'm not ready. I tried to have some pureed lentil soup, tried the fish etc. and it just doesn't go down. The stuff was stuck for so long that my throat now hurts. So, I'm not going to force it. I'll try again next Monday and if it doesn't work, well then that's o.k. One thing that did work was a low fat Babybel cheese round. I nibbled a bit and chewed very well. It tasted so good, I also didn't want to swallow! I'm fine with shakes for Protein (+ I get in 2-3 glasses of skim milk:) and broth is also just fine as well. I have unflavoured protein mix to put in cooled broth and yoghurt. My chewable Vitamins and liquid Calcium will just have to do for now. Besides, my tracking shows I'm getting all the nutrients I need. I'm so grateful for the liquids because while I'm hydrating, I'm also detoxing and fat eliminating at the same time. My life has changed: My protein doesn't look like it used to and most of it never will. But it's very o.k. Let me know if you'd like to talk more. xo Cheryl

Congrats! on your surgery and your great recovery! Please don't feel guilty :001_tongue: I think it's terrific that you have (and hopefully, everyone has) these small wins to keep us going. Concentrating on the positive is just so very important. I'm really lucky that I can drink a lot of liquids so I'm not dehydrated, at all. First, it kind of scared me but now I'm grateful for it. Liquids don't fill me up. But, mushy stuff? I can't eat more than 4 oz. in 1/2 an hour. Whew! Now I know it's working! Keep on going! You're doing great!

It's great to hear from you all! I've found something that I love. It's made by Pepsi and it's called "Aquafina plus+ Vitamins 10 Cal". First, it is a great low calorie substitute for Water. Second it has 120% of the Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 we need everyday. Here, it's not that easy to find. I get mine from the local gas station! Cheers to everyone!

Whew! I really thought I would have to drink sweet stuff for the rest of my life as after surgery, Water tasted simply, awful. Now, I'm 3 weeks out and water is now a beautiful thing again. For me, it was just a matter of waiting it out a bit and I hope this is all it takes for anyone. Cheers!

Would you please tell me your surgery date? I'd like to know when yours was in comparison to mine. I'm wondering if staff changes have taken place since you were there. Thanks!

I wrote about my experience in this forum, with the thread "before, during and after TJ, Mexico" (or similar title). I had an excellent experience that I would rate as 9 out of 10.

Hi, I don't think you can make an informed decision unless you actually see what you are getting. There is so much money, time and of course, health involved, why not visit the place(s) in MX you think you might like to use. Really, getting first hand research is the way to go as with all due respect to Posters, including myself, only you can make 'the' decision, based on what you have seen. Please, do yourself a favour and spend some time and a few bucks doing this. You won't regret it, regardless of your final decision. Take care, Cheryl

Hi, Yep, the reaction happened to me. I was told to keep the areas clean with Bactine or similar 2-3X a day and to leave the areas to dry -- don't cover them with anything. Bandages, etc only aggravate. Bacteria thrive in warm wet places. I did all this and the infected areas dried up and disappeared in 3-4 days. All the best!

Thanks very much for this link.

I'm very sorry things did not go well for you and I wish you only the best and fastest of recoveries. I know you're not feeling well and I'd bet you're not really feeling up to complaining to your coordinator and Dr B. But, this is what you must do. And, I hope you communicated all issues loud and clear to everyone while you were there. It's good that you've posted your experience so others can read it and ask questions of you and the coordinators there. Again, I wish you the very best.

This is still a Protein powder suggestion but I think a unique one? GNC has a whey Gourmet product in iced tea flavour. I've tried it with Water only and it's pretty darn good. However, compared to USA folks, us Canadians are not the iced tea experts. This is what I will do to make it even better. Instead of using plain water, I will make iced tea and use that for the base. Or, Nestea has product out that is sweetened with Splenda and that I find tastes great. There are 3-4 flavours and I think the lemon iced tea version would work really well if added to the iced tea and Whey Gourmet. Each scoop has 20 grams of protein and only 90 calories, that makes it a good, all-day sipping drink.

Hi Sarah! Here are some suggestions that I think will make you feel better: Make your list of thinks to take: - Warm, comfortable clothes -- I went to Wal-Mart and bought men's BUM equipment, 100% cotton sweatshirts that were $10-$15 each. - Slippers - Gas-X - An antacid -- I use Prevacid and I've not yet had any problems - ear plugs - the recovery houses are noisy as is the clinic - rest! as well as walk (I did stairs) during recovery. This time is for you so take advantage of it and -- rest. - throw away facecloths -- use a clean face/wash cloth everyday -- if you can, just leave them in the trash. Wal-Mart has a package of 5 for $2.00 - inexpensive cotton underwear -- 2 pair for surgery day as the surgery pair will be quite soiled with iodine, etc. from the surgery (if you can, make these disposable as well) (My point is: pack what you need but bring back as little as possible so that the return trip is as 'easy' as possible) I did not take Vitamins the week of surgery. But, I started again, the week after. Do contact Melissa with any questions -- she will help. Do positive, do well!

I do know I'm a fast healer, so perhaps that's why I'm able to have so much liquid. Melissa checked with the Doc, who said it's normal. I also asked about the consequences to the sleeve, and there appeared to be none. On the one hand, I'm feeling 'abnormal' as it seems so many lose their appetite, period. Not me. I'm thirsty and hungry. On the other hand, of course I'm happy that I'm able to keep hydrated. I have to up my Protein so full fluids (e.g. apple puree) have protein mix in them until I get to 65-70 grams protein and 30 grams of carbs. Way enough about me, how are you doing overall? Thanks for your message! Cheers for now, Cheryl

Hi -- thanks for the information. You're right -- I wouldn't want to break the sutures. During and after I drink, I do not feel any discomfort. Actually, ever since I was able to get down the 1/2 glass of blue stuff with very little problem, I've had no issues with drinking clears. And I, like many others, were never given any "maximum" amounts to drink -- only "minimums". I suspect my fundamental fear is that I'll also be able to do this with the next food levels so that the sleeve stretches and/or I'm not able to lose weight. C

Hi! Great to hear from you! How are you doing? Are you o.k.? C

Hello and thank you in advance for your responses. I am able to drink a lot of Clear liquids -- e.g. I can drink an 8 oz. glass of Water or juice, 4 oz. at a time, which is 1/2 a cup. Was anyone else able to do this? Should I be doing this (I'm thirsty!)? If so, what are the consequences for the new stomach size? Thanks very much for your help. Kindest regards, Cheryl

Hi Nancy! Lovely to hear from you again! Way to go! on 10 lbs down -- whoo hoo! The two houses are across the lane from one another. All of the houses here are 2 stories (not bungalows) and in a gated community. Yes, the house in which I'm recovering is Dr Betancourt's past home and I'm in in his master bedroom that is up one flight of stairs. This bedroom is the largest and most adorned. My bedroom is very clean as is its bathroom. In this house, there are 2 bedrooms upstairs (each sleeps 2, the second bedroom has two single beds). The third bedroom sleeps 2 and is downstairs. Each room has a TV with SKY cable/satellite. The main floor is also an open-kitchen design, opening onto a dining room and a living room. And I've not seen a scale anywhere in this house!:crying: Just let me know if you have any other questions. Bye for now, Cheryl

Hi! Wanted to let you know about my TJ, Mexico experience. Disclaimer a) I have no allegiance to anyone in this company or its representatives and I have not been coerced, cajoled or otherwise persuaded to write this chronology of events; I write this because I know what it's like to need the surgery but be prevented from having it, for one reason or another. Saturday- Jan. 23: I've not been surprised about the surroundings or the people here. From the airport the driver and I drove directly to the lab to get my bloodwork done, which took about 10 minutes. By 1.00 p.m. we got to the clinic that yes, is among retail stores in a mall-type setting. Across the parking lot is a "Love Boutique". The clinic is on two floors; not one. The top floor is for patients waiting and admin. The bottom has the surgery and recovery rooms. Every hallway and room I was in was clean and cleaning people cleaned all day long. I remember seeing that I was wearing white socks that stayed white. For me, things were a little tough because I had no 'real' Water for more than 24 hours. I knew my surgery was to be the last one on the board but wasn't sure what time that would be on what I knew was a very busy surgery day. Because I'm pretty well an "all-in" type of person, I also had my eyes done (Dr. Lara, who did an excellent job but this belongs in another forum). Sunday - Jan 24, 12.30 a.m.-3.30 a.m.ish: I was in surgery for 3 - 3.5 hours. While coming out of anaesthesia, I remember saying (or perhaps yelling?) "Silencio, por favor...Silencio"! I must have had a headache then...or at least I hope so :wink0: When I came to, fully, my coordinator and Dr. Betancourt were looking over me and asking me how I was feeling. Yikes? Do you think I was telling them to be quiet? Ah, the things we say when we're partially under...:confused1: Yes, my coordinator waited for me to get out of surgery to ensure I was doing well. Her name is Melissa Bracker. Yes, she is business minded but she is also a caring person who was there for me. Sunday - Jan 24, 3.31a.m. - to Monday, a.m.: The worst parts -- post-op acid reflux and severe headaches that were so bad I couldn't rest. I didn't take a Prevacid when I should have and I paid the price. On the headaches, they were from dehydration and the eye surgery and yes, stress. Monday, Jan 25, - 10-11.00 a.m. I had my blue barium swallow at the clinic. Since I couldn't get down more than that, I used it to get down a Prevacid. This was my "McGyver move" and is not sanctioned by any of the staff. Yep, teeth and lips turned blue from the dye. The stuff was tricky to get down because it tasted 'metallic'; not because I was necessarily in any pain. Actually, the coolness made my esophagus feel better. Then we headed off to x-ray to make sure there were no leaks. I would have paid not to have to take the next swallow of some clear stuff that I first, had to hold in my mouth until the camera was ready and then gulp. As for taste, it was like, like, oh! like a weak version of the bitter apple you'd spray on something you didn't want your puppy to chew. I haven't figured out what that was yet, but we all had it, we all had various stages of nausea afterward, we all lived. Oh yes, if I wanted to, I could have paid $10.00 for the x-ray photo of my new tummy on a t-shirt....c'mon! I'm just kidding :blushing: -- There is no such thing...But, I claim patent on the process and copyright on the idea! Then we were taken to one of two recovery houses. Everyone had their own bedroom but perhaps, not their own bath. This is unless you were able to negotiate the Master bedroom in your package, as I did. In my house, there was one cook and 1-2 caregivers every day from 5.30 - 5.00 p.m. Every night, 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. there is also a caregiver for you, who will also heat up food for your companions. Dr Betancourt saw me Monday afternoon, checked out my stitches and drain, told me I had a reaction to the tape, changed my dressings and made sure I was o.k. He offered to have my hair dried and/or to have my feet rubbed. Dr. Lara saw me and replaced tape with glue -- yep, glue -- on my upper and lower eyelids. Yesterday, Tuesday, Jan 26th: One of the caregivers removed my drain -- after the Dr found out if the reaction had stabilized, etc.-- and in moments, it was out. How does that feel? Well, I liken it to putting your thumb in very firm Jello and then pulling it out slowly. The feeling was one of suction rather than any pain. The caregiver then bandaged the 3/4" wound (no adhesive tape for me). Today, Wednesday, Jan 27th- Before I had a shower this morning, I removed the bandage, showered and then left everything to breathe. After about 5 hours, I saw a 'dime's diameter' of leakage, sprayed no-alcohol antiseptic on the wound and rebandaged. It feels fine but the incision needs cleaning and less of me sitting-up and walking 14 stairs, 10-12 times a day. Dr Lara saw me in a happenstance way and said my eyes were healing as they were supposed to. Dr Betancourt showed up and looked at my incisions again. Then he asked the caregiver to give the drain incision a 'good' rub with antiseptic. I've been ordered to do the same as many times in the day as I can. Improvements I would like to see a) Since I've been here, I've met only one person who was somewhat unmotivated and perhaps over her/his head. But s/he was not in a critical care giving position. However, s/he did work in the clinic. I am not giving out the name because I don't want to have her/him discharged. I have however, given the name to my coordinator so the person can get more training? more sleep? both? as I believe s/he is still a good asset to the team, who could become better. I talked to both my coordinator and Dr Betancourt about the situation. They listened attentively, and promised to address issues with that team member. Best Ofs a) one-hit IV excellent coordinator (Melissa Bracker) - she and Dr. Betancourt kept their promises c) the care in the recovery house, 24hrs/day d) the warming saltiness of chicken broth e) Actually, it's Dr Betancourt who sells the t-shirts across the street from x-ray! :wink0: Suggestions a) do your research about the country and culture in which your surgery will take place - If you want to have done full research about having surgery done in Mexico, go to where you'll be having surgery, meet the people and understand the culture of the service industry, then find a coordinator who has the same understanding. Then make your decision. negotiate your package c) In all cases, Mexicans' first language is Spanish -- learn some Spanish or be patient with the various levels of English d) if you really want something you're not getting, then ask for it e) do not be afraid to leave tips Thankyous to Other Patients and their Families Because I came here alone, I thought I would be alone. This was very far from the truth. I would like to say a public thank you to those other Posters/patients and their families (I will not post their names) for checking in on me, for buying me sunglasses, for giving me a couple strips of gas-X and for being so very caring: Tyrza and Family Brett (Sorry if I've mispoken your 'real' name) and Family Margie (Sorry if I've mispoken your 'real' name) CynCyn and Family Braden, The Rock Star and Family That's what I've experienced so far. I will share a brief conclusion after I get home. Take care for now, Cheryl Emmanuel Jerusalem Clinic Tijuana, Mexico Dr Almanza: VSG Jan 23/10

I've been on Prevacid for a couple of years pre-surgery. I used to take it every day until my PCP told me that it was only necessary when I needed it -- e.g. if I ate too close to bedtime. I should have taken one as close to surgery as possible, too. Of course, they didn't want me to drink any Water. But, the heartburn right after surgery was so severe, it kept me awake. The painkillers in the IV worked as did the antacid they put in my IV. I'm now 3 days post-surgery and I'm able to take 1 with a couple sips of water every morning. For me, taking Prevacid was/is a lifesaver. Dr Almanza: VSG Jan 23/10 hw /cw /goal weight 235/? /115 height = 5'3"

Bill, that definitely is a classic WLS move! Good for you! :thumbup1: Yes! Asking for consideration on the flight home is a great idea! Janet, 18 hours? You poor thing. No wonder you were exhausted. Did you drive home from Edmonton? I will be up by 3.30 a.m. to get off the Island at 6.00 a.m., getting to SD by noon. I know my surgery will be in the evening so it will be a very long day. On the way back, I'll be at the airport for noon and then I don't get back to the Island until after 11.00 p.m. I hope I am able to do as well as you did, Janet. I'll have Water and clear Protein to put in it. But, no SF popsicles. It would be great if I could find SF Freezies that I could take down and get frozen in the SD hotel. Hmmm, I wonder if I could make SF Freezies? Use the vacuum sealer and its bags, filled with sf ice tea? crystal light? 4 more sleeps....:smile:

Hi, I hope you're doing well! Could you tell me how you were feeling, physically, after leaving your recovery site, please? I will be at my recovery facility for 3 days. After that, the plan is to be in San Diego for 2 nights. One of my favorite places is Seaworld and I want to walk and sit through there for a few hours. I will have my Water with me as well as a bottle of my Protein drink. What do you think? Did anyone else do something similar? Thank you! ....4 sleeps until surgery!