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Awe Phatcurves, Your on your way girl I am only 5 days post op and I have to say, those weeks approaching surgery were the hardest. Finally, durring the last week I bought two new outfits to wear to work. I knew I would onnly wear them once but I just could't stand myself busting out of my cloths. I literally woke from surgery with a grin. I was in pain and having a hard time figuring out what was going on, but I knew there was no going back. That all that shame and disgust would be leaving me soon and nothing could stop it. I'm sorry its bad right now... but I promise, once surgery is over nothing can stop you.

I love love love it!!! Yes I too am a scale whore. There were times when I would weight more than once a day, just wanting to see if I'd pushed through the water retention after Yoga etc... Its been an obsession for so long. How does one say goodby to a life time of whoredome? I think I'll weigh in two weeks, just to get that post op rush, then go to monthly.

Go Gary, You look absolutly awsome. Its such an inspiration. I cant wait to say I have done what you have done. Fantastic. Your next 60 will come off like a dream because you are already a pro. Stacey

Hey Driver, Are you any better today? Are you inpatient or are you able to get treatment at home? I hope you are feeling better soon. We all want to hear your story. There is lots of support here, really. Take care stacey

Thanks.... I think I just needed someone to say the swelling was normal.

Yea... I know its impossible for it to be fat. My belly is distended and swollen still. I'm just really paranoid that I might have a problem because it seems that others haven't experienced this much swelling and tenderness this far out. My mind goes crazy and I imagine that I have a leak or I'm not healing properly or some such nonsense. I know its just my own neurosis. I've actually done pretty good recovery wise. I'm just worried about this swollen belly. thanks stacey

I am 2lbs up from my preop weight. Now... this didn't bother me at first. My abdomen is still a bit swollen and sore so I figured it was just swollen tissue. but its been 5 days now and I'm still up 2lbs. It looks like the norm is to loose a significant amount in the first few weeks. I'm still on clears, mostly clear protien and a little apple juice. Any thoughts? Stacey

Are you still on liquids. I have rather confusing post op directions. I have one set from my doctor and one set from my coordinator. My doctors is extremely conservative. Clears for 7days then full liquid for 7 days then mushies for 21 days. I've been on clears for 5 now and my body is screaming for something more substantial. My coodinator said that my surgeons guidlines were extreme and that it would be okay if I paired it back a bit. Well, I would like too, but I'm scared. I don't want to %$#@ things up. I read Cornells bariatric guidlines for post op and they have you on mushies at day 4. I see lots of people on here that did mushies early. Just curious where you are in the process. Thanks Stacey

Dalisgirl, I hear you on the being honest thing. At first I thought I would just tell people I was really focusing on my diet but after a little reflection I realized that that is kind of cruel. Its fine for skinney minnies but its just another nail in the failure coffin for people that struggle. I think I will have to be a little more straight forward with them and just ask for discretion. I have 2 sisters. One skinney minnie and one who's struggle has been even worse than mine. My family is not good at keeping secrets so I suppose it will come out some time. I like the pnw approach of waiting till there's good news. Stacey

Thanks Yea, its probably just sore. I should follow the 2oz rule instead of looking for signals this early on. All in all I'm doing pretty good. Just a little tender still. I cant wait to be thin take care stacey

Its just general soreness across the abdomen. Makes me want to protect the area if the car bounces etc. Its not bad, I just wouldn't want to go dancing or anything. I'm being real careful about lifting and bending. Just watching movies and taking lots and lost of walks. I think tomorrow I will go for a small hike (not steep, just about a mile of basically flat trail... I have to get out) Thanks STacey

two things. 1) when does the gurgelling stop (or does it). Its a kind of bubbly groaning that comes from my esophagus. :sad0: 2) how long will i be sore. I'm four days out and its definately better every day. I have never had surgery before so I'm wondering how long until the soreness is completely gone. :smile1: Thanks Stacey

How do you tell the difference between full and sore post op. I'm on Clear liquids and it hurts some when I drink. Am I full or just sore still. My body feels like it wants more sustinance. Thanks Stacey

I checked my keytone level last night because I happened to have some strips around from my last go around with atkins. I was off the charts. I dont think its super good for you. Like everyonbe has already said....kidney issues etc. I'm on Clear liquids post op and have found that if I drink a little applejuice I can bring the level down. I think a little ketosis is okay.... just not crazy amounts. Take care stacey

Wow Driver 63. I hate to hear your going through that. How are they treating you. Did you have to be rehospitalized. I was told after the 21 day mark you really dont have to worry about leaks. This is scary for us all. Take care of yourself and let us know how your doing. Stacey

Yea Dalisgirl. Your gonna get sleeved. I am 4 days out and had a moment this morning when I thought I had better tell my family. My mother will worry if I get thin and my niece is getting married in 8 weeks and I will spend 4 days at a big gathering at my moms house. Everyones going to wonder why I am eating like a bird. They are used to watching me pack it in at these occasions. I figured I would tell one sister and see how it goes. Then move up from there. Then... this afternoon I decided not to. I have to tell myself I am a grownup and am free to live my life how I want, but I don't want to feel like i'm lying for the rest of my life. I don't know. I don't think its going to go over very well. I'm so happy to hear youll have a new date. take care stacey

Thanks everybody for your well wishes. I'm glad I did so much reading on this forum so I knew what to expect. I definately went through my freak out "what have I done to myself" but I knew I would and I'm past it now. I'm home and settled and taking little walks throughout the day... so full on broth. Tina. Yea, I met Dr Elmo. He was so nice. All of them were. There was a team consisting of Dr Elmo Dr Rod Dr Sanchez and Dr Juan. They were all great. If it wasn't for the surgery I would have thought I was at a spa. I'm looking forward to being able to eat... but for now it doesn't even sound good. Thanks Stacey

So is there wifi? I was so hoping for some english channels. I'm thinking of bringing a portable dvd player as I don't own a notebook but I might consider buying one if there is an easy way to get online. Emerald your in good hands with dr rod. There were 4 surgeons in every surgery - most preformed by Dr Elmo. Both Dr elmo and dr rod came to talk to me before hand and they were very kind. I was pretty scared and they were very reassuring. I had wifi at the hospital but not the hotel (the opposite of what the coordinator said). I downloaded movies from itunes before I left and was glad I did because there were three channels that had english and I'm not much of a TV person. A little DVD player would be great to have. I was really glad to have my little netbook but I don't think i would have wanted anything bigger. Lots of people were just using their blackberries to get on line. The surgeons did 5 surgeries a day. I went first and was soooo thankful I didn't have to wait around . They dont usually start performing until about noon and work into the evening (more common in mexican culture). I'd say that there were about 12 rooms on my floor and 6 were occupies with bariatric patients. INT is a transplant hospital so there were all kinds of patients there. Its a bit rough but you have to get up and walk as soon as you can. Then you have to walk walk walk walk. The people that had a travel buddy catering to them seemed to be healing slower. Push yourself. I spent all my time shuffeling up and down the hall which is how I ended up meeting the other patients. I think I answered you questions.... I know theres a lot of anxiety leading up to this so feel free to pm me any time and I'll do what I cant to put your mind at ease. Youll be fine.

emerald. you have no worries at this hospital. Its very well staffed and clean. Most of the staff have some english and there is usually one fully bilingual person on shift. Are using Dr Rod? He has been wonderful. Really, as far as surgery goes its a great place. sickofrollercoaster Yea, I'm really glad I brought my laptop as tv is in spanish. I downloaded movies from itunes before coming. I have a little net book though. I wouldnt want to carry around a big lap top but if your mother is willing to lug it with her its nice to have. Whatever you do take lots of gas x. tomorrow we head down for our final leak test and then its off to the hotel. Had a little tea and a few bites of Jello. Very nauseating at first but I managed to get a few bites in. Take care all thanks for the support

Thanks guys. I'm lucky to have been sleeved with a woman who has had two c-sections. she's at my door every 10 minutes or so preaching the value of walking. Shes my drill sargent and i'm thankful for her. take care all stacey

We did it...yea I was a little behind you guys but a i'm up and around. can't wait to be home. stacey I almost chickened out too

Hi all just checkin in. Things went great. I had a little case of nerves and started shaking in the elevator but everyone here is great (ive never even been in the hospital.. much less have surgery). I'm up and around and cant wait for those ice chips i was promised for Breakfast. I woke this afternnon with a satisfird grin on my face. I thought to myself... "ive done it, I get to havethe life I want now." I'm sure I have to contend with much more once the pain killers and iv fluids are gone... but for now all is good. :thumbup: Thanks Stacey ps sickofrollercoaster. It aint no big thang

Olah? tomorrow is the big day. I get up at 4am and head to San Diego. I?m signing off for now because I have to occupy myself with non-sleeve related activities to keep my head together. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I just joined a few weeks ago and I have to say, those on this forum have been amazing. As you all know, the days and weeks leading up to surgery are filled with anxiety, doubt, and unbridled excitement. I spent every day on this board, reading peoples experiences and sharing my own. It has been invaluable in helping me manage my anxiety. I?ll check in later?.. just wanted to say thanks. Stacey

FYI.... for those on a budget I am going to Dr Jose Rodriguez. He is charging 67hundred dollars. His practice is in Juarez but he goes to TJ occasionally. I will keep you guys posted on the experience. This may be a good alternative for those who can't swing Aceves.

I learned somewhere in college that the number one cause of insomnia in the US is sleeping pills (unsupported fact pulled out of my distant memory). After my bout with Ambien I can believe it. I take a Xanex occasionally or a little dyphin, but mostly I try to let my body do its thing. Some nights I just want to SLEEP though. Stacey