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cactusmom

LAP-BAND Patients
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Everything posted by cactusmom

  1. Hi, I'm 2 weeks post op. My doctor (Aceves) said to take Nexium every day for a month, then we're able to take the less expensive Prilosec for the following 2 months. What I noticed is that I REALLY need it since the surgery. Every morning when I wake up I immediately have burning from the acid, I suppose. It feels better after I take the Nexium. Anyway, just wondering if anyone knows...will I have to take these the rest of my life or do things get better with the acid? The doc just mentioned a 3-month period--not after that, so I don't know. I was surprised I even needed it, because I never did before. Thanks.
  2. Tiffykins and OregonDaisy are right on. They told me I would love it...and I DO!! Had so many band issues...it's too bad more people don't know or research the sleeve more. It's worth it...every bit.
  3. You can't go wrong with Aceves...he's the best of the best. Call Rene 602-670-3496 his RN and she'll answer all your questions. He's done like 800 sleeves and never had one leak. And he's a lil' bit sexy too =)
  4. cactusmom

    Swimming & Steak...

    Yummmmm....steaaaaaaaaak....Can't wait until I can eat some of that good stuff. I'm on my second week, and I have been quite hungry, which surprised me. But I can already tell how I won't be able to eat much and that is the most awesome feeling.
  5. cactusmom

    Dating and dealing with the sleeve...

    hahahaa...knew it! I've been dating for years since my divorce and I KNOW how they come and go. Well, I had my surgery on the 4th of this month (Dr. Aceves--LOVEEEEED HIMM)MMM!) and I wasn't sure if I could pull off not telling my boyfriend when I arrived home. I told him I was on vacation with a friend for a few days, but had my story ready if I HAD to. I was NOT looking forward to that though. Guess what...didn't have to! :001_tongue: He still doesn't know and the lil' stiches are healing quite quickly, so I think it's smooth sailing. I KNOW, as much as he loves me, he would judge me. Because he has to work his ass off every day at the gym, do without his beer, etc. and if he knew I had it easier, it would be "well, SOME PEOPLE have surgery to make it easier." He and his buddies talk all the time about so and so's girlfriend getting fat, etc. A girl who was having surgery with me the same day (38 yrs old) had her boyfriend there with her, but she said she didn't want to tell him, but didn't think she could pull it off without telling him. If she could have, she would have, but she said NO ONE else will know. So LOTS of people think this way. SILENCE IS GOLDEN :thumbup:
  6. Wish you a speedy recovery, Sparkle. I'm on my fourth day and feeling pretty darn good. A bit bloated because of all this chicken broth, but I know I'm losing weight every day because that's all I'm taking in.
  7. cactusmom

    how was the pain?

    Pain after I got the band out was bad for me. I was in pain. The port site stuck out like the size of an orange---scared me to death because I thought it would never go down. And it didn't...for about a good month and a half. If you are getting your band out and sleeve done at the same time, you're in for pain. I feel badly for you. Make sure you have help...you'll need it. The second day of my sleeve it felt like when I had my c-section. Third day got much better and I'm on my fourth and I feel really good. Just know that that port site is gonna hurt because they have to dig into the muscle to get it out. Well, that's just what happened in my case, hopefully it won't be so bad for you. Wish you well....it's all worth it anyway you look at it. =)
  8. cactusmom

    Had some steak on Sunday...

    My boyfriend beats his meat (excuse the pun) to death with this tool that looks like a metal hammer. It really makes it tender and juicy.
  9. cactusmom

    Dating and dealing with the sleeve...

    Being married is one thing...dating is another. That person could turn around and others could say, "Well, if I had that surgery I could look like that too. Anyone could" therefore bringing you down. I agree, this isn't something you should hide if you're married, but dating is a different ballgame.
  10. Hi everyone, I had my band taken out Jan of this year. Just had my sleeve put in (Dr. Aceves/Mexicali, MX) Friday. I was out of it pretty much Friday, but yesterday was hell. Oh, how I wished I had asked for a pain pill. You can, you know! After I took a couple of those throughout the day all was not bad. Just woke it this morning feeling great...kinda wanna do a kartwheel or something! I can drink pretty good today, too. Yesterday I vomited almost everytime I had to sip. My poor friend in the room across from me was hurling pretty badly. I was trying not to because it hurts my tummy stiches. Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos (who also has the sleeve) are AWESOME. I had lap band from another Dr. in Mexico and NO COMPARISON. These are professionals. These doctors stay around...they love their work and practically live here. They always come, sit on your couch in your room and just chit chat--see how you're doing and answer any questions. And Dr. Aceves has a cute personality too--you'll feel totally at ease. Well, I've fallin in love with this place and would come back for ANY surgery I needed in the future. Today I might try going outside just to get some fresh air. I'm getting this little pouch off my side (drain) today and they're doing a barium (3rd leak test). First was in surgery, second was yesterday (dark grape juice). Still hurts when I sneeze, but overall...kartwheel city, here I come! :001_tt2:
  11. YAY!! Yes, second day was not good. Much worse than with the lap band. I really didn't feel much any pain with that. Dr. Aceves is the BESTEST!! Love him. You know, he must have spent a good 45 minutes speaking with us on eating right after surgery, what will be happening in the surgery. I didn't receive any time with my last doctor with the lapband. He maybe popped in for a second to say how ya doing. This was, looking back, not thorough at all. They sent me home with NO paperwork. Dr. Aceves is very dedicated to his work. He loves it. It shows. They gave me sooo much stuff to take home to read (cause sometimes you forget when you're sedated, etc.) and they are just really thorough. But yes, all you newbies, get ready for nausea city the second day. This whole in my stomach is weirding me out a lil' bit, but everyone goes through it...I'm sure it'll heal as it should. They say it heals from inside. Took a walk outside for a bit but I wouldn't recommend it. It's 110 degrees today, and I felt like I was almost not going to make it back in...thought I was going to vomit. What to bring. Well, anything that can make you feel pretty. I brought my makeup and did my hair. I'm just staying in my gown the whole time. And shorts and tshirt for my ride home. Have slip on sandals. Clean undies. Other than that they have everything you need. I forgot my toothbrush but they have a pharmacy inside that has extra stuff like that. Bought some gauze there too and tape you'll need to change the drainage opening for two weeks. Thanks, Stacey...yes it's getting better every day...you were right!!
  12. My Story. Had the band (dr. ortiz) in Mexico 3 years ago. Problems of slippage, and was removed 4 months ago. Supposed to be rebanded in FIVE days, but with all my searching around for support, came across the sleeve people and now I think I really want that. I never thought I could be 'that extreme' but sounds like it may not be too bad. Don't know how much more it costs, even, until I can call on Monday. Sure could use some advice from some of you who have been through what I've been through. I'd hate to think I could fail again with the band...already spend $8500 band, $3500 removal, and then next surgery $6,000 for rebanding. Going back to Dr. Ortiz. I'm on a crunch now... helppppppp...what to do...:biggrin0::001_unsure::001_unsure:
  13. I'm just so thankful I found this site, as I was supposed to be re-banded in two days. Now I'm set for the sleeve and really happy about my decision. Nice, though, that you haven't had any problems yet.
  14. Have any of you had this problem? I'm not even telling my boyfriend. I'm hoping he won't find out! Am I crazy? I did mention it to my brother I was thinking about WLS and he gave me this huge speech about how I just need to eat right and work out 1-2 hours a day. So I told him I wasn't doing it (WLS). I figured he'd just tell everyone and they would talk behind my back.:thumbup1:
  15. cactusmom

    20 pounds gone 1 week Post-Op

    hallelujah! (even eating pizza...heehee)
  16. If I'm correct, stcyt (call name), got hers from Dr. Rodriquez...might wanna ask her.:thumbup:
  17. cactusmom

    Dating and dealing with the sleeve...

    I'm dealing with the same problem. And guys DO talk, just like girls. My boyfriend's a blue collar worker--maybe they do more, but he tells me about their talks all the time. I know just from having the band and telling only a few people that that has led to uncomfortable situations and I wished I hadn't. He probably thinks it's cute you don't eat much, my boyfriend did. If I told him I had surgery he probably would have had a different impression because he himself struggles with weight. Let's face it, WLS is looked down upon by many, just as being overweight is. People tend to think you're weak, unmotivated. I feel your dilemma.
  18. Gurgling noises...funny! Well, I had the band and I told my Dad and brothers. They thought I was crazy. Then they started telling people. I was always uncomfortable not knowing who might bring it up and bring it up in front of someone I didn't want knowing. I wasn't sure if they knew how personal it was. It made me uncomfortable because my weight was always a topic since I lost so much. Been going out with my boyfriend almost 6 months. Everytime we were intimate I'd have to manuever my hand so that I covered my port--it began to really poke out--hated that thing. But he never knew! Now that I recently lost it he's upset I've gained weight and has no idea why. I know he may end up finding out about this, but as long as I can keep it a secret, I will. We'll see. But he and his buddies blab all the time at work, and I know he'd tell someone and once one person knows they all do and we hang out with them a lot. Plus people who know may judge you to be weak which isn't what I want at all. My brother knows my band is out but my Dad doesn't as I didn't want to tell him because he paid for it. Oh gawd, that would just kill him to know. Yes, just days away. Should be some experience. Looking for all the support I can here, but I will tell my BFF--nothing I can keep from her. Thanks for all the support...it helps! :ohmy:
  19. Funny...I was shocked too! hahahhaaa I thought, if he can eat pizza 5 days out this thing must not work too well...I need to do more research! heeheee
  20. cactusmom

    June Surgery anyone?

    Dr. Aceves June 5
  21. Hi...noticed you are scheduled for surgery pretty soon with dr. A in Mexicali. I keep reading such positives about him. How much will it cost you? How much ahead of time to book a surgery date? Thanks much.

  22. That's really great to hear, you all. I'll be able to pull the extra $2000 together. I will check out the band-to-sleeve forum--didn't know there was one, thanks. Angie, by the time I lost my band my skin was hanging off of me...it scared me to death. I couldn't keep any food down and liquids went down slowly. Since then I've gained probably 30 lbs. I probably gained 10 in days just because I was so dehydrated. But my weight is creeping up on me. I'm wondering how long the hospital stay is---longer than the band? They probably won't be in the office until Tuesday and I'm supposed to have my surgery on Friday. I really hope they can rearrange the surgeries. I'm confident, now, that I don't want the band. You know, one of the docs told me on the phone about the sleeve initially when I called, but I said no because I didn't know that much about. It just kind of seems the sleeve has more of a success rate...maybe that's what he was trying to get at. Thanks for all your help! I'll keep you guys posted. You've lifted my spirits a lot.
  23. Tiffykins...wondering...do you think your problems with leakage had anything to do with your part or do you think it was just unluckyness? I really worry about leakage, since I don't have medical insurance. Sounds like you went through a lot. I can do liquids exclusively if I have to for two weeks. Tell me what you think went wrong. Thanks for your help! I'm supposed to get rebanded in five days and really really strongly thinking of the sleeve after all the posts I've read here. I hadn't found this site until just a day ago. Rollergirl
  24. My doctor says the reason is because in overweight people a lot of fatty tissue surrounds the liver. The liver and fatty tissue is right up against the esophagus where they tie the band and the more fat, the more difficult it makes the procedure for the doctor. The low fat protein diet will shrink the fatty tissue around the liver therefore making it easier for them to maneuver their instruments and properly fit the band.

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