Search the Community

I agree about that MIKEYY84, the only out of country on my list of “maybes” would be Canada as I’m only a couple hours from Vancouver, BC. However the boarder has been closed since COVID so probably not likely to happen.

I meant to ask. I still can. I think on my own scale my weight before I left was 102.2 and yes there’s the Faja, drain, stockings to account for. I’m so exhausted from just small things I can’t think. I had a lot of swelling in my knees and feet in particular that thankfully has finally gotten better. Some issues with a stress point incision. I have one drain on my right hip. I don’t have the pictures, my surgeon does. But he is going to share them as part of the BariatricPal Hospital BC. I will find out when and where they share the photos. They edit them to maintain privacy. Most people don’t give permission but I chose to do so to support the Hospital which was founded by the same person that created these forums and the BariatricPal store. I find it interesting that some surgeons put patients in a binder immediately after surgery, or even Faja. I was wrapped in gauze, surgical tape etc. two days after surgery the outer bandaging was removed and everything checked and I got showered before the Faja was put on. (My brain is fuzzy on details) the thigh lift is the hardest so far to manage but I desperately needed it. I see some people’s before pictures and I think .... are you serious that’s normal compared to what mine was. the drain doesn’t bother me I know how to manage it. I’ve basically been doing the nursing doctoring whatever myself which I’ve done in my many surgeries in the past. (The difference though is my Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has grown worse over time. Life takes its toll as do all the other medical conditions.) Any questions and I will answer if I can. Not much else for me to do. Between Covid-19 and the heat/high humidity in Florida I have to avoid ... and my M.E. I’m fully homebound. I’m trying to remember to walk around but can’t do it outside. I want to even do laundry myself. Even if I could the machines are outside down a catwalk in a shared laundry room.

Did you ever figure out what caused it? I just noticed mine has a ring around it today too and all the way inside. Though the color is a definite dark pink, not a light pink, and goes all the way into the belly button. I’ve lost 70 lbs now, but I’m nervous as to what it could be? It doesn’t itch or hurt, and I’m not sure how long it’s been like this bc I have to kind of lift my skin to see the inside of my bellybutton but I noticed it when I got out of the shower today. I hope it’s not an infection!!

I want to check in on a few posts. The massage therapist might be here any moment. But I met with my surgeon Dr.Ampudia and he did say that although 3-6 months is usually the amount of time for swelling to go down it can be as much as a year. I’m having a tough time personally with the leakage from the left leg incision, which is normal but tiring to monitor and keep dry, and messy. I’ll have to work on energy management as best I can. The self care is going to likely eat up every ounce I have (or don’t) but if you see my before and after especially my thighs you’d likely feel the same and pay the same price. Not even the monetary price, the physical price. Of course I know it’s hard to understand the energy costs since most people can rest when they are tired and then they are ok. (I hope that doesn’t sound bad? I’m terrible with words) what was I saying? he took the Faja off in his office, the paper tape and Gauzes checked the incisions and replaced everything except on my thighs because he wants to monitor them. Just particular circumstances which I can explain in private message if anyone wants to know he is extra cautious. But so far everything looks good it’s two to three weeks down the line and keep vigilant. he actually recommended kinetic tape vs paper tape to get tensions off the incisions. I am going to look into that before I start the silicone tape. im researching lumphatic massage equipment which is confusing massage gun or manual? I know I can’t afford a massage therapist at home and I’m researching special oils I saw geranium oil. But also on amazon ginger and Ylang Ylang massage oil for lymphatic massage. I guess you can also use pure ginger oil. Lymphatic Massage oil https://www.amazon.com/M3-Naturals-Therapeutic-Essential-Relaxation/dp/B07SG5H8KF/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3JTVTM3ANCCQG&dchild=1&keywords=lymphatic+drainage+ginger+oil&qid=1592518861&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=Lymphatic+%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNkNPQVlSTThBUUYxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc1Njk2MkIwWkxFVEtWUFBMWSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDE4NjgwM1JaTElFUzRaRk9DWCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= I’m going to need to be very careful living in hot sunny humid Florida. But since tbh I’m homebound much of the time I will avoid the sun. I just miss the birds so much, as to how to deal with things while I’m on the mend and hating giving up what little control of my life. Sigh. Anyway I had some incision from surgery I didn’t pay attention when we moved to Florida but I think it did fade some or maybe I’m not really that overly concerned over a few scars since I’ve already got some. I’m not big on tan, my feet have the shape of my thong sandal imprinted permanent 🤣 my mom she got dark tan from swimming so much. I don’t think she understands the need to be careful. I have a hard time with sun protection creams and allergies. They need a scar tape for sun protection ... @ChubRub lucky I never was young and hot. @GreenTealael so glad to hear that 💕💜 sorry I’m doing one post, my brain is exhausted. I live with my mom in a Boca but am so opposite to everyone that lives there. I live on $803 month disability l think some 90 year olds have more rich active lifestyles 🤣 for some reason my chronic illness and disability aged my body beyond its actual age ... ok I’m done ✅ utterly wiped. Ttys. Tomorrow is my last full day here then the torture of probably leaving somewhere like 2-3am Sunday to get to San Diego airport, into Atlanta Georgia for a layover then palm beach airport. And lost three hours time along the way ... 💤 and I can never sleep on a plane. And will I be leaky ... sigh ... but I still would recommend highly Hospital BC here in Tijuana to anyone seeking sleeve, bypass or plastics ...

You need to increase your calories a little bit and add some carbs. Stalls also happen bc of it enough calories or carbs. I’ve avoided most of the major stalls by constantly varying these two things. I’ll swing high and low in cals and carbs in any given week. From 800-1200 cals and from 50-120gms of carbs. The trick is to keep your body guessing.

I think we mentally need to let go of the hardest moments. Which is probably why my memory of majorly of my life tends to be like Swiss cheese, more holes than cheese. I had hysterectomy and did have the hunched walk awhile but you forget details. For the life of me I couldn’t remember if I used a walker. Also it was an smaller open incision at the front and a lot of internal stitches. I need to learn to navigate the use of Faja. That will be the hardest part with my daily energy limits, I usually figure it out. Sort of. hardest was having foot and tendon surgeries and being non weight bearing for months. For each side. hop a long 😂 it can be hard not to push when you want your independence. For me it will be simple things. Thank you @ms.sss for the advice. I made mistakes too and sometimes it’s not our fault or in our control. I hope I can manage the bm issue. Especially wearing Faja I don’t want to soil it, they should make them with a removable flap or bigger opening ... for that sort of thing. I probably am still a little out of it. And probably will be until I am home. Then again I’m ever normal 🤣 I made the mistake thinking I could open the Faja from the legs down, wishful thinking. The leg portion pulls UP. They should have had a way to open from the legs down for bathroom issues. yes my surgeon Dr.Ampudia is very proud of his work. He is an excellent surgeon. And also took excellent care knowing my health challenges during the entire processing. I don’t know what I would have done had I not found BariatricPal and through this site the Hospital BC. I will admit part of me doesn’t feel deserving of it. And I haven’t totally wrapped my head around the changes or the comments from staff how good it looks. I don’t have a lifestyle that I flaunt myself. But this was for me personally. I can’t remember what I’ve said or not. But I only have one drain in place. I guess time will tell if I get to have it out before I go home. I should be used to tiring quickly but I think it’s something you can never truly adapt to even a lifetime of. BBS. And thank you.

1. Yes, but it’s really not a big deal unless you have trouble swallowing pills. 2. Yes, for a bit 3. Dumping for me is 💩 if I’ve eaten something with too much sugar. Rarely happens though bc I don’t really like the taste of sweets anymore 4. I don’t count my chews, it’s second nature now. But at the beginning I did 5. I can, but I don’t 6. Maybe 6 weeks 7. Approx 30 lbs 8. Is not about “being allowed” you are an adult and can eat whatever you want. There’s certain foods/textures I don’t like anymore, certain foods I can’t tolerate and certain foods I choose not to eat

I couldn’t manage much Tuesday. Today was exhausting. I think I feel slightly more human. And now that I can take my own medication and am maneuvering myself a little better, hopefully that helps me sleep tonight. I need some sleep. I think the jet lag got to me. The time difference. I had three procedures together, it’s quite a lot. But the only way I could do this. Keep an eye on Hospital BC. Part of me is nervous. You won’t see my face of course. But I think my before and after pictures will bee there. When I’m home I will have to post on a new post. Thank you @ChubRub though, it meant a lot knowing you and @ms.sss asked about me. https://hospitalbc.com

Thanks for the advice, guys. I ended up having my second cardiology appointment today (it was scheduled for an hour after my original surgery was scheduled.. the irony) but the doctor was sympathetic and super awesome. He was knowledgeable about my condition and cleared me for surgery. He saw where my heart was functionally okay to withstand surgery. He was really excited about my case and gave me some good information and wants to follow up with me. I think it was good that I got all this info because it gives me more faith in doctors where I live and I think I have a solid cardiologist now.. which is awesome bc I guess I'll be needing heart surgery in the next 10 years or so. Honestly, I've thought about going to mexico, but I don't have anyone who would travel with me so that is kind of out. I would travel by myself but you can't do that. I do love traveling and wouldn't care to try the medical tourism because I feel like the insurance nonsense is so horrible. I've seen some amazing transformations (not bariatrics) from Japan and they take great pride in their work and you don't have to go for follow up after follow up like you do in the states. I'm on the hook for $900 for pre-op testing.. which sucks because I thought my insurance would cover that.. but in the end, it's all for my health.

I’ve not updated but just got around to checking my tablet and emails. I’m here for eight days. But I trust if the doctor didn’t think I was ready he would postpone. He is going to follow up via video to monitor my incisions. But he he a stickler for perfection and I trust him with my life. I live closer to Miami but costs were a challenge. I chose the Hospital BC in Mexico. From surgery in Miami? Seems strange to me. I had my issues due to my medical circumstances. But the doctor has been nothing short of excellent. I know it’s naviating something i have never done. But Hospital BC has a certificate of excellence, is the only American own hospital in Tijuana Mexico. The nurses and staff have worked hard. As has the doctor. Dr.Ampulia went above and beyond to ensure things went well. Despite my physical challenges. my surgery was Monday after 3pm he wanted to ensure I was ready and well for the procedures.mit was a very long surgery. I only remember getting into my room after midnight. I was a bit sick from anesthesia but I’m very susceptible to that. The next day I didn’t follow the normal process. So I was bedbound until this morning. Which my doctor knew my issues and what a struggle this was for me to come this far.and and to be this trusting. I gave permission to share my before and after photos. Which I never thought I’d do. But it felt important. They do bariatric surgery as well as plastics for bariatric patients. I had a exhausting day but the staff work so hard. I got on my feet which is hard doing the hunch walk. Got showered and into Faja. I get a daily lymphatic massage post op until I leave. As for navigating certain things while wearing Faja if anyone has tips please feel free to share 🤣 sorry if it’s TMI but how do you poop with this on? Iive got a body suit type garment short legs, bottom up to under bust with shoulder straps. I felt bad for the lady struggling to get it on me. It’s got a kind of cutout but it doesn’t seem sanitary and isn’t open enough, maybe needs readjustment? I didn’t think of everything ... you can’t really. You just know that you pick a place you trust. I do worry about traveling home but they say I’ll adjust as time goes on. i do wonder what the time frame is. From people that have had it for standing more upright, I’m a little worried navigating the airport and trip home. But still have until Sunday but it’s a very early morning flight. and yes I’m alive. Just need to keep changing positions and try to get up to walk when I can.

Hi all. I had my surgery on the 9th. I’ve been doing pretty good, no nausea and no issues with getting in my liquids. I only spent one night in the hospital which was nice since my hubby couldn’t spend the night due to current restrictions. Like others posted, I miss food. Especially salads. I went back to work yesterday since I was feeling so good but it ended up wearing me out. Can’t wait to be cleared for other food options bc I’m sick of broth and jello. I don’t love protein shakes so I add the protein to my water and broth. Down over 11 lbs from surgery day weight so I’m happy with those results so far.

Hi i had my surgery on 5/5/20 and im a little over a month post op my surgery went well went home the next day bc my surgery was later in the day. Do not be discouraged if u do not see results right away. I was kind of down at first i just stuck to the diet. My pre surgery weight was 234 before my 6 month consult before surgery approval i was 250 when i go approved for surgery i was 234 i had lost all that weight from learning portion sizes and switching foods for healthy ones. So starting at 234 i went on my 2 week liquid diet and my going in weight at surgery was 213.5 pounds for the sleeve on average your suppose to loose 13 pounds a month for the first 6 months and 3 pounds a month for another 6 month until your body plateaus which will be your stopping weight. I am now 200.0 even i had lost the entire 13.5 pounds in a month so it is accurate if you do the right thing. The surgery is a tool u have to do the work also. I haven't weighed in again yet bc i am nervous i haven't been under 200 pounds since middle school this is a blessing for me my blood sugars are better and my joint pain is less from my autoimmune arthritis disease. All of you can do it.. Im here bc i have no support system so we all can be each other support systems anything yawl would like to know or recipes i will be glad to answer. God bless all of you on your journeys and cant weight to hear about everybody's 1 year anniversary and results pics. Im going to start taking some all [emoji2]. Sent from my LM-X410PM using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m At Hospital BC now, I filled a lot of paperwork, showered, got in a hospital gown, a preliminary checkup and EKG as well as lunch. The staff here is very friendly and caring, I know they have a discussion area for Hospital BC which is a BariatricPal Hospital. I haven’t posted there yet. I see the surgeon later. More tests before surgery tomorrow. I’m exhausted and hoping all goes as planned. I wanted to check in on other posts but probably can’t do much.

The last time I was called tiny was when I had my hysterectomy before I regained weight. I never considered myself tiny. Short yes. My face has always been round. I’m not sure how well the Hair style suits me but I like it this way. I took one picture of myself to compare to the only photo I have prior to my gastric bypass surgery which was at the zoo. The most unflattering bent over feeding a flamingo taken by the zoo. It was my birthday and it was nice to be around the birds but I was miserable. I haven’t Had the guts to share them. I don’t consider myself very nice looking. I don’t think about it much. I don’t know how much fun time we can have with many Covid restrictions in place. We will do our best. Tomorrow morning we head off to the airport for a very long day of travel. We have over a 3.5 hour layover in Georgia ... we get to California 7pm which accounts for 3 hour time difference, our bodies will be in 10pm mode ... we get to the airport, cross into Mexico and spend the night in the hotel. Then I think go to Hospital BC the next day. Where I’ll be for the full length of my stay ... Safe travels tomorrow, @Darktowerdream...and will be sending you good vibes Monday! ❤️ Thank you @ms.sss I really need it 🧡

Sooo, I've been on a journey to get bariatric surgery for almost a year now. Like most of you, my surgery was postponed because of COVID. However, after getting within 5 days of my surgery and starting my liquid diet, I've gotten word that it needs to be postponed again. Little back story: I was born with a deformed valve in my heart and it was repaired at 4 weeks old. I had check ups until I was 18 and was told to seek help if I ever had symptoms of heart issues (shortness of breath, ankle swelling and consistent heart palpitations) I've not had any issues in the last 13 years, so I never needed to see a cardiologist. My doctor, after being told this hx wanted me to get cleared by a cardiologist before surgery. I had an EKG and Echo this past week and after seeing my echo, the cardiologist said that they wanted to postpone the surgery to get me 100% cleared. After the EKG, the cardiologist cleared me, but wanted the echo for an updated.. however, my right side of my heart isn't pumping blood as strong as it should (because of the issues I was born with -- this was expected and I was told I would need heart surgery in my late 30s- early 40s -- i'm only 31) and the blood pressure in my lungs isn't 100%.. so after jumping through hoops and waiting an additional 6 weeks bc of covid, i now have to wait for who knows as much.. it's so discouraging and I called the bariatric center and the PA couldn't even tell me if the surgery would be postponed because he didn't have the echo info in front of him. And according to my friend who is a doc, my issue isn't something that can be fixed over X amount of months.. but by surgery, but I don't have major symptoms so heart surgery isn't on the table. It's just so disheartening to have to wait all over again when I've worked so hard w/my work and family, and myself to get myself to a place where I am prepared and ready.. but again have to wait. any sort of words of encouragement would be helpful, or anyone else who has gone through something similar would be great. just reaching out for support.

is your PCP all bariatrics? or do they do other surgeries? i'd almost encourage you to look into a diff program bc thats a lot of requirements.. the other program i looked into also said no BC d/t the clotting chance.. but id say if ur IUD doesnt contain hormones, then theres no clotting increase.. its the hormones my doc wanted down.

my doc wanted me off of BC for 2 moths prior to surgery bc i guess the hormones increase chances of blood clots (along w/my weight).. they gave me 1 pregnancy test and later when they would ask if there was any chance id be +hcg i laughed and laughed and laughed..

I'm on the first day of my liquid diet.. i started a day early bc my surgeon said no more weight gain, whatsoever.. so im hoping that the diet & walking will get me down enough for her to cont with surgery on the day of. im sooo terrified that she'll cancel the morning of and ill get extra disappointed/depressed & won't wanna do the program anymore.. if anyone has any liquid diet tips, pls let me know!!!

I had my final class today and my pre-op testing. i just have an echo to get done tomorrow (born w/heart valve issue & they want me to be cleared for surgery) and then the covid on sun then my surgery next wed. i've gained some weight since covid (stress/hopelessness/depression) and my doc said no more weight gain from here until my surgery next wednesday or she'll cancel it. i get it, but i plan to start my liquid diet earlier (just bought a bunch of protein drinks/crystal light/jello from walmart to pick up tomorrow) and plan to walk 2x a day w/my dog if i can. a mile each time, more if i can swing it in w/my work schedule and appointments. It's gettin' real real ya'll.. i cant' have anyone w/me because of covid (not in the hospital to stay overnight or to visit..) but its ok bc ive been doing this journey by myself (not married/living alone) so it's only appropriate that i do this final step alone.

Just scheduled my Sleeve for July 4th with Dr Ilian at Hospital BC Yay !!

Im a little confused, is it Bariatric Pal Hospital or Hospital BC? I have heard that it is referenced as both names. If I have acid reflux is it ok to have the Gastric Sleeve or would I need the Gastric Bypass? Thank you Tammy Weller

Today I chose lunch as my meal bc my fiancé wanted to go out for lunch. We went to Red Lobster. I had 2 shrimp skewers and some broccoli with water. He sat there and ate the garlic butter bread right in front of me. My food was so bland but that was the only thing that I found on the menu that I liked and could actually eat. All he did was talk about how great his food was. My meal was $20 and had absolutely not flavor at all I’d been better off eating a salad at home. Sorry just venting since I literally only have 2 more actual meals before I transition to all liquid. I was so disappointed!!

I know how scary that is. When I was a few months out, I passed out walking down my porch steps. When I came to, I went to get into my vehicle and I kept passing out. My husband heard me crying and screaming what is wrong with me. When he helped me stand up again, I passed out as he was helping me in the vehicle. When I went to the ER, I was severely dehydrated and when I would stand up my blood pressure would drop causing me to pass out. You must remember to always drink or carry water or Gatorade or something. That's why doctors stress about getting your fluids in. The downfall from the ER visit was I left there in a boot, bc apparently when I fell down the porch stairs, I broke my foot in 3 places and tore all of my tendons in that foot as well. Now I try to keep water with me at all times, especially during the summer. I hope you feel better soon. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

So, I recently posted how good I feel with the current weight loss! The day after my post, I was at my seamstress, getting some of my favorite clothing taking up and we talked for an hour and all of a sudden I felt light headed and diaphoretic and told her I needed to sit down. My doctor had told me to take a half of my blood pressure medications and I had forgotten and taken the whole pill. I passed out and she gave me some orange juice after I came to and I told her I needed to call my husband because I couldn't drive home due to still feeling bad, my vision was blurry and I felt faint again but was able to contact my husband before passing out again, she spoke with him and told him I had passed out, she said I seizured and when I came to I had fallen into her glass mirror and had glass all over me but only had small cuts to my hand, my head hurt and was pounding and she truly felt I had a diabetic seizure, she said I fell forward out of the chair and hit the bottom of her full glass mirror, I do remember I kept yawning uncontrollable before passing out. With the Covid going on I refused to let my husband take me to the ER and contacted my primary which I had seen the day before. He thinks I over exerted myself by walking a mile and a half that morning and taking a whole blood pressure pill, my blood pressure was 118/72 and I didn't test my blood sugar d/t I have never had any issues prior with my BS. I drank G2 the rest of the day and the doctor told me not to walk and rest he rest of the weekend. Has anyone every experienced this? I am currently 5mths out and other than the scare I STILL FEEL GOOD! I received my blood work back Monday and all my levels are great! I have not walked any more but have been doing my 5lb weights. Any suggestions! I go to my Bariatric appointment the 23rd of this month.

Hi Tamwell, Here is some information about Dr. Illan: Dr. Selim Jalil Illan has been designated as a Master Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, by the Surgical Review Corporation, Dr. Illan is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Selim Jalil Illan is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), Member, Latin American Association of Endoscopic Surgery along with Mexican College for the Surgery of Obesity, Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Society of Surgery. Dr. Selim Jalil Illan held the position of Director of Emergency Trauma Surgery for nine years at IMSS Hospital #1. Bariactric Pal Mx, now Hospital BC, is specifically designed for bariatric patients, with equipment and facilities designed for bariatric patients, and a healthcare team full of experienced experts and successful bariatric surgery patients. Contact me if you want more information.