Thought I would start a thread for the august sleevers going to Dr. A. I hope that we can all share our experiences.

I just schedule my surgery for August 31st. So excited. My journey shall soon begin.

Great idea dooter! I know one of the differences seems to be that we have three weeks worth of liquids before trying soft foods post-surgery, and a full liquid diet before surgery. I think that is atypical. It seems like many doctors allow foods before even two weeks are up, sometimes even before one week post-op. I can't help wondering if this doesn't contribute to discomfort in the post-op period.

I'm a Alvarez July sleever, but of anyone has questions , I'll be happy to answer them.

I'm a Alvarez July sleever' date=' but of anyone has questions , I'll be happy to answer them.[/quote']

How have you been doing? What was your date of surgery, startimg weight, current weight, height?

Was there anything you brought with you that you were really glad you did? Anything you wish you brought?

Did your cell phone work or did you have to use the one there? How was the trip home? How long before you returned to work? What was most difficult about recovery? Any other tips?

Thanks for answering all the questions?

How have you been doing? What was your date of surgery' date=' startimg weight, current weight, height?

Was there anything you brought with you that you were really glad you did? Anything you wish you brought?

Did your cell phone work or did you have to use the one there? How was the trip home? How long before you returned to work? What was most difficult about recovery? Any other tips?

Thanks for answering all the questions?[/quote']

I've been good, no pain at all. I get tired easily but that's it. Starting weight 249 and currently 239.

I kept my packing simple. Didn't even bring Protein bullets or broth because my mom and I went to get some Soup the day before and they don't give u anything but IVs the first day, then ice chips and room temp Water the next and day of discharge some grape juice. I picked up a bottle water for my six hour drive home but didn't need to spend extra money. My cell phone worked but the roaming charges were crazy. 50 cents per text and 99 cents a min per call, so when somebody called or texted me I used the hospital phone to call them back. Walked the hallways easily and felt really well. Had slight Naseau the third day , vomitted once and I felt better because they gave me more meds thru my IV hole since they took me off IVs the next day. I took a week off work and am ready to go back this Tuesday . Honestly, there was nothing difficult about my trip, very simple. Everything there is up to standards but the hospital is a bit old, didn't bother me. You get nurse and doctor care all the time. Jessica is amazing and will take care of you and whoever u take with you. (my mom loved her) she takes u to lunch and dinner and where ever else u need to go like the store and what not. Dr. Alvarez , and dr. Gabe and his other dr. I forget his name, lol, check on u daily and more than once. Tips: dont get room #10, the water pressure is so low u can't even take a shower. They changed our shower head and it still didn't help, they moved us to room 28 which was way better. You can ask for an iPad if you would like but some rooms like room 28 have a desk top computer for ur convenience. When u r bored just walk the hallways, it really helps and is really great to kill time and move ur body. Also, getting into piedras negras was easy but going out took about an hour, us customs and all. I drove there so Rosie, (who is a sweetheart and Dr. A's cousin is great too! ) took us to eagle pass and we got our car at rhe hotel and took off back to houston. We took a break every two hours and were fine. Any other ?s... Hope I helped ! Btw, you won't regret ur decision!

I've been good' date=' no pain at all. I get tired easily but that's it. Starting weight 249 and currently 239.

I kept my packing simple. Didn't even bring Protein bullets or broth because my mom and I went to get some soup the day before and they don't give u anything but IVs the first day, then ice chips and room temp Water the next and day of discharge some grape juice. I picked up a bottle water for my six hour drive home but didn't need to spend extra money. My cell phone worked but the roaming charges were crazy. 50 cents per text and 99 cents a min per call, so when somebody called or texted me I used the hospital phone to call them back. Walked the hallways easily and felt really well. Had slight Naseau the third day , vomitted once and I felt better because they gave me more meds thru my IV hole since they took me off IVs the next day. I took a week off work and am ready to go back this Tuesday . Honestly, there was nothing difficult about my trip, very simple. Everything there is up to standards but the hospital is a bit old, didn't bother me. You get nurse and doctor care all the time. Jessica is amazing and will take care of you and whoever u take with you. (my mom loved her) she takes u to lunch and dinner and where ever else u need to go like the store and what not. Dr. Alvarez , and dr. Gabe and his other dr. I forget his name, lol, check on u daily and more than once. Tips: dont get room #10, the water pressure is so low u can't even take a shower. They changed our shower head and it still didn't help, they moved us to room 28 which was way better. You can ask for an iPad if you would like but some rooms like room 28 have a desk top computer for ur convenience. When u r bored just walk the hallways, it really helps and is really great to kill time and move ur body. Also, getting into piedras negras was easy but going out took about an hour, us customs and all. I drove there so Rosie, (who is a sweetheart and Dr. A's cousin is great too! ) took us to eagle pass and we got our car at rhe hotel and took off back to houston. We took a break every two hours and were fine. Any other ?s... Hope I helped ! Btw, you won't regret ur decision![/quote']

Thanks, sweetsusie! I am getting so excited and wish it was here already. I'm sure I will have more questions!  did you do a preop diet? Dr. A said I don't have to but I've been gaining a few pounds since I scheduled surgery. Last meal syndrome, I think, even though I'm a month out. Need to get it under control.

Lucky you! I have to do a 21 day pre-op liquid diet.

Thanks' date=' sweetsusie! I am getting so excited and wish it was here already. I'm sure I will have more questions!  did you do a preop diet? Dr. A said I don't have to but I've been gaining a few pounds since I scheduled surgery. Last meal syndrome, I think, even though I'm a month out. Need to get it under control.[/quote']

Hey dooter, I had a 7 day preop but I did 14 to be safe and ready and he said I did excellent and surgery was a breeze! I would do a day or two of I were u, IMHO, I think it'll help a lot with ur liver

Hey dooter' date=' I had a 7 day preop but I did 14 to be safe and ready and he said I did excellent and surgery was a breeze! I would do a day or two of I were u, IMHO, I think it'll help a lot with ur liver[/quote']

Did you do a liquid pre op or just low carb?

Did you do a liquid pre op or just low carb?

Liquid preop, it's a mix of clear and full liquids.

I just posted this in the Dr. Alvarez thread, but thought maybe we should do it here too, including the July sleevers that are joining us, just to make it easier to see when each of us has/had surgery and can keep up with each other. I will compile a list for us. Thanks!

Okay, I am getting lost in all of the forums, especially since the August group has become so big. I can't remember who I know from which forum! Since we have it narrowed down a bit to Dr. A. Can everyone post your date for surgery with him, so we can see who will be getting to meet whom? I'll go first:

August 13

Mom_24

Dooter55 - August 18th

For those who have been to Dr Alvarez, did you tip? If so, who and how much? I am getting a few minor questions cleared up and hope to schedule surgery for the end of September.

I drove to eagle pass and Rosie picked us up from the hotel, about a 10 minute drive so I tipped her but I know if she was to pick me up from San Antonio I woulda tipped her more. She's very sweet too.

Hope it's not to crazy to ask, but how much should one's tip be for the ride?