I had not realized that I was crying out inside; to God, the universe, or anyone that would listen… but I was quickly becoming tired of living in my uncooperative body. I was fat, very much so, but my only comorbidity was pain. Bone deep and getting worse. My life was quickly contracting such that I didn’t go out for fear of ridicule and unforeseen challenges… like arms on chairs and seatbelts that would not reach. I had to strategize a trip to the grocery store around my pain threshold. On November 9, 2012 the final straw came. It does not matter what it was. It happened. God had heard the crying I didn’t realize I was pouring out and a solution was presented. On Sunday, November 11, my mind was all but made up that I would undergo the VSG procedure in order to provide my body with a powerful tool to reshape my life.

With many hours online and a face-to-face interview with a former patient of his, I selected surgeon Dr. Jaime Ricardo Ramos Kelly of Tijuana to perform my VSG. Much has been noted on the VerticalSleeveTalk boards about recent changes with Dr. Kelly’s staff and I was in the thick of the transition. I started out working with Omar who left the practice (friendly separation), then came Alina who was lovely but learned quickly her heart was elsewhere, and finally working with Lora Lee, an American they hired who was also a recent Dr. Kelly VSG patient. I had moments of paperwork confusion through this, but NEVER concern for my surgeon or what I would experience once there. And Lora Lee worked HARD in the days before my surgery to be sure I was no longer confused and on the “right page”. Enough about that!

With the decision made that Dr. Kelly was the surgeon for me, paperwork began. I weighed in and learned that my weight, the highest I’d ever seen it, was 529lbs. I worried this would preclude me from surgery but, again, Dr. Kelly has experience working with very high BMI patients and he was confident that with his experience and my dedication this would be a good match. We settled that I’d be operated on Saturday, February 2, 2013. I had all the “normal” up and down emotions… I’d done my research and the risks scared (still scare) the heck out of me, then the moments when I allow myself to dream of the moment when I can shop without being stared at, with less (or no) pain made me excited and happy. At the heart of it, I had PEACE that this was the right decision and God-led. I was scared of the post-op pain and drains and how it would be to not really eat for days… But I knew that I had loved ones to hold me up and encourage me, and really… would the post-op pain really be worse that I was living with right then? Onward!

oh, and get this - I've been on pureed foods (low fat) and only water/lemon or tea for at least a week now, and on clears only today, and I have gained a pound!! ugh. This is why I am doing this - the meds I have to take for other health issues unrelated to my weight cause weight gain. I will just keep getting bigger unless I take this action! Maybe I ate too MUCH soup? I don't know. Didn't add milk or cream to any of it. I know a pound isn't a big deal but I keep reading that people have lost 10-20lbs prior to surgery. I hope to at least be at good old 200 by Monday. Discouraged!

Leo,

Don't be discouraged. Pound, schmound...you're just trying to prep for surgery...the weight will come off afterwards, don't worry.

Deborah

Thanks Deborah. This site always calms me down. Its a Godsend, believe me!

Just a suggestion as I too really dislike Protein shakes. I have found ViSalus. I wouldn't sign up for their mail delivery service because you get sucked into a monthly delivery' date=' but you can purchase it on Amazon. It is more expensive than some, but.... it smells literally like cake mix. It was a cream flavor to it. You can add flavorings to it if your in the mood for a little chocolate. I mix it with plain Water but most people use some form of milk. Two scoops of powder has less than 100 calories, 7g carbs and 12g protein. I typically add a small portion of banana (for thicker texture) and ice. A teaspoon of Peanut Butter is good with it too. I've even used a juicer to make "green juice" and mixed that with it to get some added veggie goodness [/quote']

Have you tried it with almond milk? I was just sleeved yesterday and i'll more than likely take the ViSalus shakes but am not sure if i can have it with Almond milk...

Have you tried it with almond milk? I was just sleeved yesterday and i'll more than likely take the ViSalus shakes but am not sure if i can have it with Almond milk...

You can definitely mix it with Almond milk. I don't mind the water, it keeps the calories low and still tastes great,

Have you tried it with almond milk? I was just sleeved yesterday and i'll more than likely take the ViSalus shakes but am not sure if i can have it with Almond milk...

Now that I am on full liquids I mix mine with Almond Milk, unsweetened. It's extra Calcium and only 30 extra calories. It kicks the shake up a notch.