I cannot believe this has gone by so quickly. I was the first person yesterday and surgery lasted about an hour. I even got to keep my lapband as a souvenir (lucky me!).

Yesterday was exhausting and when I wasn't sleeping, I was walking. I did not have ANY gas, but have had swelling, which I think is normal. Today I had my first leak test which went great and no concerns. I also began my gatorade, apple juice and ice chips. I brought my chicken broth with me since the restaurant was 'closed' they said and would have to wait until getting back to the Marriott to get some. So I marched down to the hot water pot and made myself a cup. I feel pretty dang full though, so will probably wait a few more hours to have some.

There is lots of little things I want to share, so will jot myself some notes before posting again. If anyone who is going to Dr Garcia has questions, please do not hesitate to ask. So far everyone is amazing and Dr Luna is gorgeous. I could stare at this man all day.

My only major complaint is a nurse by the name of denise who LOVES to wake you up every 1.5 hours by turning on ALL the lights. This went on at 12, 130, 300, 330, 500 & 630 AM before I finally said screw it and just stayed awake. She is not here tonight, so I am hoping I can get some rest.

Talk soon!

Well congratulations! I am happy mean nurse Denise is not around tonight, best wishes with our recovery!

I also am in love with Dr. Luna. It's not just that he is nice to look at, he is so very caring.

Congrats! Sounds like you are doing great!!!

I am very happy with choosing Dr Garcia. The entire team is amazing. I am a low BMI and even my first day was a bit tough to get through, however, whenever I requested a pain medication or help, someone was right there.

I do not expect the next three weeks to be a walk in the park, but I am going to enjoy the ride and relearn healthy behaviors. My first big baby steps is to get through the bloat in my gut (which is uncomfortable)and making sure to sip, sip, sip all the time. I think I did great today and would guess my liquid intake is around 50 ozs so far today. Dr Luna said to work towards 64 ozs, so that will be a good challenge to get to.

I am staying in the SD area one more day and won't be flying out until Tuesday to go home.

My advice to anyone doing this is DO NOT PUSH yourself. Do not try to be superwoman/superman. Give yourself time to heal and be close to the doctors. Don't plan on racing back to work either. I have no intention on heading into work with my 8-month pregnant looking belly. hoping by tomorrow it looks better.

There were actually two people at the hospital today who are so antsy to get out of the hospital. What is the damn rush? I just don't get it.

My other word of advice.

When the doctors TELL you to not smoke before and after surgery. For the love of god, just stop. You have no idea the health risks you are putting yourself into. Embolisms, blood clots DO happen. Staples and incisions do not heal properly. You run into a higher incidence of damaged tissue and leaks happening.

It is really a head shaker.

Have a good night. TTYL

Which hospital were you sleeved at? How was it coming back across the border?

Congratulations and welcome to the losers bench. Dr Garcia is wonderful and I can't thank him enough how he has helped to change my life!!

Congratulations and welcome to the losers bench. Dr Garcia is wonderful and I can't thank him enough how he has helped to change my life!!

 

Amen Sleeve Sister! I am loving my life and I am only on Day 5

Which hospital were you sleeved at? How was it coming back across the border?

 

Dr Garcia primarily does surgery out of Oasis/Florence Hospital. It was a nice (VERY quiet) hospital. All the current machines, etc.

The Dr Garcia TEAM is amazing. Dr Luna is the most loving, caring, handsome man I have ever come across in the medical field.

Dr Cabrera and the others were just as great. You should watch his videos on YouTube. That helped seal it for me.

I have been across the border a few times. It really is no big deal. I actually LIKE Tijuana and have been there probably 6 times in the past few years.

I was across the border with Samuel in 35 minutes and we did not even use the medical line

I'm glad everything went well! As you know I'll be there band free and sleeved in just 7 days! Congrats!

Ahh Dr. Luna!! How I miss him! He's so gorgeous and takes very good care of his patients! I'm glad to hear your doing so well. I will be 3 weeks out on Friday. Good advice, taking it easy :-) HUGS TO YOU SISTER!!

HAHAHAHA my son and I didn't know her name, so we just called her the "Party Nurse". She turns on every dang light and doesn't turn them off when she leaves! LOVED Dr. Luna - all the professionals really - but Dr. Luna will go above and beyond for you!

**** note to self: pack sleep mask!