I want to document everything as I go, but don't want to do so in a place like Facebook where everyone I know can scrutinize my decisions. This seems like a good place.

I'll be starting the two-week pre-op clear liquid diet in the morning. Dr. Illan will perform my procedure on November 4th. I've never been to Mexico, so I'm excited about going to a new place to start this new life. I may be going alone, which is sad, but I've flown from the US to Malaysia on my own, so it should be just fine.

I received the protein water I ordered from Amazon yesterday and I'm not looking forward to drinking it, but I'm sure I'll manage. I'm going to make a stockpot full of homemade vegetable broth tomorrow and freeze some in single-serve dishes. Going caffeine-free is going to be a huge obstacle, so I think I'm going to brew a gallon of tea with one regular teabag and a few decaf bags to get used to it first.

I'll take starting photos tomorrow, but I don't think I'll post them until I lose some weight and can use them for comparison. I'm at my highest weight currently. A few years ago I was able to lose via diet and exercise getting down below 200 for the first time in over a decade, but that didn't last long. I do believe this is my last chance and I'm ready to change.

Starting Weight (10/21/17): 297

Height: 5'7"

Eden, Australia, so great! I noticed the spelling differences and it took me back to my days of editing an academic journal with British contributors. I just put a pot on the stove filled to the brim with veggies to make a broth. I wanted to eat the celery so bad, but I didn't! I'm going to feed the veg scraps to my friends giant hunting dog after I strain the broth. I'm excited to meet so many new people here!

Yes! I’m originally from England and then all places inbetween but I’ve kept the habit of English spelling! Don’t eat the celery!!! It’s horrible when cooked anyway, you would be like mehhhh.
The doggy is going to be so pleased!!! He might want some steak in there [emoji12]

Eden, I dream of going to the U.K.! The broth I made was so delicious I made another pot today to freeze. The dogs are thrilled! I find I'm not feeling hungry today at all - no stomach grumbling. Despite the lack of physical hunger, I have an intense mental desire to eat. I think about every different type of food I love all day. Hopefully that will pass. How are you dealing with starting your pre-op diet?

I feel like I've hit a wall today. I'm exhausted and freezing. I slept half of the day. I hope I don't feel this way through the remainder of the pre-op diet.

Loan approved! I took a chance scheduling and paying the down payment before getting the approval, but it worked out and I'm all set. I can't wait to get to Mexico!

Eden, I dream of going to the U.K.! The broth I made was so delicious I made another pot today to freeze. The dogs are thrilled! I find I'm not feeling hungry today at all - no stomach grumbling. Despite the lack of physical hunger, I have an intense mental desire to eat. I think about every different type of food I love all day. Hopefully that will pass. How are you dealing with starting your pre-op diet?

Hallo! I’m on day 3 of pre op diet. Ughhhhh this optifast is gross but I’m so excited about the surgery I don’t care, I’m just chugging it down. I mix the shake with mostly ice so it comes out like a slushie and I add some spice to the soup cos gawd that stuff is horrible!
I’ve had a big headache since last night though so trying to up the water.
How are you feeling today?
I paid for my surgery yesterday, totally cheap for what we are going to get out of it. Let us know how you’re going.
Preop diet solidarity love [emoji173]️[emoji16]

Loan approved! I took a chance scheduling and paying the down payment before getting the approval, but it worked out and I'm all set. I can't wait to get to Mexico!

Yay! I wonder what Mexico is going to be like. Have you been before? I haven’t been.
Sounds like people have had good results with surgery there from what I’ve read. How long do they keep you in?

I feel like I've hit a wall today. I'm exhausted and freezing. I slept half of the day. I hope I don't feel this way through the remainder of the pre-op diet.

I think this is normal. I think it will pass. Plus naps are good [emoji16]

Eden,
I've never been to Mexico and I'm super excited to see a new place. I've only had the chance to travel internationally once to Malaysia with stops in Japan and Singapore. International travel is one of the big reasons I want this surgery. I can't wait to trek all over the world!

Yay! I wonder what Mexico is going to be like. Have you been before? I haven’t been.
Sounds like people have had good results with surgery there from what I’ve read. How long do they keep you in?

If you don't mind me asking, how much does it cost in Mexico??


Best wishes!

Dotty Cole

Dotty,
It varies depending on the Dr you choose. I am going with Dr Illan because of the research I've done. There were a couple that offered slightly less expensive packages, but I chose to go with the Dr I found the most positive feedback about. The process so far has been great. Dr Illan even got on the phone with me before I scheduled to discuss one of my health issues. For the sleeve, it's $4,600 total including everything except airfare and tipping while you're there. Valets pick you up at the airport and take you and your companion anywhere you want to go. My insurance deductible is more than I'm paying for this program and I get to visit a country I've never been to.

Hello, you sound like you are on the right track. I too am going alone to Mexico with Dr Illan. My surgery is 10/28. The protein drinks are more tolerable very cold. I am on Day 5 of my liquid diet. Each day I have to eat a couple tsp. of toasted chicken breast to stop shaking. Other than that Im doing okay on it. The first 2 days are VERY tough. My surgery is Saturday so I will keep you posted on how everything goes as I experience it. That way you will know exactly what to expect. [emoji4]


51 year old woman
VSG DATE: 10/28/17
5' 5"
HW: 259
CW: 249
SW: ---
GOAL: 135

You are getting so close! How have you been getting by on the liquid diet? Did you lose much? I'm on day 6 and have lost about a pound a day until today.

Start your blog here and post lots of piccys! We piccys! Good luck on the liquid diet. You got this!

Thanks Fluffy! I was horrified by the pics I took as my before pics, so I just can't post them until there's an after pic that looks better. I'll attach a pic of the ingredients I prepped for broth though. It turned out great!

Just now, Sparker7 said:

Thanks Fluffy! I was horrified by the pics I took as my before pics, so I just can't post them until there's an after pic that looks better. I'll attach a pic of the ingredients I prepped for broth though. It turned out great!

Oh nice! Seafood stock! *rushing feverishly to make note to self about seafood stock!* Thanks!!

You'll get there and will be proud to do your befores and afters, but make sure at least that you take them and measurements and keep your biggest pants/shirt!!

I'll do that! I was a bit disappointed yesterday to find that despite the fact that I'm now down 10 lbs-losing daily-my waist measurement went UP an inch. That was not what I expected.