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"

I feel uber bloated after trying to get a shake down over the course of an hour. I figure anything I can get down is good - 3 days post-op.

I feel uber bloated after trying to get a shake down over the course of an hour. I figure anything I can get down is good - 3 days post-op.

That sounds so uncomfortable. I can barely stand the shakes. I really like the Protein2o water. I hope I can still drink them after surgery next week.

This is my first Halloween without candy. I'm sorely missing mini almond joys.

Stopped warfarin yesterday and gave myself the first shot today. I'm not bad with getting shots, but I'm not a fan of giving them to myself. I'm also down 13 pounds. I thought I'd lose a little more during the pre-op diet, but it's a decent amount.

There may be a glitch, but I'm hoping it won't cause a problem. My hematologist wants me to go back in tomorrow morning for labs because she thinks my blood may be over anti-coagulated. Hopefully it rights itself in time for surgery Saturday. I have a history of blood clots, so I'm on warfarin for the rest of my life and have to go through specific protocols before and after any surgical procedures. I definitely don't want to bleed out, but I've wanted the surgery for so long I hope it doesn't have to be postponed.

No postponement needed! OMG I'm having surgery tomorrow!

At the airport!

At the airport!

Hi, Sparker7 and welcome (I'm assuming by the time you read this) to México!! I'm from Mexico myself and start my preop diet this coming Tuesday. Safe travels and I hope you enjoy my beautiful country

If you have any questions, let me know and I'll try my best to help

I was denied surgery. My heart rate was too high. This is the second time in two years that something has happened at the last minute to keep me from this dream. I can't afford to keep trying (financially nor emotionally). Thanks for the support, I wish everyone the best.

Gosh, I'm so sorry. This doesn't make sense. Wouldn't this have been caught on your pre-op EKG? It was one of the first tests I had for the whole process. If it was a matter of being too scared as you were waiting for surgery and your heart rate was high, there are meds they could give you to help calm you down which would lower your heart rate? When I had my EGD, my bp was crazy high (170/104). The anesthesiologist came in and was concerned. I told her I was really scared. She asked me what my bp runs at home and I told her about 140/90. She said, ok and that was where she would keep me during the procedure--that she didn't want to take me down too low. So I'm sure they modulate all of this.

Can you talk to the surgeon?