Hey everyone! My name is Kim and I'm headed to Costa Rica to have an RYGB done in two weeks. I'm mentally prepared. I think I've been getting ready for this in my soul for a LONG time. I'm just here to soak up all your wisdom!!

A little bit about me: I'm a doula (semi-retired after 28 years), ESL teacher, seriously addicted crafter, travel agent, and singer in a yacht rock band. I'll be 58 this year and weight has been a struggle since I had my first son (1995) and got two depo shots 3 months apart. I went from 125 to 200 in six months and have struggled ever since. I got back down under 200 for a few months about 13 years ago, but I've been holding steady at about 275 for the last couple of years. My highest was over 300. I've tried dang near everything with adipex being the last effort. I love going to the gym and being active but I just can't DO what I want or need to do there. So this is where we are and this is the time.

Excited for your new life. Make sure you keep us updated on your progress.

Yay!

I will! I'm currently debating proteins with my husband. LOL He's sold on bone broth protein powder, but I keep reading about whey isolate. Which is better for bariatric patients?? I guess I should post this in the protein section?

Can't wait to follow your journey!

You look so glam. I look forward to hearing your journey, you are doing so well already. Not many can ace the pre op. Good luck

Thank you!! My husband and I are professional photographers (and I'm in a band ?) so he always makes sure my photos are top drawer!

Thank you!! My husband and I are professional photographers (and I'm in a band ?) so he always makes sure my photos are top drawer!

We are in Costa Rica now! I had my gastroscopy and ultrasound this morning. The EKG and internist are this afternoon. Best part was chatting with the doctor who did my gastroscopy about music before the procedure. He was so adorable and everyone had been very helpful!! Oh and both scans were fine. I have to go back in the morning for bloodwork because I fasted for too long. It has to be less than 12 hours and we went to bed at 7PM. Oops!

Just finished my EKG and everything went perfectly! I'll see the surgeon and the dietician in the morning. The best part of this afternoon was when the internist asked me if I had met with the dietician yet. He said, "I hate her. And you can tell her I said that." ? ? ?

Ah nice to have some banter with your team. I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Lovely to 'meet' you!

There is so much wisdom here. I wish you all the best.

Today we meet with the Nutritionist (super cool and I think my husband wants to being her home) and the surgeon. I can't say enough good things about him. He is so friendly and knowledgeable. Plus he had the surgery 15 years ago himself so he definitely understands. All is good to go for in the morning. I have three drinks to drink tonight and in the morning to get ready. 10AM is go time!!

We had our last meal (my husband is having an inguinal hernia repair) and it was the perfect way to spend the afternoon! Pics attached!

Surgery day!! Just playing the waiting game for now.

Edited February 20, 20251 yr by KimBaxleyWilson

Can't believe I forgot to submit that reply on Tuesday! Surgery was yesterday (19th) and man this pain sucks!! They don't do opiates here (which I'm really glad for!), but I also don't want morphine (and they haven't encouraged it) so walking, tylenol, breathing game, and ice chips are doing the job. She asked me last night if I wanted the paper shorts and I told her politely that I would PERFER to be "sin ropa" but that I would settle for the gown. It's actually a very comfy one! Will update, later!

Oh the disposable knickers may be useful at least for a couple of days. Friend was advised by her surgeon to wear disposable knickers for the first week. Sudden and unexpected diarrhoea is a possibility and you shouldn’t trust a fart for the first week or so. Wish my surgeon suggested the paper knockers. My real knickers ended up in the bin at the hospital. Got up to pee, took three steps and oh my God!! Away it came. Of course it doesn’t happen to everyone but it’s not worth the risk.

Glad things are going well so far.

I don't think there is anything to come out what way! ? I will definitely keep that on mind, though!!

Today is still painful so far. I have pain meds to take in a few minutes so that will help. I'm going to take them and then shower. I think once I get into a good rhythm I'll be okay. I'm just a huge baby about taking medicine.

Post op day 3. Feeling 300% better than yesterday! Still sore but I danced in the kitchen this morning and went for several short walks. I even read for about an hour in the sun. The weather down here is phenomenal!! Still trying to find a good position for sleeping. Being on my back sucks. I think the worst part is that I have to get these compression socks back on. Ughhhhhh