Hello Everyone,

Here is my VSG journey. I used a company called, A Lighter Me. I read their website and like what I read, so I made the call to find out if I was eligible. The girl who talked with me was very friendly and supportive. I was eligible and we

started to plan when I could have it done. I live in Northern California, so flying down to Tijuana was easy. I chose Dr. Lopez to do my surgery. He was outstanding. Everything went very smoothly from start to finish. I had never been to San Diego Airport before. I made my way to baggage claim and then went outside and called my contact. I told him where I was standing and what colors I was wearing. He sent the driver over and he picked me up and took me to the Tijuana Marriott. He stayed with me while I got checked in. Then later, he brought the coordinator to see me and explain what time we would be going to Mi Doctor Hospital in the morning.

There were 3 other girls having surgery that day, so we all went together. We had a few tests to get through. Then we got our rooms. I put on the hospital gown and laid down in the bed. All the doctors who were going to be working on me came in and talked with me. We also got weighed prior to surgery. I was the 2nd one to have the surgery, about 10 am.

I remember the doctor saying he was going to put something in my IV to make me go to sleep, and sleep I did! I was very groggy coming out of the anesthetic. I used the bed pan a couple of times and the 3rd time I asked for it, they made me get up and use the bathroom. My voice was soft and scratchy the first day. My stomach felt like I had done about 10,000 crunches. And I felt like I had hunger pangs. The first 24 hours are the hardest. I got very little sleep the first night. The next morning, the nurses want you to get up and take a shower, and you can put on your own clothes. I did take a shower, did my hair and put some makeup on and felt 100% better. They changed the dressing on the drain

after the shower.Then I alternated resting and walking in the hall for exercise. We still had IV's in, that we had to roll around with us. My right shoulder was killing me the first day. But it faded away on the second day. Yea!

On Thurs, May 23rd, we left the hospital about 11:30 am. Our coordinator took us on a little shopping excursion to

Revolution St. That was fun. We did not have to walk much. And there were chairs to sit in if we wanted to sit.

Then he stopped at a vendor and let us get a gelato type of ice. It was very good. Then we went back to the hotel.

At the hotel I had chicken broth, and tomato soup and bottled water. Friday was a very restful day. Dr. Lopez came by and removed my drain and told me how to take care of myself. I felt really good. No trouble keeping liquids down, and the soreness was getting better and better each day.

On Saturday, we were taken back to the San Diego Airport to catch our various flights back to start our new life.

I am feeling fine now. I am able to drink 2 protein drinks a day for 60 grams of protein, and I made some soup.

I got a can of Progresso Beef and Barley, and a jar of baby food beef and mixed those 2 together, warmed it up and

blended it smooth. I could eat about 5 tlbs at a time, so it lasted me 2 days. And I am drinking as much water as I can get down. Hope you enjoyed my story!