kemo46

I have a question for the pre-op people who have just started their pre-op diet. My pre-op liquid diet instructions( have not started yet) say i can have, broth, sugar free jello, sugar free juice,clear liquids, protein powder mixed in clear liquids and here is the confusing one ( already have a call in to get this answered), PREPARED LIQUID PROTEIN SHAKES WITH AT LEAST 20 GRAMS OF PROTEIN PER SERVING. My question about that one is, every prepared protein shake is flavored and not clear, ( EAS, BOOST,SLIMFAST), What prepared protein shakes were you allowed to have pre-op? I am good with the powder and adding to drinks, I need to know about the PREPARED PROTEIN SHAKES. Any input would be appreciated.

What day of your pre-op liquid diet did you start these? Are you on a clear liquid diet and are thise considered "clear" ? Every doctor has different instructions, some on on a liquid diet, some are on a clear liquid diet. Are you getting 60-80- gr of protein a day? Are you staying full? Thank you.

Good for you, it is going to be worth it. Mine is booked for 5-25 with Dr. Almanza, it is amazing all the things I need to do to get ready. This is going to be a great journey.

As far as liquids before and after your surgery, do you have an issues drinking coffee? I usually drink about 3 cups of caffeinated coffee a day with a sweetner such as sweet and low, no sugar. What has your doctors told you about coffee or tea, any issues with the caffeine? Thanks.

Men of course. Calling all men, did they shave your entire stomach area before the surgery? Thanks?

My mind is wondering again. After surgery and you were home, did you monitor your temperature to see if you were running a fever? I am curious as to how many ran a fever post surgery and for how long? How high was your temperature? Thanks.

Hello dntsetl, I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Almanza the end of May, I will keep you posted. Who is your contact/coordinator at Dr. Almaza's clinic? I have found the communication to be great. You need to get your husband on the forum and let him read, ask questions and voice his concerns. I went through the same thing but now my wife is on board. I feel very comfortable with my decision and I am sure you will grow to be comfortable with yours.

Have any of you taken up bike riding since you have lost your weight? I loved to ride bikes before my weight gain and it has been years since i have been on a bike. Have any of you had any problems riding a bike as exercise since your surgery? (after being released by your doctor of course). This is one of my goals after the surgery. I have begun to make a list of things I look forward to after the surgery that I have not been able to do for years. Thanks.

When losing the weight after surgery, what part of the body do you lose the weight first, second and third? I would like to hear from all to see where and what stages the weight was lost. Is it done uniformly , stomach, legs, arms or what? Thank you.

Hello Sandsandles, I am going to Dr. Almanza at the end of May, I will keep you posted. Who is your coordinator, mine is Louise Johnson, she has been great. She is probably ready for my surgery to be over because of all of my questions, we communicate every day but she always takes time to answer all of my questions. You need to get your spouse on the forum, show him the time and research you have put in, he will come around to your way of thinking about this.

Wow, that is a relief, i would probably start to smell after 2 weeks.

Hello caleybooth, I see you and your husband used Dr. Almanza for your surgeries. I am going to him the end of May. What positives and/or negatives do you have to say about your total experience from facility,staff and surgery? At the recovery house, who was your host and can you tell me about that experience. Thanks.

Thanks Shybaby, I am having my surgery with Dr. Almanza the end of May. There are a lot of great Doctors that do a great job. I feel comfortable with my decision. I do not care about fancy hospitals, I do care about having a clean and safe place for surgery and having a compentent Doctor perform my surgery. My personal opinion, if I were going to pay what Dr. Aceves charges in Mexico, I would have my surgery done in the states, I do not see a savings there and being self-pay, cost is part of the equation. The cost is not the only reason I have choosen Dr. Almanza, the communication and willing to take the time to answer many, many questions I have asked them, is priceless. In doing my research, I have tried to communicate with other doctor's and their staff, they do not seem near as interested in my questions and they actually acted like I was bothering them. My coordinator at Dr. Almanza's office is Louise Johnson, she has been great and has spent a lot of her time making sure ALL of my questions were answered to make sure I have all the information I need to make an informed decision. So like I said, there were many reasons I have choosen to use Dr. Almanza. Thanks.

That is great that you found this and was treated. Was anything caused by the surgery ( blood clots) or was the pancreatitus just something that happened? Who was your surgeon and where did you have your surgery? Do you feel a lot more healthy now after the surgery?

No Bathing? How long did your doctor tell you not to bath?

Thank you JamieLynn77, that does help knowing that. Congrats on your weight loss, i cannot wait.

Thank you. My BMI is 41. I will follow the pre-op diet to a T. I would not go through this and not follow the surgeons instructions, i want to try and eliminate any possible problems.The thing that i have read that is confusing, some surgeons have their patients on a 4 day, 10 day, 2 week or longer pre op liquid diet, why so much variance? Thanks again.

Way to go Pasquini, i am not far behind you and the voices have already started with me. We have to keep our eye on the big picture. Kepp me posted on the pre-op and the whole process.

Hello SohieJaneB, I was in the same situation. I was going to use a well known surgeon in the Dallas area and I had the same situation with my wife. I have been researching this for a long time. The first thing i did was i get my wife on the forums and tried to educate her on the procedure. I then researched surgeons in Mexico since i was self pay. The first thing people think about when they hear Mexico is "underground". I have found that is not the case at all. The surgery cost 4.500.00 in Mexico instead of 12,000 in the states because we do not have to pay for the fancy hospitalsor the ridiculous mal-practice insurance premiums docotrs have to carry because of the suit happy people and the culture here in the states. I would never tell someone they should use a certain surgeon or go to a foreign country to have their surgery, that is research and a decision you must make with your family. It is the decision that was right for me and my family. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and i would be happy to give you any information. Good luck on your decision.

Quints, I have a question that might sound silly. I have read about issues with the Water in Tijuana or in Mexico in general for that fact. Tell me about your experience about drinking water in Mexico pre-op and post op. What about showering post up and the incisions, any issues? Do they tell you anything about the water? Did you remove your own stitches after the 10 days while you were at home or did you go to your local doctor? How did Dr. Almanza seal the stomach, staples, glue and sutures? Did he just use sutures on the incisions from the surgery, is there 5 total? Anyone else have any input about the water in Tijuana for drinking and showering after surgery? I would hate to have a successful surgery and then get sick from the water. Thank you.

Rootman, great post. I am getting ready to schedule my appointment with Dr. Almanza and hopefully have my surgery next month( passport). Could you tell me of your experience, good and bad. What was your expectations when you went and were you disappointed or surprised by the experience. What would you change, any tips? Thank you.

Yes, an extra 60.00 plus shipping. it will be worth it.. Louise at the clinic has been great in helping me get everything planned. I would never had thought i would consider having surgery in Mexico, now it seems logical.

That is the time I am shooting for but I have to wait on my passport. We would like to hear from everyone and their experience with Dr. Almanza. Thank you.