MsKelly

So today is my 3 week surgiversary. I have lost 22 pounds and have gone down one jean size so far. I am still eating soups and yogurts because of the tight feeling I get when I try to eat anything thicker. I have really started to want a glass of wine. Just to relax some nights. But Im scared. Everything I read says 3 months or more. Socially it has been weird too. Some people ask why Im not drinking alcohol anymore or at a meeting when lunch is served, I have to make excuses. One friend always declares how bad something tastes in my presence as to make me feel better about not being able to eat whatever she's eating. So there has been lots to get used to but at night when I get home and I see how nicely my cheek bones are becoming defined, I don't care about the excuses or the giant chocolate chip cookie I wasn't able to enjoy. I had my surgery in Monterrey, Mexico. I live (because of work) in Mexico City. I will be going home (to Chicago) in a week to see my family for the first time since the surgery. I know they are going to look me up and down for changes. Hopefully, they can see them right away. I fear hearing...you look the same. Anyway, these are just my random thoughts I have been having. Stuff I don't bother telling my friends because the novelty of my surgery and it's little issues has worn off for them. Happy holidays all!!

I did not go from band to sleeve. Just sleeve for me but I can recommend a surgeon in Mexico. Dr. Miguel Zapata of Monterrey. He is wonderful and the hospital was great. I called about the band in October was educated about the sleeve and the surgery was booked for November. I was sleeved 3 weeks ago today. Easy as the pie I'm not eating anymore.

I am one week and one day out from surgery. I came home with my drain still in place. Today my Dr. told me the drain can come out on Monday. Thank goodness!!! Hiding this tube and drain has been a royal pain. Still tired though but right now I am taking one blessing at time.

I had my surgery 4 days ago in Monterrey, Mexico. Dr. Miguel Zapata performed the surgery. Everything seemed to go as planned except that I have turned out to be a bleeder. I bled more than usual and was told to take my drain home with me for a few extra days. I had to have a transfusion while still in the hospital. Sounds creepy and serious but it wasn't. So now I home and back to work. I have my drain hidden under a baggy dress and a scarf. I am still draining anywhere between 10 and 25ccs of blood three times a day. I would really like for this to be over. Argh. In other news, I am still having sharp pains when I swallow. I once attributed this to the Co2, should I still? I am so anxious to get on with healing. I am trying to be my body's cheerleader but she isn't responding!! Has anyone else had these problems? [/url]

I am one week out and still walking around with a drain. I had to receive a pint of blood while in the hospital one day after surgery. I'm a bleeder, I guess. However, I have little pain, gas for about 2 days and am sucking down water and protein all day. I started vitamin shots today which have helped my energy. Small obstacles but they do exist. :biggrin:

Hey there, I was sleeved a week ago so I have had some experience with a variety of reactions. When I told my mother she was very supportive. She's a heavy woman, so she gets it. Luckily, I live in a different country than my parents so she was delegated the task of telling my father. He asks questions when we talk but seems more curious than anything else. No judgement. My brother...well, he screamed at me!! What are you doing that for? You won't lose any weight that way...etc. We actually fought about it. I'm still not sure why he had such a negative reaction. He is now supportive and jokes that if all goes well with me, he might be next. I have two best friends. One is heavy, the other is not. As you can imagine the heavy friend was super excited and even admitted to being envious. The other didn't think I needed the surgery and said...I wish I could see what you see when you look in the mirror and slap it out of you!! (She has a crazy sense of humor) But, I explained to her that it is hard for her to understand being a size six and all. She asks how I am doing as I am still healing but it is now a non-issue. In the end, this decision was for me. Their opinions and feelings about it are just that, theirs. They are your family and they love you and when you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to complain to, they will provide. Just focus on your new life. You will be so happy once all is said and done and you know what? Happiness is contagious!! Take care!!

I clicked on the get the code button on the ticker website page. Then copied that code and pasted it into my blog post. This is probably not the way to do it but it wasn't clear to me either but this worked so I went with it. How much weight have you lost so far?

I am getting iron shots as well. Those start today. Maybe that's what I need, a good solid shot of iron!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I am writing from my hospital bed. My surgery was 24 hours ago. It has already been quite a journey and nothing has really even happened yet. I woke from surgery groggy, of course. Slipped in and out of sleep. Eventually I was taken to my room and left alone to recover. When I did wake up fully I remember thinking a few things...wow, the pain! and I have made a decision that I will never be able to reverse. Through the night the nurses would come and check on me. Taking my temperature and blood pressure. The pain, I finally realized, was not the incisions but the co2 trying to escape my body. That pain has slowly gone away but every so often I get a sharp sliver through my chest. None of it has been unbearable and all of it, I trust, will be worth it. In and out of sleep. Little walks down the hall. Answering phone calls and text messages. Blood pressure and temperature check ups. Lots of trips to the bathroom. One leak test. That's my 24 hours in a nutshell. Kelly

It has been many weeks since I decided to have WLS. However, it is only recently that I have decided to share this information with friends and family. The news has elicited some very unusual responses from people. My brother screamed at me. He refused to believe this surgery would help me lose weight. He told me I just need to stop eating crap. My best friend admitted she was envious of me. Another friend insisted I didn't need the surgery and that she would never do it. She then commented that our vacations to all-inclusive resorts would now be over. I wished in these times that I never told anyone of my plans. The people who I know support me live many miles away and I don't get to speak to them often. My mother understands. My cousin understands. My best friend understands. I live in another country right now so communication with them is limited. I also believe the topic gets boring for everyone else but me. I don't know who I will be after the surgery. So much of my time is spent enjoying life through food and drink. I now will have to redefine my life, my interests, and how handle myself in those situations. In many ways, I am looking forward to these changes. But I worry too. I don't want people to resent me or feel awkward around me. 10 days until surgery

Hellooooo!!!!! I have the exact same surgery date!! I have so many questions for you...where are you getting your surgery? What fun things did you find to liquid diet on? I'm having surgery in Monterrey, Mexico. I'm from the states but live in Mexico City. My favorite liquid diet food is orange Jello. Boring but oddly, my favorite. Obviously, I haven't had my surgery yet but things I've heard to bring with to the hospital are comfy clothes, chap stick, sugar free gum, lotion and magazines, book(kindle). I can't wait to hear how things go for you!! Good luck and best wishes for a quick recovery!! Kelly

I am so overwhelmed and thankful for all of your responses. I appreciate the time you all took to share your wisdom. I am having a going-away food party on Saturday. My friends are all bringing their favorite appetizers and cocktails and we are going to eat and drink to new beginnings. I am hoping as I walk to the end of this diving board my friends remain behind me as I take this plunge. But now I know I have this lovely website to lean on too. Thanks everyone!!