gramom123

I "can," but don't. Its a total slider food for me- tried it once around 5 months out and realized I could eat it forever without feeling full.

I went on a 1 week cruise at 4 mos post-op. I did not stick closely to my diet except to make sure I got in all my protein.(I put powder in ziplock bags & brought my mixing cup.) For the first time since my surgery, I ate some pasta, desserts & drank wine. My sleeve ensured I ate those foods in small amounts. Love, love, love my sleeve!!! My weight loss slowed, but i still lost 2 pounds that week. I did so much walking in port that I burned whatever excess I consumed. I did go right back to my routine afterward. I think its Ok to treat yourself, in moderation, ever once in a while! Good luck & enjoy!

I was sleeved on 1/23 by Dr. Aceves. Frankly, the incisions were all much smaller than I anticipated and healed quickly. I agree that the drain was no problem. I barely noticed it. It is removed before you leave and allows them to check for leaks. Dr. Aceves and his staff were wonderful. Good luck!

Hi: I traveled alone from Boston, MA to Mexicali to have my VSG done with the fabulous Dr. Aceves, who has professional credentials that are comparable to anyone local, plus he has done over 1300 VSGs, as compared to my local surgeons who had a couple dozen only.. He was not the least expensive of the Mexican doctors, but I was traveling so far I needed to make sure I would get the best care I could find. His staff was exemplary in how responsive and how compassionate they were. I met with both Dr. Aceves & his surgical assistant Dr. Campos every day during my 4 day stay, except the last one because I left so early to head back to San Diego. The anesthesiologist spent time with me before & after the surgery too. I was very happy to stay at the immaculate, well-run Almater Hospital for 3 nights, with round-the-clock care. I had 3 leak tests prior to being discharged and had not a minute of nausea or pain- just the discomfort from being blown up with gas and I was able to work through that by walking. I had my own private hospital room and bath with a couch and chair. It was very comfortable. I had free wif at the hospital, so I spent lots of time looking at this forum as I recovered. That's my personal experience. I have had a fabulous recovery in the past 5 weeks and would recommend Dr. Aceves to anyone. After spending umpteen hours on this forum it is clear that many people had great experiences with many different Mexican doctors. Good luck with making this decision.

Yes, I came back from Mexico with the same medication. It does not dissolve in any liqiud. I sprinkled it into my jello (not on top or it bounces around) and pudding and ate it that way. It has no taste at all...

I was sleeved on 1/23 by Dr. Aceves. I traveled alone from Boston to Mexicali. No direct flights, so had to connect in Atlanta, stayed overnight at a hotel in San Diego.. I had many family members and a couple friends offer to come, but I did not want to have to devote any energy to worrying about another person or "entertaining" someone who had schlepped across the country with me. I am a widow- if my husband had been alive I certainly would have had him join me. Ultimately, I was so grateful I didn't have to exert any energy trying to be a good companion for someone else. They would have expected nothing, of course, I just would have felt guilty about it. After my surgery, I focused on walking, drinking & resting. At home, I take care of everyone. There, I was able to just think about myself. I was alone but I had a wonderful group of caring & kind doctors & a very warm and attentive nursing staff to care for me. I had my computer, my cell & kept in touch when I felt up to it. I was also quite amazingly lucky- no pain, very minimal discomfort; I really had an optimal outcome. Very important=== I made sure I had a wheelchair available at all 3 airports from curbside at San Diego to the baggage claim in Boston. When I arrived at 12:30 a.m. in Beantown my family joked that I looked better-rested than they were! Some notes: I went to Mexico as a very healthy fat person, who travels a lot & is extremely independent. I used all 50 spanish words I recalled from high school language class. (although it would not have been an issue if I spoke no Spanish at all) If I had any mobility issues or was a shy person or was physically fragile I may have made a different choice. I think you just have to know yourself and know whether your doctor is able to easily accommodate a solo traveler. I wish you the very best of luck!

I needed to read that post about Dr. Oz so badly just at this moment. That is exactly how I explain my decision to friends & family. I am sitting in Atlanta airport after having missed my connection to San Diego- I have my VSG surgery Monday with Dr. Aceves. Stuck here due to bad weather (and I purposely chose a connecting flight through the south from Boston, so I wouldn't have to worry about winter weather when connecting-- never thought to worry about a tornado!!!) Originally, Delta told me they couldn't get me to CA until tomorrow afternoon and I said I cannot do that- I have a pre-surgical workup tomorrow. Bless them- they moved me to the head of the standby list for the last flight out tonight and I am crossing my fingers that I get on. I was thinking "hmmm, maybe this is a sign that I shouldn't be doing this" but having read this has cleared my head. I am a widow supporting 2 kids, my elderly mom & disabled sister. They need me to be around for the long run and this is just another way of taking care of myself to make sure I will be. I love this forum & thanks to all of you who empowered me to be (literally) on this journey.