LezzieLez

I wore a hoodie with a zip pocket when I traveled - I had my passport, phone, and id in there. I also photo-copied everything and put it in my carry-on bag. Honestly, I wasn't too worried for my safety. I didn't leave the hotel other than going to and from the airport and hospital. I know things are going on in Mexico but things go on here as well. There wasn't any point in the trip where I felt my safety was at risk.

No problem @@shizwiz! I initially planned to have the surgery in 2013 but lost my job 1 month before my date. I spent a few months before my surgery planning and then had an entire year to get it right.. And I still didn't have it exact. Ah! Another thing - I am a germaphobe and I wore flip flops in the hospital shower.. It was a dark colored stone and honestly it was probably clean like everything else but it not being white - I couldn't tell. I took a cheap pair with me and left them there. Unfortunately, I went at the end of February and it was too cold to sit by the pool so myself and a few other surgery patients were in the lobby a lot. I wish I had a blanket on the plane because I was extremely cold. Ok - one last thing. EXTRA MONEY!!!!!! I am anemic and ended up needing a pint of blood (which honestly scared the hell out of me) and additional meds which ended up costing me $380. Luckily I had a credit card. I am very well versed with my blood levels and it wasn't critical but the doctors and surgeons are very careful and go on the side of caution. And if you are anemic - try your best to get your levels up prior to going - I did but my normal range is low compared to others.

I am not sure if you asked and you probably did - but definitely check and see if they will still pick you up. My flight arrived after the time they designated on my package and they still picked me up.

Hey ladies, My surgeon gave me a care package - which included pain meds, tape, antiseptic spray, chap stick, gatorade, coconut Water, and a tiny pillow. The paid meds they gave me dissolved under my tongue and were wonderful. I didn't need them much but I wish I bought more prior to coming home! My doctor told me to start my Protein intake the day after I got home so I didn't need it with me. I didn't need the extra bullion cubes or anything else. The hotel broth was fine. The ice pops were nasty but i ate one anyways. My gas was horrible so I ended up in the lobby of the Mariott trying to find something else but decided to walk it out. And it worked. The day I left, I bought a bottle of apple juice and sipped on it during the ride to the airport and the security at the airport let me through with it after I told them I had surgery. I took a robe which I didnt wear, slippers, compression socks (they didn't have any there for my big calves so I am happy I got them myself), my own chapstick, my laptop and ipod (used the ipod more), typical toiletries, and warm socks. I had a smocked terry bathing suit coverup - I usually wear that around the house and it was my pjs at the hotel. To pack light, what I wore to Mexico- I wore home. What I wore to the hospital, I wore back to the hotel. 2 outfits total. (my flight in was at night so I went to my room and to bed) My outfits were oversized shirts and yoga pants from Old Navy that fold over. They were great because I was able to adjust the top to cover all of my bandaging. I didn't use my robe - I used two hospital gowns so my butt wasn't hanging out. I didn't want the hassle of disconnecting my wires to get it on - the hospital gowns had snaps on the arms to make it easier. Oh and the other thing that helped me - the magic jack app for my cell phone. I didn't have service in Mexico (metropcs) so I downloaded the app and gave that number to my friends and family. I was able to connect to wifi at the hotel and at the hospital so I was able to talk to anyone that called ( I went alone). The hospital wifi sucked too btw which is why I stuck to my iPod most of the time. Lastly, if you are going to be at the Mariott in Tijuana - there is a Walmart up the road. I didn't need to go but some people ventured out and about. I stayed in my room and walking around the lobby/halls. You will need smaller bills to tip the drivers too.

I took a loan for $3800 and with the crazy terms, I am paying back a $5k. But that is only if I get it paid off in the 12 month period. If not, then it shoots up to over $7,000. There was a "finders or middleman" type of fee that jacked it up but my credit wasn't that good. I will say that they are reporting my timely payments on my credit so that is helping as well. I knew it was a horrible deal but I have no regrets.

I had my surgery on 2/26 and was able to move to full liquids on day 3 which I only added my Protein shake and Jello to the clear liquid diet. Everytime I drink anything, I get a sharp pain and then loud gurggling noises as it goes down. The surgeoun gave me an antacid and told me to try prevacid so I just started it today. I hope the heartburn is temporary!! I am back at work this morning and had to explain the gurgling noise and excessive burping to my co-worker. Kinda funny..

((HUGS)) Prayer sent!

My pre-op is the Atkins diet for 12 days and then clear liquids for 2.

Of course! Maybe you will find what you need on here. Everyone here is so supportive in their own ways!

Yes, thats why I am sticking to RTD for now. I didn't want to buy something that will be useless after the surgery. I don't think I can lose with vanilla protein powder though. I've seen countless recipes with it so I may just buy a smaller tub. Boy, I wish I could go shopping in your cabinet!!

Ok, so I decided to start testing out RTD protein shakes.. And yes, I cheated by buying one with more sugar than I thought I should have but it was still HORRIBLE! It has the consistency of pepto bismol and milk of magnesia.. OMG, I just dont know.. I will probably have to add something in them to thin it out. BTW, it was Bolthouse Farms - Mango Protein Plus..

My friend uses the vanilla chai one with cereal in the morning.. I tried a spoonful and it didnt taste too bad. I will try the green one and some vanilla protein powder.. That sounds interesting. I also bought the chocolate one (it was BOGO at Krogers) and haven't tried it yet. I hate to be wasteful so I will mix it with a few things to see if I can salvage the rest of the bottle.

Now I probably should have looked this up prior to making this comment but I believe the best choice would have been the gladiator.. From what I remember it has over 40 grams of Protein and very little/no sugar. Ok- here is the edit... According to my supervisor ( a health junkie), the gladiator has no sugar and 1 carb but they tell you to add two fruits. The sugar and carb amounts are then based on which two you add.

http://healthwisenri.com/products.php

Hustling the surgeon? Thats a new one!! LOL You should be fine though..

Hey Curvy! I am glad to see that things are going well!!! That back pain will be gone soon. If not, hopefully you will be too sexy to notice it!! Happy New Year btw.. HUGS!!

At my homegirl's bachelorette party, a stripper picked me up with ease and bounced me on his thighs.. I was sooo turned on at the fact that he did it with ease that I cannot wait for these positions as well! Good for yall!

2/16/13 ..

The few people I chatted with love Dr. Sauceda and Dra. Cardenas... There was another one but I forgot.

Thats right... Out with the fat - in with "all that"!!! (yes, a little corny..) We all have our insecurities - but as long as me being naked doesn't negatively affect his erection, its all good. I cannot wait for my sleeve.. I am hoping for increased flexibility and even more confidence!!

O_o I can't even..

Pre or post op doesn't matter in this post. I am pre-op and know it would be STUPID to cheat on a post-op diet that helps a person RECOVER from a MAJOR surgery... That is lacking COMMON SENSE.. We understand that an addiction is just that and I know I will be crying because I cannot eat a croissant. I will be weak at times and emotional because I am like that now. You may even see me whining on a post about wanting to cheat. However, but you will NEVER see me post on a forum asking if it is ok to RISK MY LIFE to eat something I crave. Thats STUPID and it lacks common sense.