rvpcindi

people that had the band done were out that night shopping!!!! they are the first to be cut so they are out of the drugs earlier....i felt great and was shopping right after they dropped me off at the hotel the next morning!!! everyone that had it done when i did was feeling great too...didnt ask them what they did but figured they were out too as we had to walk for the gas.....I am down over 50 pounds now and others that were done in may have lost more and less ....i am pleased with what i have lost...i havent felt hungry at all since surgery. i have to force myself to get all the protein and fluids in....been hard sometimes to do this.... i try to at least get close but there have been times when i couldnt...like one day i had dr appointment and then when i got to work i didnt have a break til almost evening...i carry lots of 20-30 gram protein bars for emergencies like that now...i always have a frozen bottle of water and a large insulated cup full of ice. found that adding the greek yogurt with 23 grams to mashed potatoes gets you to your protein score easier than with milkand water....use the milk and add yogurt after they are cooked. i hadnt had gas since surgery til today but think that my diet for the week has caught up with me!!! i never have gotten sick from eating or any of the other things people talk about. i am going back to him for the mommy makeover.....he said if a large number of our group go, he will rent us a beach house and provide meals for recoup and wait time since we have a large number of people....as well as only charge 5000.....i saw a friend, who had the bypass 9 years ago, on friday...she said she has only gained 12 pounds since surgery...my sleep apnea is almost non existent now....i am glad i did it even when i am sad i cant eat the chips and salsa like i used to.....went out one night to favorite mexican restaurant.....patti and i were really good...ordered chicken grilled, with salad and beans....gave her my salad as still dont eat that...eat about a dozen chips with salsa and a few bites of chicken and took all else home.....no veggies here altho some are eatting...if i get a tostado i have some of the lettuce and tomatoe, but take a lot off....all are heard to chew well and i dont think its worth it...

you guys need to go on facebook and set up an account for august sleevers...only members will be able to see the posts...its great...we did it for the may group and its been a great support group...we are even exchanging clothes but it looks like so far you guys are around the same weight....we are having a cruise on our 1 yr anniversary...next may to the bahamas.....we share everything from pics to recipes.....

if i get to go to tucson with job...will try to make it one of the first weekends of the month so i can come!!!

i was sleeved may 27.....started pre op diet at 276.6 around 265 day of surgery...now down to 239.4 ish...up 1 down some, up again and down...stalling right around there now....

when did you have surgery? yes i love my sleeve too...cant wait til its all gone

I am in Mesa..private pay...went to tiajuana over memorial day weekend and was sleeved...started at 276.6 and down to 239.4... 480-620-3477 text or email rvpcindi@yahoo.com

Like Boots, I too was sleeved in Tiajuana by Dr. Almanza at Jerusalem Hospital...i was there a few days prior to her..May 26 was original surgery date but when the ekg showed i had some irregular heart beats, they possed 3 alternatives...go back home and see cardiologist, wit til monday and see one in tj, or they could try to find one that would see me on the weekend and read the holter monitor test. i opted for them to go ahead and find someone wuickly as the other 2 would probably cost more in the long run. they found a cardiologist to hook me up on saturday evening and then to take it off and read on sunday morning....by 2 i was in surgery with meds to help the problem so i could go ahead with the surgery....my ex is a doctor and went with o make sure all was well there. he was impressed with the care and treatment of all the patients he saw there and going to and from the recovery house and the hotel...heard nothing but good things and saw nothing irregular...i was lucky to have a private suite right outside the surgical area since they needed to watch me....when the leak test was done for the group i ended up having surgery with, there were no leaks and we were all happy for that...only thing i think they could have done differently that would have made it better was to tell us to drink that nasty purple stuff for the leak test to drink it thru a straw so our teeth wouldnt get stained!!! on the way driving home we stopped at our regular mexican dentist near yuma to get it removed from my teeth....i needed to have a filling fixed to so it wasnt like i made a special trip for the dye...I would, and have, recommended him to others. they have a very competant staff..lupita found my vein first poke and i have had many horror experiences here in the states with them trying to poke me....since its family run, it was great to see the nephews helping out by getting us ice chips and kissing their uncles respectfully goodbye when they left....all visitors that came with the patients were invited to participate in the luncheon that was bought in for the staff before surgery started...i got a good look at some of the food as it went by...i opted for the hotel which was a bargain at 55 a night...gourmet chef on staff...all the broth and popcicles we wanted and close to shopping so went walking easily...there was a beauty shop practically next door so i treated myself to a shampoo...made me feel human again...and the girl there ran to the corner and got me a popcicle at the 7-11 type store to make my experience even nicer there! The mexican doctors have been doing this surger for 7 years now...way more than their U.S. counterparts...and yet they get a bum rap all the time....

well the titanium staples are what is used for the gastric sleeve surger, and if u look at alvarez's you tube, johnson & johnson titaniums are what he uses as well as most of the surgeons doing this type of surgery. google dr alvarez and what type of staples he uses and you will fiind Johnson & johnson listed for him...dr a uses the exact same kind...i am not going to argue with you, you obviously think you know all these thing to be true when they aren't

glad to hear u r going to get it done and join us who already had it done!

amen skinny naked...all this he/said stuff is nonsense...dr a uses titanium staples which are the ones used for this surgery.... let them waste time bickering while we have done it....glad to hear yoou're doing so well...i am down 22 plus but will be traveling next week...trying ti figure what to take and how to work it all in for business trip....know i can cuz i have been...how much walking are yoou getting in? my cousins wife is complaining that he has to walk so much just to maintain now that hes lost 186 pounds in a little over a year...dont want to be walking 10 miles aday like he is!!!!

i would choose a doctor near me too if there was travel costs involved.... one that is close to homeis always better especially if complications....i didnt look to juarez altho technically it isnt much further.....i was thinking of the beaach and being cool this time of year!!!! and i coould have chosen mexicali for being closer as well as having excellent doctors...i was truely thinking beach and cooler......and it was cooler...i almost had to buy a poncho but it warmer up by the time i went shopping the day after surgery

you should see this one forum where a girl is bad mouthing one doctor...then when i wrote about dr almanza she said oh she was "confused" ...she relly meant him and then another one said she had talked to the coordinator who confirmed all her sleazy lies!!! well i talked to that same coordinator and she said nothingof the kind...i wrote back that i had s talked to her and doubted what she had written...she said that i was calling her a liar...well? if the truth fits wear it, right? guilty conscence???? the confused one said she had gotten all her "info" from a nurse that worked somewhere...i cant remember.. and told here all the "lies" which she couldnt even get right when she first posted them...think she said alvarez as to why she chose aceves....i told them unless they had actually been there (hearing from others wasnt the same as they too can lie) that what they were saying wasnt really telling the truth.... oh theres a good one that the staples arent the right kind....what do they think, that he just goes into the local office max and buys regular ones for the stapler???

Well since it is mexico ...keep in mind it is NOT the US...it will NOT be the same....it will be different,, ,,but that is not to say that it wont be comparable..and /or better...just different. .I hope that u get what u expect and want..but as for Louise to say yes to those things I doubt, because I too talked to her....and altho she is not in that capacity anymore, Alexis has taken over Louise's job. She is located in Tiajauna and was trained by Melissa, who I did not only get to meet, but spent an evening with. Alexis is right on top of everything and responds to emails somethings even within minutes... good luck in your endeavors all

carrying my water and my purse is tiring!!!!!

girl doont you even think about lifting anything musch less a patient!!!!!

good, being condused in more ways than one...and for strangely normal,...how many times were you at the recovery house to know these facts? or are you going on what others have said too? It isnt ALWAYS crowded (it depends on how many surgeries there are AND how many decide to stay at the house) but u dont have a lot of privacy.....they are providing a service for free for those who cant afford to stay in the hotel at their own expense. And beanie and rosies mom.....you sont know tha the person you met and told you these things sisnt have it in for Dr A either.....so folks...unless you have been there and see for yourself...you shouldnt be saying ANYTHING. Strip malls have plenty of surgicenters in them here in the states.....as well. And, I will repeat myself since my ex is a doctor, he met all the staff and checked everything out and was pleased with the set up. This I do know.

Mine didnt specify 10 grams per shake....most have over 20....however i was told that slim fast and dr atkins had way to many carbs and sugars....i coouldnt stand the unjury and am sending it all back...but keep in mind what you like pre surgery may not be what you like post...your tastebuds are going to change folks.....I was on 2 weeks of shakes that added up to 60 -80 grams of protein a day pre op....but found our almsot a week into that ...that i was only supposed to be on it for a week!!!!!... each patient is different ......so i would follow what he said...i am finding that greek yogurt is a good way to get in the protein....i was raised on it so am glad to find something i like!!! still in soft and pureed stage so adding it to mashed potatoes and soup and anything else i can stand to get more protein as well as eating plain. if you havent heard already, torani has tons of sugar free flavoring you can add to your shakes for variety...there are other sugarfree as well...shop around....we have a local store that sells for less if you buy more....6 or more and you get 750 ml bottles for $3.99 instead of $7.99 on website...the website will tell you where to get locally...you just need to call for prices. I walked out with 14 different flavors...may have to spring for &.99 to get some i want to try tho...like gingerbread and one brand has a peppermint paddy....you will be pleased when you see all the different flavors available from these companies... I have purchased someof the individual mixes as i travel a lot and cant carry lots of liquids....i have had the cheesecake and the pudding which mix up with cool water and set at room temp...puttingin frig makes them better but when u r at work or traveling....just mix and eat is good...12-15 grams per serving....easy way to get in a little more.. they have a vegetable omelette, sloppy joe, and chilli that i am anzioius to try to..havent read those directions yet..but know probale like the njury..not hot and need thermometer....the egg one i did read...similar to fixing a regular one. I got liquid and chewable vitamins and found even tho i thought liquid would be better, it wasnt for me...whenyou go post op to get your leak test done and have to drink that nasty dye......PLEASE PLEASE remember to drink thru a straw or your teeth will be stained purple for a long time ( i have no idea how long cuz i went to my dentist on way home and had them remove the stain)......that and making sure you have the gas ex strips!!!

It seems that there a large number of jealous folk out there...when you look at the records...mexico has been doing the sleeve for 7 years as opposed to the U.S. with only 2 years....so who really has more experience? As an ex wife of a doctor, I know that everything does NOT always go right no matter what...but it also doesnt matter where it was done or who actually did it,,,,things just happen..... and as you know therei s no regulation of the internet to check for accuraccy of posts.......so who is to stop jealous doctors in the states to have people put up anything they think people might "buy"? I too did my homework and the ex actually took me down as we only live about 6 hours from Tiajuana. He met everyone and saw the facilities and was pleased with what he saw...I was with Dr. Almanza but it makes no difference who you choose as long as you are confident in them.....I have been going to Mexico since early 90's for meds and dental service....the ex started going closer to 2000.... i decided to take the leap for medical this spring due to being accepted and then having insurances switched and them not honoring the acceptance and then getting discouraged once again...... that was quite a while ago..then i started meeting and talking to people who were going out of the country to get medical procedures done...costa rica, panama, etc. I know that a lot of the dentists in many border towns actually get their education and or training in the U.S....why not doc's too? so...... searched last year and found $500 for the sleeve but didnt pursue it at that time. This spring the sleep apnea finally got me to the point of enough is enough and i did another search... only to find the prices had dropped to $4499. I called and then had the ex talk to them several times as well. He encouraged me to do it. I am so happy i did . When i went in to see his ex partner, who is my doctor now, he was so happy that i had done it. He didnt care that it was in mexico, just that i had had it done!!!!! price isnt everything...keep that in mind... you must feel confident in who you choose whatever the price, that is what matters. if you know or have met many patients that have been successful with a surgeon, then chances are he is a good one....just keep in mind that things do happen that are beyond anyone's control......and hope and pray that you arent the one it happens too.....and you will be fine. good luck all

i posted this one one forum and they said i should post here as well. I am 2 weeks post op from dr Almanza and want to give you guys a heads up...yes DONT forget gas ex strips...none to be had down there..DONT buy alot of the shakes now...your tastes will change!!!! i hate the unjury stuff and amm going to return it..i bought way too much....dont get the liquid Vitamins...they go right thru you....i got chewables from Bariatric Advantage but have seen some at another site that look good too.....oh and most importantly, when you have to drink the small bottle of purple dye, do it thru a straw or your teeth will be stained purple and you will look weird for a long time!!! i ended up going to my dentist on the way home since we drove down from phoenix .....had to have the dentist work on the purple for a while....so ended up getting a good cleaning while in Algadonas. We stayed in the hotel Tiquan,,,which is VERY nice. The chefs are gourmet...ask and they will fi x for you....for those who can eat!!!! You get free broth in a gourmet setting and all the popsicles you want from the front desk!!!! close to shopping and a beauty shop almost next door where i got my hair done and felt human again...the girl went to the corner 7-11 and got me a popsicle while i was there too...very thoughtful for her...no charge either...You will love all of the people at Jerusalem.....more of a family type place...the nephews get you ice or Water and they are so respectful when they leave..kissing all their relatives....if you take guests they will be invited to eat the lunch provided for the staff....think the ex said they had enchiladas.....I am down almost 23 pounds since liquid preop diet and i got to have a night of margaritas with andres betencourt...when they did the ekg thye found an irregularity so wanted to be sure they could do surgery....luckily for me that sunday was one of 2 they do surgery on in a month...they went out of their way to find a cardiologist to hook me up to a monitor on the weekend and then read results the next day,,,sure it cost me more but i didnt have to go home and reschedule either...costing even more....everything turned out a okay and i was back and ready by 2 the next afternoon for surgery. They are all professional and you will love Lupita. she does perfect finding veins when they are hard to get...and did it the first time...which many cant do!!! I am excited for you all!!!!! You might want to take your favorite pillow with you, too.

I got sleeved by Dr. Almanza less than 2 weeks ago and the cost was $4500.....no more expense except tipping if youstay at the recovery house.....my ex is a doctor and he drove me down, mini vacation and checked out the facility etc....we stayed in the hotel which was $55 a night.....i got my broth and all the popsicles i wanted as well as bottled water...got to go shopping for my walks!!! I ended up having to spend an extra $270, but that was because they found an irregularity in my heart when they hooked me to ekg...they wanted to make sure i was going to be ok for the surgery so i had to wear a heart monitor for 12 hours and had to pay the cardiologist for doing that and reading the results.......I have been going to mexico for dental and meds for aover 20 years and finally said this is stupid, they have been doing the gastric sleeve for 7 years down there as opposed to 2 here in the states,,,so who has more experience???? U.S. doctors or the Mexican doctors? figure it out for yourself...

you guys will be so happy!!!!! I am 2 weeks post op from dr almanza and want to give you guys a heads up...yes DONT forget gas ex strips...none to be had down there..DONT buy alot of the shakes now...your tastes will change!!!! i hate the unjury stuff and amm going to return it..i bought way too much....dont get the liquid vitamins...they go right thru you....i got chewables from bariatric advantage but have seen some at another site that look good too.....oh and most importantly, when you have to drink the small bottle of purple dye, do it thru a straw or your teeth will be stained purple and you will look weird for a long time!!! i ended up going to my dentist on the way home since we drove down from phoenix .....had to have the dentist work on the purple for a while....so ended up getting a good cleaning while in Algadonas. We stayed in the hotel Tiquan,,,which is VERY nice. The chefs are gourmet...ask and they will fix for you....for those who can eat!!!! You get free broth in a gourmet setting and all the popsicles you want from the front desk!!!! close to shopping and a beauty shop almost next door where i got my hair done and felt human again...the girl went to the corner 7-11 and got me a popsicle while i was there too...very thoughtful for her...no charge either...You will love all of the people at Jerusalem.....more of a family type place...the nephews get you ice or water and they are so respectful when they leave..kissing all their relatives....if you take guests they will be invited to eat the lunch provided for the staff....think the ex said they had enchiladas.....I am down almost 23 pounds since liquid preop diet and i got to have a night of margaritas with andres betencourt...when they did the ekg thye found an irregularity so wanted to be sure they could do surgery....luckily for me that sunday was one of 2 they do surgery on in a month...they went out of their way to find a cardiologist to hook me up to a monitor on the weekend and then read results the next day,,,sure it cost me more but i didnt have to go home and reschedule either...costing even more....everything turned out a okay and i was back and ready by 2 the next afternoon for surgery. They are all professional and you will love Lupita. she does perfect finding veins when they are hard to get...and did it the first time...which many cant do!!! I am excited for you all!!!!! You might want to take your favorite pillow with you, too.

i was walking an hour a day before the surgery so wasnt hard to get back into it...thats why they say start exercizing before the surgery ......

go to this website, bookmark it so you can reprint when you loose it or it gets worn out http://www.wlscenter.com/restaurant_card.htm

i had the sleeve done 11 days ago and i have been up each morning at 430 walking for an hour with 5 minute break about 1/2 way.....i started at 15 minutes a week ago and then immediately went to 30 and then 45 and have been at an hour evry day since

hey girl, we JUST missed each other!!!! mine got put off cuz they found an irregularity and i had to wear a holter monitor for them to be sure it was safe for them to do the surgery.... but it was ok....i got to go back to hotel and ended up having margaritas with andres betancourt..owner of facilty...he said i could have even eaten but i had already had the broth...so i got to try the bruschetta that was there...could have had last order of chips and salsa...as it was had the salsa in the broth....hotel was wonderful...go again there in a heartbeat....all the people were great, they went out of their way to get a cardiologist for me on saturday and sunday so wouldnt have to wait even longer for the surgery.....you will have a great experience......good luck to you to.......i dont want anything and i mean anything,,,,,even water,,,the dye they give us is soooooooooooooo disgusting to check for the leaks,,,,hope you read this in time to use a straw when you drink it...made my teeth purple and the dentist had a hecak of a time getting it off today...we stopped in algadonas on the way home so i could see if they could......they did so know i dont look weird!!!