made2beme

Ive had 2 c-sections and an open hysterectomy....I can not say that any of those were extremely painful because thank God I have a very high pain tolerance....but there was some pain and I definitely used the pain pump in the hospital and meds for a while after getting home. I was sleeved 6 days ago and I can tell you for me, I had ZERO pain with the exception of a little gas pain in my shoulder the very first night. My actual incisions and stomach has not been painful at all, was up walking 1 hour after surgery and had no issues. Is it a litter tender, yes. Can I go out and run a marathon.....of course not, I am sure I would be sore. But there has been no "pain" to speak of for me....

Abby - did your surgeon give you a post-op diet?? First thing is that you should not already be drinking Protein drinks and carnation breakfast. I know all plans are different, but most usually consist of a full week of Clear liquids (broth, Water, gatorade, popcicles, jello) but not FULL liquids like Protein Drinks and carnation, etc. Just saying this may be part of the issue as your sleeve is very delicate at this point and not ready for full liquids. I am on day 6 post op and will not have my first full liquid until Saturday. Please check with your doc to see if this is what he recommends you to be having at this point.

From what I have researched the procedure that is most covered for "medical reasons" (but not by all ins co's of course) is called a panniculectomy and is most likely what was on the referenced post of it being covered. A panniculectomy is just removing the excess skin if it is causing medical issues, but does NOT include any type of muscle tightening which is the actual Tummy Tuck. So, most likely Tummy Tucks which remove and tighten ab muscles is not covered by many ins co's because that part is considered "cosmetic" not medically necessary.

Also know that you may not use 1/2 of what you think you will (at least I didnt). By the time we left last week, my husband and I were able to put everything for both of us needed in 2 large backpacks. We had things stashed in every pocket (and there were lots) but we packed so light and I had everything I needed and more even still.

Is the almond/coconut milk in the refrigerated section? I have cold almond milk all of the time, but have never seen it mixed with coconut....wondered if it is in a can or container not cold at the store?

also any place that has "naked" chicken - no skin, no batter....just chicken. I know Jack in the box has grilled chicken strips and KFC here has naked strips.

Im not sure if you plan to take a laptop or ipad/iphone but Skype saved us while we were in Tj. My husband was with me, but we were able to skype with my kids, my parents and his mom every single day. Seeing each other face to face AND hearing our voice was better than ever especially when they were anxiously waiting for my surgery to be over. The drain, I admit I was not looking forward to at all. But, except for being a little annoying when trying to shower and not knowing what to do with it was really no big deal. You dont even know it is there otherwise and does not hurt when they remove it (or it did not me). You will be great.....we were nervous also, but everything turned out to be a very pleasant experience!

Wow...Im thinking you may be lucky you havent had any movement. TMI but I have had diarrhea for the last 3 days and I am 6 days post op. liquid in, liquid out I guess.....its miserable especially when you are walking around in Walmart trying to buy school supplies, uggh!

I know how you feel - until today I have not even really thought about food. I actually sat at a table with my hubby in Mexico while he ate chips and salsa and a chicken taco....I seriously did not even have a twinge of wanting it and mexican is my fav (especially authentic). But today, its like every food commercial that comes on I am thinking about how good it would taste and wondering if I will ever be able to eat it again Then, I force myself to look away and do something completely different. I have found that distracting myself with a book, the internet, a hobby, playing a game with my kids, etc. honestly it sounds really simple and may not work for everyone, but before I know it hours have gone by and I have forgotten all about the food and realize Im not even hungry. This time will pass for us, before we know it we will be trying new foods almost for the first time as our tastes may have changed and as we are losing.....girl, we wont care. Take care

I am post op day 5 today also. I went to Mx and they do not give narcotics either in the hospital or to go home with. Although they do give you pain meds, I never really felt a difference and have not taken anything for pain since day 2. I would not even say I have pain at all, just slight discomfort if I try and twist and turn in the bed or if I actually press on my incisions. I do have a lot of gurgling going on and definitely some acid reflux the last 2 nights but have started my Prilosec today. I am very surprised actually because for the last 3 days, I have gotten in quite a bit of liquid. Today, Im almost up to 60 oz of Powerade zero and Water and not including sugar free popcicles. So, that feels good.... Going to venture out to Walmart tomorrow and walk around, hope to feel better every day!

SweetTee, I just returned from Tijuana late last night from surgery with Dr. Garica and had a great experience. Yes, right now he is offering a special of $4,700 which is what I paid for my sleeve and also works with 3 different financing companies (but I did not use them, so no experience there). I was absolutely beyond pleased with my entire experience while in Tj from the hospital, nurses, Dr. Garcia, care, attentiveness and even the Marriott. Everyone is very partial to their own surgeon which is understandable and I am more than certain you would be in good hands with any of the major surgeons talked about on the boards but I can only speak from my personal experience. My husband was with me and although it did add a level of safety for me and of course I had a little more company, I would not have felt "unsafe" at any time without him. A couple of the days he went out walking, going to some of the local shops, starbucks, etc. and for the time he was not there I was cared for just the same...never a moment of fear (besides the usual of having any surgery). I actually left there feeling kind of like part of a family to tell you the truth. I left with contacts (work and personal) and email of every doctor I met with and 2 onsite coordinators. I was told to call them at any time 24 hours a day even after I got home to the states. One thing I really like that I dont think I have seen mentioned here (I may have missed it) is that I came home with a stack of papers that not only laid out post-op guidelines, medications to take and dos and donts, plus diet stages, etc. but also a copy of my blood test results with all of of my levels that I can take straight to my local PCP to put in my file along with a detailed description of everything they did from admission to discharge. I did not see the Hotel Lucerna and I am sure it is very nice, but from my experience it could not have been better than the Marriott. The rooms are nice, clean and large...especially if by yourself. The bed is very comfy with pillows galore. The staff at the hotel work with OSI (Obesity Solutions International) and know all of the coordinators and drivers by name. You get your free broth, Water and popsicles (im sure at the other hotel also), and just a little taste of home (for me anyway) all of the shampoos/lotions, etc are bath and body works aromatherapy. To me, it was the little things that you see they try to do to make you comfortable away from home. We made great friends with another couple there (the wife was sleeved the same day as me) and we literally hung out every day, either in the hospital (talking in the hall and visiting each other) and then in the hotel, we went out to the pool together and just chatted while our husband swam....etc. It was an awesome experience for me and I dont think you can go wrong with Dr. Garcia, in my opinion. If you would like any other details or any questions, dont hesitate to send me a message!

I just got back home late last night from Tj with Dr. Garcia and had a wonderful experience. I would have to echo everything Jeff said in his original post....it was like he was telling my story. The care, the greatness of the hotel and the bed. I literally felt like I was with family at the hospital. My husband was with me and knows a little spanish enough to communicate better than I could and more times than not he was giving the nurses English lessons and it was so funny to hear them and we would all laugh.....it was just a nice, peaceful trip.

I am here now at Mi Doctor - still pre-op but all hooked up and waiting for my surgery to start. Everything so far has been great, small and simple but very clean and no problems at all. I will post my entire experience after I get home, but so far so good! There are also lots of other people that have used Dr Garcia that have helped me and can give you some insight.

As for Rosie and Melissa - yes, they are on site. Melissa is at Mi doctor hospital and Rosie will be who visits at the Marriot. I am not sure about your coordinator because I went through Ready4Achange and used alma. But, other than that everything else seems the same. My sugery is tomorrow - I am down 24 lbs on pre-op and on day 2 of Clear liquids. Im not gonna say its easy by any means....of course, you are hungry. But, I have done ok....I am drinking everything I can get my hands on like Poweraid zero and different flavored waters, tea (although I will be giving this up post-op), plain Water and have been eating Jello like its going out of style. Just stay busy! I am a list maker so I have about any kind of list you can imagine, as well as recipies all printed out in a binder ready for when I can start eating pureed and then solid food. A weight loss/measurement chart so I can keep all of that in one place, etc.....so Ive been busy. Good luck to all of you still pre-op...you will do great!

OK, so I already know I will not be bringing any "valuables" such as jewelry and hubby will have any cash we bring in his wallet with him, but we will have iPhones and laptops, etc. When I am in surgery, unless hubby stays right there in room they will have to be left unattended. Also, when walking the halls and any time I may not be in the room, etc. Has anyone felt unsafe leaving these things or any advise on where to leave, etc.? I am just winding down these last few days and getting everything in order. I know I wont think of everything, but it certainly helps to have already asked these type questions and seeing responses from those of you that have been there!

I will be there on Thurs to the hotel - surgery Fri....let us know how all of you are doing and hope to meet some of you on the way out!

Pre-op is definitely hard - today was 22 days for me of liquid and tomorrow starts Clear liquids surgery is Fri. I am certainly looking forward to getting on with it, I am starving yes! BUT....I guess I am just too much of a follow the rules exactly person. I have been tempted yes, my daughters B-day was last week and I cooked and cleaned up ice cream cake, aahh! But, there is just something about getting this far and the fear of complications or not being able to complete surgery, etc. far outweighs my temptations. I know reality is, if I had one bite of something it would not cause any issues most likely....but I just want to know for myself I did everything I was supposed to do as instructed by the surgeon and that I did my best, although it is tough! So, although a lot seem to "cheat" even several times and be fine and have no issues...I wouldnt set it in my head that its ok to cheat because if you are anything like me....if you say its ok, you WILL, maybe even more than you should and regret it. One time, youve done it....admited it and you can move on no harm. This is just me and how I deal with it.....Im an all or nothing person, sometimes I wish I werent.

Im a bit confused I guess - I am still pre-op (surgery on fri) but I have my dates down of how long and when to change stages from Clear liquids to full, soft foods and solid foods. The few post-op plans I have read typically do not have us eating regular solid food until 31 days out. So, I am wondering about the shrimp, chili and cheese?? Not sure that this would have anything to do with weight loss, maybe if you are not getting in enough Protein? Just concerned about the quickness of more solid food?

I think it depends on where your tat is - I have one on my ankle so I doubt that one will change. But, places like butt and lower back....if you have gained a lot there and you lose maybe?? I am waiting until after I get to goal to get my second one on my back (left shoulder) because I thought about that....didnt want to take any chances.

Maybe a lock would be a good idea - I dont think the room will be left unattended for too long. I am sure that hubby will walk with me until he has to stop going into OR and then, Im guessing he will wait in the room....I dont know the situation for waiting rooms, etc. I am also sure I am worrying for nothing, I have not heard a single word about theft being a problem especially at Mi Doctor or with Dr. Garcia and his staff....I just dont think it would be worth their reputation. jh5497 - I will barely miss you. We will be leaving on 8/7...I wish you the best and I plan to update as much as possible while there as you are getting ready to come to Mx!

Dr. Garcia - Tijuana, MX...can not wait to begin the rest of my life!

ok, so I know we arent to drink coffee because of the caffine and although I am not real exited about giving up my coffee I will. But, I also drink a LOT of peach tea (sweetened with splenda) pretty much all day long and I am thinking oh no do I have to give up my peach tea? I also see people post about drinking coffee Post-op....so I am wondering how soon after can you start back on caffine? I use to drink a pot a day...but lately I am down to only 1 cup max 2 on the weekend when I am home and just enjoy drinking it....so its not too bad. I also realize I can drink decaf tea....it would just be a change and if I can still drink what I am used to (have stocked in my cabinet) that would be great. Remind me, what is the reason behind no caffine anyway? My hubby had RNY and never stopped drinking his (but I am sure he was supposed to).