made2beme

OK, I will sooo be taking my sub-lingual B-12 tomorrow...I didnt even think about that for energy NOW, although I do have it ready for post-op, Did a little better today - but so far I have been able to have 1 high Protein meal like salad with chicken, turkey, etc. supposed to be for dinner, but I have been switching between lunch and dinner. But, this week is the countdown of last 7 days and it is full liquids, then at 3 days pre-op Clear Liquids only. So, I am buckling down and getting ready I know I am about to be hungry! Worth every single hunger pang and vicious stomach growl .....this time next week I will be resting in the hospital bed on the losers bench....woot woot!

Eggface has tons of great recipies that are variations of things like Pizza, Lasagna, tacos, etc.....awesomeness!

Ive waited to post a comment as I see 80 people have viewed and not said a word. There are quite a few things I could say, but just to give information just as you state yours is doing for those out there looking for a doctor and doing research just because your surgeon is less expensive DOES NOT mean he/she does not use "quality" supplies/products or that he/she is not an experienced surgeon. The surgeon I have chosen is quite a bit less expensive than Dr. Aceves and I happened to ask the question about the staples and guess what he uses....drum roll please yep "Johnson & Johnson". My surgeon keeps us for 2 days in the hospital, can't say I would call it "state of the art" but there is an ICU and cardiology unit and it is a relatively new hospital. Then 2 nights in a nearby hotel in which you are still being cared for and if any problems arise, taken care of immediately. Personally....I much rather stay in a comfy hotel where I can relax and sleep, walk, ect as I wish instead of a hospital with around the clock nurses and the hustle and bustle going on. I am truly happy for you that your surgery went great, you have had so much success and you take great pride in the work your surgeon does. You chose a top dollar surgeon and you paid for his reputation and "name" and the state of the art hospital that for the most part was not even utilized by you..... But, for some of us cost IS a factor. Saying this, I certainly would not chance my health/life somewhere that I KNEW was shady just because it was "cheaper". But, most of us on this board have done extensive research, listening, watching, asking, for some like myself praying and we feel very comfortable with the choice we have made for whatever reason we made it. I will say as I have on other posts of this nature, it would be very discouraging to a newbie that has just decided to have the sleeve and is looking at Self-pay/Mexico as an option to be convinced that in order to get good, quality care you would have to pay somewhere around 3,000-4,000 more than some of the other just as qualified, capible surgeons. This honestly may turn some people around into thinking it will never happen for them.....because again, sometimes price IS A FACTOR! I have researched for going on about 9.5 months now so I do not take this decision lightly nor am I trying to judge anyones decision on surgeons.....I do believe to each their own. But, in all of my research there is only ONE difference I see in my choice of surgeons and yours and that is years of experience. Yes, to some this is huge....it is a factor to me but I feel like the years of experience my surgeon has is enough for me....may not be for others, but it is worth waiting on my health and literally being miserable and depressed not living any kind of a life to speak of in order to save up the extra $4,000 it would cost to choose your surgeon.....No, not to me, From my research and hearing personal experience (no, I have not been there yet but will be going with full confidence next Fri) my surgeon uses top brand staples and does the same leak tests and puts for the the same care, concern and education for his patients as any other surgeon. Oh yes and although I do realize its not quite the same...my surgeon teaches bariatric surgery at a local college also.....but I'm sure not to the extent of Dr. Aceves. Again, before all of the backlash comes my way....I am genuinely happy for those of you who were able to choose Dr. Aceves as your surgeon....yes, no doubt about it you were in great hands. But, those of us chosing a different surgeon are in great hands as well...... Just think about this when wanting to post an "informational" post to help those just looking and researching.....building up one surgeon based SOLEY on his cost. I say this because of your comment "You always get what you pay for" so that IS what its about to a lot of people. The last time I checked we are here for support, not competition people. The goal is to be sleeved, be succesul at losing and keeping off weight to be healthy and live a full, active life....who CARES how we got there or if my staples cost more or less than yours.....seriously?!?!? Im done.....

This is the first time I have heart HCG mentioned on the boards.....so you did it too? I did and lost almost 90 lbs in 7 months and I seriously was the guru in town, I led a support group and convinced about 10 of my friends and church members to do it with me. Talk about looking like a FOOOOOOL when I went into hiding for a while because I was gaining and then seeing these people in public after gaining the 90 back plus 20 in a year. Woah...can you say reality check. Me and my body do not work with crash, extreme diets....thank God for the sleeve!

This totally sounds like something I would do and probably will....Thanks for the great idea!

I started early because I had approx 23 lbs to lose pre-op. I was right on the borderline of being BMI 49-50 and it was going to cost more (I am cash pay) AND be more possible complications (which is why they charge more) if I was BMI 49 or over. So, I HAD to lose 23 lbs.....I am 18 down now with 10 more days to go, so I think I will do it. Believe me, if I could have waited and just started this week I would have. But, I am glad I did it....now I can go into surgery hopefully 25 lbs less. Just that much less to lose post-op!

I am on day 9 of pre op (started a wk early) and it DOES get easier. Not saying it gets "easy" but you do kind of get past the hump, a little less groggy, and craby and even hungry. The first few days your body still has the carbs and sugars it is trying to get rid of and you are starving. I tried to stay as busy as possible...it may seem like that will not work when you are starving and your stomach is yelling at you, but seriously if you can get your mind on something else you would be suprised how time goes by and you realize you have made it to the end of the night. Also, I have been drinking Water like a mad woman....that helps too. Mixing protien shakes with ice also seems to make them "frothy" and even though it is the same amount of liquid if just mixed with water/milk alone....it makes you feel more full and satisfied. Even though I feel "empty" and have fleeting moments of eating one last taco or something small I already feel healthier and believe it or not, seem to not be huffing and puffing as much as before. No crappy food in my body feels pretty good!!! Just my thoughts.....you can do it and it is SOOOOOOOOOOO worth it!

Hey there - I will be there with Garcia, but sleeved on 8/3 also. So, know you will NOT really be there alone (at least in TJ and going through the same thing). I know, its getting so close....I am nervous but way more excited that it feels like nerves. Its almost unbelievable and not real sure I will believe it until I am in the actual hosptial! You will do fantastic.....

We will be coming in on 8/2 to the Marriot - wont you two still be there then?

I plan to completely - I have no intentions of eating a "last meal" I already did that about a month ago. I honestly am like some that have responded, so ready I dont really care. Although I am hungry (cant deny that) I actually am feeling 100% more healthy and feel great otherwise. I have lost 17 lbs so far and still have 11 days to go....so I dont want to take any chances. I agree with those that have posted it would take more than 1 meal to sabbotage and actually affect your liver....I am sure that is pretty true, I mean it makes sense it would take more than 1 single meal to cause complications. But for me....its more of a mental thing I guess. I am a all or nothing person (sometimes that is no so good) and if I have it in my head that I am going to eat this humongus, fatty, greasy meal before surgery it gets my head out of the place it is now which is not eating just because it tastes good. No judgement for those that have done it - frankly I wish I were courageous enough to do it....but Im not, what I wouldnt do for a huge plate of Mexican food...my mouth is watering just thinking about it. But, I just like to stick by the plan and do what I am advised to do....that way I know I have done all I can do to get where I need/want to be. The post was just about curiousity of what everyone else has done and why.....thanks guys!

My fantasies are pretty simple....just to be able to change in front of my husband, get in or out of the shower with him in the room, be excited about going on a tropical vacation and wear a swimsuit (maybe not even a bikini) and be able to book one of the nice, romantic hotel suites with the jacuzzi tub we can both fit in.....Ive avoided all of these since the day we got married (almost 4 yrs) just want to be able to enjoy these things with my hubby!

Im not real close, 8/3 but I will be able to give you my experience! Excited for you....

Thank you for sharing.....truly left me in tears. After spending the weekend with my parents that do not understand why I have to have WLS as opposed to just "doing it on my own" this was so the encouragement that I needed. I know that God was in every single step to making this decision as even as Bart said....I went through about a year of dealing with emotional issues, some of the hardest of my life to get to this point and it was all a part of Gods plan. To hear the words come out of someone elses mouth that I feel completely......really a blessing today!!

there are so many people in august - I have lost track. Anyone going to be there Aug 2-Aug 7th?

Hey there - so you should still be in the hotel when I arrive on 8/2. It will be great to meet someone from the boards that is there and can share their experience in person! We are almost there....

Typical price is $5,000 with 3 nights in the Marriot included. The only thing you have to pay in addition is airfare if needed. Sometimes he will run a special - I booked at a time when it was $4,700

Wonderful....I had complete peace about being sleeved by Dr. Garcia on 8/3 but each experience helps just ease that anxiety starting to creep in! So happy for both of you....cant wait to keep up with progress!

I will have to agree with Shangefan....this is a very sensitive subject for a lot of us that have chosen different surgeons than your "top Mexican surgeons" list for various personal reasons. To point out those doctors by name and why they are inferior to your list is not really necessary to get feedback from those of us that have chosen Mexico. You are certainly NOT the only one that has done tons of research and saved up for this monumental decision. It is a bit insulting to read a post that suggest our life is not as valuable to us as yours is to you, since we may have chosen different surgeons that those on your list. Also, your response to StrangelyNormal seemed a bit harsh when she was simply sharing her experience. She included her Vlog which may very well talk about in detail the surgeon she chose and why.... And oh yes, Ive heard of some surgeons operating in a "clinic" setting, small hospitals and large also....but a GARAGE...thats a new one on me. Good luck in your search, I hope others can contribute more helpful insight than I.

I wonder if we can use them during pre-op diet? It would certainly help with hunger, just wonder if it would "expand" the tummy or liver....dumb question I know but I dont want to take any chances. If we can....Im getting some today, cuz I am starving!!!!!!!!!!! (day 4)

I wonder if we can use these during pre-op diet? It would certainly help with hunger, just wonder if it would "expand" the tummy or liver....dumb question I know but I dont want to take any chances. If we can....Im getting some today, cuz I am starving!!!!!!!!!!! (day 4)

Dont apologize - really, I was full of all of the same exact questions. I have found so much support and help here....there are LOTS of people that have used Dr. Garcia and I know they would love to answer any questions you have...I know I asked them and they answered. One helpful way I found was to search Dr. Garcia in the forums (up top to the right) and then you get all of the posts that mention him. It is a lot of reading..but it is easier than searching for someone that has had surgery and used him. I KNOW they can get you in that soon - I have seen them schedule within 3 wks. Some scheduled end of June and have already had surgery or about to before July is over. So, Sept should be no prob!!

I went through ready4achange....they all work a little differently. Alma booked my date before she even sent me the paperwork. Have you called or emailed her? I am sure you will hear soon - do you have a date in mind?

You should be able so schedule with a coordinator (Alma is who I used) right away. They will go ahead and put it down on the schedule and then Dr. Garcia will give his approval....have you spoken with a coord. yet?

ok, this is going to sound like the dumbest question but when we make Protein shakes is it really only 8 oz of liquid (Water, milk, etc)? Just asking because today was my first day of pre-op liquid diet and I made my shake in my Blender Bottle (the new sport one) and since it holds 26 oz my little 8 oz of shake didnt seem right. I know post op when we are barely able to drink it will take all day to make a dent in the 8 oz, but right now I am like....really this big bottle to drink this tiny bit of liquid? Also, what does everyone use for their Protein Shakes? I have almond milk right now, it was delicious this morning....but I know you can use soy or skim also.....what is the best for us? Just curious...

I am on day 2 of my pre-op and I had to ask my family to please not bring in pizza or any sweets for at least the next few weeks. I am saying no to lunches at work (although I am getting all the why's and why nots) just so that I can not tempt myself. I know because I have done it before I could drink my Protein shake right before going and be fine....I could withstand the food, but I just dont want to put myself in the position...I dont want to take a chance. So, of course you can just pick yourself back up and start fresh today but my advice would be to avoid at all cost!!