made2beme

I am sure there are posts with this info, but there is just so much it is hard to weed through some times. I am ordering some things that I know will help me post op and just wondering what are some "Cant live without" products that you have found really help. What have you found is the best way to store cooked food when you cook a full meal and portion yours out for a few days? I have lots of tupperware, etc but just wondering if there is something that keeps more fresh or size wise helps with portions? What about easiest way to make on the go meals, even when just liquid phase. When I go back to work, just wondering what you have found for keeping what you need at work? These may be simple...but I know for me, I am most successful when I have everything ready to go and not wait until I get in the middle of it to figure out what works best. Just asking for ideas or what you like.....(I know everyone is different)

Hi there - hope you dont mind me hijacking your thread- but I noticed the emotional eating in your post and I deal with that as well (as do so many of us) and I am trying to work on that with the Lords help before surgery (scheduled 8/3). I have just downloaded a book yesterday on amazon called "Shrink Yourself: Break Free from Emotional Eating Forever" by Roger Gould. I have not started reading it, but it has great reviews on amazon and has come highly recommended. One thing I have heard is, it WILL make you dig deep so dont tackle unless you are truly ready to get passed the emotional issues that make us want to eat! I will start reading today...hope its as good as Ive heard!

I have not done this yet as I am still pre-op and start my liquid diet next week, but I am prepared with fruit and Torani sugar free syrups...they have every flavor you can imagine.

Yes, thanks everyone....especially kimbernada. Your post was very informative and sounds like you are a lot like me, everything planned out and ready to go!

ok, so I know sip, sip, sip and to just drink every time you think about it and then some but I am reading so much (way more than I expected) of people getting dehydrated and returning to the hospital. I am sure a lot of these people thought they would do what they needed to and did not plan on that happening but inevitably it did. So I am wondering what can you do to increase your chances of staying hydrated? Any tips on what you did or anything to recommend specifically - what type of glass/water bottle, etc did you use? What did you drink the most of (I know everyone is different in what they can tolerate)? Anything..... Thanks

Hey fellow sleevers, I've just started thinking about the fact that I am on Estrodiol for hormone replacement (total hysterectomy at 33) and also Effexor for mild depression due to hormonal changes & to help with hot flashes. BOTH of these are known to have side effect of weight gain which is no doubt why I was able to put on over 100lbs in less than a year (that's way faster than normal). So just wondering from personal experience if weight loss has still been good if on either of these or has it not even been an issue. Also have Hypothyroidism which didn't happen till after Hyster also..... Thanks for any experience....

I thought about trying Visalis but it is made from soy Protein & we need Whey. It also did not have a large amount of protein per serving.....thought I'd stay away from it because I've heard it tastes good, but if it's not preferred for the things above I dont even want to try! Maybe there are other varieties?

Worried about this also. I take Effexor which is known to be one of the hardest anti- depressants to come off of. If I am even 2-3 hours late in taking it (usually on wkend when schedule is different than work) I feel it big time!! It's not a capsule, so not sure about how it would be to crush it. I don't think I would be able to go a day much less dayS with out it. I plan on getting off of it in the next couple of years, but I don't think now would be a good time to try. This is probably my biggest fear...

I havent been sleeved yet, but I plan to find a charm to put on my charm bracelet I wear daily to represent my sleeve and this monumental day. All of my charms mean something very special to me, some are obvious and others are just for me to know.....not sure what it will be, but I know the Lord will help me find that special piece!

See, that is what I think is kind of strange about it all. Again, want to make it clear that I am very sorry that this patient has had such a horrible experience and is going through this. And again, have not had my own personal experience with being at the hospital but I have had my personal experience with Dr. Garcia, his coordinators AND one of his assistants there at the hospital in TJ and I have always had a very prompt and competent response. If I have a question, I can count on Melissa getting back to me usually within an hour. She is the one that is supposed to be there for us, taking care of things at the hospital and Rosie (I believe) is supposed to be at the hotel. I have heard nothing but GLOWING reports about the staff of Dr. Garcia and how well they were treated. So, to hear of the infection and know that unfortunately that is a risk we take in having surgery is one thing. But, to say it is because of lack of care is another. When doing research on the internet my strategy is to read as much info from as many sources as possible. Believing more so what I hear that is consistent (whether it is good or bad) because everything will have a little truth to it even if some of it is elaborated. So, when I hear this compared to everything else that is positive I am able to just shrug my shoulders and not let it affect my decision or make me worry about safety with Garcia. There is also a point where we have to be responsible for our own choice and care. I mean, as I said before...not "blaming" the patient by any means but her post stated nobody checked on her or showed her how to take care of her incisions (maybe not verbatum). As we all know, this surgery or any for that matter should not be taken lightly and you should be ready to not walk out of the hospital, the hotel and get on that plan until every one of your questions no matter how small are answered. I mean, this is your life we are talking about. Anyway, point it - those of you that have surgery scheduled with Garcia....of course nobody can guarantee everything will go without a hitch but I think there is enough genuine, positive, detailed info and experience out there and on here to feel at peace with our decision. We chose him for a reason and this one incident shouldnt change that for us. Good luck to all of you in July - I will be followig you...cant wait to hear your experience!

I would have to second almost all of the above posts - its amazing how we all just want the simple things that so many people NOT in our position take for granted. I look forward to tying my own shoes without my children or husband asking if they can help me because of the hard breathing. Getting dressed after a shower without sweating so much I already need another one. Walking up the stairs at work and not having to come directly to my chair to rest and turn my fan on high blowing directly on me. I can't wait to stop watching my family have fun on the lake, jet skis and boat while I just sit on the dock like a beached whale. Look forward to being able to walk into a store and just pick up a top and know it will fit without trying it on. Not feeling like an anti-social person because I am too ashamed to go out and be around people that have never seen me this big. Can't wait to have a conversation with someone and think about anything but how fat they must think I am. On a more serious level, I cant wait start fulfilling what God has called me to do. To stand in front of an audience and be an honorable representation of the temple He has entrusted me with. To not let the enemy get into my thoughts anymore, making me feel less important or unworthy because of my size. And last but not least...I can not wait to dance again!

How awesome is that...not only that he did not recognize you because you look so different, but the compliments of what a wonderful woman/wife YOU are....that just made my day, so I know it made your night! Congrats on your success!

Hi KRBullardRN - I am near Athens and Tyler is like my second home cuz I am there ALL the time (its our closest little "big" city). I wanted to have surgery with Dr. Babineaux after my husband did almost 3 yrs ago but my ins doesnt cover and cant afford the $14,000 cash price....so I am off to Mexico on Aug 2nd!

I will be sleeved on 8/3 in Tijuana - can not wait!!

OK - I am so confused on what to take to use while in Mx. It seems that there is no point in taking our cell phones which will be so weird being as I do everything on my phone, but I dont want to get home to hundres of $ in roaming/international fees. So, Ive heard take laptop because the hospital/hotel has wifi.....but we are trying to pack really, really light and a laptop although flat is heavy in weight (mine is anyway). And we are literally going to try and pack in 2 large backpacks or something we can just carry on. I am not sure we want to take up that space. Ipad - much less space/weight and my brother in law has one he would let us borrow while we are there. But, I guess since I dont have one I am confused on how they connect. Is it just like the laptop and will use the wifi avail? I thought it would still use ATT towers and would be the same as the iphone correct? Just need some insight as I know hubby will be bored and I am sure I will too when I just want to lay there and rest...It would be awesome to update my blog, make a vlog and post to here right after surgery. Anyone?

Oh there are LOTS of dentist out there....just do some research as you did for the WLS and you will find a ton. I really was just wanting to know if we would be able to have a dental exam after surgery - you know, infection, etc. Not that it should matter since its not doing actual dental work....but just checking. I wrote to the assistant of Dr. Garcia and she told me there is actually a dentist right there in the same hospital they set people up with. It is through Obesity Solutions International. So, I will be scheduling with him on my 2nd day after surgery and my husband also.

Hi there - Just wondering if anyone had any dental work (really just an exam and evaluation) while already there? I need quite a bit of work done and Ive been researching dentist in Tijuana and the one that looks like a great place to start does the exams for FREE. I know we would/could not want to have any "work" done since just having surgery, but wondering if just going in for an exam while there, to know what to expect on work and cost when/if I want to go back for that? I dont see the harm in just an exam....anyone else?

Congrats Joyv on making a decision and it being so soon!! I have yet to have my surgery so maybe I should keep my mouth closed, but it is so very disapointing and discouraging to see posts like this.... Yes, I do understand that the process of chosing can be overwhelming...I was there just a few wks ago myself. And I am also very, very sorry that this person is going through what she is (I did read the post) but honestly to even bring the Dr.'s name in to it is not necessary. When reading the posts it was as if you could not WAIT to find out the doctors name so you could post this complication everywhere possible. Suppose she had gone to Dr. Aceves....I wonder if we would see the same from you? Yes, its horrible but it an infection......probably one of the most common complications of surgery. I am pretty sure that when you agree to surgery of ANY kind no matter what it is or where it is you sign forms that make you aware that infection can be a complication of surgery. I am very curious to find out if Dr. Aceves, Kelly or Alvarez have ever had anyone in the history of their practice end up with an infection. Also, I am not so sure about it being because of "lack of medical care". I did extensive research on Dr. Garcia talking to numerous people that used him, internet research, talking with a coordinator and the dr himself before I decided. This truly is the FIRST complication I have seen with one of his patients. I am sure he has had them, just as any other surgeon on the face of the earth....but its the first I have found in all of my research. Not to say it is the fault of the patient, but honestly if I had not had anyone come check on me in 2 days after surgery....I would have asked about it and made sure someone did. I will not be leaving the hospital without knowing how to take care of my incisions, whether they initiate it or not....honestly, Ive had to take control of my own healthcare at hospitals here in the US as far as making sure the nurses do what they are supposed to do. So, I guess my point is if I had known about this infection before I chose Garcia...I would still chose him and still be happy with my decision. It just disappoints me to see someone asking to help them decide between 2 very reputable doctors and a complication that can NOT be proven to be the Dr. or hospitals fault get thrown in. I am sure she will be happy with Dr. Kelly and in the end it is her decision just as everyone elses....but I just had to share my piece I guess. Sometimes, I feel we are on the playground in elementary....

Well, finally someone ahead of me....good luck and congrats!!!!

nawlinzlady - Why do you have to discontinue your hormone therapy before surgery? Just asking because I am on hormones as well.....want to be sure, although my surgeon told me to continue all meds before.

Hi all....just wondering about the water in Mx? You always hear not to drink the water, but I know we have to drink water while we are there not to mention the broth that may have water and our support person.....any experience with that or suggestions?

I was going between Dr. Kelly, Garcia and Alvarez...hearing great things about all of them. I am in Texas and could drive to San Antonio to Dr. Alvarez which would save me air price and the hassle of flying altogether but he is much higher than Kelly and Garcia. In the end, those 2 are only about $500 difference but in the same location, great experiences with both, etc. I honestly prayed about it and felt peace with Garcia and never looked back. The only thing I have really heard that could be a negative is not as much experience. But, he is also a teacher at a university and his record of the surgeries performed is great. I havent met him yet, but have spoken with him through email and can not wait...I am very happy with my decision!

So awesome- thanks for the info. I have contacted her and she confirmed my surgery date, arrival time, etc......relieved!

yeah - I have all of my paperwork turned in, but there is nowhere for the Dr. Garcia to sign. alma did tell me that once he looks over the medical history she would let me know and maybe that will have something from him? Oh well, I am sure I am just being paranoid....its just different than going to a Dr. here in the US where you know you are scheduled...usually you would receive paperwork or somethign in the mail, phone call, etc. with appt date from Dr. office ya know.

Just curious - have either of you with Dr. Garcia received any type of written confirmation of your scheduled surgery? I dont know why, but I just started thinking what if I get all the way there and I am not actually scheduled. I mean, we pay our deposit and trust a coordinator that just says we are scheduled..... Im sure its fine, just wondering if anyone else has received or requested a confirmation of any sort?