candigurlinwa

Just realized I said my surgery was in 2013. It was in 2012 obviously.

That is a magic question. For me I feel very normal right now.....actually I even felt like a normal size at 165. According to the BMI charts normal is 105 to 135. No way in the world do i want to be 105 skinny. :-)

I started at 211 and I am 5' 2''. My surgery was 8/24/13. I am now 141 with a goal of 6 more pounds. I was a size 20 and I am now a size 8....moving soon to a 6. Very happy with the results.

My surgery was at Premiere in PVR and I also stayed at the Casa Magma. My surgery was in August and I have lost 52 pounds so far and feel amazing (started at 211). I just got into the 150's today which was only a dream for years. The hospital facilities are fabulous. All the doctors speak english but the nurses only speak a little english but we still seemed to be able ot communicate. I brought a friend as well to stay with me. The chicken broth from room service is highly recommended. Be prepared for the drains. Before I went I had this idea that I was going to be able to lay by the pool or go around town a little bit with my friend but the drains really are inhibiting. The day I got them out I felt like a million bucks and was totally back to myself however it was also the day I was scheduled to leave PVR. Congrats on making the decision to go see Dr. Castenada. Best of luck!

Yes, I used him in August and have no complaints. Very successful surgery, great facilities, and great doctor. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

8/23/12 211 lbs 179 lbs today (lost 32) Eating 600 cals a day Breakfast hard boiled egg and Greek yogurt lunch turkey meatballs or chicken breast dinner more Protein No Snacks really Was exercising early on not really lately I don't miss food but miss my nightly glass of wine in my old life.

Hi - I am new to the board. Scheduled for surgery on august 23rd with Dr. Castaneda in puerto vallarta. Traveling from Seattle. I don't see him discussed often so hoping someone might be out there that used him.

Today after shopping for Halloween costumes my friends wanted to go to Jimmy John's for lunch. I sighed not really wanting to go and followed them in not expecting to be able to get anything to eat. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had an "unwich" option which is any of their sandwiches in a lettuce wrap. I got a turkey breast one without mayo and cheese. It was delcious. According to MFP it was 82 calories and 14 grams of protein. Next time I am going to ask for double the meat to increase the protein intake. Not something I will probably have regularly but I thought it was a great treat. Just wanted to share this with my VSG friends.

Looks like there are quite a few in Colorado.

Oh I forgot the other exciting news for the day. My kids talked me into being spiderwomen for Halloween. This would have never been an option pre-sleeve for me (too self concious). I was so excited to not have to buy a plus size costume this year. It was a great feeling.

Date: 8/23/12 Start: 211 Current: 186 Eat: 600 cals. Breakfast oatmeal or eggs. lunch turkey meatballs or Greek yogurt dinner chicken or fish Snacks string cheese, deli meats Workout: elliptical at home 3/4 days a week Very happy I did the surgery. I lost 14 lbs the first 2 weeks and since then I have lost 2 lbs a week (exactly) I keep hoping for a 3 to 4 lb week but it hasn't happened. Emotionally good. Going to Las Vegas with some girlfriends next weekend and worried about being in a prolonged social environment. The not drinking thing is going to suck. I was very happy to start a box of clothes that are to big last night. I was glad to see an August update pop up. Thanks for sharing everyone.

I got that too and thought it sounded suspicious. I didn't respond.

Good to hear from you! How are you feeling? I am 5 1/2 weeks post op and down 22 pounds. I was excited to see the 180's today. Also started a box for clothes that are getting to big. A little disappointed that I did a major wardrobe upgrade this last year.....not getting much use out of my new clothes.

I was sleeved by him on 8/23 and received fabulous care. No hesitations recommending him.

5500 for Dr Castenada in Puerto Vallarta includes 2 nights in a Hospital.

Sarita - that is great news! I am sure you are feeling better everyday Crystal - been reading your blog. I had my soon to be ex husband who is a registered nurse take out my stitches. He got all but one out successfully. There is a tiny piece of thread stuck under my skin in the one between the breasts. Don't really want to dig it out.

My doctor charged a fee to use a credit card so the FSA visa was not an option for me personally.

Yes, sent in the receipt and noted it is was for gastric sleeve and it was reimbursed no questions asked. I am getting ready to submit some of the travel costs as well

Sarita - safe travels tommorow and you will be in my thoughts. Crystals blog summarizes the experience pretty well. Everything seemed exactly the same to mine. Even the "taxi" driver. I had forgotten about the white nylons.....those were not my favorite. However, I did not get any icecream in the hospital...I got Jello instead. I was the least bit interested in eating anything at the hospital so I guess it really doesn't matter. I am five weeks out now and have lost 18 pounds (starting weight was 211). I don't have any food restrictions but focus on eating Protein. Today I had greek yogurt for Breakfast, salad with 3oz chicken for lunch, and 2 turkey meatballs with marinara for dinner. I also spent 30 minutes on the elipitical tonight. I say this all to just let you know that in just a few weeks you are both going to feel soooo amazing!!! For 5 weeks I haven't had a drop of alcohol, eat well, drink all my Water, no caffeine, excercise, take viatamins, quit taking my sleeping pills and anti-depressants. I don't that I have every done all these things at once in my life. It is an empowering feeling. And I am totally starting to see the changes in my body. I took my measurements last week and had lost 5 inches in my hips and stomach. Think this is all just a month away for you!!! Congrats to both of you on your new beginnings (or as Dr. Casteneda refers "your evolution").

Yeah,glad to hear all is well. Give it a few more days and you will feel like a rockstar. Actually the day the drain tube(s) come out is amazing.

I am 4 weeks today and have been in a stall for a week now too. I keep telling myself it will all come off with time. I didn't have to do a pre op diet but lost 16 lbs the first 3 weeks (4 lbs, 9lbs, 3 lbs, 0 lbs). Hoping to see some movement on the scale again soon. I feel that I am doing all the right things. Glad to know the 3 week stall is common.

As soon as you are ready. My hospital in Mexico had me shower the next morning.

Crystal, I was on the board and thinking of you today. Glad to hear from you. Big day!!! Glad you are there with others. Happy start to your new life day!!!! Look forward to hearing from you after surgery.

Where are u both traveling from?

I had a friend come with me and we stayed at the Marriott Casa Magna. It was a beautiful resort just wish I could have enjoyed it a little bit more (no eating, no swimming, no fruity cocktails). Drove me stir crazy but beat sitting at home....tried to remind myself to enjoy paradise. I went through Expedia and got the room for 74 a night and it included $50 USD a day resort credit (which kept my friend fed). I arrived on Tuesday, had my Surgery on thursday and flew home the following Tuesday (5 days post op). The Marriott has very tasty chicken broth through room service. The one thing I didn't think of before I went is that I was going to have drain tubes (i had 2) until Tuesday. Wish I had brought more loose dresses as they were the most comfortable and easy to maneuver in. Oh another thing that my friend insisted on was getting wheelchair assistance on my flight home. I was embarrassed and didn't want to do it but it was a great idea. My re-entry into the US was at LAX and it was so nice to be rushed through customs and immigration. And they help you with your luggage too.