sheila2050

I did mine in Tijuana, too, with a different doctor and was VERY pleased. The hospital was very clean, the people super nice, and the city is lovely. I know it has some bad parts, but I didn't see those. The beach is just lovely. I hope you have a very successful surgery and a wonderful trip. If you're like most of the Mexico cases, it won't be long before you are feeling fantastic! If you go out to eat after surgery, Cafe Mole (?name) restaurant (located near the circle and Lucerna hotel) has WONDERFUL chicken broth! Good luck. It'll be here before you know it.

I did $5500 one cashier's check. You should text Omar for an explanation. He's really good about getting right back to you.

I am so glad it's done!! I can't believe how good I feel. I love not being hungry. Loooovvvvvve it. I had a pretty easy time of it except the night after surgery I had some terrible pain right between my breasts, kind of at the top of my abdomen. I assumed it was gas but it wasn't. I felt better after a morphine shot and med to sleep. And now no pain at all! Yay Dr Kelly's having a special in Oct. $5200. After that new bookings will be 5700. If anyone's interested their coordinator's (Omar Acosta) number is 619-395-5347. I want to write a detailed summary of everything that's happened but I'm too tired tonight. Goodnight Sleevers!

newgrandmother, I hope you are feeling better soon!

Good Luck Joji! Some people come through it with no pain at all. I'll be thinking about you!

I am not feeling euphoric anymore. In fact, I've experienced some tiredness that can only be relieved by long naps. I know I'm still better mentally, however, because I WANT to do things; but I'm just having to rest in between. It feels like now I am settling in for the long-term effort of making this surgery part of a successful lifestyle change. My incisions look great and the itching is subsiding. I've not had a problem with liquid intake; I judge this by light urine color. Getting the protein is a little harder because it fills me up quicker. I tend to want to drink 10 oz and then lay down; and when I do that . . . sharp pain, then Pepcid AC & Tylenol. I guess this is going to cure my habit of napping after eating. Well, today I tried Isopure Zero Carb strawberries and cream. It is light without being watery; and tasty without being overly strong. It has 50 g protein for 210 calories. I am anticipating that when I begin trying to lose weight in earnest, this product is going to be a lifesaver. Right now I am just considering myself in the process of healing, staying on liquids, and not considering weight loss a current goal. Of course, I can't wait to weigh on Monday and I hope to see a loss. I think I will because my bra (which usually is overly tight) feels comfortable now. Something I found interesting: Starbucks Doubleshot Energy White Chocolate 15 oz "fortified energy coffee drink" has 11 g protein and (only) 210 calories. I thought that was pretty cool. Who knew?

You look ah...mazing! Congratulations. Thanks for the pics & inspiration. I love the middle pic -- what a gorgeous profile and smile. You can really see your joy!!

You are in a rough spot. The best thing I can think of is that June will come. You are postponing because it is the right thing to do. Doing the right thing ALWAYS leads to good results. I can understand why you would want to binge to squash those pesky feelings; never having overcome that myself, I can't say how to. Just try to focus on the positive elements of the changes you are making. You've made it this far -- 6 lbs within pre-surgery goal weight!! That's so fantastic. You can hang on a little longer. You are in my thoughts and prayers. This route we've chosen has its negatives; that's for sure. But the positive outcome -- permanent weight loss, better health, more active lifestyles -- WILL come if we keep on keeping on!

You go, girl!

Wonderful news! I can't wait for something like that to happen to me. I love the way you've posted your weekly weight. I hope you don't mind if I copycat.

You are an inspiration! I can't believe how well you're holding up through all these trials. Good for you.

you're doing great!!

Hang in there. My thoughts are with you.

Casein Protein? It's slow release. Also, during PMS your body needs extra calories (I read this in Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Strength) As much as possible I would try to take everything in stride. Use a different type protein. They're supposed to stick with you longer; or are you still on clear liquids? Slipping and sliding and getting back on track is going to be part of the journey, I guess. If you will accept that you are not superhuman and that being forgiving to yourself is going to be important, maybe you could shift your mental effort into self-forgiveness. I think that would be more productive than feeling terrible. I'm not speaking from experience so possibly none of this will help. I haven't been to my cycle yet. But do be kind to yourself. About that part, I am sure.

I paid $3.79 for that Muscle Milk; so, by golly, I choked that protein DOWN. lol Shopping today I started making healthier choices for my family. Not rice cakes, exactly, but better quality food which I thought would be healthier than chips and cookies. Cost money to eat a little better, it does. But it's so worth it. I am so glad I am able to exert this gentle influence on their eating habits. This is what I bought for them for snacks: lightly salted, dry-roasted peanuts, honey-roasted peanuts, trail mix (yes, with m&m's), beef jerky, whole wheat muffins, ww bagels, 1% milk instead of 2%. Fruit & juice, but that's not new. I realize this isn't ringing the bell for best nutrition, but it's much better than what they have been eating. I'm encouraging my 15-year-old to drink protein in the morning if he's going to skip breakfast. Both of my kids have been skipping breakfast, even though it is served at school and they have a charge account. I've missed a couple of evening walking sessions because of exhaustion and taking naps. I realize that may sound lame (no pun intended) but it's true nonetheless. I am not going to "push through" any more than I have to. I don't want to make myself sick with overexertion; mostly, I feel this way because I can't handle the mental stress that goes with being soooo tired. If I get too tired, I will freak out. That is my experience. Even so, I'm doing more than I have in recent years. Good night, fellow sleevers!

The ironic part is, the anchor woman is a fantastic role model while the self-righteous, fit lawyer is setting an awful example of intolerance born of ignorance. Thanks for the posts. Enjoyed your blog on it. You would make a good spokesperson for the challenges of the obese and how other people can offer support.

I am a great sleeper. Only occasionally do I have trouble. I do progressive relaxation: start by scrunching toes for 10 seconds, then release for ten seconds, consciously feeling what it feels like relaxed. You go all the way up you body: calves, then thighs, buttocks, etc. Once you've all tensed/relaxed the individual parts of your body -- don't forget your shoulders and face -- you scrunch everything for ten seconds and release for ten seconds. It's a sure cure for me. Being unable to sleep is torturous. I hope it passes soon.

God Bless & Good Luck! five days!!

lol I love that movie, too.

momto3, I've experienced sharp breastbone pain you're describing, except without the nausea. Standing up helps. (I know that's not what anyone wants to do at 3 a.m.) I would suggest pain medicine, such as Tylenol, because the doctor told me mine wasn't gas. He said some people get excruciating pain where the liver retractor (? term) goes in. I definitely feel it worse when I overdrink. You might have more than one thing going on. Best of luck. Thoughts with you.

sramos89, Your body will hang on to everything it's got if it thinks it's starving. It will stop making new hair to save calories. You need to research this.

Just had my first post surgery protein shake. A day or so ago, my husband and I went to GNC and stocked up on different types of protein powder. Different brands, flavors, some no-sugar-added, some fast release, some slow release, some "meal replacement" powders which include fiber. The GNC guy said casein is a slow-release protein. This particular brand I tried today makes a thick mixture with water. I like that. Pre-op I was drinking Amp Extreme 60 (very tasty!) which mixed thin with water and slightly thicker with water. I like the feel of more body in the drink. So powders are different, and I'm glad I bought a variety to try. Been faithful with my two 10-minute daily walks: one right after I wake up and one after dinner. I got the 10-min regular schedule idea from <The Expert's Guide to WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY by Garth Davis, MD.> Good Book. I feel fortunate not to have any problems drinking. This would be a lot harder, otherwise. Prayers and thoughts to all those out there whose stomachs aren't as accommodating as mine. Hopefully, you'll get more tolerance with time.

Toya, It's too soon to judge progress by weight because you're swollen. I had a big "baby bump" right above my belly button (no, NOT pregnant, lol) and it is starting to reduce. It's a major surgery and the body has to regroup. You must seek better care. Your life is too important to leave in the hands of someone too indifferent to explain himself.

mommeof3, Vitamins will help. They're so important. Deficiencies can just wreak havoc all over your body. One more day to get thru...Hang in there.

Nicci, absolutely I'll pray with you. Also you might consider Googling "sleeve mortality" to see some more opinions about the surgery. I saw a stat lastnight estimating 1 in 400 death rate. It's major surgery; old people and fat people are at higher risk in all surgeries. Plus, although most people love the sleeve and can't say enough good about it, some people (a few) have really bad outcomes and deeply regret getting the sleeve. So, the issues are real. God will let you know somehow, someway whether or not you should proceed. And I am praying for you and want to know what you decide. Also, I had second thoughts about the surgery, too, before I did it. Not that something bad would happen but that I was spending this precious money on me instead of other needed things for the family. I never got a clear go ahead on that one; but as it turns out, so far, it will be worth the investment because the whole family will benefit from my healthier choices in food purchasing, preparation, etc.