nightingale2u

Thanks Jennifer! I guess I'll relax a little about only being 15 days smoke free before my surgery! Glad you had such a great recovery!

I've had the same scale since being banded 9 years ago... it's a Tanita and it is still going strong. You can can put your hieght i and save for 3 users and it calulates your body fat %. It may be a little outdated now... but it never wavers in the weight it gives me... some scales I would get a different weight if I got on 3 times in a row! When it dies... which will probably be never at this rate I will probably get the same brand.

You can go on You Tube and see testimonials from patients for many of the surgeons in Mexico as well. I did that and was able to see the inside of Hospital Almater and was happy with what I saw and heard. I also liked that he is in Mexicali ... I just didn't feel comfortable going to TJ alone. There was another surgeon in Monterray that I was considering as well but that area of Mexico is just too unstable for me to feel comfortable... in otherwards...I'm a big chicken.

Glad everything went okay but sorry about the nausea! I still remember feeling that "OMIGOD what have I done" feeling when I was so sick after surgery for my LapBand and I sure hope that passes soon! You are up and walking and that is awesome! Congratulations.

Hey Jennifer... do you think smoking up till your surgery made for a tougher recovery? I am just worried that 2 weeks is not enough before my revision. On day 7 so actually it will be 15 days smoke free. Bonking myself on the head for not quitting sooner!

I had to re-finance my house in order to pay for this surgery and I am single on one income. I really started out looking at other surgeons as they were more affordable but in the end... I was going alone and wanted to be in the best hands possible. For me... he was the best choice and I felt the best chance I had for having a revision without complications. My band has been in for 9 years and I just can't imagine the mess he might find! There are a lot of skilled surgeons in Mexico... and I am sure you can find one that fits your research and can provide a safe surgical experience. Just be sure to talk to as many people as possible and don't make price the first priority.

Wow... you guys just can't get a break on this journey home of yours! I am so glad to hear that you are out of the hospital and I hope the weather eases up soon so you can finally get home! Sending prayers that you will be on a flight with no medical issues very soon! Thanks so much for the update... I really was getting a little worried.

Oh MzMeka... I am definitely not stuck with you and I think we will form our own little sleeving family while we are there! You are going to love Gracie and she is going to help all of us understand what the heck is being said in Spanish! My pre-op diet starts tomorrow... I am having my last meal tonight... alone... and doing way too much thinking and worrying! I went and purchased things for the trip today and some Protein liquid for the 15 day clear post-op diet... SF Jello... etc. I also broke down and got a Ninja blender thang since the revision is going to have me on liquids and mushies for quite awhile. So... here I sit... drinking a glass of red wine after eating Pasta and trying to distract myself from thinking too much about the big changes ahead of me. Having this surgery is cutting off every single thing I have used for comfort for years and dang... I am scared! How are you doing? Are you starting pre-op diet tomorrow too? How's the anxiety part going for you? If you ever want to chat... let me know...I'm happy to share my number. P.S. If I am not barfing... I will be the one bugging everyone to get up and walk... just letting you know ahead of time so you can lock your door...lol.

Hey Amanda... Just checking in on you... hope to see another update soon because even though I am a complete stranger to you... I am a tad worried to not see a lil update today. I hope you are home getting much needed rest or that you are getting the medical care you might be needing. Darcy

I've had my band for 9 years and am revising to the sleeve with Dr. Alberto Aceves. He is a highly skilled surgeon that costs a little more but like AntiBand said... this is your life. My surgery is April 1st and I am very at ease with my choice. Good luck with your journey!

I wish I could have been there with both of you!

OMIGOSH Amanda!!! I am so sorry... that must have been pretty frightening for you and for your Mom. (((Hugs))) I pray that the rest of your trip is uneventful and that this issue with your heart rhythm irregularities can be regulated with medical care and medication once you are home. Be sure to keep wearing your compression stockings... again... lots of prayers... Darcy

I quit smoking smoking 6 days ago and have been on CHantix for 2 weeks... I had quit for 5 years and started again in a time of high stress on year ago. It was horrible the last time I quit and even with Chantix it is still pretty bad! I wish I could have quit earlier... it will only be a total of 2 weeks prior to my surgery which is not great. It is a powerful... destructive... stinky... expensive and terribly unhealthy habit... I tell myself this over and over and over...lol. I'm praying that I don't have complications ... and I have learned my lesson... this will be the last time I go through the torture of quitting! We'll show those sticks who is boss!

Amanda... I hope you are home by now... snuggling with your family... watching your journey has been amazing and I am so glad you are okay! Darcy

Hi Rachel... Congrats on your surgery going so well and that you had such a good experience with Dr. Aceves and his staff! I love hearing the experiences that others are having with Dr. Aceves as I will be there April 1st for a revision from the Lap Band (Be really happy with your decision not to be banded) to the Vertical Gastric Sleeve. I am scared silly but hearing your experience eases my mind. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Darcy

Coffee is also acidic... this is probably not a good thing for a newly sleeved stomach. I am not allowed to have coffee for 6 months after being sleeved according to my post-op diet instructions... I think I am allowed to have decaf at 3 months but would rather just skip that! I was also told nothing carbonated... forever and ever. Luckily I am already used to avoiding that with my Lap Band. The coffee think is hard for me but I am trying to cut it out slowly so I don't get the horrible headach post-op.

Gotta walk while you can! I'm pretty sure they are going to object if you try to pace in the plane! Keep sipping and enjoy your flight home. Congrats on getting the all clear!

Awww... well glad you are feeling better and taking it easy and of course they probably all are partial to your charming personality!

Well there is no need to be nervous around Gracie and I ... we are both very friendly! I can understand being nervous about the surgery... but don't be nervous around us! Besides... Gracie can help us all with interpreting... she was born in Mexico! She is always trying to teach me Spanish at work but apparently my brain is partial to English. We'll all help each other through this as well as having an awesome surgeon and staff!

Whoops... sorry Sarsar... I saw the May but missed the 2011! It sounds like you are pretty happy with your sleeve? 107 lbs... that's amazing! Milwaukee it too big for this small town girl... heck... Appleton might be too big. AlmostHome... I used to live in Waupaca and we went to Steven's Point every once in awhile... I really liked it there! Good luck with your move.

Oh... and yes... the weather has been lovely!

Hi to both of you... tis good to see at least a couple of people from Wisconsin are on here! Sarsar... you'll be following shortly behind me to Mexicali! TheNewMe... how are you doing since your banding in October??? Nice to meet you both! Darcy

Oh Amanda... so sorry you are having to stay an extra night but glad they are keeping a close eye on you. I thought that Yolanda or a representative for Dr. Aceves was always available in the hospital to speak to? (That is fluent in English) When I was goiing to be going alone... Nina said someone would always be available close by? I am glad I am taking Gracie with me... especially if that is not the case. Well... I am glad to be taking her anyway! I hope you feel better soon and that you get to go home to your family tomorrow. Darcy

I applied for FMLA through my employer to protect my position and also for short term disability as I only had enough PTO for 1 week off and really felt two weeks would be necessary due to physical requirements of my job. So... PTO for the 1st week and 65% of my normal income for the second week and FMLA to protect my position just in case.

Welcome... Congrats and wishng you the best with your surgery! I'm not on liquids yet so can't help you with that but wanted to say hi anyway.