shanda7182

Yes, the hospital cannot TURN any emergency cases away, its against the law, its called the EMTLA act (cant remember if Im using the right acronym). All hospitals have to treat you regardless of financial status, insurance, etc. They have to stabilize you. Trust me, I know I worked at a county hospital, where 99% of the population had no money or insurance and believe it or not, they got great care. Most of the patients werent US citizens but you still had to stabilize their condition.

Dont be afraid, its just what they call an upper GI, similiar to an Xray. Usually they check for leaks during the operation, while you have your drain in and/or by doing an upper GI series. During the upper GI, you drink a Fluid and they can tell immediately where the fluid is going (if there is a leak, etc). It was painless, dont worry about it. Im claustrophobic too. LOL...ITs funny because my mom does MRIs and whenever they get a new machine at her job, she volunteers to have them to test it out on her. Isnt that something? I would go crazy being in that thing.:thumbup:

30.5 lbs lost...woo hoo.....look at you Krom. You are doing great.

Sorry to hear about it Tiff. It is def. hard being a military wife, im sure. Keep us posted on his new arrival date.

Wow, you guys time flies.......You all will be glad when its over. The build up is absolute torture! But it really wasnt that bad of an experience at all. Im still trying to figure out everything- like how to get in all my fluids, what my tummy is trying to tell me etc. So its def. a learning experience. Keep us updated on your progress.

Thanks JSM! I am def. taking my time with drinking and eating!! I cant wait to see how I will look in 6 months.

Thanks for checking on me! My goal weight is 135lbs, I have 99 lbs to get to goal. Im so excited! Im getting over the soreness, still walking, sipping and trying to get fluids and Protein in. Yes, the price range did go up for Dr Alanis. I dont think its so much him, the hospital (Surgical Specialty Hospital of America raised their price, which in turn raises the entire self pay price, but im sure he probably went up on his a little as well). I booked my procedure in May and I was guaranteed to get mine under the "old rate" of 11, 500k. Guess what the new rate is......almost 18 or 19 K if I remember correctly. When I went to check in the admission lady asked me what price I was quoted and I told her, she was like "wow, you are lucky, the hospital has gone up." And let me tell you, that was the BEST hospital experience EVER! I spent 2 nights in the hospital- 1 night in ICU and 1 night on the surgical unit. Gosh, those nurses were dolls, I am going to type up a nice letter and bring them flowers or fruit because they really work hard. They make sure that you have good quality outcomes related to your surgery, it was really the best money that Ive ever spent. And Dr Alanis, is soo sweet....I cannot say enough good things about him. I plan to have a plant sent to his office as well. He really does care about you. Since I am a nurse, ive met some ignorant doctors. What I really liked about him is that he was at the hospital early for my surgery, early for for first post op day and early on the day of discharge---most docs procrastinate, NOT Dr Alanis. I love him! Are you going to go with Dr Aceves? As you know, they say that he is GREAT as well, along with his staff. Just in case you want to stay in Texas, I found another sleeve surgeon a few months back that is suppose to be good and has relatively good prices. PM me if you want the details and you can do the footwork as far as more research if you like. You will be sleeved before you know it, everyone has their time! I cant wait to see the scale move.....I will weigh again on Tuesday, it should be exciting!!!! Keep in touch!

You are right, I think I will just add that ticker now!

Thank you all, this forum has been so supportive during this journey. I could not wait to come and tell you the details of my procedure. I cannot wait to see the scale start moving and all--that is the ultimate reward. So for now, I will continue to sip, ambulate and do my breathing exercises.

I was under for like an hour and a half. The actual surgery is less than that because they have to prep, count instruments, etc. Its normal to be nervous, I was VERY nervous. I kept wondering, what if I dont wake up, etc. etc. Dont let the anesthesia scare you, actually thats the best part because you dont remember anything. LOL. I just felt as if I had taken a nap and when they begin to wake me up, I woke up without a problem at all. I say do it, life is too short for us to live in fear. :cursing: If we continue to live in fear, we will never change! I am so ready to reach my goal weight, I just dont know what to do! We take risks when we get in a car, airplane, go to work, etc. We never know whats going to happen anyway. Take a chance on your life and your health, you are worth it.

Okay guys, I went in today to complete my preop, everything was going fine, everything at the hospital was soo nice and helpful and everything went great. The preop nurse called me back to her office and told me that 2 of my lab values were slightly elevated. These labs just so happen to be the PT and INR!!!!!! I have NEVER EVER had a problem with my labs and I am very shocked! I was almost in tears. I know that I have been doing this preop diet thing early and Im sure I have not been getting in my neccessary nutrtion, which PT and INR elevation is sometimes caused by Vitamin K deficiencies. She told me that one of the PCPs there would assess me and give me some injections. I have no other medical problems by the way. So the Dr ordered 3 days worth of Vitamin K shots:sad0:. Im a nurse, so I have volunteered to give them to myself. I am just so frustrated, I dont know what to do. I am suppose to follow up on Monday for my results and to have my blood type and cross match done. So now who knows what my sleeve future is. I am scheduled to have it on 9-15-09. Im sure I could have it at a later date, but there is only so much time off that I have allowed. This really sucks, BIG TIME! Its not horribly elevated but it should be normal prior to surgery. I have not had any abnormal bleeding or bruising, this is really strange. Since I started my preop diet early, I think I will quit now and try to increase my diet with enriched foods that will help me. Im technically not scheduled to start my preop liquids officially until Friday but I had begin a whole 2 weeks early..... P.S. I was feeling so excited because when I was in admissions at the hospital the lady told me. "You are so lucky, you are getting the surgery under the old price 12K, because now its 20K as of July 1st" Thankfully, I booked before, so I still qualified for my quoted rate. If you believe in prayer, please pray for me.:thumbup1:

Lactated Ringers or Ringers Lactate is a an isotonic solution (which means it has similiar components to our blood). Generally used after surgery or trauma to restore any fluids lost. Thank you so much for following me. It has been exciting, I cannot wait to see the scale move down. I figured all the details would help and im sure since you are having it, it helps you to mentally prepare yourself.

Okay guys...... Just waking up. Ive showered only about 10-15 minutes before I leave. I woke up before my alarm clock (4:30 am). I woke up because my heart was pounding, I must having been thinking about the surgery in my sleep and or having an unconscious anxiety attack. Wow, that has never happened to me before, I almost felt asi f I were running a marathon and woke up right when I passed the finish line. Anyway, I know that is my mind/nerves. I said my prayers last night and will say them again this morning. The next time I post-----I will be sleeved. Thanks for your prayers and help.

1. For approximately 2 weeks- all he required was 4 days though 2. I didnt do shakes, I drank isopure- has 40 grams of protein in it bought it at GNC. No carbs, 160 calories 3. I shot for 80-90 grams of protein per day. I limited my carbs to less than 30 per day Hope this helps. Although, I must point out, you dont really have to do shakes or liquids to shrink your liver. You can do high protein, low carb and low fat ---kinda like atkins diet to shrink your liver as well. The main thing is limiting sugar/carbs.

Thanks krom! Look how well you are doing, I see your frog moving on down the line!:smile:

By the way San Juan is absolutely gorgeous! I havent been to the other cities but I took a Puerto Rican spring break trip last year with some of my girlfriends. Boy, how beautiful! I absolutely loved it! For my bachelorette party we plan to go to Belize City, Belize. Anyway, it sounds like you guys have a great trip! Post pics when you can.

Thanks Angela! You are the one who has done great! You will be at goal in no time. I appreciate all of your support and kind words ( and reading my private messages) throughout this entire ordeal. Im still going to take you up on that lunch offer to souper salad when I am feeling up to it and you and both have time. I love your side of town, so I dont mind coming that way! I can make a mini trip out of it (since its like an hour or so away from where I am but you know thats Houston, everything is at least a 30-40 min drive anyway. See you on the sleeved side of things. :smile:

Will do. Thanks to all who have offered their support.

How romantic! At least you arent afraid to show your love in public, which is very cool.:party4:

Congrats on both of your victories. WOW, I have never heard of going on a cruise and loosing weight! Congrats on that! Also, im sure you werent able to eat that much anyway, right? Im so happy for you and I cannot wait to be on the sleeved side of things.

Hi everyone..... GUESS WHAT?? Im being sleeved tommorrow! My PT went into perfect range! My INR was about 1 or 2 pts off but it was nothing of concern. The surgery will procedure and they will just monitor my labs afterwards!! I check in tommorrow morning at 6am. I am praying for a safe, uneventful surgery as well as complication free! Please internet touch and agree with me on that if you believe in prayer! Thank You all, see you on the other side of being sleeved!

I know it sucks, I went to the movie theatre and had to leave a few times in order to release these liquids! I hate crossing over people in the movies, especially, when its a good movie. I usually try to sit on the end but this time the movie was so crowded. But tommorrow is my last day of this liquid diet, well I guess its not because after surgery I will be on it for another week and a half. LOL Today has been a rough day, I dont know why im all of a sudden craving things and my head is hurting (I know its due to hunger).

Hi all, Another preop question...... I am on the liquid diet and I am looking at my instructions. Just wondering, is there a certain amt of calories that I need to consume or not go over? I dont see that on my list. Just wondering, if anyone else had any specific answers regarding this. It does tell me what I can consume in any quantities (sf beverages, broths, etc) and it tells me what to limit such as no more than 2 shakes, etc. Any suggestions..... P.S. I am actually surprised that im not extremely hungry. The Isopure Protein drink is really helping and it has 40g of protein and 0 grams of carbs....so i think that is helping me to feel "somewhat satisfied".

Hi all, Its been awhile since I posted. It is less than 2 weeks before I go for my VSG. I am very excited and VERY nervous. Of course, I am thinking about all the what-ifs, etc. However, I do realize that this procedure is neccessary for me to become healthier and reach my goal weight. Also, I have decided to have my VSG performed in Houston by Dr. Alanis instead of traveling to MX. After thinking about it further, I just felt more comfortable being in my own backyard (I do hate the fact that I will not get the 3 nights in the hospital and the vacation getaway that I was planning). Anyway, the important thing is that I am still getting the VSG!:glare: Yesterday, my aunt was showing some family photos and we ran across one of me when I was over 300 lbs. I thought, WOW, this is motivation in itself (Thankfully, I dont weigh that much now) but it just reminded me of how I use to be and what I could potentially turn into again. Anyway, I NEED you all to send me some positivity regarding my BIG day coming up. My surgeons office told me that I can have it sooner if I wanted, which I might do as I am already on the preop diet (I start earlier than prescribed). I have a questions 1. Do you all suggest that I purchase all my post op Protein supplements now? If so, which kind do you recommend? 2. Or what do you recommend for post op grocery shopping, any particular items that you all felt was helpful? Thanks a million, I will keep you all posted on my progress.... Soon to be sleeved.....:thumbup1: