Jenslim4good

Somehow I have managed to get myself in a BIG mess. My incision sites are still red, hard and one incision (near my belly button) is still draining quite a bit at over 2-1/2 weeks out. To top it off, my "fog brain" got EVERYTHING messed up and I have been eating food. I thought my doctor said I can have soft veggies, soft meat, oatmeal, beans. Maybe I read it on here from down the road. I have not thrown up, not once but I have had some discomfort. I am getting quite a bit of liquids down, but have started having a lot of heartburn that I did not have in the beginning. A week ago, I had a doctor appointment *GP, who sent me immediately over to the hospital to have CT tests run on abdomen and pelvic area and ran some blood work and swabbed my incision. I found out I have elevated WBC, and plateletts, 2 gallstones and "sludge" in my GB. I do NOT want another surgery now since this is the first time I have not healed fast and wonderfully. My GP referred my reports to a surgeon, I have not called yet. I am at a loss what to do . Should I turn back the clock, go back to pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes and soup? With this situation, I NOW wish I had my surgery in the states... I would at least have the ongoing help I am needing. What do you think? I've lost 13 pounds, but lately I am not losing, now looking and reading more on here, I see why! I'm a mess! I am so down now. I don't know what to do. Thanks for being there sleeve family... Hugs. :001_huh:

I am grateful to all of you for your responses and your concern. As some of you have seen on my posts, I decided to have the VGS on my own without support or criticism from my family. I am not feeling regret, I am just wanting to get back to being "me" again. I agree that putting the words down, definitely helped me to see the situation and the need to be proactive in handling it. I need a few days to ponder it. I did NOT mention that I am in the middle of an insurance change, going from Humana PFFS to Humana HMO. I am going to call the surgeon's office tomorrow to see if they will take my HMO, and if not... I am going to find another surgeon to move forward. This journey is an ongoing lesson, and I am determined to get "healthy" and doing whatever it takes to do that, is my ultimate goal right now. Thanks to all of you for your comments, suggestions, imparted wisdom and most of all your kindness and caring. I am grateful beyond words. Hope your week ahead is the best ever! Hugs to you all! Jen

Thanks. I have been beating myself up ever since I looked over the website stuff. the list they gave me was something different than they use. I was suppose to have had a talk with them, but it all ran late so I was pretty much going off of what I read on here. I am going to turn this around. I did this for my health and I am going to make sure that I do my body justice by not only slowing down but by doin all I can to heal healthy. I REALLY appreciate my family on here. I am BIG at looking at myself and beating myself up when i mess up, however, this situation I know calls for less battering and more nurturing both body, mind and soul right now. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs. Jen

Hello... I am only 11 days post op, and granted I took my tape off too soon and have hard, red incisions with oozing.. but ultimately when I eat the wrong thing it is the back end that responds. That is what I thought slimes were... kinda like that. I have had a pain and chest pain for a bit too... but it goes away, it is a reminder that *you had surgery, dingy! Yes, I did... So, I take a while before taking another bite and I wait to see. :tongue_smilie: Have a great weekend! Jen

Hey guys.. This is Jen back. I had my sleeve on 3/30. Dr verboonen did NOT do it, Ponce DeLeon did. I don't want to talk about my experience right now, what I want to talk about is my abdomen and my incision sites. I started leaking a couple of days ago. My incision sites were red when I left and hard, but after returning to the states started oozing. I went to my GP today, who said that it could be an abcess, there is definitely infection. I have NEVER had this with any surgery before! I had to go and get a CT today and blood work. They are looking for a surgeon who will take me and follow me in the states now. My insurance approved the CT and lab today, I hope this continues. I am not sure. My abdomen is sore and my back is REALLY in pain. My stomach is extended but it is the incision near my belly button and my drain tube that have the worst infection and are not closing 1 week out. My BP was 110/70 today and I thought that was awsome and my GP said NO, this is too soon to be that low so she thinks the drainage is causing some problems. Whatever is happening, I will have results tomorrow. Anyone else know what I am going through? Ideas on what this might be or how it might be treated. Thanks! I need my sleeve family!!! Hugs, Jen

Hi everyone? I am scheduled in less that 2 weeks to have surgery in MX with Dr. Verboonen. The last few days I have eaten EVERYTHING not nailed down, and LOTS OF IT! I am going to start my liquid diet the end of the week. I want to stock up on soups, liquid stuff for when I get home, any suggestions? Am I ready for this? I have NEVER EVER ate like this... :001_tongue: And to top it off, I am feeling terrible! :eek: I am going to take my measurements on Saturday, pics, start the journal and JUMP IN! I am very nervous to go it by myself, and to do it without my family's knowledge, but I feel that it's the best. I have NOT been able to find Verboonens' surgical record. Everyone has experience that is not perfect... and if not, I am not sure about it, because I want a doctor that knows what to do if something was not perfect. Okay, I am rambling now too. Another one of my quirks... when I am nervous. Thanks to all you 'seasoned' sleevers, you are my inspiration, my hope and my encouragement. It feels like I have support going into this, and that I am not REALLY alone! Hugs to you all! Have a terrific week!! Jen

Carrie, Thanks for the encouragement! That has me wondering! I start my preop prep tomorrow. I only have to do it 3-5 days... I am doing it 5 days! Surgery is next Tuesday in TJ Mexico. The nerves are up, obviously, it's almost 5:30am and I am STILL up! :-0 I think it's wonderful that you are doing so great. :-) Jen in Missouri.

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Okay, if I was on the Biggest Loser show, I am sure everyone would vote my butt right on off. Why, why, why am I eating, eating and eating. I eat until I feel ashamed, disgusted and uncomfortable. I eat "corn" "candy" "chips" "steak" "potato" "extra meals" "extra snacks" and I have N E V E R.... E V E R.... ate like this before. Am I nervous? Yes! A week from Tuesday and it's done, yet I wonder if this is a form of sabotage and if I am going to fail at this like every thing I have tried in the past? What's up with me? I am tired of the "sexually abused as a child" stereotype, but I wear my life on the outside and feel it's time to drop off my "baggage" at the curb with a note that says, extremely hazardous, discard only! Stress is at a major high for me right now, but when my husband was killed... I lost weight! I lost 40 pounds and all I wanted to do is drink water, what's happened? What do you think about these questions? My questions: Will I be able to stay hydrated? I don't drink enough now! Will I feel sick and my stomach feel tight and uncomfortable after surgery? My stomach feels that way now, except I have had severe problems with vomiting post surgery and that is not fun (especially after abdominal surgery! I am a BMI 31 or so, I haven't started the Pre Op diet and I am suppose to have surgery on the 30th, what am I thinking? Will I be able to drive home from the airport on Thursday evening? I leave Monday afternoon (a night in the hotel without stress of running around, Tuesday is preop tests and surgery. Wednesday and Thursday in the hospital, leave for home in the afternoon. I am the navigator of my ship, but it's nice to know that there are others who are willing and wanting to help me row while you stick around cheering me on while I figure out how to do this. I have NOT received anything in writing yet (hardcopy) but ask a lot of questions/exchanged over 50 emails with the patient facilitator, but I am wandering around lost. She did say, I am being good and starting my liquid diet, I am? Not! I keep saying ...tomorrow, and tomorrow is here! HELP!!! What do you think? :thumbup: Some people don't have a liquid preOp but I want one because I think I have gained 8 pounds in the last 2 weeks!

Youknowit.. I laughed so loud when I was reading your post, I can so relate and really really appreciate you sharing your wisdom. I should be able to drive home, I have a new "fixer" that is only 10 minutes from the airport. I am going to return there and do some painting and general work when I return. I received an email saying NO lifting over 5 pounds and NO BENDING (???) for 6 weeks? Yikes! Did ya'all have problems with bending too? I did with my abdominoplasty 11 years ago, but I didn't think about this. What do you think?

These are the reasons I chose the mini vacation plan and a VISA. I know it would add to the many "dumb decisions" my family would say I have made since my husband was killed in a car accident 12 years ago, but it feels right for me. What is another debt, when I have too much "stupid" debt anyway. I have Humana Gold Choice and all they have done is raise my premiums and lowered my Rx coverage! Good luck to you, my best.............and prayers. Jen in Missouri

Today is THE day to focus on. One week from now I will be at the airport, boarding a plane for San Diego, from there I am picked up and taken to a hotel for the evening (where I doubt I will sleep unless I am given an anti anxiety med). The next morning I will give my $$, my blood and they want pictures! On top of it all, it is in Tijuanna, so I couldn't get a friend to go with me, I asked 2! I received an email from Lana today (the lady that picks me up at the airport) and it dawns on me that I won't have anyone there that I know. How do YOU do it? You know who you are? Did you contemplate going alone? There is something to be said for a good support system. That's what I am here for. I have Medifast dated 2005 on the packet, I know I didn't take it until the end of 2006 at the earliest. I REALLY REALLY want to flush the food out, start the liquids and get going. I have HCG liquid and I might take some of that tonight too. Nerves, I am fine.... Nerves, I am on my way to a better me! Nerves, I am an example... Nerves, time to get over myself and walk bravely into the morrow! :biggrin0:

Thanks for the support guys! Counseling? I have had years of it, and finally decided to go to school to become one. It is amazing listening to stereotypes while in the middle of a program and watch jaws drop later. Yes, there is a diet program that deals with CBT and I am going to try it. I think behavioral modification is great. My friends are not going. I even offered to pay, BUT I am going to TJ, and both gfs are afraid. I am NOT telling my family and others, as I don't have a big support system there. Since Chuck died 12 years ago in a car accident, it seems that my life is more of a community life that others feel welcome, obliged or obligated to try to take control. My balance is "doing it" on my own. It's funny, my mother was telling me that my problem with dealing with the "many" lipomas floating around in me, is that I am "afraid" of the pain and of the unknown. I smiled as I pictured myself getting off the plane in San Diego by myself, going to a country where I don't know a soul... and having surgery. The smile lingered as I came back to the now and said, "you're probably right mom." My older brother (by 3 years) died of cancer 2 years ago. My younger sister (by 7 years) is battling breast cancer now. I am READY for the silver lining, to dance in the rain and extend myself to others who are a continued source of encouragement and wisdom, right here in my sleeve family! Hang on... we are on our way!!! For those of you who have arrived, I respect your lead! Yeaaahhhh baayyybaaay! :-) Ok, so I'm a goof ball today. What am I saying? I am a goof ball everyday, and I love it! Hugs to you all!!!! Jen

Congrats and well done on your preop prep success. My hat is off to you! My surgery is on the 30th, I am flying in on the 29th and having my surgery in Mexico. I look forward to hearing about your journey. Jen in Missouri

Hey, I live in K.C. too! :-) I am worried about that, but I tried Medifast in the past, and got use to it. My problem right now is starting my pre op diet. I am a week out Tuesday morning and all I have been able to do is say... tomorrow, tomorrow.. Fortunately I have a BMI of 31 maybe 32 now, since I have eaten anything and everything that I perceive I wont in the future, from chips to corn... to carmel etc.. etc... I am totally ASHAMED, EMBARASSED and feel bloated and crummy! *ugh! It makes me wonder if this is saying something to me, like I am not serious.. but I feel like I am. ooops, sorry i kinda went off on a tangent!

I am not sure where you got your information, however I forwarded to a facilitator that I am communicating with, and asking her to provide the correct information. So far, ALL questions have been answered without sidestepping, and so I am confident she will be honest. I am a week away (and a couple days) and I am still asking questions! :thumbup: Thanks for sharing information, it is always good to keep looking and verifying things. Jen

I am rather new too, and am scheduled on 3/30 for surgery in Mexico. Congrats on joining us and I look forward to hearing about your experience as we go along, Welcome to your new sleeve family!!! :-) Jen

it's tough to be good to ourselves. We want so much for others and give so much of ourselves to others.. it's time to give to yourself. It feels like you let yourself down, and you want so much to be successful, so pick yourself up, get back on track... Your goals are within your reach, go for it! We are here for support and to keep it real. Thanks for reaching out it was a great first step... Hugs, Jen

I can't say "thank you" enough... I am so grateful to you for sharing your experiences and your support. This is so wonderful, however, I have a bit of a stomach ache, and have for the last 3 days from eating too much. I am going to have taco salad tomorrow and salmon... and then... wean, wean... wean myself onto liquid by Saturday. I will post next week on how the pre op liquid diet is going. I am not doing 2 weeks of preop diet as I am at a BMI of 31. Hugs to all of you family sleevers!! You are all TOPS on my list! Jen

I sooo appreciate the encouragement and sharing! I have tried EVERYTHING to get this weight off... including liposuction but that was a disaster... and I ended up with large dips... and my body uneven. Being down over it, was awful! At least Sheri is always encouraging, but I know that it's her job to get us comfortable with Dr. V. Tiffykins.. you are the ultimate sleeve role model all the way around.. but I especially enjoy your positive attitude and how you share in such an accepting and open way with other. You are full of wisdom and experience. You are definitely one that is looked up to, I hope I can be as helpful and useful as you have been. Thank you Aussie too! Your comment made me jump on here because with each person I connect with... or each time, I feel a little less nervous and more anxious to get on the bench! :001_wub: Hugs! Jen

liquids that are too hot or too cold? I have heard many people say that "they" are cold... what type of meds do they have you on? My facilitator said I will be on IV meds while in the hospital, including the antibiotic! Beats the people who have had to crush theirs! Uck!!! T.O.Y. means... thinking of you! Speedy recovery!!! You are officially on the bench! On your way to your goal!!! Yahoo!!! Jen

Hey Barbara, Thank you sooooo much for the reply. I feel like I am REALLY out there alone sometime and being here almost feels like a family. I am REALLY nervous about after. I have a friend who asked me to go to a conference with her on the 8th and 9th of April, my surgery is on March 30th. She is a friend I asked to go, and she said that she doesn't think I have enough weight to lose *she was 2 weeks from lapband last June and backed out due to fear after she had done everything that the Insurance asked her to, she is down 80 pounds without it and still has about 70 to go but is afraid for me going to Mexico and doing this diet. YET... today she said if it works well for me, she will check into the sleeve too. :-) Barbara... again, thank you ever so much for the words of encouragement and normalcy! You're the best!!! :001_wub: Jen

I thought that Dr. Acevez 's patients started this site there was so much support for him, he must be at the top of the list. I had someone respond to a request and I have done the homework (that I can find) on the surgical skills of my doctor, Dr. Verboonen, but am scheduled for 3/30, the deposit paid and airfare, if I did not have that, I would go with Dr. Acevez. Dr. V was 7000 includes a prenight at the hotel, all preop tests, chest xray, labs, and 2 nights in the hospital. All ground transportation, medication and 2 post op leak tests-. That's mine deal in a nutshell. Good luck in your search!!! Jen

Everyone said it all... I just turned 50 and thought... it is NEVER too late to turn back the clock... sometimes I think we "feel" older because we are out of shape, on meds and buy into the "youth is everything" attitude that advertisements try to sell us. I am in a PhD program, the class I am in is about Aging... and I read yesterday that today OLD age is 85!!!!!! Of course, if you are in poor health it goes down to 60! What an eye opener to me! Each person who jumped out there and said I am XX years old... are heroes. I am hitting the Operating room on the 30th with Dr. Verboonen in Mexico, no surgery. I am going into debt to be healthier, well worth it! Hugs and prayers sent your way! :-) Jen

Can't wait to hear about your experience. I am 2 weeks away! :-0

Thanks for the help and support. I just found out that I have had responses to my posts... :-) I am still in the process of research even tho I sent my deposit. The two people who know are REALLY concerned that I am going to TJ and I am trying to find out how many sleeves Dr. V has performed. The research continues! Here's to success and healthy beginnings!!!