citygal

Just a newly sleeved gal here who is struggling not to get on the scale every day. One thing I do know....30 pounds lost is a heck of a lot better than 30 pounds gained...I don't mean to be trite...but before my surgery I had that desperate feeling the numbers would only go one way for me....up. Sending you big cheers and encouragement!!

Just wanted to send along some virtual encouragement. I am sorry it's hard right now and there are folks with tons more exerperience than I on this site...all I can do is say I am sending you all my good intentions and will keep you in my prayers...

Congratulations to you!! 70 pounds is fantastic!!! I was only banded a week ago today so I can't provide any insight to your questions. I just wanted to send my heartfelt congrats and it's reading posts like yours that keep me encouraged!

Hello everyone! I am now officially sleeved and back home in Philadelphia. I had a really good experience with Dr. Aceves and his team and honestly feel pretty darn good. I had very little issues with the procedure and although I went to Mexicali alone, the universe very kindly sent me an "angel" named Kathy (from this site) who served as a sleeve sister and guide since she was sleeved one day before me. She is a special special soul. A couple of aftershocks, and a bit of bordeom but all in all....it was a great experience. So here are some thoughts/suggestions just a few days post op for those who may be having surgery in the near future. 1. I am pleased I had the procedure but this is a BIG DAMN DEAL! 2. Never underestimate how kind strangers can be. 3. I can confidently recommend Dr.Aceves and his entire team. They were aweome. Caring, professional and the facility is first rate. 4. Following the rules pre op was really helpful and getting some physical excercise before the procedure helped me bounce back. 5. Heating pads really help with gas pains. 6. Walk every chance you can post op. 7. Bring chapstick...your lips will get really dry. 8. Don't overpack 9. Allow people to help you. Even if you have to ask. 10. There is a mouth spray (for dry mouth) at Walmart that Kathy let me used that helped when I couldn't drink after surgery. 11. I am really blessed to have a wonderful support group at home. I'm not getting on the scale until next Monday...so not changing my weight till then. To the "gals" down in Mexicali....sending you prayers and good wishes... It's good to be home!!

Hey there Anna- Just wanted to send along some good mojo your way. I KNOW I am going to hit a wall now and again and only hope I am brave enough to say it and get support. Kathy clued me on on adding the protien to everything I'm drinking and am yet I am VERY VERY VERY new here so I'm just grateful for the advice.

I'm in a frantic rush at work to get things done before I leave for San Diego tomorrow. Since the universe has a sense of humor my last 48 hours has been a series of quirky things.. 1. one entire side of my walk in closet fell to the floor resulting in ALL My clothes and shoes landing in a pile....I've had to sleep on my couch for hte past two nights becuase my bed is literally covered in clothes, bags, accessories (did I mention I am a clothes horse?) Maybe this is God's way to tell me I need to spring clean 2. I started my period 10 days early (stress will do that) 3. I couldn't find my passport and had to tear through the house looking for it....I always keep it in the same place....oye! It's finally found 4. Oh yeah...earthquake in mexicali, rocked my "world" So I'm taking a deep breath...and getting on a jet plane tomorrow. Please keep this crazy red head in your prayers and good intentions.

Just checking in on the folks who are in Mexicali or flying down today or tomorrow for thier sugeries. I am scheudled to fly out Thursday and NOW my friends are freaking out. They are worried about aftershocks during my procedure. I heard some of the hospitals can postponed procedures for today and were on generators. Come hell or high Water....may have now be come hell or earthquake! I hope everyone there is safe and recuperating....please keep us posted

Sending you an ocean of prayers and good intentions Kathy...see you Mexicali!!

It's a gorgeous day in Philly. I am one week away from my band to sleeve revision with Dr. Aceves. I've been calling all my close friends (one at a time) to tell them about my decision to have this procedure. I am blessed they have been so supportive. Being 130 pounds overweight is killing me. Just getting out of a low chair or having to walk long distances is a struggle. Last October I lead a team of women on the 3 day, 60 mile walk for Susan G. Komen.. I trained like a crazy woman since I was so fat and was worried that I couldn't do it. We raised a ton of money...the walk was only 1 day becuase Philly had horrible weather...so I walked 17 miles one day....I was fat...but felt strong. Today...I walked 7 blocks to my office from home and was sweating and winded when I got here. I've gained 30 pounds in the past 6 months and it feels like a 1000. I know that I am not meant to live a diminished life. I am having this surgery becuase I hear the clock ticking on my own mortality. Fears of loose skin and a sagging face do haunt me....but not as much as dying the death of person who is morbidly obese.

I had a very challenging conversation today with 2 of my friends who are convinced I am going to be so miserable after my surgery that I can't fly home alone. Up to this point all I've had is support and positive energy. Although I KNOW my friends love me I literally felt like a rock em sock em doll when I was done talking to them. I told them how I was feeling attacked and they slowed up their quesitons but they are convinced my flying home alone from Mexicali is dangerous and that I could have serious medical issues becuase nobody is with me... Having a companion won't elminate any risk I have...I belive it means I could have someone advocate for me if there was a problem...but I really feel this is a journey I need to do for me and alone. So...today I have PMS, took an emotional sock to the stomach and am feeling worn out.

I'm still a "go" for travel Thursday and surgery Friday....wish I could sneak you in with me as well!! Will keep you posted. grace

Kathy- I think you are remarkable....considering you must be on pins and needles you've been really "calm and cool" thorugh all of this. Keep us posted on how you are doing and if you get pushed back anymore it's possible you and I will cross paths down there.

I know my friends are freaked out, but if the power and all is restored, I am still planning on going this week. I understand your feeling stressed out...my freinds (although well intended) are writing me every 5 minutes. I certainly would make sure you connect with Nina before heading down there....keep me posted on what you decide to do....this is crazy! I'm really wondering how the folks that were in the hospital are doing?

I got a note from Nina...since I am traveling there on Thursday. She says the staff and hospital are fine. They may have to look at another hospital for sugeries for tomorrow but doesn't think right now they will be rescheudling anything later in the week. I am glad everyone is ok. She said some things fell off the walls but nothing more....

When I had my band, I asked my local chinese place to sell me "non wonton/wonton soup" they just sold me the broth which is 1000% more delish than plain broth. They just came up with a price to charge me....might be worth asking...

What a lovely dilemma....clothes too big!! Although you have ton of suggestions and support but if you don't mind I have one for suggestion for donation: Groups like dress for success and Career Closet help women re-entering the work force and they are usually desperate for plus sized clothes. Just another option for you. Ps...I have to admit I wish I had a little bit of spring cleaning fever!! My condo could use a good turn with the broom....perhaps I'll be inspired!

You are a grown woman who can "keep company" with anyone you choose. They aren't asking so it's obviously not an issue for them right now. If and when...then you can decide what you want to do. I've been single/dating a long time. Even at 300 pounds I've had everything from boyfriends....to casual dates... Live it up honey...you deserve it.

Hi Kota- I am scheudled for the band to sleeve revision with Dr. Aceves on Friday. If you send me a private messeage with your email I will happily forward you the info I was sent when I signed up. The pricing for a band to sleeve revision is more expensive than just a sleeve...which totally makes sense since it is more complicated. I love my voice for 6 weeks with the band (acid reflux induced laryngitis) and when I loved to Philly I could not find a Dr who would fill my band since they didn't do the surgery. I did have a dr in NYC that I could work with...but had lots of problems with overfills. THe only way I lost weight with my band towards the end was to be so restricted I would get dehydrated. Good luck to you!

Yeah!!! I'm scheudled for Friday so happily reading your updates. Hope you both had a speedy recovery and I just made a note to back some "trashy" magazines!! All the best...

Hi there! I am having surgery next Friday. I checked out this thread, since I am already committed to doing the 3 day 60 miles Susan G Komen walk in Novemeber and really need to get my training in. I did the walk in Philly in October (at 280 pds) but I trained for 7 months to get ready. I did 4 miles yesterday, but at the height of my training last year I was doing 18 miles on Saturday then 12 miles on Sunday. My thinking is athough I have to be thoughtful about recuperating....if I can walk 18 miles at 280 pounds...I KNOW I can push through and find the energy I will need to work out after my surgery. THe walk was the first time in 30 years I had execercised and I'm grateful I did it....but I have to say the minute the walk was over I STOPPED and gained 20 pounds...which put me at 300. The damn extra weight has made it hard to mentally and physically get it together...but I KNOW excercise is a key to my long term health and success. Sending you great wishes for your surgery and a speedy recovery!!

I am less than a week from my surgery and my friends have created a "team" to support me before and after. Although I know some of them are really worried about the fact I have chosen to go to Mexico and go there alone...they are supporting my decision. One of my friends leads our corporate travel function so she gets all the international security alerts...and Mexico is a level 4....I keep tell her I live in center city Philly and that's probably a 5...LOL I am grateful they are not throwing some of the judgement and resistance I have read some folks on here have experienced. Interestingly there are a few folks I am choosing not to tell. I am grown woman who has made this decision. If diet and excercise alone could work for me....they would have by now. I need a tool and this weight is killing me...slowly...but it's killing me. So my supportive friends know...and everyone else can wonder what the hell I'm doing as the weight comes off! I'm excited and ready...

Kathy- Safe travels and speedy recovery to you!! I fly down to Mexicali on Thursday for my surgery. I will keep you in my prayers...

Awesome idea! I am doing a facial 3 days after I get back from Mexico and will have my haircut and colored as well. Have a safe and rapid recovery!! I surgery is next Friday in Mexicali...

Thank you so much for your reply...we will have to keep track of each other.....one other rule that people have shared with me for long term success is NOT to drink during meals.... I ignored that when I had my lapband and I wish I hadn't. the band wasn't the right long term solution for me, but I the drinking with meals rule is the one I ingnored right from the beginning. I really just have to follow the directions.....