Disney

Compression garments are much tighter and more conforming than shapewear, unless you get the shapewear about 2 sizes too small

You can eat it solid, it will practically melt in your mouth. I eat the full sugar jello. I cannot eat artificial sweeteners. They absolutely make me lose my lunch. Everything I eat has full sugar, and I still can't meet my surgeons calorie requirements (600 right now). As far as sugar causing cravings, I haven't had any at all (I actually don't want to eat anything at all), but sugar CAN cause cravings in some people. I have also read posts where those on all sugar-free diets had cravings too, though. Everyone is different, so just go with what your Dr says and how your body can handle it.

I like the lower risk of complications, also. I think we all do, right? But I do like hearing answers to my questions from my surgeon's mouth, not other staff members. I mean, you're right, the surgeon is the surgeon, and knows a bit more than they. I agree, we are all different, and I, as a nurse also, do not like my surgeon to be unapproachable. I've worked with both types, and hands down, patients appreciate the care and concern from their surgeon in addition to an excellent operation. I really don't think taking time with your patients is a form of cuddling Good luck to you!

I agree that the most important thing is surgical skill. That's why I chose Dr. Aceves. His excellent bedside manner is just icing on the cake. Assembly line-ish is not great, though, when it comes to relating to your patient and taking care of concerns after the surgery. That is the part that's important when you have questions afterwards. I mean, the surgery itself lasts less than an hour, it's the long haul after that you need your surgeon to be there for you

Good for you for really doing it! I am in the beginning stages of my journey, just 2 weeks out and I am already so glad I did it. It is hard, for sure, but I am losing and it's getting easier every single day. There will always be naysayers no matter WHAT decisions you make, but I can assure you, from personal experience, there is no 'assembly line' feeling whatsoever with Dr. Aceves and his team. Good for you also for getting first class tickets. Gonna be an easy trip. Good luck to you!

You say "easy" like it's a bad thing. I had all the pre-op workups that my friend had in the states (except for the psych eval) the only difference was that I had them all in one day. Easy? Yes, just the way it should be. "Assembly line-ish"? No. I had more attention paid to me than with any other surgery I have had in the states. And by two doctors, I might add. They also required me to stay in the hospital for 4 days. They wisk you outta the hospital in much less time in the states. At least from what I've read. My friend only stayed 2 days and I have seen where some stayed only overnight. That may be fine for some, but I personally was happy to be monitored that long. Surely you are not suggesting that the surgeons in the states DON'T make "A LOT" of money doing this surgery, are you?

I got mine at CVS pharmacy. Could not find it at walmart. I have to say, it is VERY strong tasting and feels like nyquil used to feel going down. Like a warm, too sweet feeling. But it does work and pretty fast, too! Hey Smof4, just in case, check your blood pressure if you haven't already. High BP can cause a headache, too.

Thanks Diva, I did get a response back from Gaby and she said Dr. A said it was ok to take the lactaid pills, so I will try that. I am going to start the lactaid milk, too. Thanks again!

I had that stuck feeling too, and my Dr said to up my Nexium to twice a day and so far it has helped a lot. Hardly feel it anymore. Good luck to you!!

You're right AutumnLily, the count I saw when I started researching Dr. Aceves was over a 1100 back in November. I am sure it is over 1500 by now. He did about 10 in the 4 days I was there, and the day I had surgery, he only did me, the only other patient was getting bypass. His post-op is days 1-5 clear liquids, days 6-10 thin liquids (not much different than the clear stage), days 11-20 full liquids (so basically THREE weeks liquids) then days 21-30 soft foods (mushies), then days 31 forward solid foods. And to comment on Kinky's post, as she said, the Dr.'s in the states are so thorough so that they are harder to "sue" if something happens. And it's true, you pretty much cannot sue a Dr. in Mexico but if you can't win a suit in the states, how are you better off? I was self-pay and could have gone to pretty much any surgeon I wanted, (within reason) but I chose Dr. Aceves because of his track record and skill. He has proven himself over and over. I wanted a surgeon who could do this surgery with his eyes closed. I trusted him and he did not fail me. I have also never met a more caring Dr. in my entire life. Or with such a good bedside manner. I have no tolerance for Drs who think they are gods. I like a Dr. who will sit right down with me and look me in the eyes and explain things to me, and help me when I have questions, etc. Not just breeze in and breeze out in about 2 minutes. The day I left the hospital, the last thing Dr. Aceves said to me was, "Thank you for your confidence". He KNOWS how most people view Mexican Drs and he is trying, one patient at a time, to change the negative rap that most of them get. I will gladly tell everyone I see who did my surgery and recommend him to all.

I believe you have absolutely made the right decision. More experienced doctors than Dr. Aceves are few and far between.

I'm right there with ya! I am 2 weeks out. This is definitely harder than I EVER thought. I am so on the verge of dehydration that I can feel it. I try so hard to get my fluids in, but I just do NOT want to drink or even eat, so I have to force myself. I know in a few months we will all be looking back on this thread and find it laughable (I hope anyway). But for now, it is no walk in the park. I agree about the feeling of pregnancy. It feels just like that to me! I hope you feel better soon. I hope all that responded with the same feelings, feel better soon, too BTW, I had a bloodclot after being on bedrest before having my daughter and I had to take lovenox shots twice a day for 6 MONTHS. No fun AT ALL!!!! I SO feel your pain. I had no where left on my belly to give myself a shot. Hang in there.

I was lactose intolerant before surgery, so I still have that problem. Do you know if it is ok to take Lactaid only 2 weeks out? I have not asked Dr. Aceves yet, just wondered if you knew since you had problems also. Thanks!!

So sorry to hear about this! Just think though, it's that much more time you have to lose pounds that will never return! Be positive, you can do it!

I am 13 days out and can get between 1/4 and 1/2 cup down and feel stuffed. My Dr. wants me on Full liquids till day 20. But honestly, I don't think I could get much more down (thickness wise) anyway. It's just a slow go for me.

You should be so proud. You look great and I know you must feel so much healthier being able to do that! Congrats and keep it up!

Wow! I am really late to the party, but just have to say you have done such an awesome job. Really impressive results!

I agree, you should call your Dr. Maybe you should just try going back to liquids only instead of the mushies. My Dr. told me to try each new phase of eating, (mushies, soft, etc) and if there was any nausea or pain, just go back to liquids for a few days and try again. It's really just trial and error in the beginning. Just listen to your new tummy, it will let you know. Hope you feel better soon.

That's so awesome. You deserve those $168 jeans. You earned them! Can't wait to see the pics

Can anyone who has had their VSG done at an MTF please let me know where it was done and if you were from out of state, and also how your experience was? I am having a hard time finding an MTF near me and when I found one kinda close, but still out of state, they said they could not take out of state patients. I would like to hear any input anyone has on this. I would also like to thank Tiffykins for helping me so much. I just don't think I will ever be able to afford to self-pay and am getting discouraged. Thanks everyone!!

Good to hear. I am having the opposite problem! Almost daily, so I am worried about dehydration now.

Be careful with Miralax at the beginning as it draws Water from your body to help get you going. That could be bad when you're trying to get all your fluids in. Don't wanna lose 'em after you work so hard to get 64 oz in! Colace = stool softener Peri-Colace = laxative + stool softener .....if you're interested.

I was walking around 3 hours after surgery and it didn't do a thing for the gas. I was trying to adhere to the walk, walk, walk mantra I keep hearing. Like someone else said, in my case, it just took time. I enjoyed getting out and walking though and didn't want a clot or anything so I did it, but as for helping gas, no. There are many, many types of nausea medicines, ask you Dr. to change yours and see if that helps. Hope you feel better soon!

Y'all are gonna LOVE Dr. Aceves and his entire staff. You will be very happy you chose him. He's got the magic touch when it comes to sleeves

Sounds like a rough start, but you will get through it! I had swelling/spasms at the entrance to the new tummy the first few days like you. It was sooo hard to drink anything except warm broth. That always went down easy. Now it is much better and I know you will be just fine, too! I hope you get to go home today, too. Good luck to you and I will say a prayer for you and all of us Marchers for quick healing! On the road to a healthy us!