YellowRose

The first week was about what I expected - a little sore and a little tired. By the second week, I just didn't seem to have ANY energ - slept a lot! Then during that time I started having some "chest pains" that made it hard to fall asleep. I started to worry about a "leak" or infection. I have a very HIGH pain tolerance so this was majorly annoying. My doctor had not prescribed anything for acid reflux or hearburn so I started reading about it here. I decided to try it and took a Prevacid - within a few minutes NO more chest pain. NOW, it is part of my routine - no more pain. SO... what I "thought" was pain due directly to the surgery, turned out to be "heartburn" (due to the surgery) and easily fixed. I am 3 weeks sleeved - and yesterday was the first day I felt totally NORMAL again.! woohoo!

I made "egg drop soup" by using chicken broth, 1 egg, salt, pepper, & onion powder. I whipped it in the blender and then heated it in a pot. It was so good. (I had to do clears for 2 weeks, but today I start "thickquids" lol. I can add thicker things like yogurt and creamed soups. Yay!

Sleeved 15 days ago by Dr Almanza Reyes. Yes, I had my surgery done in a clinic--and Yes, they sent me to a Town Home (not a Hotel) to recover. The "Recovery House" was staffed with 3-4 people at all times, around the clock. They made "rounds" and checked on us. I felt totally safe. I could NOT afford the surgery otherwise, and I am VERY VERY happy with my choice and with the doctors. There are a LOT of "surgery clinics" in the U.S. (at least in Texas) that have what they call "Hospitality Houses" for recovery. It is NOT a new or foreign concept.

I AM ON A JOURNEY! ... with lots of sights to see on the way. I AM NOT IN A RACE! .... there is no pressure of a "finish line"

Awesome story! Thank you so much for sharing it. You sound like an awesome & grounded man, and happy you found "life" again!

Magnesium is a natural laxative. It is something that your body needs, and any excess it "gets rid of".... and you get the desired result. lol.

"Expectations" are a hard thing to nail down. I mean if we DON"T meet our expectations we get depressed, if we MEET our expectations we are like "ho hum" - but if we EXCEED our expectations then we are thrilled. I place "expectations" right there with "attainable goals" -- I HAVE NO CLUE! lol We cannot compare ourselves to others because everyone is so different - different ages, different environments, different sizes, etc. I have really tried NOT to look at how much each person lost at each point, because I will either set myself up for disappointment or get my expectations sliced. I remember going to WW and each week it was a HUGE struggle to reach a weekly goal - I mean it was SO unpredictable - up one, down 2, up 1/4, down 1/8, etc etc etc. SO -- NOW, with the sleeve - ONE FREAKIN' DAY AT A TIME. hahahahahaha I LOVE the fact that you are keeping a journal log - that really really helps. I made an excel chart so I can visually see the progress. Downward progress is the most important. Of course, I'm just starting - June 30th - and there is a nagging voice in the back of my head saying the same old song it always plays "It will work for everyone EXCEPT YOU-hooo!!" THEN I resort to MY favorite song - "It is a continual journey, and NOT a timed race with a finish line that has to be crossed!" Maybe I'm just different, (and I haven't hit my first stall! lol), but this is MY journey and it is totally unique to me. Who KNOWS where I'll end up - but my expectations are small & ever changing. .... whew.... sorry about the philosophy rant. hahahaha --- carry on.

I had surgery on June 30th and had to be back to work on July 5th. It was very hard returning to work. I am VERY resilient and have a very high pain tolerance, so it was all about the lack of energy for me.. I ended up leaving at noon. Then I called in sick the next day (stayed in bed the entire time). Fortunately (lol??) several people at work have been out with stomach virus so I just joined up with that group. I was finally able to make a full day of it on the next Thursday & Friday. NOBODY at work knows about the surgery. I would have to say the ONLY way I did it was immediately go home and go to bed after work! I have spent the weekends since my surgery pretty much resting. I have found that one day I will feel almost normal, but then another day I will feel like I cannot put one foot in front of the other. But my mantra has become - "I feel better than I did a week ago, but not as good as I'm gonna feel a month from now!"

Yeah - like that. It is so maddening it is funny. I leave the room when he eats because I can't stand the noise. It is not so much about the food but just those sounds of preparation & eating. hahahahaha AND it never bothered me much before my sleeve. Might need to list this as one of the side effects! hahaa

Oh yes, thought about that and went around them! The spots are still itchy today but not as red. Thanks!

First let me say that the great people at the Jerusalem Hospital & recovery house could NOT have been nicer or more accommodating. That place was very tiny, but spotless. There were only 4 of us in our group, but there were several already at the house. So Drs Almanza Reyes and Bettencourt were very knowlegdeable and very kind. It was not a state of the art full service facility. Yes it was in a strip mall. After I got over that and realized that they were fully staffed and serious about what they do I was resolved at my choice. I was placed in one room for a heart scan. I was moved to another room for my IV and fluids to be started. As a group we were ushered up stairs to a waiting are to meet with Dr Almanza Reyes (yes dr Almanza and dr Reyes are his full name - Almanza Reyes). The surgery was discussed with us. I had special circumstances because I had very old gastric stapling from years ago. Dr explained to me that I required an xray before surgery. So we were ushered back down to the 6-8 beds in the hospital to wait our turn. Dr Bettencourt came in and removed my IV drip (left the needle only, taped of course) and put my sandles on my feet for my to go for my xray. It was kind of a "hurry" thing and I did as I was told. I was put into a brand new Ford F150 4x4, in the back seat with a Dora guitar and child's sweater (just thought that was cute). Another gentleman got in the front with the driver. And away we went. We were taking the guy to a hotel while he waited for his wife to recover ( they spoke none if little English ). So I suddenly realize that I am in tijuiana with absolutely NOTHING on but a hospital gown in the backseat. I have not a stitch of undies AND no I .D. We drove for over 30 minutes to take the man to a hotel then to the xray clinic located across town. (whole trip took over an hour) Okay. It has a good ending but I'm exhausted. Going to lay down for a while. More late. As we pull up to the xray facility, I see a waiting room with about a dozen people inside. beautiful facility be the way. I though to myself, "wow, the hospital should buy THIS place!". As I was going tp the stairs I said, " oh well, I'll never see any of theses people again.". Driver said, "Que?". I said, "never mind". I sat my naked butt down for about 5 minutes, drank some typical chalky stuff, got the xray, and headed back acoss town to the clinic.

Well, thanks everyone. Right now I'm slathered in benadryl cream! I have been so careful to watch over my stitches. I didn't want my clothes irritating them so I carefully covered them with gauze. I used a LOT of tape to make sure it would stick. I had my first full day at work on Thursday. Now I am MISERABLE - and discovered IM ALLERGIC TO TAPE. What a strange thing. Scuse me while I grab my hairbrush and re-apply the cream!! Lol. Hopefully this weekend I can get the stitches out and the rash gone.

I had a great time and good memories. I personally don't like staying in a hospital so FOR ME, the transfer to the recovery house was ideal. I could move around as I pleased. In the U.S. I had major surgery on my face for skin cancer. 1 hour after surgery I was moved to a hospitality house for 48 hours. I got spoiled and loved the fact that I had choices. So again, FOR ME, there was NO problem recovering elsewhere. Made some really good friends too.

It also depends upon the time of day and the day of the week. It took us 3 hours because it was around 5pm on a Saturday night.

Texasmom- I had surgery on Thursday, July 30. I was glad Monday was a holiday. I only made it 1/2 day today (Tiesday). I planned to go all day but just ran out of energy. The good excuse I have is that a couple of other people have been out sick so I just used them! Lol. WARNING: the liquids you drink can cause diarriah. As I have read, it is temporary. I packed baggies, changes of undies and Wet Wipes. I'm really a controlled, classy exec type. This has caused me to REALLY plan ahead. I'm pretty resilient and work a desk job. I'm not exactly sure but the combination of surgery AND the pressure of work only allowed a half day - but it was a very productive 1/2 day .... Of course. Lol. So right after the boss got back from lunch I couldn't hardly wait to get home and flop into the bed. Got home and my dear sweet husband HAD STRIPPED THE BEDS OF ALL THE SHEETS BEFORE HE LEFT FOR WORK!!!! God blessem

ME! I had a positive experience -- funny, but positive. I wrote about it in the "Tell your story" section under "It will kick your butt". Enjoy! Details: Sleeved July 30th, Dr. Almanza Reyes

That was a HUGE concern of mine also. I knew my regular GP would NOT be supportive. I found a Health & Wellness center run by a Nurse Practitioner. He is going to do my followup. I will be going to him once a month for B12 shots & anything that might be needed. That was a RELIEF to know that there was a medical person waiting for me in the state. I was just sleeved on Thursday, June 30th. I have my first follow-up appointment on the 17th.

FIRST TIME WITH FIRST CLASS -- I had thought ahead and requested wheelchair assistance for the trip home. It can be a very long walk to some of the gates. When I arrived at the airport there was a long line at the check in. I had done my boarding pass via my smartphone so technically I was checked in. I ALSO had the option to "upgrade" to first class for $150. I grabbed it up. Originally they had me in seat #29 at the BACK of the plane. ugh. I found a airport worker and asked him what I was supposed to do. He told me to "go sit over there" and walked off. I did as commanded. haahaha... AND then afterwards thought, okay... is someone going to come and get me? I tend to ask very few questions and just observe everything around me looking for clues. Suddenly a woman appeared with a wheelchair, helped me get in, and handed me my one bag. ... by the way, I packed ONE change of clothes and packed very light so that it fit in ONE bag. Not knowing what the situation would be I wanted to be able to carry my own bag if needed. Even with that, I really didn't need my make-up lol... but I brought it anyway. So... anyway, I'm in the wheelchair going to security. THEY COULD NOT HAVE BEEN NICER AND MORE ACCOMODATING - or else I was still feeling the affects of the really good drugs! hahaah -- An agent leaned over and asked me, "Ma'am, are you able to stand up?" I said yes. "Ma'am, are you able to raise your hands above your head?" ................. hahahahaha.. and I seriously thought "YEAH! AND RIDE AROUND TJUIANA BUTT NAKED TOO!!" hahaha.... but anyway... didn't say that. I said yes. So he had me just walk through the metal detector. Let me add that they took my shoes off my feet, they took my bag and my small purse, they put it in the bins, they walked them through. One of the agents APOLOGIZED for having to check the liquid magnisium I was sent home with, but he put it back in my bag. They placed my shoes back on my feet, handed me my bag and purse. The entire experience took less than 5 minutes. I was AMAZED -- KUDOS to the San Diego Airport for such efficiency and politeness!! And we were headed to the terminal. I DID NOT KNOW THAT ONE OF THE PERKS OF FIRST CLASS WAS A MEAL! Baja chicken Wraps or a grilled chicken caesar salad, cheesecake, & choice of wine. Yeah... my first class experience and "wimpy butt" says, "No thank you, but may I have some hot tea?" It was FREEZING on the plane - or it may have been me. They brought me two blankets, but I still stayed pretty chilled. We landed back in Houston and I was wheeled out front to my waiting hubby. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug... and home. And the experience was over. Now the new adventure begins as I peel off this fat coat.

Not.. not unbearably hot, just warm. We ran the fans on Saturday. Dress accordingly and you will be okay. There is no humidity so it isn't bad at all. To make a long story short because life is moving forward at a faster pace than I care to keep up right now! lol... (In other words, I'm back at work - DAY 1 - with a long list of things to do). I had a choice of staying another night in the recovery house and getting up at 4am to go with the group that had 7:30am flights (takes anywhere from 2-4 hours to cross the border) and wait for my flight at 12:30pm -- OR -- what was behind door #2!! I won! I decided to go ahead and cross the border that evening with another guest. He already had a room reservation at the Hampton. I called and there were no reservations available. I called surrounding hotels - nothing. BUT... glimmer of hope.... the reservation guy said there "might" be a room if someone cancels. I took that chance. Besides, the gentleman - and he was a perfect gentleman - said that I could share his hotel room if needed. Yeah - my mind sort of did that thing that yours just did too, out of state, out of country, miles from home, all alone, - I felt like a true pioneer woman. Forging shelter & safety in the wilderness. hahahaha It did take us almost 3 hours to cross the border, sitting in traffic. It wasn't boring though because it was Saturday night and the place was hopping. There were street vendors everywhere. More food than you could possibly want - hahahaha especially now! It was a unique and memorable experience. There were children juggling balls & men carrying huge home-made crucifixes on their shoulders. So interesting. Please Notice - I am not in pain at this time. My belly is a little tender and I am a little tired - but the pain & gas pressure was pretty much gone. The worst was behind me. So, we finally got through the customs gate and headed to the hotel. When I got to the front desk I was offered a room for $179 - and the manager said, "It is one of our nicer suites on the 6th floor and that is the price!" I said, "ok.. I'll take it" (knowing that some bill juggling would be happening when I got back home, but at that moment it did not MATTER.) The manager picked up his bag and left for the evening and the young man at the counter continued to check me out." He said, "I'm giving you the regular rate - you just had surgery." SO -- I got the suite on the 6th floor facing Pacific Ave with a beautiful view of the bay for only $129. Wow. Seriously though, I had a little pang of regret thinking about the experience I just left - the flowers, the people, the view, the kindness, the aromas, and especially the smiles. Someday I would like to see those people again. So.. I got to my room, dumped my bag in the middle of one bed, gathered my stuff together for a good long hot shower. I had showered at the recovery house, but in respect of the other guests I just made it a quick run through - not the soaking, running, relaxing shower that I love. There are 3 bathrooms at the recovery house and there was never a wait. They were always clean. There were always towels. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT WHATSOEVER AT ANY TIME -- with the small exception of the full house. And that is not really a complaint because there was plenty of beds, chairs, & whatever you needed... just a full house. I looked at the clock and it was already almost 9pm so I took some pain meds just to help me sleep, a gasX strip, and laid down to rest. I slept straight through until around 7am (I'm a morning person). I repacked my bags, dressed, and then got a phone call from the gentleman friend - I told him I had extra bandages and tape. I went to his room and taped up his belly for him-he had lapband-so that he could catch his flight at 11:00am. After that, I wandered down to the Breakfast bar. Wow. People everywhere filling their plates high. I got a cup of juice and sat down - AND ran into the mom of another woman who had the full gastric bypass. She and I sat and talked about the experience and enjoyed the morning. So... 10:30am.... I got on the shuttle to the airport and headed home. BUT ... of course you know there is more - my "First Class Experience" -- first time I ever flew first class. I'll be right back....

But it has a fantastic ending! I will try and re-type it out today. ... Let's just say I ended up in a deluxe suite on the 6th floor overlooking San Diego bay.

Yes. Just like beef broth once it was strained but very very tasty. I've got to be creative with what I pack for fluids / lunch and it turned out great. I don't care for frozen dinners but just thought this was a creative way to use them while I'm on clear broths.

Ok. I was tired of Popsicles and juice today. I don't have a lot of groceries in the house (on purpose). I had chicken broth yesterday. Etc etc etc. I was sleeved on June 30th. So I'm still on Clear liquids. I had 2 Lean Cuisine steak tips portobello and Broccoli in the freezer. So I dumped them in a sauce pan, added about 4 cups of Water, some salt, garlic, and simmered it together. After about 30-45 minutes I strained it into small glass Soup jars and .... It was good. Selah.

Let me also add that since everyone there is about the same "thing" you VERY QUICKLY bond with each other. We ended up exchanging email addresses. Everyone helped each other. The surgery was tough, but you get over it quickly enough. BUT the memory and the kind people will last. I wish I had done MORE for the staff and workers who patiently took care of our every need. WARNING: The cook at the recovery house is AMAZING! She is the only one with a mean streak because she tortures you with the smell of her fabulous cooking!!!!!!! After your drain tube is out and AFTER your leak test is complete, be sure and see if she has some of her wonderful broth available. O WOW. It was so very very good!

Hey room-mate... just checking on you. (..member be? You were a day ahead of me and we shared the closet. hahaha) My incisions are red and puffy but not bad. I change my bandages every day so far. Today I have left them off and letting my belly air dry a little. I'll put them back on before I go lay back down.