Karen B45

You know what...it seems like it takes FOREVER to get here, and then the last two days go by super fast. Or at least that's what happened with me. I just couldn't WAIT to be on the other side, and now I am so glad I am. But it will go by fast and then you will be on this side with the rest of us on the losers bench.

I was sleeved on March 15th, and actually go back to work this Wednesday. The other guy who was down there being sleeved by me at the same time was going back to work the day after he came home. I don't know. I honestly have sat here and thought I could be back at work a few days last week, however, I don't know if I would have been able to go back the day after getting home. I was feeling awesome in Mexico and then the plane flight home took a lot out of me for whatever reason. But I definitely think I could have been back at my work by the third day after my return home. But I have a desk job. If you have a job that requires a lot of walking or lifting, I am not sure that's a good idea, I still can't lift heavy things without a twinge.

Dr. Kelly is super sweet. I never would have known he was a surgeon based on his attitude (you know how most of them are very pompous). He spends as much time with you as you need, and he even came and had dinner/hung out with myself and the other sleever that was there at the same time as I was this month. Really blew me away how down to earth and friendly he was. Although (I keep saying this) I think he did an excellent job with my surgery. I was up that night, no nausea, and my incisions are small and healing quite well. It's very much a family business -- you will get to meet his son, he goes around with Dr. Kelly quite a bit in the evening when he is doing patient visits, and his wife is the driver, and Ana his assistant comes with her (the wife doesn't speak a lot of people) and they are just all super people who want you to feel comfortable and relaxed/happy. Honestly, I received care from all of them that I wouldn't expect here in the age of rushed inpersonal medical care. Dr. Kelly's wife is also a nurse -- and a very good one. I had an allergic reaction at the hotel and she came right over (at 10 pm on a Saturday night) and took care of me. Excellent care. No my allergic reaction had nothing to do with my surgery, it was own own mistake on another medication I take that I brought with me. Anyway, I think you will like all of them.

I was sleeved by Dr. Kelly on March 15th. I did have someone with me, but I think I would have been fine by myself. Dr. Kelly's wife and his assistant Ana drive you, and take you wherever you want to go. They are both very nice. Dr. Kelly visits frequently, as does Ana. I honestly don't think you would have a problem. Most of the nurses at the hospital speak English, I didn't have a problem communicating at all when I needed things myself. I took my sister b/c I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to communicate, etc., but that problem really just didn't arise for me at all. Not trying to sell you, but I had a very positive experience in terms of the people -- Dr. Kelly, Ana and his wife, and the nurses at the hospital. Knowing what I know now, I would go by myself if I was going to go again. Hope that helps.

I was sleeved by Dr. Kelly March 15th. I did the clear diet three days before, and ate broth, apple juice, and yogurt. A lot of bullion. It was funny b/c I was not reading things right and was drinking the Protein shakes on the third day out and went back to read my stuff and found out I was supposed to be doing the clear thing .... and freaked out and sent Dr. Kelly an email to make sure it would be ok! He said it was totally fine to just stop at that point, which I did. When I got there, his wife who does the driving and Ana took me to a really nice Mexican restaurant where I had broth. It was one of the neat parts of my trip...anyway, I stayed mostly on those things before my surgery. I am very excited for you! I know you will love Dr. Kelly, he is a great surgeon. I am very pleased with how I am healing. Keep me posted!

I don't know how much I lost...I didn't pay attention to how much I weighed at the hospital. During my three days, I ate broth, yogurt, apple juice, that kind of thing. I actually (hate to admit this) only ended up doing it two days b/c I thought I was supposed to be on the Protein shakes, so was drinking those on my first day. My surgeon said my liver was an ok size -- I made a point to ask b/c I was nervous about it, but I think it is mostly clear things. Yogurt to the best of my knowledge (at least with my surgeon) is allowed.

I know you both will do great tomorrow. I can't find the post somoeone dud about what did you do the last day before your surgery...well I flew to Mexico, checked in to the hotel and ate some broth in a Mexican restaraunt. Then watched the only English tv channel the hospital offered. I don't know, I think by the time you get to the day before you are just so READY to be done and have had your surgery so you can get started. You will both be great, and I hope you are both having a great day. I will be sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts tomorrow!

Good to hear everything is going so well! Keep us posted!

I am six days out, also very liquid. I figure that is because of what we are eating, I would rather have that brandy's problem!

I can't believe you are already eating so many more types of foods! I was told Clear Liquids, etc. for two weeks following my surgery, and you are my sleeve sister, we had surgery the same day. I am SO JEALOUS! I also have no problem eating my Jello, or drinking quite a bit without hinderance. I also get the gas thing...I was thinking that might be because I was eating too fast? You go! I might have to venture into Protein shakes at a week now I know it's going so easily for you.....

I had my surgery last Thursday, and I have to agree with everyone...it gets better. I was literally at the mall shopping Saturday night when I had my surgery on Thursday. I think the moving around does help...but at the same time, you need to not overdo it, but get moving, it does help. I hope you feel better soon. Six days out and I feel pretty good...just still sleeping a lot and taking it easy. It will get better, and we are here for you!

I was just sleeved by Dr. Kelly last week, it was a great experience. Having surgery in Mexico is different, not because of cleanliness (the hospital and staff were very clean), but more because it's just not like home and everyone else is speaking a foriegn language. But in terms of actual experience, Dr. Kelly did a great job, and I am happy with the procedure that was done.

Sorry I didn't answer all your questions. Dr. Kelly's wife and Anaid picked me up from the airport, they have a large new van that they use for transporting the patients. Anaid is Dr. Kelly's assistant so she does a lot of the coordinating, making sure you get where you need to go, etc. My sister came with me, She was pretty bored. She brought her laptop so played games, read, etc. I was pretty out of it the first day. The one thing I would caution -- the cafe at the hospital is geared towards cancer patients, and it's an all vegetarian meal plan. Your husband might want to think about bringing Snacks for the room unless he is a very healthy eater, that's the one thing my sister didn't care for. There is a Starbuck's I saw nearby, and also a pharmacy where they might sell snack foods. Ana and the dr's wife will also take him out to get anything if he needs it. The day I arrived we were early, so Ana (Anaid) and Dr.'s wife took us to a nice restaraunt where I had broth but everyone else ate a great meal. It worked really well, they are very nice people and accomodating. Please feel free to email me if I can answer any additional questions for you. I am not trying to advertise for Dr. Kelly, but I did personally have a great, positive experience, and believe me I was as hesitant as anyone about having the surgery in Mexico.

I didn't have any problems getting in touch with Dr. Kelly or Anaid. I used the hotmail address provided by the previous poster. I actually thought they were pretty responsive, so I am surprised you are having that problem. I would use the hotmail email address. I did book directly with him, I wouldn't personally give Linda at ALM if it was my only option, if that was it, I wouldn't have the surgery. Also just to clarify -- Dr. Kelly is two nights in a hospital (not a clinic) and two nights at a hotel. No recovery house, etc, and I LOVED the nurses at the hospital. Hope that helps.

I was sleeved last week with Dr. Kelly. I am not sure why you think he does not perform surgery at a hospital; he does. I had a great experience, very little pain and no nausea. Everyone does need to make their own decision and I am sure you will find the right surgeon for you, but I think you should at least consider Kelly. He really did a great job on mine, and the hospital and staff were wonderful (friendly and knowledgeable) and the facility was clean and modern. Just my personal opinion based on my surgery. Hope you find someone you love.

Hi all, got back from Mexico last night from my VSG last Thursday with Dr. Kelly. I feel pretty good, although today I am pretty tired so have been doing a lot of sleeping. I think the flight takes more out of you than you might think...or at least mine did! But my incisions look great, I am getting used to the siping, and am generally happy overall with how things are going. How is everyone else doing? Those of you having surgery this week, best wishes!

Overall, yes. My surgery went very smoothly and I was up walking that night. I don't have a lot of pain and my incisions are small and not super painful. Plus I was never really nauseous....I think he knows his stuff for sure. I didn't care for Tijuana, but that has nothing to do with Dr. Kelly or anyone that works with him! Ana and his wife (who do the coordinating and driving you around, etc.) are very nice and do their best to make you comfortable and feel welcome.

Yes me too! Although my sister told me to expect this the first week. I am thinking the flight was just more than I was expecting...I am excited to be on my way! I did get a new pair of walking shoes, so they are waiting for me to get moving in them the minute I start to feel better....

Wow good for you! I was sleeved the day after you, 3/15, and so far am only down four lbs. Not really that concerned about it, four pounds is four pounds, and I also feel pretty good.

Hi everyone: First day post-op, seem to be doing pretty well. Not a lot of pain, the gas I could live without although it is getting better. Leak test and to the hotel tomorrow for two days before going home Monday. Very happy to be on this side of surgery for sure, time to get A new ticker to count down pounds lost, yay!

Well I am at the Seattle airport waiting to board my flight to San Diego for my surgery tomorrow with Dr. Kelly in Tijuana! I am excited and nervous... And glad its finally here! Will update when I can.

Thanks for thinking of me! Yes, at work for my last day before flying out tomorrow. I am on Clear liquids only at this point...I am excited, and scared, and at this point I just want to be there and have met everyone so I know more what to expect! Yes, please keep us in your prayers. I will update as soon as possible from Mexico.....I am sure I will post tomorrow, but just in case!

Thanks for the info! you can call me Karen, that's my name if you would like. I really tried to do more days, and did fine at work, just not so well the weekend! So I am totally ready for my three days, taking my laxative tonight at bedtime (tmi I know). I am so so so excited!!! I think I got most everything at the store except the gas strips, so looks like I will be walking over to the drugstore at lunchtime from work tomorrow. Did I mention I was a little excited?

March 10th Sleevers, how are you guys doing?

Congrats and good luck! We are right behind you!