Caradina

I use birth control pills to completely replace my hormones. I am post total hysterectomy. Before WLS, it did a great job too. If you've been on hormonal birth control, it's probably been masking / treating this issue for awhile and you're just noticing it now because you're going on what your body is making for the first time in awhiel.

I've noticed this trend for sure. I have 3 degrees, and can't get entry level jobs. I've beenstuck in a temp position for over a year now. I know part of it is when my size 22 suit hals into their office, all they see are dollar signs drifting out the door and into my doctors lap, even though I'm pretty healthy other than my weight. It's sick really. Too bad it can't be proven.

I say don't do it! I've never seen lip work that didn't look obvious, and your mouth is well balanced in your features. Don't mess with your pretty face! Save your money and buy a plumper from Sephora.

I'm 7 days out today. I had the same thing you describe until day 6. Now I still get it but only if I swallow too much at once. I think it's just a recovery step. I did find that hot was MUCH easier, and soothing too since I've been freezing sice the surgery. I like my broth in a coffee mug, or hot tea. Hot juice is nice too sometimes. (Or that one time I drank jello before it set up, because I was desparate, and hungry, but also hurting... not bad! ) Hang in there.

Dr. Almanza id not Belite. I just went through them and saw Dr. Rodriguez, but I ended up going to Tijuana, Mexico. I wanted to stay in the US too, but in the end, I needed financing, and none of their US locations financed. I do know that the Detroit location through them is around $12,000 but you have to pay up front. I ended up going to Mexico, because I only had to pay $7,900 for the surgery. Belite was great! There was NO issue with Mexico once I was on my way. yes, flying sucked, I'm a bad flyer too. The hospital was clean, cleaner than in the US. The doctor has a better track record than the US doctor I was looking at, and has more experience. He gave me more facetime and was kinder to me than I have EVER experienced in the US. Now that it is said and done, I'm VERY glad I opted to go through Belite, and opted to save the $ and go to Mexico. Belite itself has been very friendly, prompt and professional. I have no complaints about their service! Most of them have been there, so they have tons of firsthand knowledge and are very up front about everything. I do nto feel like anything was kept from me and I was soooo very happy to let them manage all of my little details for me. Well worth it! I'm a week out. Other than some soreness and still getting used to the restriction, I feel great. I highly recommend them!

What Rootman said... LOL I mix mine with Skim, at 6 days out, having no issues.

Yay! I can't wait until I can fit into 30" waist jeans myself! Whooo Hooo!

I've already been adding some juices to my diet, in Week 1! Just some simple veggie and apple based juices. I feel like it helps me feel alittle better, getting more than just a bunch of sweet fruity stuff full of aspartame...

I'm glad to know about the nuggets. Sometimes, when you're with a group, your only option is to go with the flow. When your group usually involves a square million children, like mine does, (ugh) McDonalds is usually the only afforable way to feed them, as they eat SO MUCH FOOD. So a McD's option is great! Thanks for your research!

Yeah. I've been in Perimenopause since I was 25, up until my hysterectomy at 33. It sounds like me. Birth control pills will help even out the hormones.... I also had good luck with Black Cohosh, Evening Primrose, and an herbal product called Estroven. (I got it off Amazon.com) For tests ask for your Thyroid (T3 & T4), Estrogen, progesretone, and testosterone. Interestingly, since the sleeve, my HRT has completely. Stopped. Working. So I'm a sweaty hotflashy mess. I'm really worried that it will negatively affect my weightloss. I feel your frustration completely.

I love the balance you've found between eating for loss and eating for sanity. As a newly sleeved, headachy, tired, crabby and starving girl still on clears, it gives me alot of hope for my future! LOL

It really is! My swelling is going down and I noticed this morning that my 40s were too big around.... I have a feeling my 20 pants are next...

I've actually already gone down a band size in bras, and I was just sleeved last week. It's kinds amazing. Thank goodness I have a whole range to choose from!

Thanks indeedy!

I'm uninsured too... long story, basically, all there is here in MI seems to be temp work. Yeah.... I went to Mexico. I went through Belite Weight, and they financed me at $7900. It was a good experience and I recommend it! My credit is not the greatest and I was still approved BTW.

I did the fast for 10 days. It really made me feel better and the effect continued to this day. The weird thing is that while i used to DETEST all veggies, I now crave them just plain, steamed veggies with a touch of sea salt.

I'm 5 days out and about the same. Exhausted, but I get full liquids in 2 days so hopefully that will help. I think I managed 35 calories a day average on clears. It's disheartening....

I was told to just take as usual. I take two small pills and my antacid.

Same here... tiny little burps... HUGE disgusting blowout farts. Last night I made one so bad that my BF declared "that is really gross" and left the room.

I was sleeved on 3/22 in TJ with Dr. Rodriguez at INT Hospital through Belite Weight. It was... interesting. Not totally amazing, but definitely not a bad experience. Dr. Rodriguez and team - He is amazing, professional and seems to really care. He held my hand and was very comforting. He and the other doctors all had excellent bedside manners and made me feel safe, cared for, and secure. I saw all three doctors every day. EVERY DAY! Dr. Rodriguez sat with us all on the couches on our last day to answer our questions and joke with us alittle. You sure don't see that from a surgeon in the States! I recommend him 110%. I was sent home with a typed surgical report and a DVD with my swallow test to give to my doctor. INT Hospital and TJ - The hospital is SMALL and right smack in the middle of downtown TJ. I loved the colorful culture of TJ and was gooning out the wondow of the van and hospital the whole time. The hospital is exceptionally clean and has a comfortable sitting area with alot of windows. All of the Belite people were on the same floor so we all visited with and supported eachother. The facility seems a bit older than we are probably used to in the states, so the beds and other equipment may seem alittle antiquated. It didn't really cause a problem for me, but man, those beds SUCKED. I'm still having back issues 3 days after coming home. Just be aware. INT Hospital's nursing staff - My only area of complaint. They were horrible. It wasn't just that they didn't speak English (across the board, none of them) but they were condescending, slow, were sleeping during the night shifts, did not check on me at all, almost never took vitals, often had to be reminded of my drug allergy, and who I was and what room I was in.... They were just bad. I'm angry that they basically had to make this review less than stellar. Because of them, I would say see Dr. Rod if you go to Mexico, but try to go to Juarez so it's a different hospital. Belite Weight - They rocked! Everyone was kind and sweet and accomodating. It was amazing to work with so many people who have also had the surgery. The driver, Alberto was a trip, I enjoyed him very much. He gave us very colorful commentary on the scenery as we drove through TJ. I would reccommend Belite to anyone, absolutely. They also were there each day, making sure that we had everything we needed and just keeping us company. Very real and down to earth folks across the board. The flight - The San Deigo airport is tiny and very comfortable. It was nice to not have to immediately deal with huge airport chaos upon starting my trip home. I had surgery Thursday night and flew home Saturday afternoon. I made it, but it was rough and I was very uncomfortable. I highly suggest taking an extra day to rest before you fly. I wish I'd taken that extra night in a hotel. Get wheelchair service! Not only does it allow you to jump all of the lines, but it makes sureyou get on the plane first and don't get jostled. I know alot of people said they were up to airport walking when they went home, but I was not! maybe it also is because I was pretty far from home, and had two flights, and over 8 hours of transet time. My body - I'm doing ok. I have a small amount of pain if I swallow too much, and am struggling to control the acid. I'm also having weird, vivid dreams! I've already lost 8 lbs, and I'm excited to recover and get on with my new workout plans.

I'm back to work today, and it's only been 5 days since my op. I wish I'd taken a full week, but yes, I really think a week is plenty.

My dreams are either about Mexico, or about trying to sort through a mound of huge clothes to try to find something to wear. Of course there were some weird indians or something outside my slider door the whole time... weird dreams. Stupid, weird dreams. LOL I'm also having hot flashes and night sweats like nobodys business.

I'm at the airport, on my way to Tjuana to be sleeved with Dr. Rodriguez. I should go into surgery around 5pm pst. I'm so exited, but terrified! This is the biggest leap of faith of my life. Wish me luck everyone! I'll update later.

I'm in the middle of my flights home now. Feeling pretty tired and sore. I'm drinking ok though and just really eager to get home and truly relax. It's back to work on Monday, but I may decide to call in for an extra day. I'll have to see how tomorrow goes. I'm in the middle of my flights home now. Feeling pretty tired and sore. I'm drinking ok though and just really eager to get home and truly relax. It's back to work on Monday, but I may decide to call in for an extra day. I'll have to see how tomorrow goes.

I'm doing ok. Drinking without issues. Quite a bit of pain though.