mango926

Not at all! I used a cashier's check and carried it in my carry-on (didn't check baggage). I promise that you will feel slightly embarrassed for any anxiety you feel after the fact. I've never been treated with more respect or sincerity. My Mom is an ER nurse and was quite nervous. She came with me and was truly amazed at the care and the kindness of everyone we came across. She sings their praises now..haha.

Thanks a ton, sleeve peeps! I'm still horrible about getting my Water in, but doing a little better than I was. Also dealing with some hair loss, but nothing a little sprinkle of Topik Fiber powder doesn't hide...and I'm digging the bob, too:) And I'm 5'3", so our stats are super close! I wish you the same success if not more!

So, I have to admit that my favorite VST posts are those with pics. And, in hopes of getting a fence-sitter to come on over to the pro-surgery side, here are my 3 month post op pics! I had surgery on Oct. 13, 2012 with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. Weighed in at 238.8 and am now 188 as of today. And couldn't be happier with the results so far:):) Yay, sleeve!!!! [ATTACH]8367[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]8368[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]8369[/ATTACH]

You could also make your own low carb pizza at home by using Flat Out bread as your crust. Super easy and low carb. I'm about 5 weeks out and have made it once. I'm only able to eat 1/4 of a whole Flat Out piece.

Today marks my one month surgiversary! I had the sleeve done with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali on Oct. 13, 2012. Stats are below:) Stats: Day of surgery: 238.8 (5'3" tall) One month post-op: 215.8 and loss of 5 1/4 inches ... Total of 23 lbs. I'm not the fastest loser, but I haven't hit a stall yet and haven't started back at the gym yet. My goal is to start back this week. Regardless, I'm thrilled with the changes! I would post pics, but I'm not that ballsy yet...haha. Congrats to everyone!

I was sleeved on 10/13 and am down 19 1/2 lbs (started at 238.8). No real problems to report. The first few days of carb detox was brutal, but I've been great since then. I feel like the weight might come off a little quicker if I got more water in...that's my main struggle. I plan to start back to the gym today and am curious if I see any changes since I'm still not reaching 600 calories per day. We shall see. Best if luck to all of you! Even with the carb detox and awful liquid stage, I have ZERO regrets!

I'm 3 1/2 weeks post op, and I don't have this as much as I did in the very beginning. In the beginning I felt like my mouth was glued shut with sand when I woke up. It was horrible. I'm nowhere near that now. Maybe just give it a few more weeks and see if you notice a difference? Good luck!

I, for one, I'm jealous! I was sleeved on 10/13 and have had a wonderful recovery, but I do feel restriction with liquids and simply cannot get in my 64 oz each day. It still takes me about 15 mins to drink an 8 oz shake with water. I'm gonna start working out today and I'm really concerned since I often have the desire to chug an entire bottle if water, but can't physically do so. It certainly has gotten better, but still not as easy as I wish it would be. Sip, sip, sipping along;) But, who cares...I'm on the cusp of minus 20 lbs, so I'll sip if I have to...haha.

How inspiring!!! We started out close to the same weight! I'm two weeks post-op today and am down 15 lbs, so your pic and progress is music to my ears! Congrats!

Thanks for the tips and support! Finalllllly home now...yay! This head hunger is no joke, I must say. Here's to each day being better than the last!

I'm finally sleeved! I fly home tomorrow and couldn't have asked for a better experience. The surgeons, nurses, staff, facility, hotel, etc have ALL exceeded their wonderful expectations, and I couldn't he more thrilled. I've also enjoyed visiting with my "sleeve sisters" while here. I passed both leak and Barium tests and indulged in the famous chicken broth I've heard so much about:) Glad to be on the other side and to get everything rolling! All the best to those about to embark on this journey!

I am so sorry about your episode! It does sound very scary! I'm sure you'll get a response soon, so please post when you do. I hope your muscle aches get better asap!

$8750 all inclusive minus flights to and from San Diego, if necessary. It includes one night in a hotel near the hospital and a three night stay in the hospital plus traveling to and from the airport. Good luck on your decision! I chose Aceves and am getting sleeved in 13 days:):)

Thank you! And thanks to everyone else you mentioned:)

Moonrisen - How would you describe your recovery since you didn't have the spinal? I'm scheduled with Dr. Aceves on Oct. 13 and also haven't made up my mind about the spinal option. Thanks for any info!