coolmamma73

I found this guide online and its so helpful and it answered most all my questions. It's great for us that are self-pay and are not meeting with a NUT or Bariatric surgeon Enjoy!! http://www.peachtreebariatrics.com/docs/Gastric-Sleeve-Patient-Manual.pdf

Hello all, I was sleeved with Dr Garcia in TJ on Dec 4th. No complications and life is great! I am down 55 lbs and losing steady. Here is my most recent pic Best. Decision. Ever! Good luck in your journey!!

What are you using to help heal/fade the scars? I am thinking of using Maderma. I have also heard of bio oil. Anyone have advice?? Thanks!

Not sure but call and ask or stop in

GNC has their own brand of muscle milk. It's cheaper and it tastes MUCH better! All the nutrition is about the same as well. They sell individual ones in their little cooler so u can try before u buy a 4 pack

I have a membership for kickboxing that I want to start. Do you think it's ok to begin at 5 weeks out? Thanks!

Does everyone get one? I am hoping not!! If so, is it based on Dr preference or medical necessity, etc? Thanks!!

Got into the airport and Samuel (R4C) was there to meet me in a nice clean ford Arostar. I was his only pickup. He gave me some history and little facts as we drove to hotel. Rosie the coordinator met me at the hotel and helped me check in and get to my room where she went over everything with me. Had some broth and its not bad at all!! Gonna head to Walmart and explore. So far, great experience. Marriott shuttle will escort to the hospital in the morning More to come......

Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay. I hate using my phone to type long paragraphs and I have been busy since getting home. I am alive, and doing very well!! When I arrived at the airport, my driver Samuel, had already called me to let me know he had arrived. He picked me up in a very clear and nice Ford Aerostar van. I was his only pickup. As we drove, he told me all about TJ and pointed things out. The ride was about 20 min to the Marriott. Arrived and Rosie (the R4C coordinator for the hotel) was there waiting for me and she checked me in, accompanied me to my room and helped me get settled. She told me that i would get a call in my room in a few hours to let me know what time the shuttle would take me to the hospital. Now, there was a girl staying there as well, having surgery with Dr Lopez, through ALM. She asked ME what time i was going to the hospital becuase after her driver picked her up an hour late from the airport, he told her he would call her to let her know a time and never did. I guess it all worked out for her becuase she had surgery. I have to say that I got phone calls that i was gonna get phone calls, I got emails 2 days before I left with driver's phone numbers, etc. My coordinator Rosie called me at home to make sure all was planned and she had all the right info. I got to the hospital in the morning on Tues. Mellissa (Melly) was there to get us checked in, answer all our questions, give us little goody bags and make sure everything went smooth. Throughout the remainder of my stay in the hospital, she would pop in to check on me and make sure I was getting the proper care and did not need anything. Surgery went well. Sore, gas, etc. Nurses spoke fine english and were very accomodating. Beds were comfortable. Dr Garcia called my husband at home after surgery to let him know everything went great. Went back to hotel for the next 2 nights. broth was fine for me. Marriott beds were extrememly comfy and had lots of pillows. Thurs night, our other driver Samuel, Sr. (such a nice man!) took us into TJ to do a little shopping and get suveniers. he stayed with us the whole time and very talkative and showing us the sights. Definately didn't have to take us out when he could be home in the evening with his family Last night at the hotel, Dr Luna (soooo cute) came to the hotel and removed my staples. He gave me his phone and email and said to call with any questions!! I wondered if asking him to be my long distance lover was part of that "any", LOL! My driver Samuel, JR, took me to the airport and we sat in traffic to cross the border for about 1.5 hrs. It was an awesome experience! I made a friend, Wendy, who was also having surgery, and her husband was with her so I got to spend some time with friends I highly recommend this company, Dr and everything. I never felt unsafe, or unsure what was going to happen or if I would receive good care. At home, healing nicely, going to my PCP today just to have him check on my stiches and make sure they are healing well. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and concerns, it means A LOT!!!!

No, but they give you 2 large bottles per day. There is also a store downstairs that carries extra waters, Gatorade, etc

Oh and I am down 16lbs since 3 day preop liquids

Hello guys!! Everything went great! Dr Garcia called my hubby back home to let him know things went well. I had some nausea and discomfort where the drain is, but other than that no problems. Just had a leak test and no leaks! So get some fluids soon! Everyone has been great! I will post more details from home. Thanks for all your thought and prayers!!!

Getting last minute stuff together and enjoying a family day. Can't believe it all starts tomorrow!!! 2nd day of liquids going great! No cheating I will def post updates on hotel, check in, etc!! Wish me luck

Awesome!! Good luck to u also and thanks!! Keep us posted

Awesome!! Good luck as well!! Who's your Dr?

So excited to meet up with you and share this together!! Congrats on the weightloss, I know what you mean though!! I have lost before and then lost my will power. I am SO weak! Lol. I wanna be a loser!!!!!!! Haha See ya tomorrow

Is SOOO yummy!!! Taking little baggies with me in case the hotel's isn't so great. I highly recommend! And it has 20g of Protein. First day of clear liquid pre-op going good!!

Yes, that's why I think I will use half a scoop and see how that works

Well, you can dilute it and make 8 oz Water and half a scoop, which would still give you 10g of protien, as opposed to none with reg broth. That will make it last longer too

The thing I don't like about Almanza, is that at the hotel you get a room mate! I guess if u travel with a spouse that wouldn't occur. But for me traveling alone the last thing I want is a stranger in my room while I am trying to relax and rest!! No matter how nice they may be, you just don't feel free to let it all hang loose, know what I mean?? Lol But that's just me

I am bringing my unjury chicken broth with protein in it. Just in case the broth there is not up to par some love it. Some hate it. Other than that just focusing on clear liquid and will start more protein when I get home.

I went through all those emotions too! I am scheduled for Dec 4th in TJ, Mexico. I will start the Clear liquids tomorrow until surgery. It is really becoming "real" now. I remember coming to these boards 3 weeks ago and the time zoomed by! I am nervous but mostly excited and a little fearful of the unknown, but I have many people praying for my safe recovery and just trusting in God to get me through Good luck to you, it will be here before u know it!!

I am reading posts that people are able to take these months after surgery, then I also read they are forever a no no. What's everyone's personal experience with them? I take excederin for headaches, it's the only thing that takes them away. If I can't use them down the road not sure what I will do

Thanks! I have read on here that people take them, then I found an online guide to pre and post op rules and they said no. So just trying to clarify but I will definitely ask my Dr

Does he give blood thinner meds after surgery?