measureofme

While I didn't have surgery the same day, I'd say it all depends on how fast the border crossing and all the pre-op can be done. This is getting checked in, health history forms, blood chemistry (labs), putting in the IV, getting your chest x-ray done, EKG.... I cannot think of anything else I had done before the OR. When I arrived, it was about 1/2 hour from airport to hospital and I was checked in and blood chemistry draws done with in the hour of arrival. Next day I was up by 6am and all the IV and other tests were done within 2 hours of that. Not sure how long exactly they take to process your blood draw... maybe four-five hours is reasonable to plan for? Doctor Kelly/Lora should be able to tell you too. Best wishes!

oh, and AmandaRaeLeo... I *LOVE* this comment, I need to put it up at my office: "If you mess up. Have a weak moment. "Cheat". Own it."

AmandaRaeLeo, I really hesitated to post my response, because this IS the rants and raves forum... you're totally right and okay to have a rant. I probably should have stuffed it. I just read one too many "are you nutz" replies today. I am right there with you, realizing that there are those here who regularly post about self-sabotage and it DOES hit too close to home. But there are hard hitting replies a time or ten when the person seems more innocent, in a weak moment, and it reads like an attack. Perhaps that is the time I should jump in with this post! You didn't offend me at all... just wanted to offer an "other side of the coin" reply. Peace!

I'm gonna jump in on this one because, in my philosophy, for many of us it's a bigger picture issue. I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Not a personality change, not a lobotomy. If my obesity is part of a larger mental health issue, then the Sleeve is just half of the answer. Some folks don't know that they have addiction/personality disorder components as part of their diagnosis. Or have some amount of denial. So, they go into the procedure with only half the solution at hand. They can hear/see the formula and "know" the way the lifestyle works... but if they're not addressing the addiction/personality side of it because they don't realize or don't acknowledge it, then it stands to reason old habits will TRY to be retained. I will freely admit and discuss that, for me, obesity resulted from a life of addiction/mental health disorder. I was damn lucky that my Sleeve Journey started with years of counseling and culminated in a watershed moment where I knew I had to change and needed help to do it. Not everyone for who the story is similar has that resource or insight. I know that without my small army of professionals, family and friends supporting me, I'd probably be asking the same questions you're frustrated by. I often wonder what the support of those asking these questions is like. Is it frustrating to see folks posting freely about wanting to "cheat"? Yep. Is it SCARY how soon some folks push the envelope? Totally. Do I wonder what is in their minds? All the time. Do I want to shake them and aks why they bothered? Ohmygosh yes! But then, I think about my own heart and how many times in my 9 weeks post op I've had a (albeit much quieter) demon on my shoulder telling me how good that toast would taste, how a "little piece" of this or that won't hurt me, just ONE will not make the scale go up. How many times in my 9 weeks post op I've failed to follow the program by not getting enough water/protein/exercise... giving in to the demon in my brain on a few occassions. I guess my point is, I feel ya AmandaRae. Completely. But as a person who is struggling, I'd just ask for those who want to "tell it like it is" to do so, but add a dash of compassion into it too- the person asking about bread/chinese food/eating "normally" may not have half their own story solved or it may be winning them over for the moment. Shall I prepare for the flames now? Or perhaps I've just killed another thread?

I had not realized that I was crying out inside; to God, the universe, or anyone that would listen… but I was quickly becoming tired of living in my uncooperative body. I was fat, very much so, but my only comorbidity was pain. Bone deep and getting worse. My life was quickly contracting such that I didn’t go out for fear of ridicule and unforeseen challenges… like arms on chairs and seatbelts that would not reach. I had to strategize a trip to the grocery store around my pain threshold. On November 9, 2012 the final straw came. It does not matter what it was. It happened. God had heard the crying I didn’t realize I was pouring out and a solution was presented. On Sunday, November 11, my mind was all but made up that I would undergo the VSG procedure in order to provide my body with a powerful tool to reshape my life. With many hours online and a face-to-face interview with a former patient of his, I selected surgeon Dr. Jaime Ricardo Ramos Kelly of Tijuana to perform my VSG. Much has been noted on the VerticalSleeveTalk boards about recent changes with Dr. Kelly’s staff and I was in the thick of the transition. I started out working with Omar who left the practice (friendly separation), then came Alina who was lovely but learned quickly her heart was elsewhere, and finally working with Lora Lee, an American they hired who was also a recent Dr. Kelly VSG patient. I had moments of paperwork confusion through this, but NEVER concern for my surgeon or what I would experience once there. And Lora Lee worked HARD in the days before my surgery to be sure I was no longer confused and on the “right page”. Enough about that! With the decision made that Dr. Kelly was the surgeon for me, paperwork began. I weighed in and learned that my weight, the highest I’d ever seen it, was 529lbs. I worried this would preclude me from surgery but, again, Dr. Kelly has experience working with very high BMI patients and he was confident that with his experience and my dedication this would be a good match. We settled that I’d be operated on Saturday, February 2, 2013. I had all the “normal” up and down emotions… I’d done my research and the risks scared (still scare) the heck out of me, then the moments when I allow myself to dream of the moment when I can shop without being stared at, with less (or no) pain made me excited and happy. At the heart of it, I had PEACE that this was the right decision and God-led. I was scared of the post-op pain and drains and how it would be to not really eat for days… But I knew that I had loved ones to hold me up and encourage me, and really… would the post-op pain really be worse that I was living with right then? Onward!

I developed an intolerance for my Protein Drink at about three weeks out. Not coincidentally, about the same time I stalled for four/five endless weeks! That said, the solution for me was to use milk as the mix for the Protein Powder. Not sure what about the milk made it sit easier on my belly but it did. Of course, if you were to try that, milk would need to be an OK on your nutrition plan since you're so newly post op. Also, I agree... 25lbs in 2 weeks is great!

Good morning carroll. I was pretty low when I wrote this and now, two weeks later, things are better for me. I knew when I posted it that time and experimentation would be the key, but it's no less discouraging when it feels like all you see are folks doing better than you. First, five pounds a week is nothing to sneeze at! I don't know you stats like starting weight or if you've lost nothing in a while, but even so, 20lbs is good for most folks! Regarding gagging... this is something you will have to watch. At 4 weeks out, what does your Doctor have you eating? I developed a true tolerance issue with protien drinks at three weeks post op. They went down fine, but made me miserable for hours later. I discovered at about 7 weeks post op that they went down better if in a milk base, rather than just Water. But if "everything" is making you gag, you might want to follow up with your surgeon's office. If it's solid food making you gag, your new sleeve may not be ready for the hard stuff yet. Go back to the slider semi-solids and sip sip sip! Don't pressure yourself above all. You're still healing. My stall seems to have broken but I had to overcome my aversion to the Protein drinks to make it happen... I need more than DOUBLE the "60g" goal to get my body moving. This may not be a key for you, but it surprised me that "more was better". I hope that today is brighter for you.

I thought that this would be so natural... that it would just melt off for a while. I mean... if my resting metabolic rate is somewhere over 1500 calories a day and I'm only taking in between 600 and 800 calories... it's a no-brainer, right? Six weeks out now and I admit that there I things I'm still not 100% on. Water usually very close but not 100% and Protein ranges but is probably, honestly, about 40 grams a day. I'm still too heavy for intentional exercise (walking/working out) with a knee injury that can't be helped for a while longer, largely house bound by my job and transportation (no pool in other words)... but know I need to work it in there somehow. Hah! Housework could be my new work out... I've ignored it for six weeks. All that said... at six weeks out, I feel like a failure already. Broken in so many ways. I thought about posting this in other places but I really am just wondering if I'm the only "super size" one here that's had a stall this long. I'm so despondent now that I actually have considered cancelling my account here and "forgetting" I did this to myself. It's hard to read about so much success and feel like such an utter failure. It's ironic that I cut out my stomach and trained myself to eat so little and so WELL compared to the past... only to have my body laugh at my effort this way... heartbreaking.

I feel ya. I posted pretty much the same thing a couple of weeks ago. A NUT advised me that at my BMI I probably wasn't getting enough Protein in. They doubled my goal and after reaching for that for the last week I have some cautious optimism. I agree with the OP, beba238, there's a lot of hearts/flower/pure success stories here that can make these long stalls just seem that much worse, especially when we're having them so soon after surgery. I don't blame you for not coming by as often. And my goal is not to make it worse for you by talking about my own scale... I would just encourage you to talk to your surgeon about the experience so far and if they're not supportive, talk to a NUT. I think that it is significant your stall started when you started back to work... Don't give up. We've all been through too much to do that now.

I went back to work at 17 days post op. The second day back was my "long" day when I have staff meeting and lots of driving. I was so exhausted and aching by the time 5pm came I was in tears. I'm glad you took it easy on yourself today. Indeed, you just had major surgery, it takes time to get back to 100%. Rest well!

Do you think this counts for newbie post-ops too? I lost 53lbs out the gate. I've bounced around in a 6 pound range for FIVE WEEKS now. My general calories have been 800-850 much of that time. I've struggled with protien but have *finally* found a milk/protein powder combo that my tummy does not regect and I'm doing really well on fluid intake now too. I asked today "when does a stall simply turn into abject failure?". I've got to find the magic combination.

Amy, I normally avoid this forum like the plauge (I tend to be paranoid) so I just caught on from other posts that you'd had clots. I wanted you to know I am wishing you the best as they figure this out. I'm so glad you got help and answers. More wishes for a continued speedy recovery.

I was there six weeks ago and I enjoyed my stay there as a patient and my traveling companion was comfortable too. As mentioned, it's older in aesthetics but they're updating it even now. I loved all the nurses and the hospital bed was, to me, the most comfortable I've ever had occassion to use. Another poster said the linens were too scratchy for her, but I didn't notice. I liked that it was a full-service facility. They are internationally known for their alternative cancer care program and I understand a lot of Amish folks from the States like to use that facility for a variety of care (though I did not meet any on my trip). Nurses and all the doctors who do rounds were wonderful.

I had my surgery at Florence Oasis Hospital. It was smaller, very clean, but simple as far as in-room equipment... which was fine with me. Everything that was necessary was on hand (oxygen after surgery, the IV machine, etc). It does have an ICU and full range of equipment, not that I saw it because I didn't need it. Now, I also had occassion to go to Hospital Angeles which was very much like what I'd expect to see in the US.... well, what I saw of it. I had my leak test done there (Dr. liked that machine better than the one at Florence Oasis).

Yes... that's what logic tells me too. But it's the four weeks SINCE that milestone was hit that upset me. One week, even two I was fine. Three weeks started to depress me. Now week four...well, that's why I wrote. I needed the pick me up.

Oh thank you, everyone. This was exactly the balm I needed. Since I posted this morning, I've also taken some time to make a basic daily check sheet for myself to put up in my office... something I can put stars on when I complete the goal. Vitamins, Water, Protein, max calories, exercise calories. Maybe that visual of what I AM doing right will help and encourage me over the last little bump to compliance each day? What each of you writes is true... so true... This IS a process, not a race. Following the "rules" is paramount for success and long-term health. Keep the support system. It's not just pounds lost, other changes are there too. SO... okay. If I'm feeling low about what the scale isn't doing... what can I count otherwise? The jeans I wore to Mexico fall off me now. Litterally. The shirt I'm wearing used to not cover my belly. It does and then some today. My fourth chin is nearly neck once more. My wedding rings need to be resized. My knee is not in constant pain any longer... it's a tolerable ache. Stamina IS improving, if not as fast as I want it to. Yes, posting this was probably the smartest thing I've done in days other than talking to my surgeon's staff. THANK YOU for the positive statements, encouragement and advice.

Part of the reason I think you see no complaints is that there seem to be very few on this board who have used him or we are not terribly vocal. He was my surgeon and the price I paid was higher even than that, for my BMI. I have said a million times and I will continue to say that, FOR ME, all was as advertised. His background and qualifications added to the in-person reference I had for him made the decision for me and I am not disappointed! I was also determined price was a third or fourth factor in my research. I think that there is a leap of faith to go with any surgeon, a point where you trust, or don't, all the research facts and opinions you gather before you set the date and pay. If you have not read it yet, I wrote a looooooooong post about my whole trip and experience. Just search for MeasureOfMe's Mexico Adventure. I did hear one complaint recently, I think, that said he did not have good bedside manner... But I am not 100% sure it was he the poster was referencing. Dr. K. was assisting in his colleague's surgery. And this was certainly not my experience. Let me know if I can tell you more of my experience. Peace as you make your choices!

I so needed this ray of sunshine. Thank you for pointing out this truth! Now... to just get to the point where I'm a year and a half out (not a mere 6 weeks!) lol

I'm five weeks post now. Hope you find a buddy near your date! In my experience, you'll be in great hands. Best wishes to you!

I developed this problem at about three weeks out too Amy. No reason for it specifically... they go down fine and stay but "temper tantrum" is right. I could not handle it. I've got to find a solution for the problem too because I cannot simply eat enough protien in the day. I hope it resolves for you soon!

I cannot WAIT to post the same thing! Thanks for the inspiration! Congrats to you and keep up the great work. It IS such a learning experience.

This was a known issue for me and a big part of the reason I got where I am. I do have a counselor that I work with, but this is the way I reasoned it out... The sleeve is my tool to make me STOP and LISTEN to my brain and heart before I act. Physically I cannot consume what I used to (either in quantity or in choices like junk food), so it forces me to actually deal with what's happening in positive ways. I'm only about five weeks out now (wow, the time has flown!) but I'm already testing my reasoning out with some hard deadlines at work that would usually have had me reaching for junk and family problems that would normally have had me binging. Neither of these things are happening now and I'm dealing with the anxiety by planning, general problem solving and writing. I still WANT to do the negative behavior, but I cannot, so I'm being forced to evolve. I don't know if that really answered you... but I guess I can totally relate!

I'm just complaining. I know I shouldn't. I feel like a small child stamping my feet. I knew it would come sometime about now, but this sucks. I really shouldn't complain. It's not a total stall... but I have not weighed in for two weeks and when I did today, it says I've only dropped three pounds in the last two weeks. Now... I should be thrilled... never before have I lost 53lbs in seven weeks (two pre-op and four almost five since surgery)... and the scale went down, not UP. Right? I just gotta put my big girl panties back on and suck it up. This happens. It's not meant to happen over night and I'm still healing and learning. Right? RIGHT! Increase the Water and increase the Protein. Avoid the cheese and WHINE... just go for the cheese. Ugh I feel like a sap. Thanks for listening to me VST peeps.

I know! See, I'm a whiner. (Big losses out the gate are about the ONLY good thing of having started at such a high weight, I just didn't expect to slow down so fast. Hoping it's temporary.)

Welcome! And yes... It does my heart good to know others are on as long a walk as I am. It is easy to feel isolated.