SoCalDixieGal

There are a lot of differing opinions on coffee. NUT had it as okay after 7 days, but we're also on a daily acid inhibitor.

I just had revision surgery two weeks ago, also in Mexico but different surgeon. So far it's been a night/day difference from the band. Band never really worked for me. Lost 50 lbs over 3 years with only 20 of it really being from band and the rest just from me cutting portions (band provided little to no restriction) and dieting. The tool wasn't doing what it should have been doing. And, then I steadily began to regain 30 lbs - just like any other time I'd been on a diet. For me at least, the recovery has been about the same. But, the biggest difference I'm seeing so far is that with the band, I was H U N G R Y during the recovery phase. It was so hard to drink just the Protein shake and then progress to more solid food. So far, with this I'm not hungry at all. I don't even have head hunger (I think I'm lucky in this regard compared to others). I also can really tell that I have a much smaller stomach. Definitely need to take small frequent sips of Water and even drinking a Protein Shake takes me at least 30 minutes. Finally, I feel hopeful that this WLS will actually help me reach my goal.

It definitely takes several days for all the anesthesia to work its way out of your body. Make sure you get in enough fluids. Once I was averaging at least 40 - 50 oz of Water (target was 64 oz) daily I started to really feel better. This was about 1 1/2 weeks out. Initially I thought it was because of the super low calories, but turns out it was hydration. And, also regularly taking Vitamins. I'm now 2 weeks out and really feel pretty good.

It could also be that you're still very much healing. When I started the protein shakes I couldn't stomach the pre-mixed ones without thinning them out quite a bit. Now at 2 weeks out, they're okay straight from the box/bottle. Slowly though!

Thank you for sharing! Very inspiring and honest. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make every meal 100% "perfect" since I travel extensively for work, but you're dead on in that especially the first 6 months we need to make the best choices for our bodies. I know I'm not going to waste my precious stomach space on bread, Pasta, cheetos, etc when I need to be eating something nutritious. Congratulations on making your goal! I'm not putting a timeline on my weight loss, but I think like you, I'll be able to hit my goal before the end of the year - 76 lb total loss.

Agree, I dont' think you need to push it out as long as you can walk some. You're not walking a marathon, but up and down hallways. It's kind of a fine line - walk but don't overdo the walking. When I told my doc I was resting for an hour then up and walking for about 5 minutes then repeat, he said that was good. But aside from that, if it's not a major twist you'll probably be healed enough by surgery time that it won't be a problem.

Sounds like a good recovery so far! Keep sipping on that Water. I thought I was getting enough but had a few dizzy spells. Upped the water and they disapeared. Goal I shoot for is 64. Hard the first week, but easier on week 2. Get lost of rest and congrats!

And the time will fly amazingly fast!

Thank you so much for sharing! Your band experience sounded a lot like mine. I'm so grateful whenever people with the sleeve for some time come and share their experiences.

Definitely! And, in fact that's how my doctors team determined my goal weight - it's specific to ME! Their scale was one of the fancy ones that can break out body composition. You can get to a decent proxy for this online if you search for it. Then a "normal" female fat composition is 23-30%. For me, my bones, organs, etc weigh in at 125 lbs or thereabouts. Add 25% or so of fat and goal is low to mid 150s.

Wasn't until about day 4 - 5 before the numbers started going down. Loaded with IV fluids and who knows what else!

Similar to what a Weight Watchers instructor always said in class "if you always do what you've always done; you'll always get what you always got."

Actually, I was given an 800 calorie goal. I'm only 7 days out so nowhere near that, but your numbers are still incredibly low. Don't forget that even most "diets" pre-WLS had calorie goals around 1,200 - 1,500. You will still be losing, but doing so while feeling full! How do you do with salads? Could add bulk with very little calories?

Welcome home! The whole experience with OCC was great. THe camaraderie among the patients was an absolute blast.

Couldnt take pics at the border crossing (that's heavily frowned of in all countries), but here are two photos from my room at the Tijuana marroitt. Sorry it may be blurry, blackberry isn't the best camera, but there's a beautiful club and fancy houses up the hill. The other direction looks like Los Angeles to me. And excuse my sloppy word use (working off an iPad).

Bring a notepad for your questions and write down the answers! Also have them give you the medication instructions in writing. Why? Because your memory is shot after anesthesia. I just had to email my doc because I couldn't remember the bathing/ hot tub wait time, and I asked that before surgery! I had my questions written down, but failed to write the answers.

The hotel has shampoo, conditioner and lotion. You really don't need makeup ( or minimal). You really, honestly need less than you think.

Hot spot will incur charges, but wifi will work, be careful though of data (eg 3/4g services). That will incur international roaming charges v

Instructions from my doc is at least one removed but best if all removed.

It should but you will pick up a local carrier and be roaming which is very expensive for data and calling. International data is very pricey so email, surfing etc will add up fast. Also texting will not be free.

I'm currently in Mexico recovering from revision surgery on Monday. In comparison I'm getting significant more care here and it was over 12k less. My doc who did my band in southern california was going to be over 21k Doc here in mexico has Surgeon of Excellence credentials and Is an International Center of Excellence with a lot of respect among the entire international bariatric community. These are not little back-ally facilities.

Arrived bright and early at OCC. nice facility. Lots of waiting. Saw dentist, nutritionist, cardiologist and had my band x-rayed to make sure there werent complications. Now in my private room. It's 10:40 and got here at 7. So be prepared to wait! Room is nice and comfortable. I think bathroom is down the hall. No idea where in the surgery queue I am but they are doing a heavy load today - 7. I was told they do 6 but today is 7. Nit overly thrilled about that. Haven't met the doc yet. Surprisingly calm.

Oh and the US Consulate is behind the Marriott. This area of Tijuana is nothing like the stereotype. Yes, that does exist, but it also exists in cities across the US.

Glad you're doing well. Every day gets better!

The mobile itinerary just means they don't send out paper tickets. You can if you'd like use your phone for the boarding pass but I tend to just print my ticket at the airport. Likely, when you get to the airport you will see kiosks to check in. You use a credit card as identification to pull up your flight info then the kiosk will print your ticket. If you are checking luggage you will move to a different line for that. Very simple and there are always folks ready to assist. Security: All liquids must be in a 3 oz container or less and placed in a zippy bag. The bag must be taken out of your carry on and placed in a bin through TSA. No need to pull out kindles or iPads, but if you bring a laptop that has to go in a separate bin. Plan on removing your shoes too. If I sound like a recording it's because I fly several times a month! Personally, I love airports. Dallas is great as terminal D is really lovely. There's beautiful mosaic tile emblems on the floor that most people ignore and neat artistic features. The other terminals are pretty boring. People watching is the best. Not all planes have power ports at the seats but most do. However you will need to put your phone in airplane mode during the flight (fully off for takeoff and landing). Airplane mode will use less power. And there are tons of places to plug in at the airport. Pack less than you think you need.