sharonintx

I actually went home the day after surgery. Most people stayed a day longer than I did but as soon as they saw that I was going home before them I noticed several trying to change their flights and leave early too:) I didn't have any problems from leaving early. I actually felt a whole lot better when I got back in my own bed in my own house. I was never scared in Tijuana. I went by myself. There were others in the same boat as me and it was like a little family unit from the time I got there. The hospital staff took me everywhere I needed to go, I got some shopping in the afternoon before surgery, and I felt completely safe the entire time.

V8 Fusion Energy - orange/pineapple. Very delicious

Just beautiful:)

Way cool Dave!

That sounds great! I did have a drain for 24 hours. It didn't hurt coming out but was a strange feeling. And how awesome - no liquid diet. You got this Missy! Go for it and join the rest of us in our journey. That's exactly what it is - a journey that is new, a little scary because you are venturing into the unknown, and mainly exciting as you wait for the new you to emerge.

I went to Tijuana as well. I paid 4,700 and am very pleased with the care I received. I chose Dr. Almanza. he was great and very capable. I had no problems before, during, or after surgery. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. There are plenty of other excellent surgeons in Tijuana and other parts of Mexico. You cannot beat the price. I was able to schedule my surgery 2 weeks from my initial call.

Hi and welcome:) I don't think I've seen one person with regrets either. The recovery is different for every person. It's not to be feared though. It can be not so fun when you are feeling bad, it can be a longer process than you planned on, it can be smooth sailing from the minute you are done with surgery, or a mixture of all the above. Most importantly it is the first step to a brand new you. When you see the scale take that initial downward turn it is the most wonderful thing ever. All the other issues you may or may not have will soon be over and you will be living the life you always wanted - a life of NOT being categorized as "obese" or any of those other degrading terms. Lets address the catheter - I didn't have one with the sleeve procedure but I did have one when I had a C Section. It isn't something I'd want to do every day but it's not so bad. You will not scream or cry because it hurts. It is a necessary step your surgeon requires to launch you into your new existence. Kinda like getting a shot in your mouth before you get a cavity filled. You don't want it, but you will be having it anyway. Congratulations on your decision! It is hard at first but gets better every day and you can do it!

Congratulations Juan! Nothing to be scared of - you'll live thru the diet just fine and then go on to have the surgery. You have an awesome future ahead of you. Keep us posted about how you are doing:)

I agree that you should eat what you can tolerate. If the cheese has caused you no problems then go for it. Not suggesting you go against your Dr's plan but if you've come this far already there shouldn't be an issue.

Hi crazee and welcome. This adjustment to a whole new way of eating is a challenge. I am 3 weeks out from surgery and no expert but I can tell you my experience so far. I think a lot of us feel hungry afterwards. It's partially because your mind still thinks the way it always did and partially because you haven't eaten in a while and you want it. Your hunger feelings are very normal. The question is are you really hungry or is it just the desire for food. I was hungry too. 3 weeks later I recognize that it's not really hunger - it's a head game. I get less hungry each day and so will you. Trying to figure out when you are full is a new experience as well. Probably most of us have had trouble with that. The fact is that your new stomach can hold maybe 4 oz at a time. This will get a lot easier with each day but in the meantime just remember how much you can hold and try not to exceed that. You'll undoubtedly eat too much on occasion and you will know it when you do. Your new stomach will let you know in no uncertain terms that you went too far. Hope this helps and have faith - it gets better all the time. Congratulations on your sleeve and I hope you find a lot of support here:)

You look just lovely. Congratulations to you!

Hey Melinda. Congratulations on your surgery and welcome! The water and protein issue is a tough one. You can do it! I hope you have the very best success.

Congratulations! It sure does feel good to be home doesn't it? Wishing you the very best and a speedy recovery.

omg Michelle. That's horrible. I don't have the answer to your question and I'm sorry for that but I have a couple of incisions that got a little infected and while they are getting better, what a hassle! Ya have to deal with the surgery itself, the healing in general, the major life change that you've made, AND an infection too?? What a crock that is! I hope you get better real soon.

I've tried a few kinds of shakes. So far the EAS is the best if you put it in the blender with some ice and a banana. A lady told me yesterday to try the EAS rich dark chocolate so I got some and will try it out in a little while. Oh - and speaking of the lady. The ads that go across the top of the screen, the ones for the Nicholson Clinic. Look for the brunette lady that has lost 162 lbs. I know her. We have kids that are in the same sport. She is amazing. If you were to just meet her you would think she never had a weight problem in her life. This girl exercises A LOT. She is happy, healthy, and an inspiration to us all. She had the band rather than the sleeve and has completely transformed herself. Just thought I'd throw that in - that the folks on the ad are indeed real success stories. This lady rules.

Haha! yes I'm going to get my ass moving on the protein and water. Thanks for saying that:)

I want a donut too.

I have a stomach butt too! Isn't it just always something?? You have the sleeve surgery to lose weight and in the process get a butt in the front (lmao off @ that one).

Hi Amy and welcome. I went into surgery with a BMI of 35.5. I got thru the surgery easier than most of the ladies that were with me that day. I was up walking around w/in 3 hours and never felt sick or had much pain. The only thing really bothering me almost 3 weeks later is being tired. i know it will get better day by day so I just rest a lot and go with the flow. You will do great! I've lost 21 lbs in 19 days. Sure beats the diet merry go round.

Good luck Christie! It's quite the experience waiting for the surgery isn't it? You got this! You will make it just fine and start your new life very soon. Just breathe girl and know you are on your way:)

I've had various emotions running rampant since the surgery. I haven't even really been overjoyed by my weight loss so far. I do know that there is an adjustment period and am simply hoping to get thru it so I can continue down the path easily. It is hard but I think if you just take the moodiness as it comes and recognize it for what it is - this too shall pass.

Good for you! I was a little nervous too. Quite honestly, I am still adjusting to this new way of life and it isn't always easy but I wouldn't change a thing. So looking forward to a new bathing suit, some cute shorts, and whatever else I can get. I hope you have a wonderful experience and best wishes to you:)

I'm almost 3 weeks out and have been able to eat most anything that I've tried. I can't eat much. Maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whatever it may be. I'm also noticing that as time goes by I get full much easier. I'm getting maybe 600 calories a day. I am progressing my diet as I see fit. There's a lot of foods that I want but think it may be too soon to have them, so I wait. Don't you just love all the "well-wishers" that inform you that you will hurt your sleeve, you will ultimately fail if you don't do (fill in blank) in just the order they think is best, and ask how you could even think of eating ( another fill in the blank) at this stage? Please post pics of your medical license people. I've lost 21 lbs in 19 days and I'll continue to eat what I see fit when I see fit to do it. I'm still very early on and having no problems other then itchy incisions that I suppose will heal fully any day now. I say eat what you can easily tolerate, eat until you are full then quit, and be happy if someone else can eat a bit more than they anticipated. Personally, I just want a burrito.

sr910 - I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I used to be married to a guy like your husband. Spent many years feeling absolutely horrible and thinking that one day he would realize the effect of his actions. Yep - I thought he would "change". I divorced him after 13 yrs of marriage. It took another 3-4 yrs for me to get back to my normal, mostly happy self. I'm about to be 47 years old now and have a real awareness of how many years I let slip away because of someone else's cruelty. I did myself and my children a major disservice. I can never get those years back. I know now that it was never me that was inadequate. It was him.. It was ALL him. Sometimes I think how dare he treat me in that way. But no - what was wrong with me to allow it is the real question. You need to live a happy life and whatever you need to do to achieve it - do it now. Don't waste years of your life. Those years are gone for good.

Congratulations! Have a great flight and keep us posted on your progress.