AmyInOrlando

My Doc is really conservative. My post-op paperwork says 5 lbs the first week and increase at 5 pound increments each week. My problem is.... I'm traveling to Mexico, and I have to pack. I'm going alone, so I'll have to manage my own luggage. My plan is to take a light weight tote, and only bring the bare necessities. Normally, if I was going away for 5 days, I'd have 10 changes of clothes, at least 5 pairs of shoes and purses to match, LOL. My plan is a loose long dress to fly home in, a small pillow and airline blanket in case I get cold on the plane (the Airlines no longer provide those), enough changes of panties, a nightgown, the bare minimum of toiletries (I won't be wearing make up), some broth packets and Mio drops for the last night, a book to read, and a journal. Of course, my I-phone and charger. I'm not bringing my lap top with me since that alone weighs at least 5 lbs. I've already spoken to my "sleeve Sister" and I'm sure we'll have enough to talk about to keep ourselves entertained. Am I missing anything???

I bought a Magic Bullet yesterday at Costo ($47.92 tax inc.). Does anyone here have one? Is it useful? Easy to clean? I thought it was cool because you can blend stuff and even microwave in the same container. It will crush ice and fruits and veggies for smoothies and protein drinks. It came with several different size Mugs, and smaller containers for condiments, etc. I just would like some reviews before I use it. Thanks

I'm going to Piedras Negras, MX also. Dr. Alvarez is my Surgeon. August 1st is my surgery date. Jen, I'll give you a full report.

All of us die.... Most of us don't choose when. My Brother reminded me that my Surgery date is the first Anniversary of my Mother's Death. I choose to look at it as the first day of the rest of my life. The risk is higher getting in the car and driving to your Dr's office. Relax..... we're going to be fine. By the way..... I'm a RN too.

My Doc recommended the same book. I ordered it several days ago.

Well... my surgery is August 1st. My Mom died of Cancer, and I'm having my surgery on the first Anniversary of her death. If I haven't posted by the 5th (the day after I return from Mexico), you'll know I've joined her. I'm just being "flip", because just as I told my Brother.... It will be the first day of the rest of my life !!! I plan on posting as soon as I get home.

This last meal syndrome could have been the story of my life on a weekly basis. Awesome insight. I'm going to read it again and again. The only reason I decided to have the VSG was to physiologically limit the amount of food I could eat. I am a volume / binge eater. I don't ever want to eat an entire pizza in one sitting. I want to be satisfied with one slice. I want to believe what it says on the container, that a pint of Ben and Jerry's really is 4 servings, not one (or 1/2 if they're BOGO at Publix). Thanks to the writer. Great article.

I'm scheduled for surgery on Aug. 1st. I've been diagnosed with a large rectocele. It did not disqualify me from the procedure. I have a long history of chronic constipation and laxative use. Currently the only thing I take is Docusate Sodium 100 mg / 2 caplets daily. I'm curious if there are others here with this problem. I don't want to risk a tear or hernia from having to strain to have a BM. Did having the surgey make things easier, or make it worse. How did you manage it?

I went to the FitBit site and they have different models as well. What's the difference between the clip on and the bracelet? I'm thinking there would be less of a chance I'd lose it if it were around my wrist rather then clipped on to my clothes. The sleep monitoring interests me, as I've always had difficulty staying asleep and wake up frequently during the night. For the people here that have one, is it accurate? Can you swim with it? Is there a monthly fee in addition to the initial cost of the device? Is it worth it? I would think at least initially it would be very motivating. Maybe I'll make it a gift to myself for reaching my initial short term goal.

For one week post-op I have to do clear liquids only. The Dr.'s instructions say I can use the Unjury chicken soup. How's the taste? Also, I was thinking if I get the unflavored, I can mix it with any flavors of Dasani, Crystal Light, or Mio drops. Is it really flavorless? What about the texture? I also saw they have 2 different chocolate flavors... which is the best?

Just be patient and supportive.... she may have mood swings, temporary sleever's remorse, malodorous gas, not feeling hungry after you spend time lovingly making home made chicken broth (or just not liking the taste of it). Just be kind and gentle. Wish her an uneventful and speedy recovery for me. It's admirable that you're spending time reading posts and finding out as much as you can about the whole process. I wish my boyfriend was as interested. He's supportive, but not at all interested in the details, just the results. And he's not happy that I'm going to Mexico for the procedure.

I'm August 1st also !!! In Piedras Negras, MX, by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez.

I'm a month out now.... Surgery is on Aug. 1st. I'm still hoping someone having the surgery by by Dr. A the same day will find this post. I'm going to Mexico alone and having a sleeve Brother or Sister will make the next month a lot more reassuring and comfortable.

I'm sure I'll be one of those obsessive weighers.... naked, as soon as I wake up, before I pee, after I pee... definitely after a Poop. TMI, I know.... but it's the truth.

I wish it was me.... I've got another month to go. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

My only concern is in a medical emergency, I may not be able to fly back to MX. Hopefully my medical insurance will cover any complications even if they wouldn't cover the surgery. At least if they decline payment, I can contest based on medical necessity. I couldn't contest their policy that I had to be employed by the hospital for 24 consecutive months before they'd even consider approval. Insurance companies suck !!

That's what I was quoted as well. I sent the deposit last Tuesday, so I expect to hear from Susan tomorrow, and get the rest of my pre-op information. My only regret is not doing this sooner.

I'm in the Ready, Set, Go mode myself. Time to get serious, as I've been eating like there is no tomorrow. I'm committing to myself and my fellow "sleevers" to begin my diet tomorrow. My plan is to do Weight Watcher's Points for 2 weeks, then start the pre-op liquids. My choice is HMR shakes. I drank them exclusively for 6 months (5 per day), and lost 100 pounds. Had I been able to keep the weight off I wouldn't be here today, but oh well... it is what it is, most of us have been there, done that, and have the T-shirts. The good news is.... This will be the LAST time I will have to lose this weight. I haven't been able to "diet" for a whole month without blowing it, so now that "cheating" is no longer an option, I should get a good jump start and hopefully I'll be under 200 lbs. by my surgery date. I'm only 5 feet tall, 60 years old, and a slow loser. My goal weight is 125. I CAN DO THIS !!!

I'm sure it's caffeine, sugar and carb withdrawal causing the headaches. Tylenol should work to relieve the pain if that's all it is causing it.

I'm still waiting for my instructions from Susan, but in the first email she sent she told me I'd be on a liquid diet for 7 days before surgery.

My surgery date is Aug. 1st in Piedras Negras, MX. My Surgeon is Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. The waiting is the hardest part. I want to go to sleep and wake up on July 30th with just enough time to pack.

You can't change what's happening, but you can take some time for yourselves... Grab your phone or IPod, headphones and play some upbeat music. Go for a walk and get rid of some of that stress. Get a massage or a pedicure if you can fit it in your budget. Just do something special for yourselves and Relax.... Even if it's just for an hour, you'll feel better. ((((Hugs))))

Here's a thought..... if you must eat in a restaurant, order an appetizer sampler and just take one bite of each. It will give you a taste of several different things, and you won't go overboard. I'm still pre-op, but thinking ahead of things I will do after the surgery.

I read this earlier, and I just had to re-post, What a great idea !!!!! Get a disposable camera and have someone take your picture the day before or the day of surgery. Every month on your surgery date, have your picture taken. After the one year anniversary picture, take the camera and have it developed!!! It's a "wow" moment, laying all those pictures side by side and seeing your transformation!!!! A really fun thing to do!!!

I've got 3 12 packs of Coke Zero, and an unopened bag of coffee in my pantry... 5 weeks till surgery. My plan was to slowly wean myself off of Caffeine. I just can't get myself to start. Caffeine is my "drug" of choice. They say if you have an addictive personality you'll give up one addiction and find another. My Boyfriend's hoping I develop an addiction for sex. I'm hoping it's exercise. His response was "is there any better form of exercise?". I'm still gonna miss my coffee