kltklass

I was born with asthma and to my frustration, it hasn't disappeared since surgery. I started my exercise journey by walking and using a recumbent exercise bike. This really helped with my lung capacity, and now, I only have to use my inhaler as needed. I tried the couch to 5k and hurt my knees, so please be really careful. You mentioned going to the gym, are you doing any walking? Good luck to you.

I just started using the nutri-bullet. So far I like it. I use frozen blueberries, a small amount of spinach, small banana and 1 scoop of unjury unflavored protein powder. I add water to the max line and blend. Sometimes I use frozen peaches or add Greek yogurt. Do not use ice and frozen fruit together, it freezes the blender. I only use ice with fresh fruit.

Great question, I was wondering the same thing! Only my xiphoid process sticks out, but it looks weird. I am hoping it will return to normal...soon!

Vitafusion MultiVites Gummies do not have Vitamin K and taste great. I get mine from costco.

Done!

I had the sleeve, so I am not qualified to give you suggestions. However, I wish you the best and good luck.

I am a type II diabetic and this sounds like low blood sugar levels. When ever my sugar levels go too high, my doctor told me to exercise to bring it down. Which usually helped. Before exercising eat something with protein (piece of cheese), this should help. In addition, keep something with you when you are out walking (beef jerky works well) just in case. I hope this helps. Good luck

I had Samuel Jr. for the drive in and Samuel Sr. for the drive home. I knew this in advance, therefore, I tipped them at the time. However, if it was going to be only Samuel Jr. I would tip him at the return trip. I tipped them each 20.00 because each of them went out of there way and played tour guide.

I went thru ready4achange and I love Dr. Garcia and his staff they are awesome. I haven't had any complications and I am continuing to lose weight. My experience: 8/5/13: I flew into San Diego to be picked up by the driver, Samuel Jr. (very nice man). We went to the Marriott hotel which is very nice. I was met by Irene from ready4achange. She is sweet and will bend over backward to get you what you need/want. My room was very clean and comfy. 8/6/13: The Marriott driver took me to Florence hospital (Oasis hospital) where I met Eduardo, the coordinator from ready4achange. If you ask him he will keep your passport for you in his safe and return it before you leave. The hospital was clean and tidy; however, their standards of decor are different than ours (American). In the bathroom the workmanship is very sloppy and tends to look dirty. Nevertheless, it is not! Once I filled out all the paperwork, I went for lab tests. IV was hooked up; surgery was set for late afternoon. Dr. Garcia came in and explained the surgery. Make sure you discuss your bougie size. (He will explain) Next thing I remember...waking up in my bed, surgery finished. They will make you get up and walk, walk, walk and walk some more. This is to help with the gas pains. You will be attached to an IV pole with great medication. I had no pain what so ever! Of course, everyone is different. You probably will have a drain. This is not a problem...gets removed before you leave the hospital, feels weird when they remove it. Make friends with the other patients on the floor. This will give you a support group to help you through the process. 8/8/13: Marriott driver picked me up to return to the hotel. The only down side was the check in time for the hotel. I waited 4 hours in the lobby and restaurant for my room to be ready. When it was ready it was heaven. You are entitled to 3 chicken broths per day and 2 bottles of water and 2 popsicles. A word about the popsicles...DO NOT EAT THEM...THEY TASTE LIKE CRAP!!! If you want a popsicle, it is better to go down stairs to the tobacco shop and buy one (they are awesome!) (Another reason to bring some money) 8/9/13: Dra. Velazco came to the hotel to remove my staples 8/10/13: Picked up by Samuel Sr. from ready4achange. Flew home. Suggestions: 1st: Do not over pack! (I did) all you need is clothes to and from the hotel. Bring a pair of pajama bottoms or a pair of shorts to wear with the hospital gown (gets breezy when you walk), underwear, walking shoes, and toothbrush etc... 2nd: Gas-x strips and chapstick are a must. Bring a book to read as the hotel TV has few English speaking channels. 3rd: Plan on bringing some money to tip the staff (hotel and drivers). I recommend smaller bills because change is not always available. Of course, you don't have to tip, but, they appreciate the effort. Peso exchange is around 12p to 1.00 I hope this helps. In addition, another poster on the site:O-Town Body Rock has a detailed description of her experience, complete with pictures.

I went to Mexico and had surgery with Dr. Garcia. I paid 5200.00 + 400.00 air fare.

Dr. Garcia and staff are awesome. I haven't had any complications and I am continuing to lose weight. Good luck to you in your new life. My experience: 8/5/13: I flew into San Diego to be picked up by the driver, Samuel Jr. (very nice man). We went to the Marriott hotel which is very nice. I was met by Irene from ready4achange. She is sweet and will bend over backward to get you what you need/want. My room was very clean and comfy. 8/6/13: The Marriott driver took me to Florence hospital (Oasis hospital) where I met Eduardo, the coordinator from ready4achange. If you ask him he will keep your passport for you in his safe and return it before you leave. The hospital was clean and tidy; however, their standards of decor are different than ours (American). In the bathroom the workmanship is very sloppy and tends to look dirty. Nevertheless, it is not! Once I filled out all the paperwork, I went for lab tests. IV was hooked up; surgery was set for late afternoon. Dr. Garcia came in and explained the surgery. Make sure you discuss your bougie size. (He will explain) Next thing I remember...waking up in my bed, surgery finished. They will make you get up and walk, walk, walk and walk some more. This is to help with the gas pains. You will be attached to an IV pole with great medication. I had no pain what so ever! Of course, everyone is different. You probably will have a drain. This is not a problem...gets removed before you leave the hospital, feels weird when they remove it. Make friends with the other patients on the floor. This will give you a support group to help you through the process. 8/8/13: Marriott driver picked me up to return to the hotel. The only down side was the check in time for the hotel. I waited 4 hours in the lobby and restaurant for my room to be ready. When it was ready it was heaven. You are entitled to 3 chicken broths per day and 2 bottles of water and 2 popsicles. A word about the popsicles...DO NOT EAT THEM...THEY TASTE LIKE CRAP!!! If you want a popsicle, it is better to go down stairs to the tobacco shop and buy one (they are awesome!) (Another reason to bring some money) 8/9/13: Dra. Velazco came to the hotel to remove my staples 8/10/13: Picked up by Samuel Sr. from ready4achange. Flew home. Suggestions: 1st: Do not over pack! (I did) all you need is clothes to and from the hotel. Bring a pair of pajama bottoms or a pair of shorts to wear with the hospital gown (gets breezy when you walk), underwear, walking shoes, and toothbrush etc... 2nd: Gas-x strips and chapstick are a must. Bring a book to read as the hotel TV has few English speaking channels. 3rd: Plan on bringing some money to tip the staff (hotel and drivers). I recommend smaller bills because change is not always available. Of course, you don't have to tip, but, they appreciate the effort. Peso exchange is around 12p to 1.00.

@gbb77901- I used to live in Round Rock, before I moved to Washington state. Next time I go visit family we will have to get together!

I am so sorry. Hopefully she will come around. Good luck to you.

No suggestions other than walking. I hope you feel better soon.

I am almost 10 months out with no complications. I am sorry you have had problems/complications. Good luck to you.