back2barb78

I'll be waiting to hear how things go! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

I couldn't walk around there looking crazy! There so many handsome men and beautiful women around its crazy. There were also lots of people there that we met in the lobby of the hotel- skinny people a couple years out back for other things like fillers and dental work, etc. Looking at them and having them tell us how great things will be soon is still baffling. It is crazy too how good I feel. I'm not in any incredible pain. I was telling my mom my period is way worse. I wouldn't even take an Advil right now if I could. I almost did leave them there! My mom had a great time talking everyone's ear off (her fav thing to do) and my dad just sat watching whatever the next move would be. They're a mess {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

So today was the last day of my Mexico surgery excursion. We woke up this AM and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. My parents had the buffet which they said was delicious. It was only 25 US dollars which for a hotel buffet I thought was fantastic. Of course I had my complimentary broth and water and b-lined for the tobacco/gift shop for my delicious lime popsicle. I was supposed to be at the clinic at 930 but didn't get there until around 10ish. I will say I'm a go with the flow person so waiting for the drivers to come and go did bother some people, but it didn't bother me at all. At the clinic, we waited to all be seen and again Dr Ortiz comes through and stops and high fives everyone on the couches. Where that man gets all his energy, I have no idea! Whatever it is, I hope he put some in the Enspira vitamins!! I went into the X-ray room a short time later where I met Dr So. He said he was in for my surgery Monday and that everything in there looked great. I asked him about the staples in my stomach and there effect on future exams and he said the staples are made of titanium and would have no effect on MRIs, Ultrasounds, or any other scan I might have later in life. He gave me a cup of what tasted like pepto bismol minus the flavoring and told me to tap a sip. We watched as the fluid moved through my esophagus, through what looked like a really tiny tummy, then down into my small bowel. He told me to take a bigger sip the next time which I did and we watched again. Dr So said everything looked good and took me back to the EKG/exam room where he took off the dressing and took out the drain. The drain removal was just a bit uncomfortable and right at the end burned a bit. He said I was the only patient who he's ever heard want to keep it for a while longer. It was a safety net knowing everything was fine in there. He cleansed the area really well for me and put steri-strips over the drain site. Then I was good to go. We finally left the OCC after waiting a while for another patient to finish. We got to the border crossing and exited the van with our belongings. We exited the van at 1218 then were back in the van on the other side at 1250 so this day it wasn't bad. We did have a couple of wobbly people in the group, one being my dad, so I'm glad it didn't take too long. This trip is definitely not for the elderly in the family to make. I would definitely consider how many times you have to get in and out of the van, moving belongings, lifting, etc. when you choose who to bring with you down here. They have to get into and out of the van using a stepstool since the van is high off the ground. We are driving into Mexicoach right now! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

I'm 3 days postop and I feel really good. Just trying to get my fluids in which is a bit of a challenge. The first maybe 24-36 hours I was having nausea, but I had none yesterday. Every sip I take, I get grumble guts (that's what I'm calling it). Just a lot of noise your body makes when you drink. Today I go back to the doctor to get my drain removed and have a leak test. I put a sad face because even though the drain is slightly uncomfortable, that's my safety net that everything's ok in there because I can see the fluid in the drain is a good color. I know- I'm the only crazy one who wants to keep the drain in longer! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

That is wonderful and I'm sure is an awesome feeling. Congratulations!!!! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

That really stinks Leslie Im sure even more than some of the lovely treats that have been discussed on this topic (hilarious BTW). With all of the emotional buildup to surgery day, I know it is devastating for it not to have happened the way you wanted. Keep your chin up and reschedule with a backup plan for your pet. Pick a cool date that has some significance in your life. Doing the whole preop diet only got you even closer to your goal weight and will help with your recovery! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Ooh you said Lawd so I know you're serious You will do great and be fine. He will give you strength to get through it! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

So today it was back to the OCC for everyone. I got there with my parents at 12pm. Some of the others were already there and were still waiting. I went in and Tania checked my incisions and said they looked good. She took the old dressing off and cleaned them all. She told me to come back tomorrow for the leak test and drain removal. The group was large so since we came later, we waited for the driver to return for us since there wasn't enough room and I'm so glad I did. I was about to go downstairs with my parents to the coffee/sandwich shop (which by the way my parents are obsessed with-they already planned what they want tomorrow when we go back), when I spotted Dr Ortiz! I asked the person he had just finished talking to (which happened to be his lovely wife) if he was too busy to take a picture with me. She said of course not and went to get him. He's so sweet! He asked me for a kiss and I said I'll give you two and proceeded to kiss both cheeks! He told me to be diligent about taking my vitamins and to be sure to send him before and after pictures because he thinks I will have a great transformation. I truly hope so! He then introduced me to his wife who is absolutely gorgeous and super tall! They are both lovely people. Everyone at the OCC and the Marriott have gone out of their way to be polite, courteous, and helpful. I feel great so far and have no complaints. I got back to the hotel and went to the gift shop for a Popsicle. The gentleman at the register asked me if I was a clinic patient and showed me which one I could have, which was the lime-flavored one. Now I don't know if it's just that I haven't had anything tasty in a while, but that popsicle was delicious. They close at 4pm, so I have to go back in 30 minutes for another before they close! Also my mom said depending on how long they keep you tomorrow, we can always stay another day! She's having too much fun! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

How is everyone doing? Raven123 and I are both doing well as are all the group that was sleeved on 10/7/13 at the OCC with Dr Ortiz/ Dr Martinez. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

No problem! I will post everything that happens. I'll post again tomorrow afternoon when we all get back and tell you guys what happens. I was discharged with 4 medications- a liquid suspension antibiotic, a pain medication that is placed under the tongue to dissolve, an antacid in a capsule that you open, and a nausea medication in pill form that you can swallow or crush. None are that bad to take, however the antibiotic did make me nauseous, but honestly I think it's just me. That's been my only problem besides the gas in my chest and tummy. I did pack my own disposable emesis bags with me just in case and I'm glad I did. Still just discomfort at 2 of the incisions but only when I move- no real pain. The incisions are barely noticeable- I believe there are 4- 1 on either side of my belly button, one in the center of my chest just below my boobs, and the one thats covered where the JP is. The incisions have dermabond on them (a surgical glue). They should heal nicely.

Yes I am. Kind of in a tilt but I have my drain in too. Thankfully I have a million pillows on the hotel bed, so I'm sleeping sitting up too. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Good luck LTC7!! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Davalrie that's great! I'm doing well too just having some intermittent nausea. I'm trying to drink but I don't know if I'm drinking too slow or what. I don't want to drink too fast and be in pain, but at this rate, I don't see how I can get the 48oz in they want me to today. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Thank you! Now I have to focus on how to get all the Fluid in that they want me to drink. I'm trying but it's hard. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

I would've posted yesterday but the WiFi wasn't working there. I'm the type who's mind will wander and think they all got infections and died! So I wanted to post ASAP We have to go back tomorrow @ 12pm to get new dressings on our JP drains and I'm not sure what else. We are not allowed to shower until tomorrow before we go back. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Lucky you! That's all I've been is nauseous off and on. It's making me not want to drink but I know I have to {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Hey everyone! I am officially sleeved! I would've posted yesterday, but the WiFi was down at the OCC. Anyway just wanted to let you all know Raven and I came through surgery. No pain, but just lots of oral secretions and intermittent nausea for me but we're both doing great. Our whole group did wonderful {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

(This is me typing preop yesterday) So this morning bright and early, recieved a courtesy call from the front desk from the OCC to be in the lobby at 620am. I made it to the lobby (with no time for lashes unfortunately) to see other OCCers waiting to go as well, including Raven! We all got into the van and headed to the OCC which is about 10 minutes away. We all got into the elevator and entered the OCC lobby where we were greeted and given a packet with all my diet information. I meet with the nutritionist who set my goal weight-177lbs. I then got my blood work drawn and my EKG. By this time, it was around 840 am. Shortly after, I get escorted to my room which is simple- hospital bed, chair, and a love seat couch. There's no over the bed table. There's a hotel style luggage rack and a table tray like you would use at home while eating and watching TV. I changed into my gown, TED hose, booties, and hat. My parents waited in the hall while I was changing and guess who's voice I hear outside my door- Batman! My mother of course starts chatting with him (sidebar -my mom's been talking everyone's ear off). I hear him say he'll be back to talk to me. Now let's go back a bit to the clothes. They gave me paper underwear- let me say this about the underwear- what a HOT MESS!! Who the heck do they think can fit these! I brought my own mesh disposable underwear that I have on and I hope I don't get in trouble I got my IV started and soon after Dr Ortiz walks in the door. I exclaim Batman!! He giggles, hugs me, my dad, and my mom, and proceeds to chat with us. He's SUPER handsome! Sorry I was a bit distracted. He says I will be in the OR about 20-25 minutes. So now I'm waiting to go to the OR. I get a breathing treatment since I'm asthmatic. Once I finish my breathing treatment, it's about 1007. The nurse just came in with a tray of medications including an IV antibiotic, an injection in my tummy fat for blood clots, an injection in my IV of Prilosec for stomach protection, some oral antinausea medication, and then a crushed "chill pill" which was gross. I told her I didn't need it and she seemed a bit perturbed with me, but my mom chimed in and said just take it, so I did. I'm sure I will be in lala land in a while She said no to my disposable mesh panties so I sit her commando. Still waiting to find out about the WiFi. It's 1041, still not loopy yet! Still waiting. 1109- still fine, just waiting. 1130- sleepy and waiting. By the way they have direct tv cable so you don't need your CPU or IPad unless there's something specific you want to see. 1205-Finally going. Bathroom trip first! 1215- Fentanyl and versed given on operating table- body feels warm and I know I'm officially out. I tell them to take good care of me. 220pm- awake and back in my room- Super drowsy so I nap on and off. 4pmish- Nurse tells me its time to start getting up to walk. Still a bit drowsy but it goes well. All evening and night I got up every couple hours to walk. The gas I'm having is not too painful but definitely woke me up. I had some nausea as well throughout the night but no dizziness. I was able to go by myself to the bathroom right away. 4am. I'm up walking. Somewhere around 530am they tell me they will take out my IV and I will get picked up at 730. The entire group gets dressed to leave (we all did very well) and we get our discharge medications discussed with us one by one. We wait in the lobby for our families to meet us here. We actually didn't get picked up until around 9am. Made it to the hotel, rechecked in and am now in my PJs. Raven is doing very well also and wanted me to tell everyone {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Me too!! I'm at my hotel. I can here other stirring in other rooms as well. I went downstairs for a razor @ 4am and walked around a bit. Still not very nervous, just annoyed that i left my Vicks at home!! I can't function without that stuff. I didn't see it at the store when I went last night (I'm in Mexico). I hope all goes well for everyone!!sending nothing but good vibes into the universe for all