TX40

Hello to all~ I am a bit over 4 months out from my plication done by Dr. Ortiz...I do agree with almost all of everyone's past posts.....but just speaking for myslef..I am down 40 lbs...and yes..in the beginning I thought it would just 'fly' off. We are all looking for a jump start...I DO feel restriction..not as much as the first 2 months and I am now stuggling with taking control of my food decisions. We have to all be brutially honest here...we can fill our smaller stomachs with healthy food or we can fill our small stomachs with high calorie foods just not as much but not lose weight. That's where I have fit in. I have thought 'great, I can eat what I want because I wont be physically allowed to overeat.'...while that may be something nice we tell ourselves we will NOT see any weight loss results. I also have not gotten into any support system nor have I been faithfully excercising...For me this journey is a three fold system...first is the surgery...which was a success but just a TOOL...second is excersise and heathy food choices..third and maybe most important is the suppport and mental aspect of WHY we are all overweight and needing this surgery in the first place.....I need support as to why I feel the NEED to go get chips instead of veggie sticks....and no surgery is going to cure that for me! Thanks to all and I welcome any suggestions or comments....we all need to be in this together! Good luck my friends! TX40

I totally agree...I am 4 weeks out and have lost 25 lbs with preop....I have been stalled for over a week and have gotten very frustrated. I totally agree that it takes work on MY part as well, and the surgery was just a tool...just like with any tool..it wont work on its own..you have to use it....put it to work..I havent been exercising, or doing very well with my Water intake which I think is key. I am still very happy that I had the surgery, but am a bit disappointed in the weight loss up until now....You are SO right with the surgery didnt help how I FEEL about food...and my relationship with it....that's where the real work comes in for me. I am looking into a support group in my area for gastric surgery since I know I cannot do this on my own...thanks for sharing your story since it really spoke to me as to what I am going through right now...best of luck to you! TX40~ I am 61/2 weeks poat gatric plication. i lost 24 lbs with preop. i am stalled out currently for 2 weeks. I am happy I lost a pant size but have come to the conclusion that unless I am motivated and vigilant I will not loseall the weight. I would like to lose 80lb total. This is not a easy task. I get mad that I spent the money and sometimes wish I would have been moreb in control of my eating. This surgery did not change how I use food to cope, my absorption of food or give me will power. It gives me a full feeling and I am hungry less.The surgery is a tool. I havent made myself vomit but I have been very uncomfortable. I am determine to get where I need to go and be healthy. It is however obvious to me at this stage that I have more to learn about food combinations and the mental part of weight loss.

The protein drinks for diabectics (even though I am not a diabetic) worked great for me...Ensure or something like that...they will give you a list of approved foods..I did broths and protein shakes mostly...once I found something that worked well..I stuck with it....I didnt order anything special, I found what I needed at Wal-Mart or Target. Not to worry..they will give you great post op instructions and suggestions as you get closer to surgery time.

I totally agree with Mednar...for me being 3 1/2 weeks out I am noticing I can eat more food,,,but it totally depends on the consistancy of the food...protein fills me up very fast but carbs take longer....plus I was so use to liquids for so long..any solids seems like a lot! I think its key to stick to solid protein whenever possible..then veggies..slowly. Good luck...and be patient with yourslef!

S~ Just to answer some of your question...which were totally some of the same questions I had.....I am located in Texas..so it was a trip for me....I originally planned to fly into SD on one day...have pre-op tests then have surgery the next am...but we (husband and I) got into SD early and Carolyn wanted me to think about having it all the same day..pre-op tests..then surgery...then having 2 days to rest at hotel...I was glad I did that..it was a long day but it left me less time to worry...I was very happy with pre-op test...I am asthmatic and since I was so nervous my asthma was acting up..they were very cautious about that..gave me some breathing treatments before and after surgery...which impressed me that they were that through. As far as going 'under'....I got something in my IV before they took me in the OR which took the edge off...and it was a great experience...I remember them talking to me then just falling to sleep..next thing I remember I was in my room and my husband was talking to me....just very mellow the rest of the day..and slept great that first night...had very good one and one nursing care. I am in the medical field myself so I paid very close attention to everything they did..making sure they were compliant with safety and sterility as in states...and they were..if not better. Much better one and one care than here in states. Again, I do have to stress that I am now dealing with my own patience...and not thinking that the weight will just fall off in weeks..this will take time..I am losing...but you get so excited and want everyhting to happen right away, I have to keep it all in perspective....stomach does stay swollen for a few weeks and just now does my abdomen feel normal...so all of that has to do with weight loss..not to mention a shock to system....just dont get discouraged.... On a side note..the hotel we stayed at (Mariott) was wonderful too...great survice and they got whatever I needed being a patient of Dr. Ortiz....their broth was yummy! Keep in touch and keep the quesitons coming!!! I've been there.....just a few weeks ago..where you are now! I love these faces. Anyway, I agree with the diet stuff. I went thru 2 rounds of Bypass stuff in the USA to Be denied by BLUE CROSS I went to the Nutrition classes and got alot from them I have ordered the liquid diet stuff , Vitamins from Bariatric Advantage and will do the diet PRE OP as directed Post Op, I have the schedule down, food catalogs for the liquid stuff, etc and will for sure stick with it I am commited and I am glad U had a great experience. I thought Carolyn was a great one to deal with Where are U located? What about being UNDER Was the experience good ? Did they put U under and did U wake UP without fear or being unable to talk or communicate but being sound in UR thoughts? I had a bad experience in the USA with coming out of surgery, mask on, could not talk, felt like I was drowning. Lasted seconds but an EXPERIENCE of a lifetime..... S

I am glad you're happy with your decision...I had the plication with Dr. Ortiz almost 4 weeks ago and I could not be happier...I looked into both the plication and sleeve and for me the plication seemed less invasive and what I was looking for, (no cutting, reversible if needed, ect). I was very happy with Carolyn also and with staff...I wish you best of luck and my best advice is to stick to pre-op diet and post op diet..it truly effects your progress and recovery time. Best wishes!