fancypants67

I went back after one week...desk job...and I was just FINE (i work 12.5 hour shifts). There's NO WAY i could have gotten 6 weeks...especially since for me, this was considered an "elective" surgery. For me, this recovery has been incredibly easy.

Could you tell us how your experience was? ABSOLUTELY!! I actually came down the day before my surgery, so I took the train down from where I live...Stacy picked me up at the train station in downtown San Diego (she was waiting there before i even arrived!) and we drove right down to Tijuana. We zipped right through the border (they don't really stop you going into Mexico) and she took me to the Holiday Inn. The hotel is really really nice, VERY clean and the bed was super comfortable. TV was mostly Spanish speaking but that's no biggie. WiFi worked so I played with my ipad. The next day Stacy picked me up and took me to Oasis at about 9am...the hospital is LOVELY. Everyone is so kind and attentive. The room was private, and it looked brand spanking new. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck...when the nurses came in to take my vitals, my blood pressure was very high. Since I traveled down there alone (which in retrospect i'm glad I did because then I didn't have to worry about anyone other than myself) I calmed myself down with some Netflix in the room (Family Guy!). I then had blood taken, an EKG and xrays over the next couple of hours, Dr Illan came in and introduced himself and he was so reassuring and patient and answered all my questions. That wait before surgery can seem like an eternity, but all the while the staff was keeping me company, checking on me and making sure that i was comfortable. I went into surgery around 1:30 or 2 i believe, the next thing i knew, I was waking up in recovery (this was the hardest part of the whole ordeal for me, only because of the gas discomfort and one bout of nausea ...but i never DID get sick!). They wheeled me down to my room and from then on, the nurses came in approximately every hour and a half to check on me. I only had 2 other instances of nausea and they passed quickly. The gas was uncomfortable, but not painful. For some odd reason, if I laid on my side for a while, then rolled to the other side, that would cause me to burp and it helped a lot. They really DO want you up and walking around pretty much right away, which i'm not gonna lie, i wasn't anxious to do, but I did...but they know what they are doing and they are right, it helps move the gas. The first night is difficult, because you don't get much sleep...but again, I'd be worried if they DIDN'T come check on me! But everytime they came in they told me what they were doing and asked if i needed anything. I spent the whole next day in the hospital, took a shower, walked and tried to catch up on my sleep. The 3rd day (thursday) I was taken back to the hotel by Stacy...she had a whole "care package" ready for me with Vitamin Water and Protein powders and Jello. Also the Bariatric Surgery book which is dove RIGHT into immediately. Roberto was my "guide" later in the day and he was AWESOME! He was so easy to talk to! I checked back into the Holiday Inn, I took a nap and a shower, and then Roberto and I went over to Revolucion for some French Onion Soup (Broth)...it was AMAZING! As a matter of fact, it was so good, we went back the next day too!! On thurs and friday night, a doctor came and checked on me and answered any of my questions and told me how to care for my incisions and take my meds. Saturday morning I was picked up pretty early (8:00am) and taken back over the border to the US. we were pretty lucky because it only took about 45 minutes total. In fact, I was so lucky, I was able to take a MUCH earlier train!! Now I'm 4 weeks post op and I feel AMAZING! I'm down about 35 pounds since I started my pre-op diet. Honestly, I am surprised every day by how lucky I am that this recovery has been a piece of cake. I had surgery on 8/23 and went back to work on 08/30 with no issues whatsoever other than being a little tired at the end of the day. I believe the majority of that had to do with the care and treatment I had with Dr Illan and the staff at Oasis, as well as the support and advice given to me by Bariatric Pal Team MX. Granted, this recovery is a slow process...and it is a LOT of re-learning how your body reacts to different foods and drinks...and what is hunger and what is thirst (thats the BIG one for me!). But literally EVERY day is a little bit better and easier. I cannot TELL you how happy I am that I did this!! I do not regret it for one minute! My life has been given back to me. I understand the trepidation people feel with going to Mexico for surgery...believe me, i felt it, and I faced it from family when I told them I was doing this, but honestly I cannot recommend it enough! If you are considering it...DO IT! I wish I had done it a long time ago. Throw the "Mexico" concerns out the window because I truly believe the care is even BETTER than in the States. It's true...I feel like a new person!

LOLOLOL My pre-op craving was Rotisserie chicken. Like the whole ones you buy at the Grocery Store. I have NO IDEA why...I have never bought them before, but i just HAD to have some one night.

I don't think you will have any problem at all and honestly when i went to Mexico for my surgery a few weeks ago, they don't even stop you...they just wave you in. It's getting back into the states that takes time. Just out of curiosity...how come you didn't just fly into TJ?

The straw that broke the camel's back for me....I saw a picture of myself...and cried.

I have just completed week 2 post op. I'm starting to feel better with regards to energy. I went back to work one week post op (desk job), worked a 12.5 hour shift and did fine, but went to bed around 9:30 (i was beat). Today I walked to work and will walk home (3 miles round trip) and I feel REALLY good when I got here to work. I know it's hard, but maybe try walking a bit. Around the block in the morning or evening? I was surprised how much more energy I had after that walk!

I was sleeved last week in Tijuana...i went with Bariatric Pal MX. It was pretty stress free to be honest, and a great experience. Nurses were INCREDIBLY attentive and caring and most spoke English (or tried using Google translator). I was never alone, always someone around if needed them. Im a week out and i feel great. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I felt the SAME way...and honestly i DIDNT do straight liquids, it made my head too foggy and it was affecting my job. I did 2 Protein shakes a day, then ate a VERY sensible meal. I started at 248 and was SHOCKED on my surgery day that I weighed in at 227. The key is to SERIOUSLY limit your carb intake. On surgery day my Dr said everything inside me looked great. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App I take it back, i did THREE Protein Shakes at work...then dinner Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I got an abdominal binder too. Going back to work tomorrow so i will try it then and let you know bhow it goes. Dr didnt require it but said it couldnt hurt. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

You know... My scale needs batteries and i am SERIOUSLY thinking of not putting them in for a couple of months. Maybe i will just measure and live without a scale for a while. I know me, and i know my head. As long as my pants keep feeling looser im good, but if i see my stall in numbers on a scale, i will become obsessed. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

@@ChrissyNYC I was sleeved on Tuesday too. I still have difficulty with getting all my fluids in but for some reason this morning i turned a corner and actually drank half a Protein shake for Breakfast (it took me about 30 minutes, but i got in half of a 17oz shake). Its still uncomfortable, no pain but it feels like i have a bubble in my chest as it goes down. But in answer to your question....my doctor also told me decaf tea counts as Fluid. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

My stats are similar to yours, with the exception of age. Im 48. 5'5" and at surgery was 227. @@kelliev2015 hit the nail on the head as I too am waiting to feel awful....i actually feel TOO good cuz it makes me think I can do way more than I should. I literally have to keep reminding myself that I had surgery 5 days ago and to not lift, not exercise and just take it easy. I am beginning to believe that how you go into it mentally has a lot to do with how you recover. That being said, there are certainly people out there who have complications and other medical issues that can make this recovery difficult, Im not minimizing that at all. But i do believe that if other than your weight, you are basically healthy and you go into it with a positive attitude, your recovery will be easier than you think. 6 days out...ZERO pain, ZERO nausea, just some occasional uncomfortable gas bubbles. Im still having a difficult time getting my Water in, but literally every day, i notice an improvement. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

You got this!!! Stay strong...we all have faith in you. :-) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

next time you go in....wear ankle weights and loose fitting pants. or put rolls of quarters in your pocket. That's what my friend did!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

oops... that's one the day of surgery AND two the day after Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery Turs 8/23 I'm planning on going back on Tues 8/30. I have a desk job with no lifting, but I feel great. No pain, a little gas discomfort but that's minimal now. Dr said next week should be fine. I also bought an abdominal binder just in case. But I feel really really good. Only 3 instances where I felt like I was gonna puke (never did) and that was one the day of surgeryband two the day after. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was released from Oasis Hospital this morning...I can honestly say the staff is AMAZING and the room and facility are beautiful. I went to lunch today for some broth, if you saw me you would NEVER know I has Gastric Sleeve Surgery on Tuesday. Im sttill "learning" my sleeve, but am in no pain at all. Bariatric Pal Team MX is THE BOMB!!

I'm assuming beer is a no no due to the gas it creates...how about wine? and how soon after surgery...within the first year?

@frozengrapes. well take care my friend! Let's all have a speedy recovery!!

I'm at the station waiting for my train to San Diego...tomorrow is the big day! So excited, but still nervous. I will keep you all posted! Excited to see these new facilities! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@frozengrapes Are you in Mexico too?

Thanks everyone! I'm getting ready right now. Good luck to everybody and I will see you on the recovery side! Oh by the way...stayed at the Holiday Inn in TJ last night and the bed was AMAZING! TV was mostly Spanish speaking and Wi Fi spotty at times but so what? It's only a few days. The important thing is that is clean and comfortable!

@@Alex Brecher I too am curious when this takes effect...I'm coming down tomorrow for surgery on Tues.

What SHE said!! SPOT ON!

My husband and I are having our surgeries done by Dr Illan on Aug 22nd. We'll see you there!! @@Jonicrestwell Outstanding!!! See you there!!! We are gettin' close!!