Jen40

Just had my drain taken out! (Gross)... And they said it will close on its own?!? Just keep it clean with soap and water and it will close on its own in a week? Sorry this is all new and disgusting to me... What's your experience with the drain hole?

Thanks everyone! I am currently on day 5 of the pre-op diet, and leaving on Monday for Mexicali!! I am also getting cold feet... But I know I'll go through with it. I'm so nervous... I also have severe anxiety... But I'm also very excited and ready! So glad to hear others' great experiences!!!

My surgery is scheduled in 10 days, so I'm just looking into options. costco has a two pack of Muscle Milk powders (graham and banana creme) on sale together for about $24. Wondering if Muscle Milk is a good Protein for us? Does anyone use it? Like it?

Good job!! I am currently on day 5! It seems to be getting easier, but I still think about food all day long. Let's hang in there! When is your surgery? Good luck!

I bought this book! So far, seems to have a lot of great information!

I'm drinking Premier Protein shakes for my two... With those and my lean/green meal, I am only getting about 500-550 calories. Is this a normal number for pre-op diets?

I am doing the same pre-op diet as you, for 10 days... I'm on day 3. My surgeon suggested the "meal" for lunch. So I've been having a shake for breakfast and dinner. I guess you could try it out and see what works best for you if they didn't give you any instructions about what meals when. I agree, it's kind of hard doing the sweet shake in the morning. Good luck!

I am trying to buy the vitamins/supplements from the list that Nina sent me before I go for surgery... Did you all start in your Vitamins right away when you got home? I'm looking at some liquid ones, but there are SO MANY out there!! Can you guys tell me what brands worked for you? Multivitamin (2x day) Zinc Lozenge Gel Caps (50mg every 3rd day) Iron (100mg everyday while fasting???) Calcium Citrate (600 mg every 12 hr) B Complex (1 pill every week)

How many calories are you all getting on your pre-op diet?? I am allowed two protein shakes and a lean protein meal each day for 10 days. He said calories don't matter... But so far I'm only getting about 600 calories a day. Is this normal? I'm dying!!!

My surgeon gave me my Vitamin list of what he wants me to have. He didn't give any brands though, and what is out there is so overwhelming! Can anyone suggest a good liquid Multivitamin Liquid Iron Liquid Calcium citrate Thanks!!

Oh Charlie... A taco truck would kill me! You are stronger than I am!!

Aaaaagggghhhh! I can't believe that I'm having surgery in 10 days! Starting pre-op diet today of two shakes and one lean protein meal with green veggies. I know it's better than an all liquids diet... But I'm still scared! Hope I can stick to it exactly and be prepared! Good luck to everyone getting ready!!!

Thanks so much to you all for your encouragement! I am feeling really tired and just a little headachy so far today. I've had one shake, and tilapia for lunch. Another shake for dinner to come. Ugh. I'm sure I'll feel even worse tomorrow! I'm grateful for all of you!

I have a list from my surgeon of Vitamins and supplements for after surgery... The only on that confuses me is "Iron / liquid Iron Shots" - 100mg orally every day while fasting. 100mg Intramuscular once a month. Did anyone else get these shots?

I know this is a little OT... When I go to Mexico for my surgery, my Dad will be staying with my three kids (hubby is coming along with me). We will be gone Mon-Fri night. I am looking for some EASY meal ideas that I can somewhat prepare ahead of time for my Dad to cook or prepare for them while we are gone. Does anyone have any lunch/dinner ideas??

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this!! I am having surgery with Dr. Aceves on March 11! This is a great list and great information!

I just read on the CDC website that you should not travel by airplane for at least 10 days after abdominal surgery, or the risk of blood clots are worse. This is my biggest fear! I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Aceves in March, but I am terrified about the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolism. Did anyone else have this fear going to MX for surgery?

My husband's employer has excluded WLS, so we will be going self-pay. (Mexico actually) What about complications down the road, if there are any? Dehydration, ulcer, stricture, leak?? If (God forbid) anything were to happen requiring ER or hospitalization, what are the chances of insurance covering anything related?

I have a date set to have VSG with Dr. Aceves in March. Both my husband and I have done a lot of research and felt really comfortable with this decision. But after talking with my Dad recently about it, I'm starting to second guess myself. Of course my Dad is just being a concerned dad... worried about me, my family, etc. We lost my mom just about 6 months ago to cancer, so I'm sure for him to watch his only daughter run off to Mexico for major surgery isn't an easy thing. So these are his concerns that got me thinking... 1. What happens if there are some major complications and I'm stuck in MX? For weeks? For a month? Longer? 2. The surgeons in MX don't have any health history on us. Do they care? To just show up to a stranger, never seen before and have major surgery looks a little crazy? Doesn't it? 3. What happens if there are complications when I get home? Who takes care of me then? Would my insurance (who doesn't pay for the surgery to begin with) cover any hospital stay if I were to have a complication or infection or whatever?!? There was a lot more to the conversation, but I'm sad that it's making me rethink my decision. They are all pretty valid concerns, and I don't really know what I would do if complications arise. I'm just hoping there are no complications! Is that realistic?

Tiff, what kind of complications have you heard of with Dr. Aceves? Just curious, I have done a ton of research and have come up with really mostly great experiences with him, and have heard his complication rate is extremely low. (With the exception of one... And nobody can seem to bring enough facts to the table to get the true story with that case.) Anyway, I am just wanting to know so I can do more research about him!! I am scheduled with him next month and want to be sure I know as much as I possibly can! Thanks!!

I have been given my pre-op diet instructions from my surgeon! He said that I need to do this diet for at least 10 days, and can do it longer if I so choose to. I would like to "try" to do it for a month. In part, to try to get my body a little ready for a big change. And also to lose weight and be as healthy as me and my fatty liver can be! So tell me... What is your pre-op diet like, if you have one? WHAT are you eating for your one "meal"??? And do you think a month is doable? Too long? I believe it's going to be insanely hard to get used to, so I want as much time to adjust as I can get! Here are my guidelines: 30g or less carbs 60-70g Protein minimum 2 shakes per day 1 lean protein meal per day 64 oz Water per day Snack can be SF Jello

I'm wondering if we're allowed to bring clear liquids on the plane with is? If not, did you bring a powder or some kind of protein to mix with water? What would work for this?

I am scheduled for March 11th!! I'm going to start my pre-op diet on Monday. So far I've only tried Premier Protein from Costco. I'll be trying to get some samples and see what's out there! Exciting!

I am scheduled for surgery in March. Just wondering if anyone here who was on any meds pre-op, are/were able to take the same meds immediately post-op?? I take 3 pills per day. Just wondering what I will need to do about those once I have the surgery?

I am happy to say my surgery is scheduled for March 11! I have done two years worth of research on types of WLS, different surgeons, countries, etc. After deciding on a surgeon, I have my plane tickets, my shopping lists, care for my children, hubby's time off work, support from my PCP, my best friend, my father... Everything is falling nicely into place. But I am SCARED. No matter how much research I do, I am still afraid of what will happen AFTER surgery. I mean, I didn't get to 360 pounds because I overeat once in a while. I am a serious food addict! I binge. I crave. I lose focus. I lose control. I am afraid to fail. Did anyone else feel this way? Is the sleeve really going to be a tool that can help me? Can I really learn to change my "lifestyle" after my loving husband works so hard to pay out of pocket for this? After I've put my body through a major surgery? After I've altered my body's design... forever? Am I going to be able to do this?