Kate2014

I am just waiting for my pick up in San Diego this morning...ready to have my surgery today!

Good Luck to everyone headed to Mexico in the next few days! It looks like there are quite a few of us on this thread. SoCalMomofFour, elensal, db1982, phatkat, rhoste, raychel74, cassiecarson, and cassandracorner keep us posted on your travels and surgery

Great job on the walking! This is a great habit to have before surgery and will definitely help you along the way.

I started having gall bladder attacks when I was 20 and thin. They were definitely brought on after eating a meal with too much fat, but I had to be careful with fatty proteins like steak too. My stones were very small, but plentiful and I was able to manage the problem for years. Sometimes though the stones would bunch up and block the duct. My pain was caused from undigested food sitting in my stomach too long because bile wasn't being released, so cleaning out the tummy with ipecac syrup did the trick until my health coverage kicked in and covered the pre existing gallbladder condition.

Socalmom, So sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis. I start liquids tomorrow too, so feel free to message me.

Nice!

Rhoste, I tried a new protein today that was tasty....body fortress, strawberry flavored. It should be available at your local walmart. I mixed one scoop with 5 ounces of water. A single scoop has 30 grams of protein, so it doesn't take long to drink. As for Flintstones, I honestly didn't ask if they were okay. I did just order some sublingual calcium and b12 from walmart online. Don't know how they will taste though.

Rhoste, I arrive the 12th and I will be at Mi Doctor and the Marriott. I am going to try unjury protein as I have heard good things about it and I'm not too keen on the stuff I have sampled so far. I start my diet Friday and oddly enough it is what I am looking forward to the least, but I will survive As for vitamins don't laugh...but Flintstones.

Angi, Personally, I got into poor eating habits because I have always taken care of myself last. Everyone else's needs and feelings always came before my own. I also overheat in response to stress. When I made the decision to have WLS, I told no one...not even my husband. I am three weeks away from surgery and I finally told my husband two weeks ago. Withholding information about my surgery is a choice I have made so that I can stay focused on myself. My husband is supportive, as I knew he would be...but as for everyone else, I just can't give a rat's a** about them or how they feel about my choice. Remember this decision is for you and your own health and happiness. Don't let anyone make you second guess what you feel deep down is the right decision for YOU. Make this journey with confidence!

Tricare has probably changed some in the past decade, but based on my previous experience I doubt you could use your military health coverage in Mexico. Typically to go out of network, you need a statement of non availability AND a provider that will accept Tricare payment as payment in full. Tricare pays even less than Medicare, so there isn't much of an incentive for private doctors to work with Tricare folks. When I was suffering from kidney stones while living at Fort Hood the wait for urology surgery was 2-3 months because the urologist was busy with deployment clearances. I was refused a statement of non availability and given a three month script for Percocet instead!

CassandraCorner... What day do you arrive? I leave on the 16th, so we should see each other.

I am scheduled 4/12 with Dr. Elias Ortiz. Staying at the Marriott. I start pre op diet next week and I don't think it will sink in until then

I researched different doctors in Mexico and then contacted my top choice. I had to fill out an informational/medical history. I was accepted for surgery and scheduled my surgery day. With my surgery date set, I received my pre op diet and booked my plane tickets. Pre op testing will be done day before surgery.

I will be traveling for 20+ hours to get to Mexico and the flights have been my biggest worry. Was staying hydrated a problem? Or swelling....my ankles always swell insanely during long haul flights. I have compression stockings, so hoping that helps along with walking during layovers in London and JFK. I have given my self a week post op before flying back and I am hoping this is enough.