mbrinmn

How far south. We have a member in Burnsville who has made it to a meeting in Maple Grove. Would love to have you join us. We are hoping Saturday would make it a little easier to make the trek. That's also why we chose Fridley because it is pretty central to those in Maple Grove, Plymouth, Burnsville, Woodbury, Red Wing, and North Branch where some member are from. Where do you live. I live in Woodbury and would love to get together with you. I was sleeved on August in Tijuana Mexico. Would love to share stories and successes. Just let me know. If you'd like to email me, my address is mbrinmn@gmail.com. Best Regards, Marybeth Reed

Would people like to do a breakfast/morning or lunch/afternoon. We could do a Perkins at 10am or La Casitas at 1pm. Any preference????

@Rovobay: pass along any tips you have for juicing recipes. Bought all the recipe book, but sometimes a good recommendation from someone who has already done a lot of experimenting is better than what's in those books. Thanks, Marybeth

Post op diet is going well for me. Kept up with protein shakes that were fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Could really only stomach broth and jello, but didn't feel shaky or light headed. Slept a lot that first week...probably just tired from the whole surgery and trip put together, but had that week off of work and made good use of that napping time. I did move onto highly watery pureed foods after the first full week following surgery. Baby foods were a big staple. After that full second week, I've been doing highly pureed things like broccoli cheese soup whipped in with mashed potatoes, or a cheese omelet smooshed up really well with cottage cheese...I came up with some weird, but surprisingly good combinations. I'm going to start adding a little more spice and a little more texture now as I move out of my 3rd week and into my 4th. Still pretty partial to finely pureed meals at this point. Can't quite handle even the chunkiness of cottage cheese without having it whipped. Found a GREAT yogurt that I can manage at this point: Chobani now makes yogurt with finely cut (teeny tiny) pieces of oats. It is really good, plus is calcium, protein, AND fiber all in one. Good luck with all your pre-op work! Please feel free to ask any questions you'd like answered about what I experienced. Everyone is different, but there are a couple of universal issues that I think we all had to overcome, so don't be afraid to ask.

Hello All, I had my gastric sleeve procedure done by Dr. Lopez's wife, Dr. Jacqueline Osuna. I went to Tijuana and had surgery on August 27. I cannot speak highly enough about the entire experience...the staff, the care, the surgery, everything!!

Was wondering if anyone has tried Protein pills instead of Protein shakes. If so, what are your thoughts?

Hello, new to this group. Had surgery on August 27 in Tijuana, Mexico. Feeling great. Have lost 15 pounds post surgery. Also lost 11 during the pre-op diet. Am stalled a little as I hit the 3-weeks out mark, but not discouraged. Anyone have any feedback on Protein drinks vs. protein pills? I know at this time I'm not getting enough protein and wondering if pills would be less sodium and less calories to take more often than drinking 3-4 Protein Drinks a day.

Hello All. Is everyone still "in" for this Saturday, September 20? Do want to meet around 11am in Fridley (which as we mapped out, is the most central location for both twin cities members and more out-of-metro-area members. Perkins maybe? Or do you want to do Mexican for lunch at La Casitas? I would like a count so that I can make a reservation to ensure table space. Thanks, Marybeth

I use a brand that is more expensive but packs 25-40 grams of protein per drink. Lean Body by Labrada Labs. I think you can buy it at Walmart or GNC. I look for the best price online. High sodium, so you don't want to drink too many each day, but the taste is incredible. Tastes like melted ice cream! Cookies and cream is my favorite. Lean Body also has more essential vitamins and minerals than I've seen in any other brand.

Thanks Forsythia, I think I have going on what you experienced in your first few months. I have taken Ex Lax twice, but like you, I don't want to count on it all the time.

All great feed back. I did take a member's advice and buy Miralax, with a different ingredient than Benefiber. I also bought some Fiber gummies. Regarding the juicing. You can put Protein power in any juice drink you want. There are a number of flavor-free powders that do not change the taste of food...great for cooking. Kind of like Benefiber, only all about the protein. Just wanted to get the word out about "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead"...it's a great motivator for anyone - sleeved or not - but it does work really well with us sleeved folks because of flavorless Protein powder. Whoever invented that is a genius.

All really great feedback. I am going to try Activia because I love yogurt anyway. Have an appt. with a nutritionist in two weeks...crazy, here in Minneapolis/St. Paul, one of the larger health groups has only two nutritionists working limited office hours at only two different hospitals. But I needed a recommendation from my doctor so of course she recommended within the same care system. I am also going to try juicing. I urge everyone to watch the movie Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead. It's a documentary by Joe Cross. It will change the whole way you look at foods and juice. AMAZING!! Watched it in the hospital during my recovery day after a nurse told me about it. It's on Netflix and you can also rent it via iTunes.

I will definitely try the Miralax since the Benefiber just doesn't seem to be working. Thank you so much for your feedback!

I'm almost three weeks out as well and haven't really felt like anything has begun. From the start of my pre op Protein drink diet, then the liquid diet, then surgery, I lost about 25 pounds. Since getting back home and eating incredibly lightly, I haven't lost a pound. Darn doctors scale at first check up even read 5 pounds heavier than my brand new freight scale that is guaranteed up to +/- 2 ounces!! Maybe it's because I haven't really started exercising. I'm just finally almost rid of the soreness and the constant tired feeling. I suppose once I start moving more, the weight will start coming off. I start back to work tomorrow. Maybe that will help too. Is this what others have experienced?

I was sleeved 2.5 weeks ago and yesterday my sister and I split a delicious pulled pork soft shell taco with fresh black bean and corn mix and zesty avocado mango salsa. It was awesome. Of course I left the corn tortilla other and then had to moosh up my small portion quite a bit, but I ordered a side of red beans, which made it easier. I could only eat about four bites before I was full, but now I have enough for about four or five more meals. I love tex mex and Cuban foods and I don't see any issues. You'll just find that you'll eat much, much smaller portions. And you'll just have to make decisions on what it is you want to fill up on...a corn tortilla or all the yummy stuff inside.

I'm sorry. I am new to this system and thought it was open to all types of concerns and support. Didn't realize there was only room in this thread to support just one person.

I'm a bit bummed that my doctors scale read 255, but my expensive new freight scale I bought for myself...that is supposed to be guaranteed to be exact within 2 oz. says 245. Hmmmmmmm?!

Watch the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. I swear it will change your outlook and give you some GREAT motivation to reboot the healthy side of yourself.

I had an amazingly great experience in Mexico. Great surgeon, great medical staff...cannot say enough good things about it. Met many who would say the same thing. $4500 for the entire experience, minus cost of airfare. All included: hotel stay, hospital stay, surgery, meds, transportation. It's been two weeks since surgery and I'm feeling great. Going to my doctor tomorrow to get a referral to a dietician to help ensure my success.

Well if your psychologist doesn't end up supporting you there's always Mexico. I cannot say enough good things about my experience there two weeks ago. Excellent surgeon and surgical team, awesome medical staff, really nice hospital (small but very clean and efficient). $4500 for the entire experience, including 3 nights in a luxurious room at the Tijuana Marriott. only other thing I paid for was $258 sun country flight into San Diego, where I was picked up by hospital staff and taken over the border with no issues...not a single issue coming back either. Drivers for the hospital can use a special lane reserved for medical vehicles. The entire experience was wonderful and I would genuinely recommend this route to anyone!

Well I made it through and am finally on the other side of surgery. It's been a week and a day and I'm feeling pretty good , just sore, as if I had done 3000 sit ups. Did any one else feel this way? Just want to make sure this is something normal. I cannot say enough good things about having it done in Tijuana. Amazing doctor, nurses, and other staff. Utmost in quality of care and level of medical facilities. Nothing fancy like you'd find at a hospital like Woowinds, but a nice and well run place nonetheless. I would recommend it to anyone who cannot get insurance coverage or who wants to get it done without the six months process of pre op appointments. With airfare, the entire cost was under $5000. Since pre op diet began through today, I've lost 16 pounds, which is very encouraging. Looking forward to seeing everyone later this month. Did we choose a Saturday? I can't remember.

Thank you for sharing your entire experience. I am headed to this same hospital next Tuesday, my surgery is Wednesday. My surgeon is Dr. Jaqueline Osuna. The program I am going through, called Specialized Bariatrics, actually has me booked into the Marriot the day before my surgery. The morning of, I then check into the hospital and stay for that night after surgery as well as the next night. To save money, they offered my travel companion (my sister) a sofa bed so she can sleep in my hospital room with me. Then we are sent back to the Marriot for 2 more nights. Instead flying home after those 2 night, I booked the hotel myself for two additional nights, just because I felt nervous about flying so soon after surgery. It's only another two full days, but it made me feel better. I am glad to know that, upon reflection, you would do it again if you had the choice. I'd be interested to know how much you have lost to date. Thank you. Best Regards, Marybeth I am new and have not posted before. I had my sleeve done in Tijuana at Mi Doctor hospital on January 26 of this year. I wanted to share my experience as honestly as possible and hope anyone who criticizes my comments will do so gently as not everyone has the same expectation or experience. I started doing my research months ago to have my sleeve. I had a friend who used Dr. Almanza and had an excellent experience with him. However, when I saw pictures and saw it was a surgery center and not a hospital, I was not interested. I also ruled out several other doctors over time based on various reasons. I chose Mi Doctor and Dr. Valenzuela based on communications with the patient coordinator, Christy with Mexico Bariatric Center. I chose them because they worked out of a hospital with an intensive care unit, and because they were the group I contacted that took my medical history seriously. I have some special medical needs. I had surgery for a broken ankle several years ago and ended up with a life threatening pulmonary embolism as a result of a dvt from my leg being immobilized. I spent 10 days in ICU and ended up with a horrible case of panic disorder after the fact and I had been on blood thinners ever since. When I discussed the surgery with my own doctor, he actually coordinated with Dr. Valenzuela directly. I had heard nothing bad about the team of Valenzuela and Cabrera and looked forward to my surgery with optimism, especially since Christy answered every question thoroughly and built up my confidence in them. I was supposed to fly into Tijuana Friday morning and have my surgery Friday afternoon. My son and I were picked up at the airport as scheduled, and really enjoyed Victor, our driver's easy going nature. We arrived at the hospital and so far so good. There was construction going on all around the place and there was no parking, but no harm no foul so far. We sat in the waiting room for a short time and then Victor escorted us to a room one floor I believe above the surgery floor and the floor we were to stay on. He said it was the room I would stay in until MY room was ready. In the meantime, our Mexico coordinator came to introduce himself. It was the only time I would see him that day. Dr. Valenzuela came in and introduced herself, she is such a beautiful woman. She is sweet and gentle, but has only a cursory mastering of the English language. She explained that though my surgery was scheduled originally for that day, they were going to put it off until the next morning. NOT what I had arranged, but what was I going to say? I was a captive audience. I wasn't overly impressed by the hospital. For a brief moment, I started to panic and almost changed my mind. But then I realized I was NOT in the US and just because the equipment they used didn't look like what I was used to, didn't mean it wouldn't work. I held my breath and waited for things to improve. They did. A nurse came to take my blood and for the first time in 10 years, someone got my blood on the first stick. After the blood draw, I was visited by the internist who said he felt there was no reason for me to wait for surgery, especially since my flight was less than 2 hours long. Then, the anesthesiologist came and he too said we should wait. While I trust the doctors, I was a little irritated, but I obviously didn't have a choice. I was taken to my real room. Again, not overly impressed. In fact, I started feeling panic again and wanted to run. My room was depressing as hell. The only window was very small and was over a crawl space between buildings. It was raining and there was a drip the entire time that sounded oddly like a heart monitor. The bathroom was clean, but the light was so dim I could hardly see what I was doing in it. At one point I got bored and went for a walk. I was horrified to find that their "intensive care unit" was nothing more than a room with two beds in it. Here comes the panic again! I found the nurses to be very friendly, although it was difficult to communicate with them because most of them did not speak English. However, I was in their country and do NOT count that as a negative whatsoever. In fact there were several I really liked. The next morning, I was given an IV, again, they got it on the first poke and I was LOVING that! The anesthesiologist came in and spoke with me again and then after I donned those gorgeous and uber sexy compression stockings, I went into the surgery room. I have to admit, I was impressed with that room, especially when the anesthesiologist put me to sleep so easily while listening to the Eagles "Hotel California." I think I spoke with Dr. Valenzuela, but I never got to meet Dr, Cabrera. Before I knew it, I was awake again and being taken to my room. It hurt, I won't say it didn't, but it wasn't unbearable or anything like that. What was unbearable was the nausea, but it was short lived. I slept most of the day, in and out and did see my coordinator Daniel once while I was still kinda funky. He asked me for $20 for medication he said wasn't covered in my fee???? I didn't remember hearing anything about that, but okay, I guess so. By late afternoon, I was up and walking the halls. Oddly enough, I never really paid attention to others who were there. I couldn't tell you who other patients were, though my son could. Dr. Valenzuela came in that night to check my drain. It was full of a nice red liquid, she said it was that red because I was on injectable blood thinner at the time. She said she would see me the next day and that I would be discharged to the hotel. I wasn't sure if I was ready to go to the hotel or not, but the next day would tell. During the night, my IV stopped twice. I called a nurse who came in and took it apart. There was a nice big blood clot in it, and she put it back together, flushed it and then it started again. The next time it stopped, I tried to tell her to remove the blood clot before reconnecting the tubing to the IV, but it was futile, she couldn't understand. The next morning after endless rounds in the hallways during the night, Daniel came in with the medication I paid for. He said I was being discharged and that he would be back later to get me and take us to the hotel after he picked up a new patient at the airport. Dra. Valenzuela came in and checked my drain again and said the Fluid in it was normal now. She said she was letting me go. I had only been there one night post op and wasn't sure I wanted to go. I asked if I should stay one more night in the hospital and she said no. So that was that. It was on to the hotel. She did not remove my drain, she said she would come to the hotel to take it out the next morning. We went to the Marriott. My son was thrilled, he had never stayed anywhere as nice before and it was his birthday. He went out and went shopping while I settled in and tried to rest. I was really apprehensive about the next day. It was the day we were to fly home. I had not checked to see what MBC's shuttle schedule was and the latest we could be picked up and taken to the hotel was 11:00 am for a 4:00 pm flight. Christy had not told me there was certain times they would take us back and forth and Daniel said there was no other time we could go. That meant a 4 hour wait in the airport terminal. I read somewhere on here after I was there that my support person could eat in the restaurant at a discount by just presenting the room key. I also saw where the patient was given free Water, popsicles and Jello. There was no water or any other beverage in the room, and nobody bothered to tell me that I could have popsicles, etc. I did however get free wi-fi. While I settled with Jello, I was tormented by my son devouring a gorgeous chocolate cake for his birthday Daniel was kind enough to get for me to give him, along with the cheesiest cheese pizza I have ever seen. I took only Tylenol and in spite of the fact I had just had surgery and was on the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in, I couldn't sleep. It was a looong night for sure. Next morning, Dr. V came and took out my drain, which did not hurt even for a moment. I told her I felt weird about going home so quickly and she said I could stay another night if I wanted. I had already paid for two nights, but I really needed to get home, so I said no and at 11:00 as promised, Victor showed up to get us. We stopped at another hotel and picked up another woman and her daughter who were in the hospital the same time I was, though we never spoke until the ride. SHe had some complications with her surgery. She said her drain had migrated down into her pelvis and that she had debilitating nausea after her surgery. I told her my only complaint was my surgery was postponed. She told me that a man who had surgery and was released to the hotel had been back at the hospital the night before I got there and had almost died. In fact his condition was so grave he was transferred to a US hospital. Christy told me the same thing but added that the man had survived, but had not taken his insulin and that was where the problem started. She also offered this as a reason my surgery was postponed, because Dr. Cabrera had been up all night with the man at the hospital he was transferred to. We got through customs in no time flat and were at the airport. I upgraded to first class for my son and I for almost nothing because we arrived so early for our flight. A rare and most welcome treat. One could get spoiled flying like that! It was very comfortable. After what seemed like the longest day, we were finally in the air and on the way home. I stayed home one more day and then went back to work. I felt good albeit a little sore. I ran into complications a week later when my arm that held the IV inexplicably started to swell. It was hot to the touch and red. Heat, redness and swelling means only two things, infection or blood clot. Well for me it just HAD to be blood clot. In my arm! Who gets a DVT in their arm for chrissakes? I do. So, I was hospitalized for three days for that. I don't know that it was connected to my surgery, but I couldn't help but think about that nasty looking blood clot in my IV tubing that got flushed back into my arm. Ironically, my surgery was perfect. No complications with wounds or anything else. I ate normal food while in the hospital though it was soft. Cream of Wheat, scrambled eggs, things like that. The hospitalist that was taking care of me said that it appeared the doctor in Mexico had done an excellent job, and in spite of the "little things" that irritated me, I am down 30 lbs in my first post op month and feel great. I have been asked if I would do it over again, The answer is yes I would with Dr. Valenzuela though I would be smarter planning my travel and I would try to be more open minded about the differences between US and Mexico equipment. If it were not for Mexico being available, I would not have been able to have the surgery as my insurance did not cover it. All in all, I would recommend Mexico Bariatric Center. The doctors are just now building their reputation and the kudos they have accumulated online are well deserved.

How about: Saturday, September 20 at 1pm Same place: La Casitas in Fridley on Central Ave. Will this work for those further out of the metro area? Will this give you an opportunity to drive down? It would be great to get as many people involved as we can. We originally selected Fridley because it is the center of the metro area, taking into account further-ring suburbs. I know that makes it hard for people who are further out, but I hope you guys can make the effort because your presence and your insights are so important.