Freebird14

Count me in!

I weigh every morning and take measurements weekly (and record the weekly weight and measurements in a diary).

I measure out 1 oz portions of turkey jerky for an on-the-go snack. It's crazy how much that really is--LOTS of chewing. Very satisfying, but lots of sodium, so I try to keep that in mind when I'm planning my Snacks (maybe it's a bigger concern for girls than boys).

I started with light free weights exactly 6 weeks out from surgery.

Hi! Sleeved by Dr. alejandro lopez in Puerto Vallarta on August 13, 2014. I'm down 51 pounds, tons of inches and am feeling WONDERFUL since being able to start back to cardio and strength training with Jazzercise on Oct. 1 (just took a "Dancing Abs" class during my lunch break today). I have been Jazzercising every weekday and walking and doing yard work on the weekends--getting stronger and stronger every day. I've been taking my multi-vitamins and Calcium chews religiously and getting a weekly B-12 shot. I haven’t had sugar, processed foods, carbs (other than a few veggies and berries), carbonated drinks or alcohol in over 10 weeks. Woooo-hoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep on keepin’ on y’all!

I started using weights at Jazzercise 6 weeks out. Also, taking full Body Sculpting classes. But, I started back with very light free weights and will build back up slowly.

I quit coffee for six weeks after surgery. Now over 2 months out, I drink two mugs of coffee in the morning (but do not continue to drink it throughout the day like I used to), and it tastes delicious! BTW, I gave up alcohol July 1 (I formerly drank 1/2 glass wine 3-4 nights per week with dinner) and don't miss it.

ScarAway strips update: So, I used them for four days and had to quit due to a rash I was developing from the adhesive around the rim of the strips. Yikes-o-rama. And I normally do not have alergic reactions to adhesives, etc. I guess I will now use Vitamin E oil.

I used Allianz Travel Insurance for my August surgery trip to Puerto Vallarta. It was $89.18 for the following: Benefit Coverage Limits* Baggage Delay Coverage $500.00 Emergency Medical and Dental $10,000.00 Trip Cancellation Protection $1,230.02 Travel/Trip Delay Coverage $500.00 Trip Interruption Protection $1,230.02

I started out with a relatively low BMI and had a self-pay surgery with Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta mid-August. It was the best health-related decision I've made in years. I've lost just 50 pounds, am eating SUPER healthfully and I don't miss processed foods, bad carbs, alcohol and diet soda. And I have my passion back for my workouts. God bless this crazy sleeve!

That doesn't surprise me. Cathy is a warm, friendly person--which is super comforting when dealing with/scheduling/preparing for a surgery such as ours.

I'll give you an update on the ScarAway strips after using them for a bit--I think they're scheduled to arrive today! :-) Cathy is SO WONDERFUL! I scheduled my surgery in early April and between then and my Aug. 13 surgery date, I probably contacted her every few days with one question or another (I didn't find the Bariatric Pal website until about 3 weeks before my surgery--LOTS of questions are answered here) and she was ALWAYS patient, helpful and in good humor.

Hi OCSlim, I did not have the single incision technique, but I was open to it and indicated as much on my health survey. I had also asked Cathy at Specialized Bariatrics, but she said Dr. Lopez would be performing the multiple incision technique for my surgery. I ended up with four incisions (sort of top, bottom, left and right), ranging in length from about 1/4" to 3/4" (which is a horizontal scar about an inch above my belly button)--in addition to a small scar where my drain was (this incision healed without stitches). All my incisions are healing nicely (I just ordered some ScarAway silicone strips to use to help fade them). I've had no pain or issues internally or externally since the surgery. I did follow instructions regarding the need to walk, walk, walk--starting from the day of surgery. At six weeks out (a couple of weeks ago), I started full-out cardio and strength training classes (Jazzercise!) five days per week. On weekends I've been doing walking and heavy duty yardwork. :-)

I was sleeved by Dr. Lopez on August 13th in Puerto Vallarta. I'm 45 lbs down and am feeling awesome! Had a great experience working with Cathy Zimmerman at Specialized Bariatrics--she was always very accessible via phone or email. AnaKaren was my patient coordinator in PV. I saw Dr. Lopez once before my surgery and twice after. I'm SO happy I had this surgery. It takes care and work (eating correctly and being super dedicated to exercising properly), but it is an amazing tool I have promised myself I will not squander. It's a "forever" change that should be taken seriously and embraced. Best of luck to all on your journey!

I was nervous, as well--it REALLY helped having my sister there with me. She gave me a TON of support. Feel free to PM me with any questions or concerns. I'm happy to share any information about my experience, pre- and post-op included.

Hey krisrpaz! I had surgery with Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta a little over 7 weeks ago. He and his team are amazing! The surgery and aftercare was pretty much "text book." My incisions healed properly, I've had no issues with nausea, pain, hunger… :-) I’ve been losing steadily since my surgery—41 pounds down and lots of inches lost. Remember to walk, walk, walk! I just started full-on cardio and strength training (Jazzercise classes) this week and feel AWESOME. You can do this, girl! Best wishes to you!!

I'm six weeks out today, 30 lbs slimmer since surgery-- in Puerto Vallarta with Dr. Alejandro Lopez-- (34 lbs from the week before surgery) and many inches smaller. I've followed the nut guidelines very carefully and have not had any issues with the progression of liquids, soft foods, slow introduction of most foods. Chicken seems to be my "go to" food. I've made BBQ chicken (with no calories, no carbs, gluten free Walden Farms BBQ sauce), Korma chicken from a recipe on another bariatric foodie website--all in my new slow cooker (which is AMAZING and super easy)! I eat super slowly and chew, chew, chew. Can only get down two-three tablespoons at a sitting, then I'm full. I'm definitely getting in mostly protein, but not lots of calories (averaging about 300-400 per day). I start Jazzercising again on October 1st--and hope to go back to teaching classes this spring. I can't wait to start strength training again--my tummy has never been this...well, loose. Glad to hear so many August sleevers are doing well! This site and everyone's support is truly helpful to so many of us.

I'll be five weeks out on Wednesday. I've lost a total of 27 pounds (which includes 4 pounds I lost the week before surgey). I haven't had any stalls (for more than a few days), but can't wait for week six so I can TRULY start working out--just been walking so far. I know with strength training will come muscle and more weight loss, but the inches are still coming off. I'm down 2 sizes already. Woooo-hoooo!

Yum! Just had amazing tuna sashimi tonight. ????

Correct.

I'm four weeks from surgery today. I start adding foods tomorrow, but have been eating sashimi the past week. It's soft, delicious and solid protein. Yum!

I had surgery with Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta on August 13th. I worked with Cathy Zimmerman with Specialized Bariatrics beginning in April. She was a wonderful and accessible facilitator. And, yes. The focus was on my health and receiving lots of information (past and present) from me—the assessment was VERY thorough. The experience in Puerto Vallarta went pretty smoothly. Dr. Leo picked me, my sister and another patient of Dr. Lopez’s up at the PV airport and drove us to the Marriott (which was BEAUTIFUL). The patient coordinator, AnnaKaren contacted me via email both prior to my arriving in PV and when I got there. Dr. Lopez performs only up to 5 surgeries per day. I met the two women he was operating on before me at the hotel (I was the last patient of the day). All logistical information was clearly explained to me by both Dr. Leo and AnnaKaren. I met Dr. Lopez and Dr. Ramirez the following day before my pre-op tests and bloodwork. He explained the procedure and aftercare in great detail. The administration and nurses at Cornerstone Hospital were WONDERFUL—very caring, very attentive and no problem with a language barrier. Dr. Lopez came to see me twice after the surgery—once later that evening and the following day. I was released from the hospital after one night (with a drain, which Dr. Leo removed at the hotel the following morning), and got to spend three days, rather than two post-op at the hotel. Cornerstone is a small, private hospital with 10 beds, but it has an ICU and Emergency Room. It is very pretty, incredibly clean and very welcoming. I can’t say enough about the care and professionalism I experienced with Dr. Lopez and Specialized Bariatrics, and believe me, I was very nervous about traveling to a foreign country for surgery. The whole experience was truly incredible and I’ve had no complications whatsoever. I know Dr. Lopez has performed several thousand bariatric surgeries and is highly credentialed. I can also share with you that the patients I was with during my week there were pleased with the experience, as well (one was from Canada, the other from Colorado). I’m truly grateful I chose Dr. Lopez (after LOTS of research) as my surgeon. Best of luck to you on your journey! Hope this helped some.

Also, a tablespoon of natural peanut butter is an easy snack.