Shustar

OK Cinderella! You really look absolutely fabulous! How much have you lost now as your info is not up to date? Enjoy the benefits of your hard work!

Are you taking Prilosec or other time release antacid? My doctors said acid reflux is almost a "Given" for sleevers. I am on 2 Prilosec every day. They do have Prilosec and generic at Costco.

I was sleeved on June 8th so today is my 14th day/ I have a Premier shake for breakfast (30g protein/140 cals) lunch is a protein shake made in my water bottle w/ 1-1/2 scoop natural protein powder, 2 individual Crystal Lite packets and 24oz of water (30 g protein, 145 cals) snack is Dannon Lite & Fit Greek Yogurt (12g protein, 80 cals) Dinner is another water bottle shake for 145 cals/ 30 g protein. Getting 80+ oz of water and over 100g protein.

I was sleeved on June 8th and am still on liquids. I am logging faithfully on MFP. My name is Shustar1 and would love to be added.

Quick and easy is the name of the game for me. I use a 24 oz water bottle and add 2 ind serve packets of Crystal Lite and 1.5 scoops of natual whey protein. Fill with ice and water and shake. counts as 3C water and 30g protein and 145 calories. I just love these! Refreshing here in Arizona where it is 115 degrees out!

That's a great one! Get the extra stong ones. totally agree!

June 8th here as well! I am still on liquids but doing great. When you think about it, a pound of body fat is equivalent to approx 3500 calories which is way more than we are able to burn in a day. Stands to reason that we are losing a fair amount of excess fluid at first along with the fat. Sooner or later, we just won't have enough excess fluid to keep the scale moving at such a pace. We are in it for the long haul. This is the exciting phase, kind of like the dating phase in a long marriage. When we get to goal, maintaining it will be the real challenge! Just like staying married!

I used Dr. Elias Ortiz with A Lighter Me. Price was $4600 all-inclusive. Could not have been any more impressed with the professionalism, expertise and compassion with this whole group. I liked having a US point of contacts and Sonya and Ronda kept me well informed and in the loop. As a business owner I am extra sensitive to customer service. I give ALM an A+. From the time I was picked up in San Diego to the time I was returned, my expperience was awesome. They used the Grand Hotel which has a new "medical floor" with special beds and bath fixtures, Place was stunningly gorgeous. The hospital experience was very qualified, clean and efficient. Doctors and nurses were so kind and committed. After we were released from the hospital, they kept us walking by taking us on a shopping trip which included the best "taco broth" and homemade ice cream I have ever had! Did some tourist shopping in a safe but colorful environment. I made friends with those having surgery at the same time and I will probably stay in touch with these folks a very long time!

I had my sleeve on June 8th. When I got home on June 12th I couldn't wait to weigh. Imagine my shock and horror to be up ten pounds. Took a couple of days to get to ground zero. My upper abdomen is still swollen but I have lost 5 pounds so far. I guess slow and steady will be my game but I am delighted just to be in the game!

Isn't shame one of the leading reasons we are doing this? Society shames us and then we shame ourselves. You stopped, recognized you didn't make the best decision. Now for a new habit, take a deep breath, forgive yourself and then chuckle. A few fries and a bit of steak won't prevent you from acheiving your success.

The bad news is the close you get to goal, the fast you will change sizes! The good news is, the closer you get to goal the fster you change sizes! If you have any consignment stores in your are, they are a gold mine for fahionable clothes you won't see everywhere and they are inexpensive!

I had my surgery on Monday the 8th in Mexico and drove 6 hours home on Friday. I was back in the store on Saturday (doing mostly paperwork) and haven't skipped a beat since. Everyon is so different but most of the people in my group felt about as good as I did.

I had Dr. Elias Ortiz with "A Lighter Me" and could not have been more impressed. I could go on and on but I know Dr Ariel Ortiz has a great rep also. My trip could not have been better! I drove by myself from Scottsdale, AZ to San Diego which was about 6 hours. Drove home afterwards with no problems!

Couldn't be happier for you! What a tiny waist you have! Gorgeous!

My list said to bring a blow dryer - totally unneeded. I only brought 1 credit card - my Amex. It wasn't accepted many places so should have brough Mastercard or Visa. Don't forget to call your credit card before leaving the USA to let them know you will bel traveling. There was a small cafe in my hospital that had toms of drinks including yougurt drinks. The hotel served broth, apple juice and popsicles as part of our room service. I wish I had brough a couple of cuter outfits as they took us out and about for shopping and touring. Wear a slip-on sandal like Vionic or something easy to slip on with arch support for balance and stability. (Yes, I am a Certified Pedorthist).

You are looking great Justoperated! Just a guess, but I bet you have never been pregnant?! Gives us gals a double whammy on getting our tummys back in shape. It also doesn't look like there has been much time for your skin to catch up with your fabulous weight loss. I would give it 6 months and then see where you are. Congratulations!

Are you using Gas-X and are you walking? Both seem to help. Did you have a drain? The good news is, "this too shall pass"! Welcome to the loser's bench!

See, I knew you were a smart little gal. Of course you can have a drink or two after you are healed enough. talk to your nut. There is another good thread about Coffee and Booze you should read. Please stay in touch. You are going to have a spectacular journey.

I couldn't help but notice that your BMI is over 50 which puts you in the severely obese category. You are a very big girl with a very young little girl hiding inside. Competing with the guys with booze is a way of trying to fit in, be the life of the party. You are a young little thing and it might be worth the experience to see what it is like as a attractive female. I hate that society tags our worth by our size. That being said, it is the way it is. I am 62 and I still hate that when I am at my fattest, I become invisible.I own a shoe store and I get to be star in my own show in my store, but I know I am always being judged even if people like and respect me. I wish I had had this opportunity when I was your age. You must have a fabulous personality and I'll bet you are pretty smart, too. Good luck on your journey!

I had my surgery on June 8, 2015 and Dr. Elias Ortiz was my primary surgeon. I cannot speak highly enough about this organization. My experience started with the pre-surgery consulting/information with Sonya and Ronda who live here in the US. The were warm, available and honest. My Mexican experience started when I drove to San Diego and parked at the border parking lot and was picked up by Remy. Remy was so warm and funny that we (he had already pick a couple of gals up at the airport) laughed all the way to our hotel. We stayed at the Grand Hotel which has a floor that has been updated as a medical floor with proper beds and equipment in the bathroom, etc. The next day we were taken to the hospital where we had EKG's and blood work. Surgery followed. I woke up un my private hospital room and was well monitored by the nurses. On the morning of the 3rd day after surgery I had a barium leak test (X-ray)and my drain was removed. We then returned to the Grand Hotel where we were issued our meds, records and a t-shirt (size Med) for future wear! Later that day, Abraham picked us up in a company van and took us to a homemade ice cream stand, a reliable pharmacy to purchase Prilosec, to a beautiful shopping area for souveniers, and finally to a taco stand that makes the most fabulous "taco broth". There was a nurse at the hotel who monitored our BP and so forth. The next day was about the same as the day before and the following day we left for home after returning to the hospital for a discharge briefing from our surgeons. The whole trip seems like a dream and I would highly recommend this organization. Cost was $4600.

I got sleeved on June 8th in TJ. One of the best trips I have ever taken! to answer you questions about stitches and drain: there were no stitches on the 4 small incisions for the laparoscopy and they were sealed with surgical glue.I did have a drain which was removed on the 3rd morning beore we were released. The removal was ot real pleasant but only lasted for a few seconds. No big deal. You will be fine!

I am a newbie who got her sleeve on June 8th. I also questioned the reasoning behind coffee. I drink it black with no sugar or cream. What my Dr. said was that it creates more acidity in the new stomach, especially at first. He said that acid reflux is a condition we will all have to deal with and I started Prilosec 2 days after surgery. My Dr allows decaf coffee at 3 weeks and I may or may not go to reg coffee later. So happy with my sleeve and I am very protective of my new "baby stomach". My Dr allows wine at 6 weeks but do I really want the calories? hmmmm The other part is that a former employee with a sleeve stopped in to see me yesterday. She was telling me how she got a DUI because wine/alcohol goes into the bloodstream faster and stays longer. I know I pretty much have a new set of priorities right now. Wine may or may not come back into my life, and it definately will not be as often!

Welcome to the other side all June sleevers! I got my sleeve on June 8th and feel great. My biggest surprise is how much swelling and bloat I have around my upper abdomen. It really impacts the scale but drinking lots of liquids and getting my protein in with no problem,

In the mid-70's I went on the first liquid Protein diet. You were only allwed this horrible orange artificially sweetened syrup. The protein was extracted from cow hooves. Yuck! Growing up, my dad would always challenge me to a weight loss contest (and guess who always won?!) using the "Mayo Diet". eggs and grapefruit. Hated eggs.

Hi all! Need some of your wonderful support and advice. I was sleeved on June 8 in TJ, Mexico and had a wonderful experience. Can't say enough good things about A Lighter You and Dr. Ortiz and staff. I drove 6 hours home yesterday with no problem. I stopped for walks and stayed hydrated and full of protein. When I weighed this morning I weighed exactly what I weighed on Sun before I left. I can't believe afer 3 days of clear liquids, the surgery and very little to drink after that the scale has not moved. I really do feel like a freak! I have 5 holes in my belly and I really think I was sleeved but what the hey...! Has anyone else had this experience. I do feel like I am wearing a barrel around my stomach and middle so maybe water retention. Ugh! Just a bit sad and discouraged.