JengaBee

Oh, I forgot to mention that Rosa, their patient coordinator at the hospital made my husband dinner one night! Just because she's amazing!! He said it was spectacular! Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Here's my experience with BariatricPal and Dr. A : Best decision ever!! Friday We (hubby and I) landed in San Diego around 10am. My phone rings as I'm stepping off the plane. It's our driver he'll be waiting at the curb to pick us up. Sure enough, there he is. He's in a super nice comfy car. He jumps out, opens the door for us, puts our bags in and we're off. We picked up one more person then headed over the boarder. I was having surgery that same day ago we went straight to the florence hospital. Their in hospital coordinater was super busy, but was SO sweet and got us to our room. The room was really nice and even had a bed for my husband! We got settled and for the next 5 or so hours, different people came in and out to all various questions, do various things, etc. In-between all that, my hubby and I snuggled on my bed and watched Netflix. (did I mention it was our anniversary and our first trip alone and kids-free since our honeymoon???) Late in the day it was my turn for surgery. They wheeled me back and Dr. A met my on the way. He rubbed my shoulder while they put me out. Human touch is a powerful thing and I felt instantly at ease. I woke up in my room with INTENSE back pain. I was still totally out of it and my poor husband spent the next couple hours rubbing my back. I'm not sure why I had this. I haven't heard of anyone else experiencing it. By the time I had slept a little, I felt a lot better. My husband helped me through the rest of the night, getting up, walking, etc. Saturday I woke up feeling a lot better than I thought I would. That whole day was spent walking, watching movies, sipping watered down apple juice, and peeing (thank you iv). Sunday Same as the day before. Oh! Little Roberto! He's an angel! He Took my husband out to eat a bunch of times and kept me laughing. Monday We had to stay in the hospital for 3 days since I had the mini gastric bypass, and since we were flying out at 6am Tuesday morning, we were leaving from the hospital, back over the boarder and to a hotel that had a shuttle to take us to the airport the next morning. Little Roberto took us for a walk to get me a Gatorade and my husband some lunch. The driver then loaded us back into the car and we headed for the boarder. BariatricPal pays for a special medical pass so getting over the boarder took less than 10 minutes. The driver took us straight to our hotel and we parted ways. That night we went to an adorable Italian restaurant across from the hotel. I had broth, of course. Tuesday We flew home and I felt incredible! Super strange considering I had just had major surgery. That's the magic of Dr. A!! Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Join the Facebook MGB group! There are people on there 10+ years out. They are super nice and happy to share their experiences. I'm only 3 months out, but I'm so glad I got the mini. I had severe reflux pre-op, and zero since. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

I had the mini gastric bypass due to severe reflux. Check into it. I'm three months out, down 55 lbs (SW 265), and 100% reflux free. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

How are the PatchMD Vitamin patches working out for you? I liked them! I haven't had any labs done but I've felt fine with the patches. I do take supplemental liquid Iron drops as I feel better at a higher iron level than most post-bariatric patients. I wish you had taken your labs before and after the patches. I am looking at possibly running a clinical trial to prove/disprove their efficacy. I'd love to be a part of your study! I'm 2.5 months post op. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Yep. Same here. I take it has a sign I'm not ready for them yet. I've heard it can take a year or more. I've been told to try more moist, dark meat of the chicken. Same goes for other kinds of meat. Avoid anything not super tender and moist. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

I wasn't able to drink Protein shake for about two weeks post op. It made me feel super nauseous. Try not to compare yourself to anyone, especially your husband who had a different surgery than you! You had your stomach cut AND your intestines rerouted. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

This is TOTALLY going to sound like a paid review. Haha, it's not, it was really this awesome! My insurance doesn't cover wls and paying out of pocket here was never an option. I did all my research and actually went with BariatricPal. Dr. Altamirano was my surgeon. He is AMAZING! In fact, the whole experience was awesome! Dr. A met me in hall on the way to the OR and instantly put me at ease. While waiting for them to knock me out he chatted with me and fixed my compression stockings that I totally put on wrong. Then he rubbed my shoulder and told me one last time that they were going to take good care of me as I was falling asleep. The hospital staff were SO attentive and on the ball. After several days on an iv my arm started to get really sore and started to swell. I sent Dr. A a message asking him if I could just have it taken out and within half an hour, a nurse came in and took it out. It's the little things that make all the difference. Not only did I have a great wls that has totally changed my life, but the whole experience was such a positive one. The only negative thing was not getting to eat the delicious food my husband did.

@@Pedro Valle-Inclan Honestly, I would say take the pain meds while in the hospital. You're body will be going through enough trauma. Rest is vital to healing and you won't get much rest if in a ton of pain. Then when you leave, no more. That's what I've done and it's totally doable. I am feeling...better-ish. Drinking white grape juice has given me the boost I needed. I think I was focusing on being sugar-free a little too early. I still think I've caught something from my baby. I slept in pants, socks, a long sleeved shirt, and a jacket. Plus I was under a bunch of blankets. Even then I was freezing.

I don't have a fever, but I'm freezing. I felt fantastic in the hospital! I couldn't believe how great I felt. I started feeling yuck after getting home. I do have pain meds, but my pain is minimal.

5 days post op. I feel awful. I don't know how I thought I'd feel, but I feel yuck. I'm keeping track of my Fluid intake to stay on top of it, so I'm not dehydrated, but I feel like I have the flu. Which I totally could because my kids are totally sick. My baby has had a fever for the last three days. I'm dragging myself around, feeling nauseous and wiped out. Okay, complaining over. Maybe I just need to watch a Christmas movie. Merry Christmas!

Tomorrow's the big day!! Ahhh! This is happening!

December 18th for me, too!!

Only my husband and my mom, who will be watching my kids. I feel like if I tell other family and friends before the surgery I will feel like I have to "convince"them that it's the right thing for me. Plus most of my family is pretty thin and aren't very understanding about weight issues. The last thing I want is negative reactions to my decision or them suggesting I give diet and exercise a try first...as if I haven't.

Thanks guys! It's coming in waves, but the pre-op diet is getting easier by the day which makes me feel empowered and capable. I'm sure come the 18th I'll be full of doubt, but I'll be strong!